Guest recapper Carla here to help Sarah out on Reality TV Tuesday. "Dancing With the Stars" kicks off this with a reprise of Monday's Team Tango. But what does the audience really want? Results. But next, we get a recap of last night's performances and scores.

First, we learn Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel are safe, and Lacey Schwimmer and Mark Dacascos are in the bottom three. (Of note: Lacey was ill last night, so Mark danced with Anna Trebunskaya.) Then, we get a performance by Colbie Caillat. What is it with women singer-songwriters flocking to "DWTS" this season?

Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson are safe, too. But Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova are, like last week, in the bottom three.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' results: Who goes home?" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight's Dancing With the Stars will feature an individual dance from each star and his or her partner, as well as a group paso doble or tango.

Louis Van Amstel is wearing the craziest pants I have ever seen, bright blue fringed trousers. Like COVERED with fringe. 

Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova are first, dancing the foxtrot. He's working so hard and definitely having more fun, but I feel like his arm movements are still too small and restrained and kind of awkward. Head judge Len Goodman says he's glad he made it through last week because his foxtrot was well done. Bruno Tonioli says his musicality has improved, but he needs to work on his posture and "funny arms." Carrie Ann Inaba says he was gracious, fluid and had content. She also likes the costume he designed for Anna. Oh, so Louis has Kelly to blame for those pants? Ouch. Scores: 8-8-7, for a 23/30.

Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson have the quickstep this week, and Donny's concerned because he had a tough time keeping up with Kym last week. I'm hoping neither of them gets an arm hooked in all the strips all over the top of Kym's costume. This week's dance, he keeps up much better -- there's less of the desperation he had going on last week -- and the style suits his style. Bruno says he's solid as a rock as a performer, but "nobody could cover up all the mistakes as well as you did." Carrie Ann says it was pretty good and his footwork was light, but he went wrong a few times. Len says he came out "full bore from start to finish, full of attack." He seems less concerned by the mistakes. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Paso vs. Tango" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Another "Dancing With the Stars" results show. I'm going to keep the recap quick.

First up, Taylor Swift performs (such a showstopper compared to Norah Jones -- sorry, Norah). Then, we get a recap of last night's performance show. Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough finished at the head of the pack with a 26. There's a three-way tie at the bottom.

The bottom couple will go home; the next two at the bottom will compete head to head in a dance off. Those couples will get to choose the dance. Oh, DWTS, having to keep changing the way things are done, otherwise no one will watch the results shows anymore, except for recappers. (More faithful viewers: Has the show done this before? It hasn't during the results shows of seasons past that I've watched.)

The first couple we learn are safe are Joanna and Derek. They are joined by Mark Dacascos and  Lacey Schwimmer.

Continue reading "Dancing With the Stars results: Who goes home?" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight on Dancing With the Stars, it's all about waltzes, jitterbugs and a dance marathon. (By the way, still on the mini keyboard, so this won't be quite as detailed as usual.)

The first jitterbug of the night is from Mya and Dmitry Chaplin.  They have a lot of fun and bring more character than usual, which was their goal. Head judge Len Goodman feels like they spent too much time with props and intro. Bruno Tonioli says her style was spot on and her timing was incredible. Carrie Ann Inaba says she was expecting a little more character still. Scores: 8-7-9, for a 24/30.

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas are doing the waltz. They prepare with Mark's mom, who is a hard core expert. She is working very hard in the  dance, but there is still a bit of awkwardness to her performance, and her acting of the character isn't quite believable. Bruno: "That wasn't good for Week 6. ... You looked like you were trying to remember what you were told." Ouch. But true. Carrie Ann says it wasn't gliding and fluid. Len says she was elegant and had musicality, but she had some technique problems. Scores: 7-7-6, for a 20/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: waltzes and jitterbugs" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

And it's another results night. I'll keep it short.

-- After a brief recap of last night's events (Kelly Osbourne went to the hospital, but will be fine to dance next week), the judges want to see Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson's Argentine tango. I missed the show last night, so this is my first time seeing their tango. I'm not blown away by it.

--  Throughout the show, we see the pros reflect on Michael Jackson as we see clips of past season's dancers performing to Jackson hits.

-- Norah Jones performs. Her new album is out next month. Not my type of music, but the dancing is cute.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' results: Who goes home?" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Sorry for the delay on tonight's Dancing With the Stars recap. I'm in a different time zone than usual, which is throwing a wrench in things. (Also, I'm posting from an unfamiliar -- and small -- computer, which is messing with my typing, so please forgive me if there are fewer details than usual.)

This week, the 10 remaining couples are taking on the challenges of a group hustle -- and the flu. And Samantha Harris' outrageous hairdo!

The two individual routines are the paso doble and the Argentine tango. We also learn in the intro that Joanna Krupa is paired with Maksim Chmerkovskiy because her usual partner Derek Hough has the flu.

The first couple of the night is Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo. They are one of the couples doing the paso. She's excited to ditch the romance and focus on power. They dance to  "American Woman," and she's in a red,  white and blue skirt and top,  and he's in a motorcycle jacket. I enjoy the performance, but something about it doesn't quite hang together for me. I'm not sure why. Head judge Len Goodman says she is clean and precise, but he felt this lacked a little bit of aggression and character. Bruno Tonioli says she lacked conviction in the performance. Carrie Ann Inaba says she's a great student but she needs to extend her movement "out past your body." Oh, and she calls lift. Scores: 7-8-7, for a 22/30.

Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff want  to have a better week after being in the bottom two last week. They've got the tango. This character works much better for him than last week's lambada (thankfully), and they also have some awesome leg flicks. Bruno says he's done exactly what they asked him to do. He said it was a little like watching Robert Pattison tango in Twilight. Carrie Ann gives him kisses on the cheeks and says it was great. (Shouldn't they be skipping cheek kisses if there is a flu epidemic on set?) Len says Aaron's been like a little boy lost in the wilderness looking for his Daddy the past two weeks, but that "you've come back to me!" Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: tango, paso and hustle" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

It's another results night for Dancing With the Stars. Here are the high points:

-- The reprisal of the night is Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas' Charleston, which was fun, but a little overscored yesterday, I think.

-- Shakira performs a couple of times.

-- First wave of results: Mya and Dmitry Chaplin are safe, as are Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas. The first couple in jeopardy is Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff.

-- The pros give us a preview of what a group dance should look like, since the stars will be doing this next week. OK, it probably won't look exactly like this, especially since their group dance is going to be the hustle.

-- More results: Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel are safe, and so are Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo and Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough. After the break, still more: Mark Dacascos and Lacey Schwimmer are safe, as are Michael Irvin and Anna Demidova.

-- In one of the cutest montages of the season, the stars' kids run around and talk about how they feel about their parents being on the show. In one of the least exciting, DWTS is stressful OMG!

-- Results: Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson are safe. So are Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower, which leaves Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya in the bottom two with Aaron and Karina. The couple ousted from the competition is: Chuck and Anna.

I'm OK with that. He's a lot more likeable than I expected, but the dancing? Not his strong point.

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Tonight, the couples on Dancing With the Stars will be taking on four new dances -- new to the competition, not just the stars -- the two-step, the bolero, the Charleston and the lambada.

My big question is, who is going to have to do the lambada, and will we viewers survive?

First up are Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya. Their assigned dance is the two-step, and Chuck is glad he doesn't have to wear ruffled sleeves and that they're allowed to do lifts. In the performance, aside from the lifts (which yes, dude is strong) and a few of the turns, it seems like Chuck is just kind of walking around the stage. They're having a blast and entertaining the crowd, but technique is not a strong point here. Head judge Len Goodman says the lifts were really good and that they brought entertainment to the show, but his quality of dance isn't there. Bruno Tonioli says he brings "carnage and mayhem" to everything he does but still managed to look like a two-step. Carrie Ann Inaba says this dance suited him the best of everything he's done so far this season and that he didn't let the dance beat him. Scores: 6-5-6, for a 17/30.

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas and Mark's fake mustache are the first taking on the Charleston. In the performance, they have a grand old time and get over-the-top wacky with their facial expressions. Melissa's posture still seems a little off to me, but they perform like crazy. Bruno loved it, but I can't understand the first half of what he says, but she has "the role 110 percent." Carrie Ann she needs to take that one on the road: "Breakthrough, breakthrough!" Len says the Charleston is all about the three Es: energy, excitement and entertainment, and, "You ticked all the boxes." Scores: 9-9-10, for a 28/30. Wow!

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': four new dances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Reports earlier this evening indicated that Tom DeLay will be bowing out of Dancing With the Stars tonight, but that remains to be seen.

In the recap of the last night's show, we get to see some backstage interviews, the most notable of which shows Aaron Carter actually crying over his scores. 

The judges request an unusual dance for the reprisal: Chuck Liddell's samba. Really? It remains zombie-samba (but with lots of smiling and ruffles)!

In the next segment, Queen Latifah performs while Cheryl and Maks dance (and they both seem almost relieved to be getting to show off all their moves without being limited by their partners).

For the first set of results, the lowest-scoring men are called forward. Tom DeLay and Cheryl Burke are safe. Michael Irivin and Anna Demidova are in jeopardy, but Chuck Liddell and Anna Trebunskaya are safe.

Then, it's time for the big announcement. Tom DeLay comes forward and says that he will be leaving the competition. He says he got through last night on adrenaline, but after that, he realized he was in too much pain to continue. "You can't practice. And if you can't practice, you'll make a fool of yourself out here, and I don't want to do that to Cheryl." He adds that he would have been doing the Texas Two-Step next week and was really excited about it. Host Tom Bergeron says if Tom D. is feeling better later, he's invited to do the Texas Two-Step at the finale. Tom D. looks thrilled.

In the meantime, though, the star who did have the lowest combined score and votes will be eliminated.

Next, more results: The women with the highest scores are called forward. Mya and Dmitry Chapin are safe, as are Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo. Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough, however, are in jeopardy.

After a break, the four remaining male stars come forward. Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson are safe, as are Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower. Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff are not, but Mark Dacascos and Lacey Schwimmer are.

The Macy's Stars of Dance performance tonight is Jabbawockeez! Yes! Love them! (Anybody else watch America's Best Dance Crew?) They dance to "Singin' in the Rain," and it's way cool. They have two guest dancers with them who get unmasked at the end -- it's Lacey Schwimmer and Mark Ballas! 

Queen Latifah's back with another performance, this one of "Ease on Down the Road." 

The lowest-scoring women are on stage to find out their fate: Debi Mazar and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are in jeopardy, but Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel and Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas are all safe.

That gives us four couples in jeopardy. Joanna and Derek learn they're safe, as are Aaron and Karina. Samantha Harris stops to ask Len Goodman who should go home. He says they both have great potential and whoever goes will be missed. Well, that wasn't dramatic. Anyway, the couple leaving is Debi and Maks, meaning Michael and Anna are still safe.

Debi says she's been having a great time and has so many new friends and that it's been amazing. Tom asks her for a definitive answer on how to say her last name since the announcer and Tom were not saying it the same way. She says her grandma says Muh-ZAR, but everyone else just says MAY-zar, so she's gone with that. So both are right.

What do you think about the results? I had a feeling Debi was out since she was in the bottom two with great scores last week (and I said as much on the Dave Durian show on WBAL Radio this morning, actually).

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

People.com is reporting that Tom DeLay is going to drop out of the competition on tonight's live results show of Dancing With the Stars.

According to the story:

By the end of the night, though, DeLay told PEOPLE he was paying the price for the performance. “They’re starting to tell me I shouldn’t have done this,” he said of his feet, which were dressed in orthopedic booties after the show. “I ice them. I’ve got a bone stimulator machine that I put on them.”

It's not 100 percent confirmed, but we'll see for sure in a couple of hours!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Tomorrow night, somebody's going to go home because of their samba or rumba. But first, the contestants have to hit the floor on Dancing With the Stars tonight.

The first thing we learn, as the stars descend the stairs, is that the wardrobe folks have gone a little crazy for Latin night. Chuck Liddell in ruffles! Aaron Carter in what looks like a blue satin wrap top! Debi Mazar in more feathers than you'd find at Big Bird's family reunion. 

Co-host Samantha Harris starts things off with an announcement that Tom DeLay's pre-stress fracture has developed into a full-blown stress fracture, so it's still unclear whether he'll be dancing. Oh, I'm sure the producers know, but they need to build some suspense here, so it's going to remain unclear to us. 

First up are Mark Dacascos and Lacey Schwimmer, who are doing the rumba. In rehearsal, Lacey's on Mark to calm down and slow things down, but he is very energetic, so it's tough. In the performance, they do slow things down -- and have a little story about how he's flirting with other girls and lying about it -- but it feels like they slow so much that they only dance on a tiny fraction of the floor. Seems a bit static. Head judge Len Goodman says the rumba is tough for the male celebrities. He felt it was too "hard," and lacked chemistry and warmth, but he loved Lacey's one-leg turn. Bruno Tonioli says it was an "anticlimax." He adds that it lacked fluidity. Carrie Ann Inaba says his quality of movement is up there with Mya and Aaron, but he's lacking confidence, which made it "kind of uncomfortable to watch." Scores: 6-6-6, for an 18/30. (Oh, it turns out the woman Mark was being flirty with at the beginning is his wife.)

