Photos
Video
RSS'Dancing with the Stars': Team dances, a Latin potpourri, & Melissa Rycroft's rib injury
It's the return of the dreaded team dances on this week's "Dancing with the Stars." What better way to foster animosity between contestants than to base half of their score on the weakest link? Also, Melissa Rycroft was unable to dance tonight thanks to a giant pain in her side. Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuurse!!
1. Gilles Marini & Cheryl
Dance/Song: Lindy Hop/"Go Daddy-O" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Gilles' injured shoulder is a result of a softened collarbone. He got a cortizone shot and seemed to be okay but...yow. Tonight was uncharacteristic for both of them as both he and Cheryl timing issues at the beginning. Sure it was a fun number but technique-wise it looked off. Bonus points for the goofy, giant Pompadore hair.
Judges: Len says the French are now famous for the Lindy Hop, Bruno applaudes Gilles' versitility, and Carrie Ann called it "fantastic." Huh...guess I'll have to rewatch it. Score: 27 (all 9's)
2. Lil' Kim & Derek
Dance/Song: Paso Doble/An appropriate instrumental piece
They got a standing ovation and rightly so. It had intensity, awesome choreography, and Kim's legs were great (as was her posture in hold). She was fierce. The one thing she needs to work on is to make sure she really extends her arm movements all the way out all the time.
Judges: Bruno called it a "classic, classy Paso." Carrie Ann thought this dance is perfectly suited for her and that her lines were gorgeous. Len loved her fire and passion.
Score: 28 (9-9-10) - This marks her first 9 from Len
3. Chuck Wicks & Julianne
Dance/Song: Cha Cha/"I'm Outta Love" by Anastacia
Chuck made the goofiest faces through this whole dance but it entertained me so carry on. He did well - his arm extension has improved, he actually have pretty consistent hip action, and his posture was good. I didn't like this choreography as much as the Samba last week but it was solid nonetheless.
Judges: Carrie Ann said he's hit his stride and gives the tip to "watch his chin." Len thinks his getting stronger but his arms are a bit wooden. Bruno makes it unanimous with loving the hip action and agrees that he needs more fluidity in his arms.
Score: 26 (9-9-8)
4. Shawn Johnson & Mark Dance/Song: Samba/"Get Down On It" by Kool & The Gang played a few clicks too slow
Since Shawn isn't quite getting the movements, Mark brings in his mom Shirley who happens to be a three-time Latin champ for some help. The tutoring did a bit of good because Shawn's arms have become more fluid in the right places. It was a fun number, the choreography was very good and she danced it well, but I feel like it was missing a smidge of something. I'm going to blame the slightly slow music. I think it distracted me. I'll have to watch it again.
Judges: Len thought the dress was doing most of the work, Bruno called it "good" and loves that she looks effortless, and Carrie Ann said she had great technique and nailed every step.
Score: 27 (10-8-9)
5. Melissa Rycroft & Tony
Dance/Song: Jive/"We Got The Beat" by The Go-Gos
We're shown their rehearsal package - Melissa aggravated the rib injury sustained last week and an x-ray revealed a probable hairline fracture. She was given the ok to practive but to take it easy. Unfortunately, the pain started increasing at the beginning of today. Like Steve-O, we're shown the last taped full rehearsal Melissa & Tony did only they weren't in costume and there was no hair or makeup done. Though she wasn't going at top speed, it was actually pretty darn good. It's a shame we won't get to see the number full-out. Tony's choreography slump is officially over.
Judges: All three judges expressed regret for having to judge a marking rehersals with Carrie Ann adding she hopes they're back next week.
Score: 21 (all 7's)
6. Ty Murray & Chelsie Dance/Song: Salsa/"Vehicle" by Ides of March
Dmitry came in to help Ty get in to touch with his inner-Salsa master during rehearsal. Oh, and Ty got himself a spray tan so as not to be pasty anymore. I don't know if it was Dmitry or the tan, but either way it did wonders. This is so much better than the last Latin number he did. Was he still a little wooden at times? Yes, but he actually looked like he was leading and I do believe I saw a great body roll.
Judges: Carrie Ann was beside herself with love, Len thinks it's time for him to get axed, and Bruno enjoyed watching it calling it a great effort.
Score: 24 (9-7-8)
Team Mambo
Song: "Single Ladies" by Beyonce
Chuck & Julianne, Shawn & Mark, and Melissa & Tony make up this particular team however, due to Melissa's injury, Lacey Schwimmer will be stepping in. Tom informs us that the judges' score will only be based on the other two couples and Melissa & Tony will receive whatever score they get. It sucks that Melissa is injured but it's nice to see Lacey again. Overall, the choreography was really good - they mixed in moves from the video which was fun and, because it was a Mambo, didn't seem too out of place. Shawn needs to bump her energy up to a whole...nother...level to catch up to Gilles and Lil' Kim. That whole bit at the end where everyone ripped off some clothes to reveal unitards like the video was high-larious.
