The leader board goes topsy turvy this week with Hines and Petra taking the lead, tied at 25 points. In Petra’s case, I think she took to the waltz, but as soon as she’s asked to dance something faster, she’ll have problems again. Hines is good, but I think the judges are over-scoring him.
I’m still bullish on Ralph Macchio as a potential winner. This week, he seemed preoccupied with getting his steps right and a little embarrassed to let loose with Karina as his wife watched from the audience.
“Story Night” meant an evening of tributes to dead people, beloved wives and mothers and entire nations. The sentimentality made it a little tough for the judges to critique properly, but they managed.
Of course, the talk tomorrow will be Kirstie’s spill. The truth is, Maks’ leg gave out under Kirstie’s weight. I don’t understand why Maks isn’t tailoring the routines to accommodate Kirstie’s body. Simpler routines wouldn’t be as spectacular, or garner the high scores, but injury is not a good thing. Maks looked like he was hurting a little. I hope he’s OK. I also hope Kirstie’s pride didn’t take too big a hit. These things happen.
Poor Wendy Williams is soooo going home tomorrow night.
Video and Live blog after the JUMP…
Live blogging Dancing with the Stars right HERE! Ten couples remain. One Republic on the show tomorrow.
Each couple has picked a song they have a strong emotional attachment to, and created a dance around it. There will be a big mix of dance styles tonight. The Dancing with the Stars troupe takes the stage to demonstrate. We’ll only see the pros with their partners this season. I’m a little bummed about that.
Wendy Williams and Tony Dovolani – Foxtrot – “The DJ Saved My Life” – Wendy’s song is about her radio career, and how she never gave up. Poor Wendy, clunky and graceless, she really is a terrible dancer. She’s dancing first this week–she’s probably a goner. Tom congratulated Carrie Ann on her engagement. Len: It was a struggle. It lacked fluidity. A dance more suited to the radio. Bruno: At times it looks like you put down roots. You have to deliver it through the body. Carrie Ann: We took a little step backwards this week. There’s more inside..I want to see it all come out on the dance floor. Carrie Ann – 5, Len – 5, Bruno – 5, – 15 – 1-800-868-3402 – VIDEO
Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas – Cha cha cha – “Chelsea” – She picked a song her boyfriend wrote for her. Chelsea want to go more “traditional” this week. They do. Chelsea is afraid she isn’t “girl” enough, but she works it out. I think she’s got the dance that will finallay please the judges. Bruno: I could really feel that excitement. A great cha cha. Carrie Ann: I’m a big fan of that Cha cha. You are so adorable. Bring a little more in you hip action. Len: That’s your best dance well done. Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 8, Bruno – 8 – 23 – 1-800-868-3401 – VIDEO
Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke – Rumba – “Let it Be” – The song is all about his memories of his mom. She was in an accident that put her in a wheelchair. She passed away in 2005. She loved dancing. He’s going to “let down the mask” tonight. Solid job from Chris and Cheryl. His heart is in the right place. It’s going to be hard to criticize him. Carrie Ann – That was a beautiful tribute to your mom. (she’s all verklempt) Your hip action a little strange. Len: You virtually never used your arms. The lines & poses were excellent. Overall you did an excellent job. Bruno: You brought a great sense of warmth and naked vulnerability. You have to link the lines. Overall a good job. Carrie Ann – 7 Len – 7 Bruno – 7 – 21 – 1-800-868-3409 – VIDEO
Kendra Wilkinson and Louis van Amstel – Rumba – “You And Me” – The song is about her relationship with football player Hank. Kendra is all awkward coming down the stairs. Kendra is much improved this week. She’s all sexy and slinky here, despite seeming icked out at having to imagine Louis as her husband Len: wasn’t keen on the unnecessary gyrating. You were unstable at points. Beautiful legs and feet. Bruno: Striptease…It could be art…it was so teasingly erotic. You did a very good job. Carrie Ann – That was hot hot hot. Every movement was grounded. Carrie Ann 8, Len 7, Bruno – 8 – 23 – 1-800-868-3407 – VIDEO
Romeo and Chelsie Hightower – Rumba – “I’ll Be There” is dedicated to two cousins he lost, one to an accident he witnessed, the other to violence. Romeo freaks out at rehearsals, he’s so overcome with emotion. He comes back the next day to apologize to Chelsie. Not as good as last week, but he’s really into the performance. Bruno: You were connected, involved. You feet went a little bit astray. Carrie Ann: There was something nice about the way you committed to the dance piece. Len: This week there’s a huge step back. Len doesn’t have time to elaborate. Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 6, Bruno – 7 – 20 – 1-800-868-3405 – VIDEO
Hines Ward and Kym Johnson – Samba – “Fantasy” was his mom’s favorite song. She worked 3 or 4 jobs, made sure Hines went to college. Dude can shake his thang! Hines looks like he’s having a blast up there. Aw. His mom and family in the audience waving terrible towels. Carrie Ann: Like you were dancing the Samba your whole life. Len: I’m proud of you. Well donel. Bruno: Bouncing, butt shaking–happy hour! Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 8, Bruno – 8 – 25. Wow! – 1-800-868-3403 – VIDEO
Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin – Waltz – “You Raise Me Up” is about the first time she visited Thailand after the Tsunami. Petra has had trouble with the dances so far, but the waltz is definitely her dance. Very sweet and graceful. She should get some good scores this week. Len: Grace, elegance, fluid movement. This is my favorite. Your the one. That was brilliant. You are like a vision from heaven, you danced like an angel. Great improvement. Carrie Ann: Your heart was all over… Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno – 9 – 25 – 1-800-868-3404 – VIDEO
Sugar Ray Leonard and Anna Trebunsakaya – Paso Doble – “My Prerogative” It’s all about beating the odds, says Sugar Ray. He comes out in boxing gloves, ready to attack the paso. He tells Anna he’s having trouble being aggressive, which seems weird for a boxer, but once he’s out on the dance floor, he handles himself well. Bruno: Got you back in business. You still have to refine your lines. Carrie Ann – I think I saw a lot of improvement. Great performance. Len: Each week you opponent was the dance. This week you came out stronger and fought back. Carrie Ann – 7 Len – 6 – Bruno – 7 – 20 – 1-800-868-3406 – VIDEO
Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Rumba – “Over the Rainbow” – She was in LA and her parents were hit by a drunk driver. Her mother was killed and her dad nearly. The song is about remaining hopeful in the face of tragedy. Ohhhhhh. They had a major major mishap. Maks’ leg gave out–they slipped and fell. Wow. Kirstie really isn’t recovering from that. Bad break for Kirstie. Maks said “My thigh gave out Carrie Ann: Despite the mess up at the beginning, something fantastic happened. You did a wonderful job. Len: Dancing is about overcoming adversity. You came back stronger. Bruno: You can’t keep good talent down. Once you got up, it was better than ever. Really? I thought they both seemed rattled. Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 7, Bruno – 7 – 21 – 1-800-868-3411 – VIDEO
Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff – “Rumba” – “Stay Gold” from his first film “The Outsiders”. It was the wedding song for his wife of 24 years. Ralph looks like he’s concentrating on the steps, rather than letting himself go in the dance. Len: Crisp and clear but it needs a tad of refinement. Overall look was very appealing. Bruno: Carrie Ann: I thought it was a very sweet Rumba. The judges begin arguing. You need to work on your core strength – Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 7, Bruno – 7 – 21 – 1-800-868-3408 – VIDEO