Joanna Krupa and Derek Hough want to get back to the top of the pack with their samba. She wants to step it up in particular because she doesn't have as large of a fan base as some of the other competitors. These two are all over the floor and having a grand old time, but Joanna needs to stop mouthing the words to the songs. She also seems a tad tentative and not super fluid at times. Bruno says, "The good times are back." He says it was full of excitement and life, but that there was some unsteady footwork, but it was otherwise very good. Carrie Ann calls her fearless and says it was super-sexy. Len says, "It had quality stamped all over it. ... Great dancing, well done." Scores: 7-8-8, for a 23/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': It's Latin night" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

It's another results show for Dancing With the Stars. I don't know about you, but I'm still hoping Tom "The Hammer" DeLay gets the boot. (Mixing metaphors already? It's going to be a long night.)

* Results start pretty quickly: Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson are safe, as are Mya and Dmitry Chaplin and Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff.

* Joss Stone performs. 

* There's a segment on the new training facility and how it brings them all together.

* More results, from those who scored 21: Mark and Lacey are safe, as are Natalie and Alec. But Debi and Maks are "still in jeopardy. That doesn't seem to mean that they are in the bottom two, though. 

* Selena Gomez performs after a break.

* Joanna and Derek are safe, as are Michael and Anna. After the break, Chuck and Anna learn that they are safe. Melissa and Mark are, too. Kelly and Louis? Same. Louie and Chelsie, though, are "still in jeopardy." 

* Next up for Star of Dance, the USC Trojans Marching Band (sorry, kids, but my heart belongs to the Oregon Marching Band) makes its way into the studio for a performance along with some dancers doing tricks and some stompers. 

* Joss Stone comes back to sing another song, reminding us all that, even though she's a fine singer, this show could easily be 30 minutes instead of an hour.

* Last results: Tom DeLay and Cheryl are safe. (Noooooooooooooooooo!) Kathy and Tony are not. 

* This leaves the three couples in trouble. Louie and Chelsie learn that they are, indeed, safe, as are Debi and Maks, so Kathy Ireland and Tony are out.

She says she wouldn't change a moment of it, and that it's been good fun.

They take their last dance, and I'm left wondering: Who is voting for Tom Delay?

What do you think about the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

You can tell there are still too many people on this season of Dancing With the Stars since it feels like it takes 20 minutes for the introductions. Let's get rid of some more chaff!

Head judge Len Goodman is out tonight, but director Baz Luhrmann (of "Strictly Ballroom" fame) is there in his stead. 

The first star tonight is Joanna Krupa. She and Derek Hough are doing the jive, and he says the challenge is to keep it from looking frantic. They jive to "What I Like About You," and it is super fast (even faster than the average jive, I feel like) and mostly succeed at keeping it from looking frantic. They bring out the fun and the joy of the dance and clearly have a lot of chemistry (even though Joanna appears to be wearing about five of Dee Snider's wigs all at the same time).  Carrie Ann Inaba likes their gusto and energy, but her footwork was a little out of control. Bruno Tonioli says Joanna doesn't hold back, but with the jive, they have to be precise, and it wasn't exactly that. Baz says they are a great couple, tremendous and exciting, but he would like to see more "actual relationship." Scores: 6-7-7, for a 20/30.

Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mazo prepare for the quick step. In rehearsal, she is having trouble because she is so used to holding her breath (like she does when she swims) that she is looking kind of stiff, but they work it out. They dance to "I Want You Back," and while they're having fun on stage, she still seems a little uptight -- and her legs don't seem like she's extending as much as she could. Bruno says she needs to relax a little more because when she tenses up, her shoulders go up. "You could be amazing," he closes. Baz says that the quick step is so hard, and that in the first half, they could see her as an athlete thinking about approaching something that is difficult, but in the second half, she was in the moment and in the music. Carrie Ann says Natalie is one of her favorites, that she likes how she moves. Her only note is that Natalie should think of Alec as an extension of herself and not a separate entity. Scores: 7-7-7, 21/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Men and women face off" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

It's the first results show for this season of Dancing With the Stars. Inquiring minds want to know, of course, whether we'll have to watch Tom DeLay awkward his way around the dance floor after tonight. (Please, no!) But even though this show is bloated, I'll keep it to the basics.

Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel reprise their Viennese waltz from last night at the request of the judges -- no surprise as far as I'm concerned. That was definitely the surprise of the show so far. 

Men are up first to learn the results: Louie and Chelsie are safe, as are Aaron and Karina. After a goofy segment about the "Losers' Club," more results: Mark and Lacey are in, as are Chuck and Anna and Donny and Kym. Also safe are Tom DeLay and Cheryl (WHAT? What is WRONG with you, AMERICA?) and Michael Irvin and Anna, meaning that Ashley Hamilton and Edyta are out.

Then, for some reason, we're forced to see the world premiere of Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA" video. (Strangely, too, in this version of the song, it skips the verse where she's so excited about the Jay-Z song on the radio.)

Women's results start next. Natalie and Alec are safe, as are Mya and Dmitry. 

For the Macy's Stars of Dance performance, it's the cast of The Lion King. Whoa, the costumes are amazing. 

Back to results: Melissa and Mark are safe, and so are Joanna and Derrick and Debi and Maks. 

We take a break from the results for a dance tribute to "friend of the show" Patrick Swayze. First, Chelsie and Dmitry dance to "She's Like the Wind." Anna T. and Jonathan start their segment evoking the pottery scene from Ghost, dancing to "Unchained Melody." And of course, Cheryl and Tony re-enact the last dance from Dirty Dancing, to "I've Had the Time of My Life." That was very sweet. And tear-inducing. Rest in peace, Patrick.

Then the last of the results: Kelly and Louis are safe (I hope that's a duh), as are Kathy and Tony, which means that Macy and Jonathan are out.

That's not a big surprise. Tom Bergeron tells her that, "as a lover of live television, I was looking forward to seeing what you were going to say next week."

I guess we get another week of Tom DeLay, whether we like it or not. 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Tonight, the women take the stage with their partners on the continuation of the ninth-season premiere of Dancing With the Stars. Just to freak them out a little, the female pros start off the show with a group dance to "She's a Lady."

Like last night, the stars will dance once with their partner, then do a "dance relay" with three other couples.

Debi Mazar is partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Debi is thrilled. They're doing the salsa first. During the performance, Debi's clearly having a fantastic time, but you can still kind of see her thinking through the moves. Still, it's lots of fun. Host Tom Bergeron points out before the judging that he noticed she did the "Tom DeLay flirting with Bruno thing." Hahahaha! I bet he loved that joke. Head judge Len Goodman says her feet were flat, which led to a lack of hip action, but it was fun and energetic. Bruno Tonioli says she has a lot of potential, and that she can shake her, um, shoulders so well. Carrie Ann says she didn't have a lot of connection of the character to the dance and that she could see her concern about the moves on her face. Scores: 6-5-5, for a 16/30.

Melissa Joan Hart is hoping to prove that even though she is best known as Sabrina, the Teen-Age Witch, she is a grown-up now (and has two kids). She's partnered with reigning champ Mark Ballas, and their first dance is the Viennese waltz. It's very sweet, and unlike Debi, any nerves Melissa has are not showing on her face. In the rehearsal footage, we saw her working on her posture, and it was definitely an issue here and there during the performance, but overall, they did a nice job. Bruno asks if she is nervous, and she says yes. He says it was "prim, proper and adequate," but it lacked some magic, and her rising shoulders "ruin the line of the dance." Carrie Ann says she created a few distinctive moments, but she wasn't connected with the beat of the music. Len hated the "sweet and sickly" start, but he thought their hold was good, liked the movement, but, "your footwork was no good." Scores: 6-6-6, for an 18/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Season 9 premiere continues" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

In case you missed it, here's Tom DeLay looking really uncomfortable having to be "light" on his feet during the dances in rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars:

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I talked with Dave Durian at WBAL Radio this morning about last night's Dancing With the Stars, mostly about Tom DeLay's performance.

You can listen to the segment here, if you like. (This one's for you, Mom!)

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

The ninth season of Dancing With the Stars starts with a bang tonight, with the eight male pros hitting the stage for a group dance to "The Boys are Back in Town." It's good fun, a great start to the season, but I can't help but think that the non-professional males who have to perform in a few minutes are worried they are going to pale in comparison.

Aaron Carter is up first. He had his first hit single when he was 8, and then they cut to make-me-feel-old footage of him at the Grammys in 1999 as a little kid in a yellow suit mugging for the cameras. He's partnered with Karina Smirnoff. Their first dance tonight is the cha cha. In their practice footage, he looks really awkward, but in the performance, especially for the first of the season, he's mostly got it together (lace shirt notwithstanding). He drops Karina a little in their last move. Head judge Len Goodman says it wasn't exactly first class, but it was full of potential. Bruno Tonioli says he is sharp and edgy and he needs to control his energy a little bit. (Host Tom Goodman points out, that's a little like the pot calling the kettle black.) Carrie Ann Inaba says his feet were a little funky, but they were entertaining. Scores: 7-8-7, for a 22/30

Chuck Liddell is paired with Anna Trebunskaya. He interviews that people think fighters are Neanderthals, and he wants to show his softer side. Their first dance is the foxtrot. He is trying so hard, but for a lot of it, his upper body looks so stiff, as does his face. You can see him thinking hard about each next step, though really, who can blame him? I know I would be doing the same thing if I were in that situation. But since he's not a performer by nature, it's hard to cover those nerves, I think. Bruno says it was very rough -- and that they know it. Carrie Ann says he isn't graceful yet, but he was smooth and charming. But yes, fix that footwork. Len says it was better than he thought it was going to be, though it was a little aggressive. He tells Chuck to get in touch with his feminine side, but Anna doesn't look like she thinks that's going to happen any time soon. Score: 6-5-5, for a 16/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Season 9 premieres" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

The first episode of Dancing With the Stars hasn't even aired and already there is an injury to report!

One of the most intriguing contestants, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, got a "pre-stress fracture" while practicing for the ABC show this week.

DeLay, who is partnered with two-time winner Cheryl Burke, announced the news via Twitter this week. (How high-tech!)

The new season is scheduled to premiere Sept. 21.

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tom DeLay? Really? Tom DeLay is going to be on Dancing With the Stars?

Yep.

So are:

-- Donny Osmond

-- Macy Gray

-- Kelly Osbourne

-- Debi Mazar

-- Mya

-- Melissa Joan Hart

-- Michael Irvin

-- Ashley Hamilton

-- Aaron Carter

-- Kathy Ireland

-- Natalie Coughlin

-- Louie Vito

-- Chuck Liddell

-- Mark Dacascos

-- Joanna Krupa

Some of these names mean nothing to me, but others sound like intriguing choices. I don't have a lot of time to ruminate, but please let me know what you think of the casting in the comments below. 

And if you're not sure who some of these folks are, refresh your memory with our photo gallery. And Caption Call has a pic of DeLay up for the daily caption contest. Go here to participate!

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

It's true: Jilted Bachelor "winner" Melissa Rycroft is engaged, and no, not to that toad Jason Mesnick, who humilated her on national television.

But hey, Melissa went on to great success on Dancing With the Stars, and now she's engaged for real this time. So who's laughing now?

You can read more here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Sorry, y'all ... we've got two hours before we find out who is winning this season of Dancing With the Stars.

It's filled with musical performances (Lady GaGa -- she is everywhere), highlights from the entire season (totally covered that already), announcement of the winner of the competition naming one of the pros who will perform next season, a roast by Jeffrey Ross, performances by the ousted contestants and more.

For the pros competition, the winner is Anna, who will appear on the next show.

During Ross' roast, he points out (rightly) that the stars who made it into the finale make it so the show should be called Dancing With the Vaguely Familiar. The rest of the roast is fairly uncomfortable, especially when he proposes to Melissa and says, "Wouldn't it be ironic if she came in second on this show, too?" Yeowch.

An hour and 20 minutes in, the finalists come out to dance.

Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas are up first, reprising their cha-cha-cha to "PYT." It's very cute and energetic yet again, and seems to have some more details this go-round. Head judge Len Goodman says her only problem this season has been lack of performance, but not tonight. Bruno Tonioli says she is getting hotter by the day. Carrie Ann Inaba says they have been underestimating her, and that the past three weeks, she's powered her way into the finals, and rightly so. Scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30. (Tonight's scores will be combined with last night's viewer votes and scores.) That gives them an 88/90 total across the two nights.

Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani redo their samba with more energy and panache. Bruno says it was more appetizing on second helpings, and he wants thirds, fourths and fifths. Carrie Ann says she has been Tony's muse and done a fabulous job. Len says she has style, elegance, rhythm and performance. He says the samba was fantastic. Scores: 10-10-10, for an 86/90 across the two nights.

Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke perform their Argentine tango, which remains full of drama and amazing to watch. Carrie Ann says Gilles is a very special performer because he brings such artistry to his dances. Len says these two have brought them the most pleasure to watch. Bruno calls the dance an "Argentine triumph"; he loved it. Scores: 10-10-10, for a total 88/90 for the two nights.

Eventually, we will find out who is going to win this thing. But first, it's Lady GaGa again (though I am thinking more along the lines of, "GAH, will this EVER be OVER?"

FINALLY, some results: The third-place finisher is Melissa and Tony.

Host Tom Bergeron says this is the closest finish ever, with less than 1 percent difference between the first- and second-place finishers with all the scores and votes combined.

The winner is: Shawn and Mark, which makes Gilles and Cheryl the runners-up. 

Shawn and Mark are stunned. Gilles tells Samantha that he is so happy for Shawn and thanks everyone, including his wife, for all their support.

Then Tom hands the trophy to Shawn, and the screaming begins.

So what do you think about the finish? I thought Shawn's been pretty consistent -- and improving, too.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

It's the last week of Dancing With the Stars. Three stars, two dancers and one last chance to impress, says host Tom Bergeron. The couples will dance the paso doble side by side, then do what the program tells us is the long-awaited freestyle dance.

The dancers come out in their paso outfits, and I immediately regret eating cold pizza and a granola bar instead of going to the gym. I like to think that if I danced eight hours a day, I could look as awesome as Melissa Rycroft.

Next, judge Len Goodman, in a limo, calls judges Bruno Tonioli (by the pool) and Carrie Ann Inaba (eating at a restaurant) and summons them to go help the contestants. Such a cheesy introduction. Bruno tells Shawn Johnson to dance like a champion. Yes, that would be a good idea. Carrie Ann tries to get Melissa to be more aggressive and less balletlike. Len is amusing when he does the paso with Gilles Marini. The couples then rehearse in a room together, and they watch one another like hawks.

The group paso doble is choreographed to Pink's "So What." Really? I think it is an odd choice. Len says it's difficult to produce a paso to contemporary music (I called that one!). He says Shawn and Mark's paso was a lot more exciting than her last. He says Melissa had a slight mistake, but that it was much more convincing than her last. He says Gilles' dance wasn't hectic this time. Bruno calls each couple splendid or some such word. He compares Shawn to a serial killer. He says Melissa's confidence has grown. He says Gilles is self-assured. Carrie Ann says it has been her favorite season, and all three are great dancers. She continues by saying that watching them side by side, however, points out weaknesses and strengths. Shawn doesn't have as much of an emotional commitment as the others, Carrie Ann says, but her precision is stellar. Melissa nailed it, she says, and Gilles delivered perfection. So, Shawn's the only one with a weakness?

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' finals: Three couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I'm ready to find out who the final three will be on Dancing With the Stars. I learned my lesson (don't assume!) last week, when I was certain that Chelsie Hightower and Ty Murray would get the boot.

After a fun performance by Raphael Saadiq, there's a quick recap of last night's performance, which you can read about here on Reality Check, and Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas redance the Argentine tango, the judges' favorite performance Monday night.

Reigning champ Brooke Burke and former champs Helio Castroneves and Drew Lachey discuss the Top 4. (Check out those links to see them dance!) Brooke wants to see Melissa Rycroft "dirty it up a bit." Helio says, "Wow!" Gilles Marini can dance! They all say Ty has a lot of heart. They want driven Shawn to relax a bit.

Next up is our pick-the-next-star dance off. The winner will be teamed up with a celebrity next season. I'm disappointed that Afton DelGrosso is gone. Boo America for not voting for her. Mayo Alanen is dancing the cha cha and tango with Kym Johnson. Mayo is choreographing the dance (as will Anna Demidova for her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy). I cannot get over how gosh darn tall Mayo is. Judge Len Goodman says their tango showed the world just what he likes about ballroom dancing. Judge Bruno Tonlioli says they used their partner to their best advantage. Carrie Ann Inaba said the choreography was impressive and traditional, but that she wanted to see more personality.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' results: Top 3 couples revealed" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight's Dancing With the Stars gets off to a quick start with a professional group dance to "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" The contestants will be taking on a ballroom dance and a Latin dance; we'll see how it all goes down.

Before Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani dance, they relive way too many moments from the season. Then Samantha Harris interviews them. If they have this much time to fill, maybe it should have been a half-hour shorter. Actually, it turns out they are reliving moments and talking to everyone before any of the performances. Yuck. Let's get this started already!

Half an hour in, it's finally time for the dances. Melissa and Tony are doing the cha-cha and the quickstep tonight, the quickstep first. In rehearsal, they work really hard on Melissa's feet because head judge Len Goodman has not been a fan. I'm no expert, but to me, Melissa and Tony looked amazing -- peppy and precise and entertaining, and ending with a great spin (but not a lift). Len says he loved the musicality and that her feet looked amazing. Bruno Tonioli says he thought it was "very, very good" but not as exhilarating as it could have been. Carrie Ann Inaba agrees, saying it was nice and pretty, but "not connected to your soul." I disagree -- I thought they looked like they were having a great time. Scores: 9-10-9, for a 28/30.

Gilles Marini and Chery Burke are up second, with the waltz. Their performance is flowy and romantic, quite lovely. Bruno: "Wow! That is how you start a race for the final!" He also compares Gilles to a matinee idol. Carrie Ann says people watch dancing because it takes them to a world of fantasy, and this did that. Len says, "I am giving you a sitting-down standing ovation." Scores: 10-10-10. 

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': the semifinals" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Live from Hollywood ... Dancing With the Stars, and I predict Chelsie Hightower and Ty Murray will go home. But before that, we gotta whole lotta results show to get through. First up, Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani repeat their smashing samba, which earned a perfect score of 30 Monday.

After a recap of the performances, which I hope you read about here on Reality Check, Jamie Cullem performs "I Get a Kick Out of You." You can check him out here. I like his version of Pharrell's Frontin'. Some pros do a quickstep to the uptempo song.

Next up, we get DanceCenter, a spoof on SportsCenter, which is always on on ESPN (Go Boston Red Sox!). Kenny Mayne is joined by judge Len Goodman and Jerry Rice. They discuss the dancers, and ... snooze. I'm not sure what they're telling us in these "key statistics" that we haven't already heard. Len looks especially tan, and the segment is a bit too long. I begin to fast forward on the DVR.

Now let's get to some results ...

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Top 4 revealed" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the remaining contenders take on two dances -- as well as a solo during their Latin round.

The show kicks off with a group dance starring six pros. 

The first performance of the evening is the quickstep by Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas. Their dance is fun and quirky and full of attitude, but strangely, it's also to "You Ain't Never Had a Friend Like Me" from Aladdin, featuring all kinds of wacky voices and accents. (That movie, by the way, came out in 1992, same year as Shawn was born. I am old.)  Head judge Len Goodman calls the dance fun, carefree and full of personality. Len says the rules of the quickstep state that you must stay in hold for the middle part of the dance, and they broke hold. Bruno Tonioli says he came out and "danced like Sporty Spice." Carrie Ann Inaba says tonight was her best dance ever, but she has to take a point of for breaking the rules. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower have the Argentine tango for their first dance. And boy, does this dance form play to his strengths. He gets to show off his power, and Chelsie's choreography is sharp and dramatic. Bruno says Ty won't let anyone down with his strength and determination, but at times the dance needs a little more subtlety. Carrie Ann commends them on how far they have come. Len says they captured the flavor and essence of the dance, even though Ty is not a natural performer or actor. Scores: 8-9-8, for a 25/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Five couples perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

I joined tonight's Dancing With the Stars already in progress. So ... some stuff happened at the beginning, but I missed it. It's OK. We're only here for the results anyway.

First, Robin Thicke performs. 

Backstage, Samantha Harris interviews Melissa Rycroft about her injury. She says she's started a new treatment and is hopeful that she can dance next week. Samantha oh-so-deftly says that Melissa was at the bottom of the leaderboard, but right over here she has Lil Kim, who was at the top. Not at all awkward!

Results! Lil Kim and Derek Hough are safe. After some other segments ... more results: Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower are safe, too.

Robin sings again, and Pasha from So You Think You Can Dance is one of the pros performing. All right, have any ballroom dancers from SYTYCD not been on DWTS?

Results again: Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke are safe. This means that Team Tango is safe.

After the break, it's time for the pros' competition. Is anyone really excited about this? Afton and Genya do the quickstep, and the judges pretty much loved them. Mayo and Anya are next, doing the jive. Judges loved that, too. Can I have my results, please? 

Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas are safe, leaving Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough and Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani in the bottom two. 

And the ousted couple is: Chuck and Julianne. They've done better the past couple of weeks, but I'm not totally surprised.

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)
        

Tonight's Dancing With the Stars features a team dance as well as the usual performances.

The first strangeness is that during the introduction, Tony Dovolani comes down the stars without his partner Melissa Rycroft. More injuries? Yikes. Tom Bergeron explains that she is unable to dance due to an injury that will be discussed later.

The team dance will be the mambo vs. the tango; that's coming later, though.

Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke are up first with the lindy hop. In the rehearsal footage, they had some trouble with their lifts thanks to Gilles' painful shoulder, but a cortisone shot helped him out a bit. (He still dumped Cheryl on her head during practice, though.) Their performance is a lot of fun and a little bit goofy -- Gilles has a giant pompadour. And while it is fun, it seems like this isn't Gilles' strong suit. Acting doofy kind of takes away some of his sex appeal. Head judge Len Goodman says he has made the French famous for Lindy hop. Bruno Tonioli says he has shown his versatility and his sense of comedy. Carrie Ann Inaba says he showed off a new side and did fantastically well. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Lil Kim and Derek Hough work on putting the "Queen Bee stamp" on the paso doble during rehearsal. Though they were initially concerned that this didn't fit her style as well as the rhythmic dances, Lil Kim kills it. She brings her strength and intensity to it, and it works quite well. Bruno: "The bitch is back, and she means business! ... It was a classic, classy paso!" Carrie Ann says the paso showcases her strengths and shows how far she's come. Len says the competition is about coping with the dances you aren't so good at, but she surpassed all his expectations. Scores: 9-9-10, for a 28/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Team dances, injuries and oh yeah, performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Who's going home on tonight's Dancing With the Stars? We'll see ... eventually.

The reprise of the evening is last night's group dance, of course, which was goofy but a lot of fun at the same time.

Then there's a montage about how many calories the stars burn and what they could eat as a result, followed by a performance by Natasha Bedingfield. Lacey Schwimmer and Dmitry Chaplin dance during the song, and it's lovely.

After the break, the Macy's Stars of Dance performance seems to have begun already. Ahhh, live TV. Is it just me or have there been a lot more problems with the cues on these live shows this season? Anyway, as a result, I have no idea what group this is. Anybody else know?

Results! Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough are safe. So are Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani and Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas.

After the break, Tom and Samantha give the details on a new competition -- some pros will compete for a guaranteed spot on next season. The first pros are Afton DelGrosso (you might remember her sister Ashly) and Brent Borbon. Len loved them, but Len thought Afton had a little more flair. Bruno liked them, too. Carrie Ann thinks Brent had a good TV presence, and she loved Afton, too. But it's all up to viewer votes.

Next are Anna Demidova and Mayo Alanen. They waltz, and while it's nice, I think they're at a disadvantage because the waltz isn't as flashy as the cha-cha, which Afton and Brent did. You know Americans -- especially reality TV voters -- love flashy. Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful and adds that Mayo had a "distinguished character," and Anna had understated star power. Len loved it, too. Bruno calls it "a waltz at its classic best." 

Snow Urbin and Genya Mazo are next. Genya is Alec Mazo's (winner of Season 1) brother, and it's not stated, but Snow was on So You Think You Can Dance in 2005. Bruno says Genya enhances his partner and that Snow should be called Fired. Carrie Ann loved them both. Len says it is easy to "not look masculine" in the rumba and he didn't have that problem at all. He thought Snow did a nice job, too. The judges' comments are kind of boring since they don't have any say in how things go. 

Next, nope, sorry, not results. It's Celtic Woman.

Results: Lil Kim and Derek Hough are safe, as are Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke.

That leaves LT and Edyta Sliwinska and Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower. Tom says that doesn't mean these are the bottom two teams, but one of them is going home. Weird. Anyway ... Lawrence and Edyta are eliminated.

LT grins like crazy, and Tom says he's a terrible actor -- he's obviously happy to be going home and back to golfing. LT says Edyta was amazing and taught him everything he knows about dance. "I don't know where the hell I'm going to use it, but ..." Edyta asks for golf lessons in return. 

That wasn't a big surprise. What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Seven stars have made it to the seventh week. The costumes, at first glance, look especially atrocious; that's because the stars designed them this week. (The women are definitely more covered up!)  And ... this episode features the group dance! Lucky us!

First up are Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani. They are performing the Argentine tango, which is the perfect dance for her to bring out her "inner man eater," Tony says. The couple go to Teri Hatcher on the Desperate Housewives set for inspiration. Is her character an inner man eater? I wouldn't know. I only saw Season 1, and Hatcher's Susan was pretty clumsy and googly-eyed for neighbor Mike. As for their dance, the music is cool, and so is the dance. She has fabulous lifts (if a bit balletlike) and some awesome footwork. Judge Len Goodman thought it was fantastic. He said he saw a "hint" of a blunder. Judge Bruno Tonlioli disagrees about that blunder. He says her legs were like "magic tools in the hands of a master." He says, "Let's do it over again." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba says it was the best Argentine tango they've seen. I agree. Scores: 10/9/10 = 29

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' recap: seven couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Indy car driver Helio Castroneves, who was the champion of Dancing With the Stars in 2007, was acquitted on tax charges today.

Read the Associated Press story here.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

So, tonight, Dancing With the Stars gets started right away with Lil' Kim and Derek Hough dancing the jive again. ("Jailhouse Rock"! Hee! And, thankfully, no costume issues tonight that I can see.) If only the results would come so quickly ...

We're reminded of the standings -- cute-as-a-button Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower on the bottom, along with Steve-O and Lacey Schwimmer. They laugh about the fact that Steve-O did what he thought was his best dance, but he got one 4. Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough comment on their raunchy rumba (I agreed with judge Len Goodman on that one -- ick). And so on and so forth ...

Next up ... musical theater! Some of the cast of the Broadway revival of West Side Story perform "America." How does their sound carry? I don't see any microphones.

Samantha Harris asks Kim about what it's like being the first to knock Gilles Marini out of the top spot. She says she feels good but isn't taking anything for granted. Samantha then asks Melissa Rycroft about the group dance, which she'll participate in next week if she's not kicked off tonight. She says it will be fun and be nice to dance without pressure. (Oh, man, the group dance is so cheesy.) Ty says he didn't do his best dancing last night (thus 6s instead of 9s). Samantha asks Steve-O if he thinks he'll be saved by his fans again despite his low marks. He says he's just thankful for the experience, or something to that extent.

Host Tom Bergeron makes an interesting note: Steve-O's 4 was the lowest mark given in this week in the history of the competition.

After a brief recap of the scores, Kim and Derek and Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are asked to step down to the center of the stage. K&D are safe (no surprise), and so are L&E.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' results: Who's going home?" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

There is some wardrobe madness going on on tonight's Dancing With the Stars -- even more than usual -- for performances of the rumba and the jive.

Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower are first, and they've been assigned the jive. During rehearsal, they spend a lot of time trying to loosen Ty up (last week, his paso doble was compared to a Transformer, and rightly so, as even Ty agrees). To help him out, Chelsie has choreographed a Texas-two-step-themed jive, and that seems to help, but you can still see how hard he's trying to loosen up, which defeats the purpose a bit. Still, though, definitely better than last week. (On the wardrobe front, Chelsie is wearing a sequined tube top styled like the American flag.) Head judge Len Goodman is first with comments, and he says it's like Ty is bewildered and not sure what he's doing there, though he gives it his all every week. Bruno Tonioli says the line dancing was good, but "then the jive started." He says he went after it like a wild animal, but he really tried hard and he really is a gentleman. Carrie Ann Inaba says it was an exciting jive, but he never really found his footing. Scores: 6-6-6, for an 18/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Eight stars perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
        

Just noticed this Associated Press story on our site, which asks the question above. It cites Lil Kim, Steve-O and Denise Richards as stars who are trying to get an image makeover on the show.

What do you think?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

Someone's going home on tonight's Dancing With the Stars, betrayed by the paso doble or the Viennese waltz.

Lil Kim and Derek Hough have the reprise request of the evening, performing last night's Viennese waltz again.

Results: Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas are safe, as are Lil Kim and Derek Hough.

After the break, it's Etta James, with "At Last." Sometimes I fast-forward through these performances to try to catch up, but not this one. Karina and Maks perform with her, and they are fab.

Results, part two: Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke are safe. So are Steve-O and Lacey Schwimmer, who are shocked.

More, after the break: Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough = safe. So, too, are Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani. 

Montage. Meh.

The Macy's Stars of Dance event of the night is next, followed by a performance by Disney star Demi Lovato, which includes dancing by Benji Schwimmer (brother of Lacey and from So You Think You Can Dance).

More results: Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower are safe, which leaves David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson and Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska in the bottom two, and in the dance-off.

David and Kym's re-dance is first. Len Goodman says he liked it last night and tonight, but there was a little more expression. Bruno Tonioli says he was more composed and focused and a bit of an edge. Carrie Ann Inaba says she felt the connection between them tonight much more than last night. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30 (last night was a 22).

Lawrence and Edyta are next. Bruno says they have only seen the tip of the iceberg of what he can do and that he needs to work on being more connected with the music and his partner. Carrie Ann says he had intensity and power on the dancefloor. Len says he saw real improvement. Scores: 6-7-7, for a 20/30 (same as last night).

These scores will be combined with last night's viewer votes, and then, at long last, we shall see who is going home. 

And that is: David and Kym. Wow, really? I think it was a fan-base issue, huh? What do you think about the results? I'm pretty shocked Steve-O's still in it.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the remaining couples will take on the Viennese waltz and the paso doble.

Samantha Harris seems to have her voice back, which is good for her, I guess. (P.S. Did you know that because I posted last week that I find her annoying, that means I'm just jealous because she's so pretty? Thank you, random e-mailer. It turns out that I just think she's annoying. And if you think I'm the only one, go back to previous weeks and check the look on Maks' face during the backstage interviews. Just sayin'.)

Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough are up first, and they've drawn the waltz. In rehearsal, Chuck has a tough time at first grasping how big the movements have to be, but once he starts mocking it, Julianne says he's finally doing it right. In the performance, he still looks slightly uncomfortable with the big movements, but he's trying hard and smiling hard the whole time. Head judge Len Goodman says Chuck has come out of hibernation and upped his performance level, but he still needs to finesse his footwork. Bruno Tonioli says he is emerging from Julianne's shadow and that he was in command. Carrie Ann Inaba disagrees and says he lost his focus at times and also his confidence, so that frustrated her. Scores: 7-8-8, for a 23/30.

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are the first to try out the paso doble. In rehearsal, he says he is having trouble getting the rhythm of the dance because it doesn't match up with the beat of the music. In the beginning of the performance, he seems to have it down pat, but during the fast footwork in the middle, he looks a little off. The end is pretty strong, though. Bruno calls him the prince of darkness and then totally disagrees with me, saying he started like a block of granite, and then he got his feet moving and did better, but didn't stay with it through the end. Carrie Ann says he seems to have a limited range of motion, but he worked within it and did a good job working with a very difficult piece of music. Len says he brought intensity, but the dance quality is still "not really there." Scores: 6-7-7, for a 20/30. 

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Nine stars perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

Dancing With the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba will be an honorary judge at the national ballroom dancing championships this weekend at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore.

Read Mary Carole McCauley's interview with Inaba here.

Among other things, she says that if you want to see the real deal of ballroom dancing, this weekend's USA Dance event is the place to be:

"TV has a tendency to dumb down and simplify," says Inaba, who will be an honorary judge of the competition. "What you see on our show is a watered-down version of ballroom dancing. The first goal of any television show is to entertain."

If you want to attend, here's the info: The USA Dance 2009 National DanceSport Championships will be held 8 a.m.-midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, 202 E. Pratt St. Tickets, $10-$35, are available at the door or at usadancenationals.org. For spectators attending nighttime events, business or dressy attire is requested.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Denise Richards is gone! Hooray!

But Tuesday brings a ... double elimination? Do the producers want to get rid of Steve Wozniak that badly? Now there will be two new dances, the Argentine tango and the lindy hop. The Argentine tango is about passion; lindy hop is similar to the jitterbug -- it's about fun and kicks, according to judge Len Goodman.

Up first are David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson with a lindy hop. Kym is wearing sneakers; that must feel nice compared to those heels the women are usually in! The dance is a good time. Not my fave, but it was pretty well done. Len says it was energetic and fun, but they occasionally lost a bit of the rhythm. It wasn't their best and wasn't their worst. Judge Bruno Tonioli liked seeing him "go for it," but that David lost a bit of the timing and footwork. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba says he's "not the youngest cookie in the bunch," so, like Len, compliments his energy. Scores: 8/7/7 = 22 David sings: "I'm so happyyyyy, Samantha!"

Lil Kim and Derek Hough try an Argentine tango. Derek isn't too familiar with the dance, so he says he has to learn it along with Kim. I think the work pays off. It is so good. The choreography is great. Here's something I never thought would come out of my mouth: Lil Kim looks classy! Bruno says, "That was the tale of a fatal beauty!" Carrie Ann says Lil Kim is the real deal. She says the drama in her body was wonderful, and that her lines were gorgeous. Len was knocked out with the choreography but wasn't knocked out with the sensuality. Bruno, Carrie and I clearly disagree. Scores: 9/8/10 = 27 (It's the first 10 of the season!)

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': 11 stars perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight's Dancing With the Stars results show starts with some montages from last night, but we're here for the, well, results. So let's skip right to that.

First to find out they are safe are Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani. So are Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, as well as Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas. Lastly, and shockingly, for this set of results, Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff are safe. And Karina screams, she is so shocked, followed by some jumping around and hugging.

I usually skip over Samantha Harris' interview questions on the results show, but I have to record this one for posterity. She asks Woz if he's shocked to be safe, and he says, "I don't think I've ever been so surprised by anything in my life except for when I got served with divorce papers."

More results: Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe, as are David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson and Chuck Willes and Julianne Hough. And: Lil' Kim and Derek Hough.

Next week's dances are the Lindy Hop and the Argentine Tango, which are demonstrated, sort of, by Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas. 

Then, it's Hall & Oates ... They perform "Maneater." (Carla, do you recognize them yet?) Seems a little like Hall could have used some more warm-up time before the performance. After the break, it's Adele's turn, with "Chasing Pavements." She sounds amazing.

Steve-O and Lacey Schwimmer are safe.

Holly Madison and Dmitry Chaplin are in the bottom two.

Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower are safe.

Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy are also in the bottom two, so they'll be in the dance-off against Holly and Dmitry.

Holly and Dmitry are first, and they're a little better. Holly especially starts out a lot stronger than last night, and then the wheels kind of fall of again. But overall, it seems better. Len Goodman says she came out hot tonight and partied in the party dance, but he does point out a mistake "going into the running promenades." Bruno Tonioli says she is hot top, middle and bottom, but her timing wasn't fabulous. Carrie Ann Inaba says she brings a party atmosphere every night, and she's glad she kept her foot on the ground to avoid a lift. Scores: 6/6/6, for an 18/30 (a point higher than last night).

Denise and Maks are next. She clomps around a little less, but not much. She really doesn't seem to be enjoying herself at all -- even in backstage footage, which makes it not pleasant to watch her. Bruno says she improved a lot (Really?) from last night. Carrie Ann says she is good under pressure, and she worked on her hands and her presentation. Len says she proved she deserves to stay. Were they watching the same performance I was? Sigh. Scores: 6/7/7, for a 20/30 (it's weird because the scores they show on the screen are 7/7/6, and there's a lot of confusion). Bet they get it figured out during the break, but Carrie Ann is really not amused that Samantha is saying that she picked up the wrong paddle. Really not amused. After the break, Tom says yes, it was a 20/30.

And the eliminated couple is: Denise and Maks. She says she's a huge fan of the show, and at least her daughters like her dancing.

What do you think of the results? I'm OK with them.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

12 dancers! Two hours during which my significant other and my cat will retreat far from the living room TV! Let's get straight to it!

First up are Denise Richards and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. During rehearsal, Maks wears a frilly, two-piece pink outfit with fruit on his head a la Chiquita banana lady to get Denise to loosen up, because she is freaking out. A lot. OK, go time. The couple dance a samba to Filter's "Take a Picture," which I think is a weird song choice (I haven't heard that song since 1998 or so). I still think Denise looks ... well, bad. She kind of flops around in her short black outfit and has no rhythm, which is essential. Judge Len Goodman says the samba is the hardest of the Latin dances, and that they did well (REALLY?). Judge Bruno Tonioli says it was flat (yes!). "We are going backwards," he says. "You didn't have the party feel." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba agrees with Bruno (yes!). She says they can tell she's frightened to death. She tells her to work on her "pancake" hands. Well, I'm glad we all got that over with. Scores: 5/6/5 = 16 (out of 30).

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': 12 couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

Guest blogger Carla is handling the full recap of tonight's Dancing With the Stars, but I was watching and just had to mention ... a 10 for Steve Wozniak? (That's a 10/30, not a 10/10.)

I mean, yeah, that samba was bad, but was it that much worse than his previous performances? (He got a 13/30 week one and a 17/30 week two.)

I'm thinking they're still mad about his comments from last week. So much for that "judging them on their dances only" thing.

Not that it wasn't an excruciating dance. Woz is sweet, but ... hip-shaking is not his forte.

Take our poll to let us know what you think.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Things are getting a little dicey with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and the folks at Dancing With the Stars.

Tuesday, he reportedly wrote to his Facebook group about how he felt the producers were not being fair in not outright stating that the couples who ended up in a dance-off were actually the bottom two. He said that he felt they were picking the non-homegoing couple just for drama's sake.

But he has since backed down, and with a vengeance. Here's an excerpt of the apology:

I hurt a lot of honest people.

Today, a storm kicked up over my allegations. I started my apologies
but it has to go further than that.

The top people of this show, ones responsible for counting audience votes and keeping them honest told me all the specific details of where their numbers came from. More than that, they explained how they can catch onto various forms of manipulation of the system by exactly the methods I had thought out in my head that would work. I was offered an opportunity to see the equipment they use also. You can tell when things are extremely on the level. You can also see why the exact totals cannot be released. That would make it harder to detect fraud. One main way that they detect fraud is when the phone-in votes and text votes and internet votes don't follow each other, percentage-wise. There are other things they look for as well that IT experts would detect as signals of something wrong.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 2:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

It's the first results show on this season of Dancing With the Stars -- and the first one with a dance-off!

But first, it's Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, along with a swinging performance by some of the pros.

Samantha Harris interviews Steve-O about his injury -- he says he had a really bad idea for the end of the dance, and then he had an even worse idea and ended up in an ambulance. He also adds that Lacey told him not to do it -- which is nice since the judges chastised her about it last night. 

Some results! Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska, Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough and David Alan Grier and Kym Johnson are safe. 

After the break, more results! Denise Richards and Maks Chmerkovskiy, Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani, Lil Kim and Derek Hough and Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke are safe. 

The Macy's Stars of Dance performance of the evening is by Michael Rooney and is in honor of Broadway. Michael is Mickey's son, and he's in the audience, looking like a proud papa. After the break, Jewel, who was originally supposed to compete on the show until she was injured, performs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." New pros and So You Think You Can Dance alums Chelsie Hightower and Dmitry Chaplin perform while she sings, and it's all very lovely.

Then there is a time-filling montage of the stars talking about one another. Chuck Wicks' joke about whether it's bad that he calls Lil' Kim "Little Kim" would have been a lot fresher if Simon Cowell hadn't insisted on calling Lil Rounds "Little" an hour earlier.

Still. More. Results.: Belinda Carlisle and Jonathan Roberts, Lacey Schwimmer and Steve-O, Holly Madison and Dmitry Chaplin, Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower, Steve Wozniak and Karina Smirnoff await their fates. Holly and Dmitry are safe. So are Ty and Chelsie and Steve-O and Lacey. That leaves Belinda and Woz in the dance-off.

The two couples will redo one of their previous performances and get new scores, which will be combined with the previous scores and votes to figure out who will go home.

Belinda and Jonathan redance their salsa, and it starts out better than last night, and then she kind of falls apart halfway through. Len Goodman says she had better hip action, but she made some other mistakes. Bruno Tonioli says she lost her footwork, and it was a shame. Carrie Ann Inaba says her performance level was higher and more enjoyable at first. Scores: 5-6-6, for a 17/30, a point less than last night.

Steve and Karina repeat their quickstep. Bruno says he's not brilliant but is entertaining. Carrie Ann says they were better than last night except for a part in the middle. Len says it wasn't that much of an improvement, but they are fun. Scores: 6-5-6, for a 17/30. Bruno totally turns the blank side toward the camera, and they all laugh, which is made even funnier since they're always so serious during the Telling of the Scores.

And the first couple out is: Belinda and Jonathan. That's not entirely shocking. Steve W. has a lot of fans, and people are charmed by his performances. Belinda was a little cold somehow (though I think it was mostly nerves). 

What do you think about the elimination?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Carla here, recapping Dancing with the Stars for Sarah. It's Week 2 of the competition, but no one has been eliminated yet (there will be a dance-off on this week's recap show; votes and scores from last week carry over).

We are first told that Steve-O has been injured, which many people already knew. Lacey Schwimmer comes out by herself (in costume) during the introductions, and we'll be learning more later. I'm intrigued! (I haven't kept up with the gossip.)

First up are second-to-last-minute replacement Holly Madison and partner Dmitry Chaplin. The judges were optimistic after seeing her cha cha last week, but I didn't think it was that great. This week's quickstep is much improved. Holly doesn't look as ... wobbly. Judge Len Goodman says the quickstep is a really difficult dance. He says her posture was lacking, but her feet looked pretty good. Bruno Tonlioni says it looked like she was just trying to catch up. He tells her to work on her core. Carrie Ann Inaba says she was like a doll that he was dragging along the floor. Score: 18 (added to their 18 points from last week, their total is 36 out of 60 possible points).

Next up are David Alan Grier and partner Kym Johnson with the salsa. It's an enjoyable performance, but I think that's due to Kym. She is on fire, as always. David's form is sloppy. Bruno says his character was right, his timing was off and his hip action was poor. Carrie Ann says a harder dance isn't always better. She wishes they were driven by the musicality. Len complements the turns, but says there was far too much of Kym and not enough of David. "It wasn't a good dance," he says. David says he has two words for the judges: hope and change. He hopes he dances better, and that the judges change their minds. Hee! Score: 17 Total: 36

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Week 2 performances" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

It's been crazy this season on Dancing With the Stars, and it hasn't even started yet. Well, it's starting now! You probably heard that Nancy O'Dell and Jewel had to drop out due to injury, and there's been all kinds of mystery about who was going to take their place.

Well, not that much. It was reported today that Holly Madison (from The Girls Next Door) and Melissa Rycroft (just dumped on The Bachelor) would be joining the cast. ABC wouldn't confirm it, but their web site does -- sort of.

First up are Lil' Kim and Derek Hough. She says she first watched the show when she was in prison. Also, she says she's Lil' Kim, but man, she hardly looks like her old self. Upon meeting Derek, she says, "I'm going to look like black Barbie, and he's my Ken." Then she dedicates her performance to the women in the Federal Detention Center. They dance the cha cha to "Nasty Boys," and she seems pretty comfortable on stage, which will put her ahead of some of her competitors, no doubt. Head judge Len Goodman says it was the first night, first dance and overall "first class." Bruno Tonioli says she's "nasty but tasty" and that she works "wonders with that tushy." Carrie Ann Inaba says she was a little shaky, and she needs to not think of it as another style of dance, "but just let it out." Scores: 7-7-7, for a 21/30.

Next are Belinda Carlisle and Jonathan Roberts. Belinda is from the Go-Gos. She gets off to a rough start because every time they spin, she gets disoriented. Their first dance is the waltz to "What the World Needs Now." She's a touch wobbly, but she's clearly giving it her all. Bruno says her first spin she looked like Julie Andrews, and after that she looked like Cloris Leachman. Whoops. He calls out her heavy footwork. Carrie Ann says it wasn't great, but it certainly wasn't Cloris. She adds that Belinda needs to trust Jonathan and let him lead. Len says they saw some grace and elegance with some moments of awkwardness. Scores: 6-6-5, for a 17/30.

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta Sliwinksa are next. When they first meet, Edyta tells him that football players always do very well, and he says everyone has been telling him that. Their first dance is the cha-cha, which is a little stilted because you can see him counting the steps out loud, and Edyta is clearly leading him. But he's having fun with it, so that's a plus. Carrie Ann asks if he lived up to the legend of other football players on this dance floor, and he says, "Not yet." Len says he had a nice natural, casual approach and it was well done. Bruno says he needs to attack it, to come out and perform. I guess Bruno has decided he is the Simon Cowell this season! Scores: 6-5-5, for a 16/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Drama before it even debuts" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

According to a release from ABC, Jewel and Nancy O'Dell have had to leave Dancing With the Stars due to injuries.

They will appear on the premiere on Monday but will not perform. Jewel has fractured tibias in both legs, and Nancy O'Dell has a torn meniscus.

Here's more from the release:

"Like most sports, dancing can be a demanding, physical activity. Each participant of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ warrants in contract that they are physically fit enough to participate in the competition. We love and appreciate Nancy and Jewel’s competitive spirit, drive and desire to perform their best. Though we share in their disappointment that they can no longer continue, their physical well-being takes precedent above all else. We thank them both for giving it their all and wish them a quick and full recovery," said Executive Producer Conrad Green.

 

"When the doctors told me my injuries were so severe that I couldn’t walk, let alone compete, I was devastated that I couldn’t continue the show," said Jewel. "I have every intention of being at ‘Dancing with the Stars’ this season supporting my husband, Ty, and his partner, Chelsie (Hightower). I hope to be back on the show in the future." 

 

"Beyond disappointment doesn't even being to describe how I feel about not being able to continue on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’" said O’Dell. "It has been one of my favorite shows since Season One! But I have torn the meniscus in my knee in two places, which requires surgery. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ was a great experience. I'll miss working with my partner, Tony Dovolani, and all the other wonderful people on the amazing production that is ‘Dancing with the Stars’"

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

The next season of Dancing With the Stars kicks off on March 9, which is a lot sooner than it sounds. The new cast has been announced and includes:

Singer Belinda Carlisle

Comedian and actor David Alan Grier

Singer Jewel

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson

Rapper and plastic surgery fan Lil' Kim

Rodeo champion Ty Murray

Jackass star Steve-O

Access Hollywood anchor Nancy O'Dell

Actress and reality TV star Denise Richards

NFL defensive superstar Lawrence Taylor

Singer Chuck Wicks

"Silicon Valley icon," former Apple designer and onetime Kathy Griffin boyfriend Steve "The Woz" Wozniak

One twist this year is that there will be three couples involved: Jewel will compete against her husband, Ty Murray; Julianne Hough will compete with her boyfriend, Chuck Wicks; and engaged pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff will compete, too.

What do you think of the new cast?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

-- First up, as eagle-eyed reader Bucky pointed out, American Idol is on three times this week. Grr. I am not excited about this. I need to sleep at some point!

-- Secondly, if you saw True Beauty last night, I guess that settles whether CJ is a mole. (He went home after having a weird meltdown about the challenge.) So now I'm just thinking that his inner-beauty commentary was his gimmick. Oh, well. At least he handled his eviction from the show better than some other folks. Now I don't know who to root for, though.

-- Donny Osmond pulled a Jill Biden today and accidentally revealed that he's going to be on the coming season of Dancing With the Stars. I'm sure the producers are just thrilled! I don't know about this -- I had just about enough Osmond mania during his sister's stint on the show.

-- And, just a little reminder, you can follow Reality Check on Twitter at http://twitter.com/realityck

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 7:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: American Idol, Dancing With the Stars
        

If you've got tickets for the Jan. 29 Dancing With the Stars tour stop at Washington's Verizon Center, you'll get to see Cody Linley, who will be on the tour for a handful of dates.

The other celebrities on the tour include Season 7's Lance Bass, Toni Braxton and Maurice Green and Season 6's Marlee Matlin. 

For more information, go to dancingwiththestarsontour.com.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 4:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars, Local appearances
        

After two hours of former contestants' dances, some kind of roast that wasn't very funny, Miley Cyrus and the last performances by the finalists (three redos of dances from the season), the competition went down exactly how I predicted: Brooke Burke dominated and took the mirror ball, Warren Sapp came in second, and Lance Bass got third. What do think?

Here's the Week 3 Viennese waltz that Brooke and Derek Hough redanced tonight to clinch the title:

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

It's the last night of dancing for votes. I can't say I'm disappointed -- this show is long and draining to watch, and I'm not sure how all you loyal fans do it. On the other hand, OK, I admit it, I voted for Lance and Lacey last week. The last reality contestant I voted for was Kelly Clarkson (Justin who?) in the first season of American Idol. But I digress.

Tonight, Brooke and Derek, Lance and Lacey, and Warren and Kym, all clad in yellow, will dance a samba and a freestyle. First, we will see their favorite dances (ballroom and Latin) again to jog the viewers' memories. I first think they are going to dance them LIVE, but no, we're seeing tape. This should kill, oh, a good half-hour. Power couple Brooke and Derek show the quickstep from early in the season. I like when the judges lean over so they can see their feet. They pick their paso doble for their Latin dance. We learn Brooke has had 12 10s and has come in first 80 percent of the time. Like I said, power couple. Couple to beat.

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Finals recap!" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight during Dancing with the Stars, I felt like I was watching American Idol. The show was jam-packed with singers; Aretha Franklin and John Legend performed. Also singing was Julianne Hough, and I have to say, I was impressed. She has got a great set of pipes. I should also mention that amid all this singing and dancing, Kristi Yamaguchi, last year's winner and dancing queen, performed with former partner Mark Ballas.

After about 55 or so minutes, many of which bored me to tears (pleeeeease ABC, a shorter results show next season?), the hosts finally announced the results. Lance and Lacey and Brooke and Derek were proclaimed safe first (no surprise there!), and then Julianne and Cody were sent home (again, no surprise there!). That means Warren and Kym are the final couple in the finale. 

I somehow missed the cute ballroom-dancing kids. Darn.

Here's hoping that next week's results show is a bit more thrilling. Perhaps Cloris Leachman will be back? I'll return with a recap of next week's dancing Monday. (By the way, I'm a DWTS newbie ... what are these "freestyle" dances that the couples are working on?) Till then, I'll leave you with my favorite dance of this season.

Posted by Carla Correa at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Dancing with the Stars semifinals time! There will be two rounds of dancing. In the first round, each couple will perform the last dance style they haven't attempted. Then, in Round 2, they must choose one of the new styles (West Coast swing, jitterbug, salsa or hustle).

Brooke and Derek are up first with a jive. It's really fun but ... messy? Could this be? There are some cute moves, but Brooke's feet and legs don't look so great. In fact, toward the end, i feel like she looks completely lost at times. They were hoping to wow everyone, but this didn't do it. Len Goodman says it was disaster. Bruno Tonioli says "the technique went down the toilet." He's in total shock. Carrie Ann Inaba says everyone has a bad dance, but she's disappointed that they went for blatant illegal lifts (really?). Score: 21 (That's their lowest score in the competition.)

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Top four couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Entertainment Tonight is reporting that actress and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant Cloris Leachman was hospitalized and diagnosed with pneumonia last week. First we had Misty's injury, which forced her from the competition ... then came Julianne Hough and Lacey Schwimmer's diagnoses of endometriosis  ... and don't forget all those other foot, ankle, etc. injuries that hampered the contestants this season. I'm starting to think nearly everyone on this season's DWTS is doomed.

ET says that sources say Cloris is feeling better and even rehearsing for next week's finale. (I can't image that I would recover that quick!)

Posted by Carla Correa at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I thought I had missed Dancing with the Stars when I flipped through the channels at about 8:30 p.m. ABC was actually airing a recap of Monday night's show before the results show. DWTS overload alert!

During the results show, we were treated to performances by Lacey Schwimmer and famous brother Benji (winner of So You Think You Can Dance, which Lacey was also a part of) and Julianne and Derek Hough. Julianne looked great in her and her brother's routine to "Great Balls of Fire." It was nice to see her back. There was also a forgettable number featuring some of the pro dancers to a song by guest singer Brad Paisley.

Onto the results! Warren and Kym and Lance and Lacey were proclaimed safe first, then, after some filler that stretches out the show, Brooke and Derek. At the end, Maurice and Cheryl were eliminated; that means Cody and Edyta were safe, and Cody wlll dance with Julianne next week. Though Maurice and Cheryl didn't do too bad Monday, their scores were on the lower side. Plus, I don't think they have the fan base of someone like Warren, who is just so charismatic, and Brooke, who is just so good.

Next week: semifinals.

Posted by Carla Correa at 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

We're two weeks away from the finals! Yesssss!

(Note: Side cutouts continue to be all the rage when it comes to the women's costumes.)

First up are Cody and Edyta. I hope that Cody does better this week. The couples, by the way, are doing two dances this week, and the stars have a 15-second solo in their Latin dances. Good thing Susan and Cloris are gone; those solos would have been tragic! Cody's first dance is the foxtrot. It's OK; definitely a bit more adult, maybe? Judge Len Goodman says he was pleasantly surprised. He says he had an elegance, and he had nice footwork. Judge Bruno Tonioli says it was grown-up, and he got his jerking in control. As Carrie Ann Inaba begins to speak, someone screams that she loves Cody. Carrie Ann says she took a point off for a foot coming up off the ground. Score: 24

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Five couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I'm not going to lie: I am a bit addicted to the news about the presidential election right now, and watching DWTS' results show, which is generally a cheesy waste of time anyway, was not in the cards tonight. I caught glimpses. The paso doble team performed its group dance again (one time was enough for me), and there was some "Dancing on the Ceiling." I fast-forwarded in hopes of seeing some cute kids doing the samba but didn't see any.

The bottom two came down to Cody and Edyta and Susan and Tony. It would have been a shame if Cody went home the first week without Julianne as his partner, so I'm glad he didn't. Susan was cut. It was definitely time for Erica Kane to go. She has no rhythm! What did you think of the results? Who will be the next to go? Why can't the results show be a half-hour?

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

This season is just getting better and better (insert sarcasm here). Two team dances? Seriously? I think my dance recitals were somewhat tolerable for my parents because, hey, there's always a cute kid who does something like scream hi to her parents, or walk off stage, or cry. In this group dance, Susan Lucci was NOT PRETTY. But I digress ... I should start from the top.

First up are Warren and Kym with the foxtrot. I like watching this pair dance, but it's not as fun as usual. Judge Len Goodman is back this week. He says it wasn't a classic foxtrot, but that Kym put a spin on it that brings out Warren's personality. But he says his posture wasn't a good as usual and that he seemed a bit heavy. Bruno Tonioli says the technique "went into recession." Hee. Carrie Ann Inaba says he wasn't performing in his normal way. Warren says it was his feet: He's not wearing his own shoes! Oh, no! Score: 21 (Ugh, stop saying, "Winner, winner, chicken dinner." I'm so over the blackjack joke.)

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Thumbs down, team dances!" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

My boss told me she watched last night's DWTS and that it was "an hour of her life that she'll never get back." For me, make that many hours, after I lost my recap entry thanks to crashing blog software. I have to agree with her; this season is boring. I didn't watch past seasons, but I'm told they were better. The judges getting all excited over Susan Lucci's mambo? Really? Boring Viennese waltzes? Check. Cloris is STILL here? That's a joke. At least Lance and Lacey were at the top score-wise. Brooke and Derek lack pizazz. See more here.

So, it's time for the results show. Why are the dancers wearing their hip-hop group dance outfits? Please tell me they are not doing that again. It was terrible!

Unfortunately, we are being "treated" to it, says host Tom. Susan looks just as uncomfortable as she did last night. Cloris is rocking the orange tights. The routine starts with "It Takes Two," which I remember from my grammar school days. It is not a good song.

In no particular order, we learn the first couple safe is Lance and Lacey. Joining them are ... wait ... is Cody! He'll dance with Edyta next week.

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Tuesday results and the Celtic Tiger" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

So, the blogging software did not work last night for me nor did it work this morning. So, I'll have to try again tonight to recount DWTS. Sorry for the delay.

Julianne Hough (left) confirmed on her Web site and the show, however, that she had endometriosis, a often-painful condition in which tissue similar to that which lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. She's having her appendix out today. Edyta will fill in as Cody's partner.

(Photo: Associated Press)

Posted by Carla Correa at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

We are told tonight will be "unprecedented" because there will be new styles: West Coast swing, which I'm pretty sure Len calls "dirty," the hustle, salsa and the jitterbug. The show wastes no time getting to the dancing (time-wasting is for the results show).

First up are my favorites, Lance and Lacey, with the West Coast swing (apparently Lacey is the West Coast swing champion, and her dad is the master who brought it into ballroom competition) Lacey is awesome, but Lance is just OK. It seems as if he's just there to show Lacey off, and he falls! Len tells Lacey that she needs to give up a bit of her talent and show off Lance more. Bruno tells Lance not to hold back. Carrie Ann echoes that Lacey didn't pay enough attention to Lance and his dancing this week. Score: 21

Next are Toni and Alec with another West Coast swing. The dance is really different than Lance and Lacey's, and Toni looks a bit reserved. She's totally not into it. Bruno says there were some sections that were really West Coast swing. I guess the key word is "some." Carrie Ann says Toni was overdancing it. Len says "things are not happening." He says she needs to put bit more excitement into her dances. Toni lives on as the one with potential. Score: 22 (Really? Higher than Lance and Lacey?)

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': eight couples perform" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

It was no surprise last night that Cloris and Corky and Rocco and Karina were on the chopping block on ABC's Dancing with the Stars (I am new to this show and confused; they were the bottom two, right?). The TV chef who tried hard but ultimately didn't cut the mustard was told to pack his knives and go ... shoot, wrong reality show. (And how many food cliches can I fit into this post?) What did you guys think of the outcome, and how about those cute dancing kids?

Next week, the show will debut four dances new to the show: the hustle, jitterbug, West Coast swing and the salsa. Good times.

Posted by Carla Correa at 3:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I was unable to watch Dancing with the Stars last night because I had to work pretty late and forgot to DVR it. (I know, I could have watched it online, but my computer at home doesn't stream shows as quickly as I would like.) So, I asked my parents to quickly fill me in.

Mom tells me Rocco and Karina are in last place after yesterday's show, and Brooke and Derek are at the top (technically, they are tied with Lance and Lacey, but let's face it: B&D are trouncing the competition.)

Dad said the judges gave some high scores to Lance and Lacey (two 9s!), who did a gothic tango. "Rocco was the worst," Dad says. "He has no musicality!" He says Brooke was the best, but that judge Len Goodman said she was a bit too ... racy. But, Dad says, it was a samba, and isn't it supposed to be passionate? Cloris and Corky did well, he tells me. I thought he was joking, but apparently they scored a 22 with their tango. She tried to do the steps, Dad says. He also tells me Susan Lucci did OK, but that Warren and Kym, who did a samba, didn't get the praise they usually do. "They got 7s!" I hear him say in the background while I'm talking to Mom.

Read a more detailed recap here.

What did you think? Who will go home? Remember, the scores and votes from last week will be carried over.

Posted by Carla Correa at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and his partner, Karina Smirnoff, came in last place on Monday's Dancing with the Stars, but they're not out of the competition just yet because volleyball champ Misty May-Treanor, who injured her Achilles tendon Friday, had dropped out of the contest. The reprieve is really no surprise given that ABC plans a set number of episodes.

Maybe America will actually get it right next week and vote out Cloris Leachman. Rocco's dancing was much improved Monday night, and Cloris' humor (which is, well, somewhat lewd) should only take her so far.

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Another two hours of Dancing with the Stars. Does the show get shorter when there are fewer couples?

First, we actually see footage of Misty May-Treanor getting injured during practice, but we won't find out how she's doing until say, 9:45 p.m. Sigh. (We are treated to several pictures of poor Misty in pain before almost every commercial break.)

Now it's time for the dancing. Susan and Tony do a jive. I can't stop looking at her neck and collarbone. They are just protruding way too much. She's so skinny! (I know I keep commenting on that. This will be the last time -- I promise.) As for the dance, it's cute but not awesome. At the end, the camera zooms in on an Ace bandage wrapped around her ankle. Judge Len says Susan's kept a constant standard throughout. Judge Bruno says her feet were a bit unsteady. He also says something I cannot (again) understand. He does mention her ample, um, chest. Judge Carrie Ann commended her on dancing on her ankle but said she seemed a bit timid. Score: 21

Next up are Lance and Lacey with a Viennese waltz. They try to go all traditional on us, probably in hopes of getting a score higher than a six from Len. It's OK. I miss the L&L I know. Bruno says Lance looked a bit heavy and labored, and that the dance lacked the freedom that it usually has when he is more himself. Carrie thought it was fantastic. She said Lance really pulled his weight. Len it was flat-footed, the posture was poor, the hold was poor -- but after throwing in a few compliments, he says it was the best dance he's seen from them. Score: 22

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Misty is out, Brooke is awesome and Cloris is still terrible" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 1:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I hope you didn't pick Misty May-Treanor in your office pool. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and Dancing with the Stars competitor has apparently torn her Achilles tendon. She's out of show, says Brooke Burke. Read more about it here.

So far, show producers are being very coy.  They told Access Hollywood that May-Treanor sustained an "injury on Friday and received immediate medical attention."

I'm following Burke on this one ... 

(Editor's note: Rumors are flying that Kim Kardashian may return to the competition.) 

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Dancing with the Stars might be growing on me a bit. I'm looking forward to Cloris Leachman's antics tonight. So let's cut to the chase.

First up tonight are Toni and Alec with a rumba -- a slow, romantic dance of passion. It seems like the two have a great connection, but some of the transitions are a bit rough. Judge Len Goodman says he was surprised at how good the performance was. He says he would have liked more "basic dancing." Bruno Tonioli says Toni "captured the sensuality and vulnerability of a ... mistress." (I used ellipses because I honestly don't know what the adjective was.) Carrie Ann Inaba says she "moves like she sings." She does criticize some lifts. Score: 23

Next up are power couple Brooke and Derek dancing the paso doble. I like how they stay in character (serious, but not overdramatized), plus there's some great skirt swishing (and cape swishing!) at the end. Carrie Ann says they were a "hair" off but still "amazing." Len says they portrayed the aggression -- it was controlled (for the most part) and not over the top. Bruno says Brooke was "born to dance." Score: 24

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Top 11 teams perform Monday night" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

I'm not too into results shows. I think they're generally boring and a waste of time. And I didn't really want to see the Jones Brothers perform. So I'll keep this simple and sweet.

Think of Married with Children's theme song: Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage. But Ted McGinley and dancing go together like oil and vinegar. The actor who played neighbor Jefferson D'Arcy on the sitcom was kicked off Dancing with the Stars last night. Not a big surprise considering A) his dancing has been less than stellar B) I'm pretty certain he doesn't have a huge fan base. I'm just glad Cloris Leachman is sticking around.

Posted by Carla Correa at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

So, we don't get to find out who is going home tonight until the end of the episode. I don't know why I expected to know immediately. Instead, the dancers will be called couple by couple to dance. The last couple standing is toast. 

First up are N*SYNCer Lance and Lacey with the quickstep. They're dancing to a version of The Cure's "Close to Me," which is a favorite of mine. Lance and Lacey are still rocking the punk look. (Lance has a wallet chain. That's very 1996 of him.) Their hold is a bit weak, but I dig it. Len Goodman says they moved well, but he didn't like their posture, etc. Bruno Tonioli says they bring a fresh take to the show. He likes it. Carrie Ann Inaba was entertained but wasn't really impressed. She thought it was a bit too free form. Score: 21

Second to dance are volleyball player Misty and Maksim. They're doing the mambo. The dance is great. She really attacks it. Carrie Ann loves Misty's legs and tells her to work a bit more on her arms. Len says her solo work was brave. Bruno says she has the power and attack of a ... did I hear this right? Task force? Score: 21

Next up are sprinter Maurice and Cheryl also dancing the mambo. The mambo definitely suits Maurice a bit more than the foxtrot did last night. He can't wipe the smile off his face. Bruno calls it exuberant. Carrie Ann compliments his smooth transitions. Len asks about his "Free Willy" step -- the worm! You kind of have to see it. Score: another 21

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Jeffrey Ross and his eye patch kicked off" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

Unlike millions and millions of Americans, I'm not a huge Dancing with the Stars fan. In fact, I'm not a fan at all (unlike my dad). I've only watched a few minutes here and there. I can't believe another season is on air so soon after Kristi Yamaguchi won her title. And it's on three times this week! I work while some of the dancing will be on, so I can't recount every episode. But I will try to keep the blog updated with what's happening. Maybe the show will grow on me.

Here's a quick recap of last night's dancing, along with what judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli thought about it.

Continue reading "'Dancing with the Stars': Low scores all around" »

Posted by Carla Correa at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

ABC's hit show Dancing with the Stars is back in a couple weeks, and the new cast includes Maryland native Toni Braxton (left); daytime television's Susan Lucci, who is known for her portrayal of the character Erika Kane on All My Children; and Paris Hilton's infamous former best friend Kim Kardashian.

Braxton, a Grammy Award-winning singer, will be paired with Alec Mazo, Lucci will be paired with Tony Dovolani, and Kardashian will be paired with Mark Ballas.

The rest of the lineup:

Lance Bass, singer and actor, who will be paired with So You Think You Can Dance alumna Lacey Schwimmer. Brooke Burke, a model and television host, will be paired with Derek Hough. Rocco DiSpirito, the chef and cookbook author who starred in the reality television show The Restaurant, will be paired with Karina Smirnoff. Maurice Greene, the gold-medal-winning Olympic sprinter, will be paired with Cheryl Burke. Cloris Leachman, Oscar-winning actress, will be teamed with Corky Ballas. Cody Linley, the Hannah Montana co-star, will be paired with Julianne Hough. Misty May-Treanor, a two-time gold medal beach volleyball player, will team with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Ted McGinley, an actor, will partner with Inna Brayer. Jeffrey Ross, a comedian, will be paired with Edyta Sliwinska. Warren Sapp, a former NFL player, will team with Kym Johnson.

I know the show hasn't started, but do you have any idea who has the best dancing ability? And who will be the first contestant out? I think Bass should do well on the show. He spent all those years as a member of the heavily choreographed group 'N Sync. Check it out when the show returns Sept. 22.

Posted by John-John Williams IV at 5:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dancing With the Stars
        

And it's almost over -- it's finale night on Dancing With the Stars. (Thank heavens; I love you guys, but I want my evenings back!)

The show starts with a montage from last night, even though they just reaired the whole show at 8 p.m.

Then Usher comes out to dance and sing, followed by predictions from past contestants.

Then, results: The third-place finisher is Cristian de la Fuente, so he and Cheryl Burke are out.  I'm actually surprised. I thought if anyone would overcome the scoring gap, it would be him. Before they go, Cristian and Cheryl reprise their paso doble. (HEY!)

Then it's time for some more reprisals. Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson hit the floor to dance again, followed by Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts. (Monica's having fun, but definitely disproving the idea that athletes have an unfair advantage on this show.) Happy-go-lucky Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya return, too, as do Adam Carrolla and Julianne Hough with their paso doble that begins with a unicycle ride.

Next, it's time for results. No, not those results -- the junior champions. And the winners are Brandon and Brittany. They are excited and get a mini mirror-ball trophy and a visit from some of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders.

Time for more former contestants, the first being Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel with the tango.

Then there is a "tribute" to Jason and Cristian's friendship, or bromance, as Cheryl puts it. Host Tom Bergeron says they were going to save it for the wrap party, but they decided to share it with America.

Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez resprise one of their dances, as do Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough.

Then Baltimore R&B star Mario and Karina Smirnoff hit the floor with their mambo, followed by Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani with the paso doble.

Usher returns, singing a Broadway version of "Yeah," while dancing with some of the pros and a floor full of other dancers.

Finally, Kristi and Mark and Jason and Edyta come out to reprise their favorite performance of the season and to get their last scores from the judges. (It's yet another show going with a boxing theme tonight, as they play the Rocky theme.)

Kristi and Mark are first, with the jive, the one where Mark wears Buddy Holly glasses. Len says she is the most consistent dancer of all their season. Bruno says she didn't miss a beat. Carrie Ann says these two set the standard through the season, and also grew throughout the season. Tonight and last night's judges' scores will be combined with the votes from last night to determine the winner. Scores: 10-10-10, for another 30/30.

Jason and Edyta revisit their quickstep from earlier in the season, which is a good choice, because it's probably the dance on which he showed the most personality all season. Bruno says "heavenly bodies" is a term created for them. Carrie Ann says it's a showdown tonight, and then she says something about the elegance of his spirit (OK, Paula). Len calls him the people's champion. Scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30, their first.

To draw things out, Tom talks to the other contestants. Priscilla Presley says it's been a pleasure. Mario says it's been an amazing experience and pure fun. Shannon Elizabeth cries again, saying she is so happy for everyone.

Can we have some results, please??

And the winners are ... Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. She graciously thanks everyone behind the show for making this a dream experience, and Mark seconds that. Tom hands them the disco-ball trophy, and the hugs and confetti begin.

How do you feel about the results? After last night, I figured this was the way it would end, and it seems a fitting conclusion.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)
        

At long, long last, here we are: The final performance show of this season of Dancing With the Stars.

Tonight the final three will do a "cha-cha faceoff" as well as each perform a freestyle dance.

The cha-cha faceoff is first, with all three couples dancing back-to-back during the song "Dancing on the Ceiling."

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are the first couple on the floor, and they have a lot of hip-shaking and bare-chest action (his). Then, Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska come out, and they've got all sorts of tricksy moves and body rolls. Lastly, Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas hit the floor, and their routine has a boatload of spins and an amazing amount of energy. The routine ends with Jason and Cristian lifting Kristi up over their heads, which is pretty impressive since they are so tall.

Len Goodman says at his age, it takes a lot to get him excited, but this did it. He says Cristian has great hips and rhythm, and that Jason has a grace about him and style, but he doesn't think Latin is his big thing. He says Kristi was the "complete package." Bruno Tonioli says Cristian "banged like the best" and that he's shown so much improvement. He says Jason's timing was a tad off, but he was still great and athletic. But then he adds that Kristi was in a master class all her own. Carrie Ann Inaba says it was really interesting watching them back to back. She says she thought Cristian was fantastic but that his injury seems to be messing up his posture a bit. She agrees that she feels bad that Jason had this dance since it's his weakest dance, but he still did a good job. She closes saying that Kristi won that, "hands down."

Cristian and Cheryl's scores: 8-9-9, for a 26/30.

Jason and Edyta's scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Kristi and Mark's scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30.

Kristi and Mark prepare for the freestyle. When they come out on stage, Kristi is wearing PJs and Mark has on this bizarre bathrobe and fake-abs T-shirt. They rip off these clothes to reveal pinstriped sequined outfits and Converse sneakers. They are all over the place in terms of styles and choreography and have a ton of energy. They pull off a bunch of lifts, and Kristi even boosts Mark for a backflip. It's a little manic, but a blast to watch. Bruno says it was an inspiring match of mambo and hip-hop and that it was "worthy of the championship." Carrie Ann says she was the big crowd-pleaser. "Loved it!" Len says he isn't a lover of hip-hop when it's in a Latin dance, but this held his attention from start to finish, and that he absolutely loved it. Scores: 10-10-10, for a(nother) 30/30 and a total 60/60.

Jason and Edyta aim to have a ton of tricks in their routine, but during practice, Edyta gets dropped a lot. They perform to "Welcome to Miami" (of course). Edyta starts in a pretty sundress and hat, but Jason rips off her dress to reveal a tiny outfit. Their performance is pretty much straight hip-hop with lots of tricks. It's fun, but doesn't nearly have the finesse or range of Kristi and Mark's. And to keep the percentage of people who have their clothes ripped off during the freestyle round at 100 percent, Edyta removes Jason's tank top as the final flourish of their dance. Carrie Ann tells Edyta she's so glad to see her in the finals. She says, "Who knew, Jason Taylor can get funky!" Len says he loved the humor and the lifts and that he could see them together at the beach, Jason in his Speedo, "me in my thong!" Bruno speaks for all viewers when he says, "I'm not going to have dinner tonight!" Bruno says it was like "watching centerfolds, and the dance wasn't bad, either." Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30 and a total 51/60.

Cristian and Cheryl are last, with a Latin-themed performance featuring a lot of hip-shaking and an amazing number of one-armed lifts and tricks. But no clothes were ripped off in the making of this performance. Len says he loved the Latin flavor and that he has to take into consideration that the other two had amazing lifts and some of theirs weren't up to par (which he of course has to mention, regardless of the injury since everyone is being judged by the same standards). Bruno says he hasn't seen so much shaking in L.A. since the Northridge earthquake. (Incidentally, this seems like a bad time to make earthquake jokes, but maybe that's just me.) He calls Cristian a Latin stallion. Carrie Ann says that this is all about seeing who leaves it all on the floor and that while they might not have compared to Kristi's performance, Crisitian is a winner in so many ways. Scores: 9-8-9, for a 26/30 and 52/60.

So I think it's unanimous that Kristi took that -- finally a 60/60, and both performances were a total blast.

Who do you think deserves to win? And who do you think will win?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

On tonight's results show, the final four will be narrowed to the top three, who will perform in next week's finale.

-- Things kick off with a montage from last night.

-- Then, it's reprisal time: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas do their tango again.

-- The junior championships continue with performances from the three finalists throughout the show.

-- Next, Omarion sings during a tribute to Michael Jackson choreographed by Travis Payne.

-- Results, finally: Kristi and Mark are safe. Then, a break. Then, Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are announced safe. Also safe are Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke.

-- So that means Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are out. On her way out, Marissa says, "I want everyone to go out and do something fun and do something that makes you feel sexy and shake what your momma gave you." Aww, too cute.

So ... what are you looking forward to with next week's finals?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

Tonight, the final four couples face off on Dancing With the Stars. They'll each do two dances, one Latin and one ballroom, drawn from a giant disco ball, of course.

Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are up first -- their dances of the night are foxtrot and paso doble. They hope to show how far he's come with the foxtrot since it's been so long since he had to perform it. He also gets a pep talk from Dan Marino via tape and is told not to come home without the mirror ball trophy. Their foxtrot, to "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," is graceful and cheeky and definitely achieves their goal of showing how much Jason has learned this season. He looks comfortable and like he's having a great time. Head judge Len Goodman is up first: "Honestly, ... like a dolphin glides through the sea, that's how you moved on the dancefloor. ... The whole thing was great." Bruno Tonioli says he was a showman and had great movement. Carrie Ann Inaba says he had great posture, a lot more content and did a great job. Scores: 9-10-9, for a 28/30.

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani draw rumba and quickstep. Stacy Keibler stops by to talk with Marissa about what it's like to dance and train with Tony and how difficult it is to have chemistry with him when they don't find him sexy (he doesn't look too pleased). Their quickstep is OK -- there are a couple of slow parts that seem particularly slow for the quickstep, though. Bruno says, "You missed a jete on the big run. This is the semifinal; at this stage, we look at things like that." Carrie Ann says she's turned into the unlikely contender and that she did a great, classic quickstep. Bruno says he has to take into consideration the difficulty level of this dance, but that she did a great job. Scores: 9-9-8, for a 26/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars' semifinal performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars
        

We've got two hours of Dancing With the Stars tonight so the show can celebrate its 100th episode (and host Tom Bergeron's birthday, as I learned on Entertainment Tonight a little while ago. Please don't judge me).

The first hour features the judges' favorite dances from the first five seasons. No. 10 is Kelly Monaco's freestyle from the season one's week six. No. 9 is Sabrina Bryan's paso doble from season five. No. 8 is Emmitt Smith's cha-cha-cha from season three. No. 7 is Apolo Anton Ohno's seaon four quickstep. No. 6 is Joey Fatone's season four jive. No. 5 is Helio Castroneves' season five quickstep (in the giant yellow suit). No. 4 is Drew Lachey's freestyle from season two's finale. No. 3 is Stacy Keibler's season two samba. No. 2 is Mel B's paso doble from season five. No. 1 is Mario Lopez's tango from season three.

I didn't watch the first season, but I learned from this clip show that the standards are a lot higher now. During that Kelly Monaco dance, there were a bunch of parts where they paused to make sure they started the next part together, and she was looking at her partner's feet a bunch. Interesting.

Let's get on with the results show, shall we?

* They kick things off with a big group dance from the pros to "Hard to Handle."

* Montage from last night.

* Backstage, Samantha Harris talks to the five remaining stars, all of whom feel at risk, glad to be there and hope to still be around next week.

* Rascal Flatts performs, and Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough dance along with them. (They rock, by the way.)

* Tom Bergeron talks to a bunch of past cast members, who are in the audience. Stacy Keibler says she emailed George Hamilton to see if he would be around. Lisa Rinna says she is doing lots of cardio ballroom. Jerry Springer says his hip still hurts. Vivica A. Fox says she's retired her stilettos. Joey Fatone says he's still bitter, and Kenny Mayne says he's tired of being Tom's punchline, and Sabrina just gets to say "thank you" after Tom says Kenny used all her time.

* Mario Lopez and the cast of Broadway's A Chorus Line hit the stage to perform.

* Rascal Flatts returns, and Mel B and Maksim Chmerkovskiy dance.

* Kelly Monaco tells Samantha she's for Kristi. Apolo says he's for the athletes, but probably Kristi because he's partial to skaters. Drew says his money is on Cristian.

* Results, finally: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are safe, as are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. After a break, more results: Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are safe, which leaves Mario and Jason Taylor as the last two stars standing. Leaving are Mario and Karina Smirnoff, meaning Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe.

* Mario says: "I've had a great time performing on this show, I've had a great partner, we've had some great competition. ... Len, thank you for all your comments. Ultimately, you've helped me become a better ballroom dancer. And the comment about me being brave and being an inspiration for young people. I want to say that the real brave ones are the young men and women fighting for our country."

Well, that's a classy exit for our hometown contestant. How do you feel about the results? 

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants will take on two dances -- and they'll be allowed one lift per dance. Plus, we'll see how Cristian de la Fuente handles his injured arm.

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas will be doing quickstep and samba this evening. In the intro footage, Kristi really wants to take advantage of the opportunity to do lifts, but Mark isn't so sure. He finally agrees to add one to their quickstep, which is their first dance. It's fun and fast and seems fairly traditional, though the lift in question ends up being, well, kind of lame after all that buildup. Judge Len Goodman says that dance cheered him up to no end and says it had "great light and shade." Bruno Tonioli says Kristi is a supercandidate with a super ticket for the final. Carrie Ann Inaba liked that they danced toward the judges, but she says that at one point, they got a little hair out of sync. Scores: 9-10-10, for a 29/30.

Mario and Karina Smirnoff practice the jive and the Viennese waltz. Their waltz is first, and he's determined to show that he can be an elegant dancer, since Len said last week that was not his strong point. I'm not a ballroom expert, but he looks pretty dapper to me. Bruno calls him "Prince Mario," and says he had "polish and distinction, poise, restraint." Yeah, he liked it. Carrie Ann says his posture was the best thus far and she thought the lift "completely enhanced your routine." Len says, and I quote, "Normally, your ballroom dancing reminds me a bit of Britney Spears getting out of a car: Not very elegant, you sometimes see odd things you'd rather not, but tonight I thought that was the most elegant I've seen you dance. ... Gorgeous, floating movement, good job." Wow, Len, don't mince any words. Backstage, always on point Samantha Harris tells Mario that he got some fantastic comments from the judges. Um. Eventually. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Host Tom Bergeron: "Coming up, more frightening analogies from Len."

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week eight performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Despite what all the gossip blogs were saying, Cristian de la Fuente, who was injured last night on Dancing With the Stars, is here for tonight's live show.

During the recap from last night, Cheryl Burke interviews that she heard a crack and thought her dress had ripped or something, and then realized the noise had been from Cristian's arm.

Reprisal time: Len Goodman says they want to see Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska's quickstep.

Results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe.

In case you ever wondered if they taped some of this stuff, the supposed backstage promo of Def Leppard and the pros who will be dancing with them includes Cheryl Burke and Karina Smirnoff, but then during the transition to commercial, which returns back to the stage, Cheryl and Karina are on stage with their partners. Whoa.

Then, it's "DanceCenter" with Jerry Rice, Kenny Mayne and Len Goodman.

Then DWtS tries to out-hip Idol and succeeds by about two decades with a "performance" of "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard, though it's some of the saddest lip-syncing I've ever seen, since it sounds like they are just playing the CD.

More "DanceCenter."

Results again: Mario and Karina Smirnoff are safe. (Whew, says Baltimore.)

Def Leppard's back for another performance, this one of a song from the band's new album, which came out today. Woo.

Results: Everyone looks really solemn except for Shannon Elizabeth, who is grinning. After the break, Tom and Samathan talk to Cristian. He says he ruptured the tendon of his bicep. Even so, he found out a few minutes ago that his doctor said he can delay the surgery and stay on the show if the voters have agreed to let him stay. Cristian and Cheryl are indeed safe, Tom reveals. In the bottom two: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Safe: Jason and Edyta. Bottom two: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough.

Going home: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough. She says the show has been amazing, and she's made friends for life. Derek says she's been a great partner and she's "a big dork, but I love that."

They dance; she cries.

What do you think about the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants have to take on two dances -- one Latin and one ballroom.

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are doing the tango and the rumba this week. In the intro, Marissa says she is mixing up the two and she's afraid she's going to go out there and "do the rumbango!" The tango is their first performance, and the theatricality of it really suits Marissa. Also, she seems to have grasped the precision of the dance's steps; it's great. Judge Len Goodman says their expectations are still high even though they are doing two dances. He sums up: "Three words: your best dance." Bruno Tonioli says they had "drama, passion and a hint of disdain." Carrie Ann Inaba says something has come out of her and that it was "a wonderful performance" that showed a new side of her. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30.

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke prepare for the Viennese waltz and the samba. In another weird moment, in the intro, Cheryl says that the Viennese waltz should be like him dancing with his daughter, and then there is footage of him getting a pep talk from his little girl. But for the performance, Cristian and Cheryl dance to "I'll Make Love to You." Um, OK. But back to the dance. It's romantic and flowy (and points to the wardrobe people for Cheryl's dress, which complements their movements). Bruno calls him "South America's Clark Gable" and says they had great movement. Carrie Ann says he's found "new fluidity," but that they lacked just a hair of energy. Len says the dance had a bit of romance, but it lacked content. Scores: 8-8-9, for a 25/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week seven performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

It's time again for eliminations on Dancing With the Stars, and it could be a surprise since so many people stepped up their scores and a couple of others faltered.

Here's the rundown on the evening's activities:

* Reprised dance? The country-and-western group performance, of course.

* Ashlee Simpson sings, and some pros (including Artem from So You Think You Can Dance) accompany her on the dance floor.

* Results: Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe. Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez, however, are in the bottom two.

* Backstage, Shannon and Derek apologize for their heated comments after last night's show about how the critiques were unfair (Shannon) and that the judges were giving 9s and 10s to people doing "heel-leads" and ridiculous arm movements (Derek).

* Then there's a performance by some of the dancers from Riverdance.

* The junior competition continues with the 13 and younger category. Brandon and Brittany dance the cha-cha, and Austin and Liza dance the samba. The judges choose Brandon and Brittany to go forward.

* Montage of what it's like for the judges.

* More results: Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani are safe, and so are Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke (so yay, we are saved from Len showing his bum in the supermarket, which he said he would do if Cristian was in the bottom two).

* After a break, more results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe. Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are also safe, leaving Mario and Karina Smirnoff in the bottom two.

* And ousted from the competition are: Marlee and Fabian.

What do you think of the results? I'm sad for Marlee, though not shocked since she did have a rough couple of weeks. Still, I thought her fan base might pull her through. But I'm glad Mario is still in it -- he's been getting better and better, and of course, he is our hometown contestant.

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

It's a night of two dances -- first each couple has to take on a dance they haven't tried before, and then there will be a big group country-and-western number.

Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska take on the cha-cha for the first time this season. In their preparations, they focus a lot on judge Len Goodman's comment last week that Jason didn't dance enough -- that too often he was just kind of there while Edyta danced around him. That is not a problem in this performance, which is fun and kicky and has way more hip action than most cha-chas I remember on this show. Len says this week definitely had enough content and that they captured the flavor of the dance, though his heart went out to Jason a couple of times when he could tell Jason was counting, but still, he calls it a "marvelous job." Bruno Tonioli says Jason always seems heroic, but they showed much more personality this week. He does agree that the missteps were a problem. Carrie Ann Inaba says Jason needs to work harder to keep his arms in check and to dance bigger. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough prepare to dance the rumba, and Shannon is concerned since she had a rough time last week. Speaking of last week, several of the contestants had trouble with the rumba last Monday, mostly because its slow speed revealed a lot of flaws. I think it largely worked for Shannon tonight and let her really extend her long limbs more gracefully. But let's see what the pros think. Bruno says they had a lot of romantic interplay, but that they had the cardinal sin of the rumba: no hip action. Carrie Ann says she needs to go beyond her potential and that she has "the ability to make great shapes, you just have to sustain them." Len says he loved the start and that they were "all over each other like a rash." Despite the lack of hip action and moments that lacked fluidity, he says they did a good job. Co-host Samantha Harris asks them just how close they have become (referring to the steamy photos of them on the beach that recently surfaced). Derek says they were on the beach practicing and in character and that was all. Scores: 8-8-8, for a 24/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week six performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

Somebody's going home tonight on Dancing With the Stars, and there are a lot of options after all the leader-board shuffling.

Here's how everything went down:

* The reprised dance of the evening is Kristi and Mark's rumba, which I can't really argue with.

* Ozomatli (I forgot how many people are in that band!) performs, and a whole ton of the pros come out to dance.

* Results: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas are safe, and Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are in the bottom two.

* The Dancing With the Stars Junior competition continues with the 10 and younger group.

* Host Tom Bergeron has a TelePrompTer problem and pitches it to results instead of a montage of what show day is like.

* Now it's time for those results: Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe.

* James Blunt performs, accompanied by some pros.

* More results: Mario and Karina Smirnoff are safe, as are Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Then a break, then, more results. Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe, as are Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez, leaving Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel in the bottom two.

* And the ejected couple is: Priscilla and Louis. Not the biggest surprise after being in the bottom two last week.

What do you think of the results?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

It's Latin night on Dancing With the Stars, which means the couples will be taking on the samba and the rumba. (Also, it's the halfway point, woo.)

Mario and Karina Smirnoff are up first, hoping to impress Len Goodman with their samba. In the interview, he says he feels the judges are wanting to see something special from him and he doesn't think he's given it to them yet. In the lead-in footage, Mario visits Stevie Wonder for some inspiration, after which he says, "I've got my swagger back." That's no lie -- there's all kinds of hip action going on, and they seem to be having fun again, which is good. Len Goodman says: "This dance suited you. It's got a freedom about it, it's a party dance. You came out with gay abandon. Great hip action you had throughout the dance. ... Work on your footwork a little more, but ... best dance so far!" Bruno Tonioli tells him: "If your hips could talk, we'd be censored tonight. ... Quite classic. ... I loved it." Carrie Ann Inaba says they got to the point and danced, and it was great. Scores: 9-9-9, for a 27/30, their best score yet.

Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel are next, with the rumba. They start with a slow walk, and then Priscilla, who turns 63 next month, does the splits. I am not kidding. Their performance is very sensual, and Priscilla sells the drama with her acting skills, as usual. Bruno says she plays her part well every week, but, "the problem is, the rumba being so slow, it reveals some faults." He says she pushed a little too far this week, but the performance was good. Carrie Ann agrees that she was going for so much technique that she was dancing in her head instead of flowing naturally. Len says her footwork was disappointing, and the other two get mad that he doesn't give them credit for the difficulty level. Scores: 7-7-7, for a 21/30.

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': week five performances" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Dancing With the Stars jumps right in to the show tonight, introducing Sheryl Crow to performing "All I Wanna Do" within seconds of the show starting.

But we can't avoid filler forever. After that, it's time for a montage from last night. Strangely, the judges' choice for a reprisal this evening is Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough's paso doble, unicycle and all. 

At last, some results: Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska are safe, as are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. 

A new addition to the results show is a kids' ballroom competition. Daniela (age 8) and Aaron (9) dance the samba to "Under the Sea," and seriously, how could that not be entirely adorable? Len Goodman says he was "bitterly disappointed" because the performance was too short and he would have liked to see more dancing. Bruno says the audience wanted to join in. Carrie Ann says Daniela was a firecracker, and it was great when Aaron cracked a smile. Their competition is Rashell (age 8) and a different Aaron (also 8). They dance the paso doble, and it, too, is so cute. Bruno says they are small, but they sold the heck out of the performance. Carrie Ann says it was great, dramatic and dynamic. Len found it sharp, precise and a great job. The judges choose Aaron and Rashell as the couple that will return to perform another week.

The results have to wait a little longer because Sheryl Crow is back to sing another song. I think it must be pretty strange for the guest singers on this show because the audience responds heavily to the dancers who accompany them and not that much to the musical performance, which must be unusual. The next segment, as it turns out, shows what it's like behind the scenes when the pros prepare for the dances with the guest singers, and the guests seem pretty impressed by the pros' moves.

More results: Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez are safe, but that's all we get. After yet another break, they're back. Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke are safe, as are Mario and Karina Smirnoff (who look gobsmacked and thrilled).

Another break, then more results: Priscilla Presley and Louis van Amstel are in the bottom two, Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough are safe. Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough are in the bottom two, leaving Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani as the final safe couple.

Ousted are Adam and Julianne, which, it's about time. He jokes, of course, but he does tell the audience that they should embrace that which frightens them and go get some new, great experiences. Aww, the feel-good quotient of that closing statement was almost Guttenberg-esque. Who would've thought?

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 10:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants
        

On tonight's Dancing With the Stars, the contestants will take on the Viennese waltz or the paso doble in an attempt to impress the judges and the viewers.

First on the floor are Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas, who have been the top scorers with a 27/30 for three weeks running. They are among the couples doing the paso doble, so she will have the opportunity to bring the emotions that the judges wanted to see from her last week during the tango. They dance to "Blue Monday," and the choreography has, as it should, a very aggressive, sharp feel. Head judge Len Goodman says, "You can't dance bad, as far as I'm concerned. ... My slight criticism would be that every dance has a slight sameness to it." Ah, the hazards of consistency! Judge Bruno Tonioli says she was "Jezebel out there." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba says Kristi and Mark have set the standard this season and are forcing everyone else to work even harder. Scores: 10-9-10, for a 29/30, which includes the first 10s of the season.

Priscilla Presley and  Louis van Amstel work on the delicate movements of the Viennese waltz by going roller skating. Go figure. Their performance is very flowy and romantic, but lots of it seems to depend on Priscillia swishing her skirt around with her hands, and that's kind of distracting to me. Bruno says, "It was like watching a scene from The Merry Widow. ... Great interpretation." He adds that she needs to watch the line of her neck. Carrie Ann says she creates lots of drama with her facial expression, "but I feel that your balance was just a bit off, and unfortunately, I think there was a lift." Len: "It had elegance, it had flow across the floor. ... I've got to drop a point because you did a lift, and lifts are forbidden." Scores: 7-7-8, for a 22/30. 

Continue reading "'Dancing With the Stars': Top 9 couples perform" »

Posted by Sarah Kickler Kelber at 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Celebreality, Dancing With the Stars, Maryland reality contestants