Judges: Len and Bruno seemed to love it but Carrie Ann thought the music was more fun than the actual performance.
Score: 25 (8-8-9)
Team TangoSong: "Womanizer" by Britney Spears
Obviously, Lil' Kim & Derek, Gilles & Cheryl, and Ty & Chelsie make up this team. Team Mambo started out with all the couples, this team decided to do an intro with Kim and a shirtless Gilles and Ty (they put on jackets later). Great choreography overall, everybody had good intensity and surprisingly the song really worked for them. Ty's stiff frame served him well this number and her performed well in the unison portion. Kim messed up a little and she reacted to it, which I'm sure Carrie Ann will mention. Gilles & Cheryl were great as always. It seemed as though the unison part took up less time than Team Mambo's.
Judges: Bruno called them "a pack of voracious raptors" and got goosebumps at the end. Carrie Ann believed the unison section was flawless. Len pointed out Kim's mistake (as did C to the A), said Gilles' footwork was awful, and thought Ty nailed it.
Score: 28 (9-9-10)
Bottom Two: Hmmm...it's between Chuck, Ty and Melissa though I think Melissa will get a lot of sympathy votes, which I don't have a problem with.
Who's Out: Either Chuck or Ty. It a hard one to call since they pull from a similar fanbase.
What did you guys think of tonight? Are you as impressed by how everyone's stepped it up as I am? Who do you think should go home? Which dance was your favorite?
23 Comments
Post a comment
Find it fast
Advertisement
Zap2it Twitter Talk Recent posts
Wow, possibly the best season of Dancing could turn into a nightmare if Melissa leaves or can't get back. Even if she does, she won't be able to go 100% anymore.
I always figured next week would be the start of the awesome once Ty is removed, the first final 5 where anyone could take it, but without Melissa at 100%, it may be missing that final competitive link.
Tamara- I had the same "huh" reaction you did when the judges started loving on Gilles & Cheryl. I normally like their performances but this one did nothing for me.
Musical sabotage continues. I found it most distracting during both Chuck & Julianne's number and Shawn & Mark's. Muting helped, but really, must the DWTS producers handicap the contestants like that?
Samantha irritates me to no end and I try not to spew the hate, but I have to vent! Hearing her fight her way through her own convoluted questions EVERY TIME she opens her mouth to interview the couples is bad enough, but tonight she took the cake. Yeah, Lil Kim used up some of her time kissing the judges, but Samantha took 3 times as long asking LK her "question" as she gave LK to answer it. AND she habitually cuts everybody off after she has prattled on non-sensically trying to form a sentence. Yes, live television is tricky, but it CAN be taught. She's had how many seasons to try and get it down? It's not taking. Replace her already!!!
Oh, and always: The best forehead bling in the business: http://geocities.com/quisquilian
As you said, Melissa will get a lot of sympathy votes. (Which she as been getting from day one due to her bachelor misfortune.) I would like to see her go. But I think adding the team vote into the scores will be enough to save her. Chuck or Ty will be going. Len's stupid comment may save Ty. I've seen a lot of voter backlash when judges try to dictate the outcome.
I didn't really like it when they let Steve-O use rehersal footage, but that early in the competition it didn't seem to matter so much. However, it created a bad precedent because its really unfair that Melissa is allowed to continue after not showing up tonight. (Which, not that I'm blaming her, I'm sure her injury is very painful and I'm glad she's doing what she needs to take care of herself). I'm just saying that if you don't show up, you shouldn't get to compete. Its not fair that Team Mambo got an extra professional for their routine, and the whole bit about just ignore Lacey and Tony when you consider voting is bunk. Like that's not going to have an impact.
From now on, an injury that prevents you from showing up on Monday night should mean you are done, period. You can come back in another season if you like, but miss a competition night and that should mean you are done for the season.
Yeah Samantha Harris is kinda bad....why did they drop Lisa Canning from season one? I liked her. They could've had 2 female co-hosts.
Chuck was a surprise and Ty was an even bigger surprise...maybe I should get some spray tan....something in the spray tan.
Something tells me that Shawn will be in the bottom two...she peaked too early and lost her sparkle.
Still loving this season! When have the top 6 couples NOT had someone that pretty much sucks? Never until this season!
I don't really have favorite performances tonight, I liked them all.
Gilles- but if I had to choose, this one actually disappointed me a bit out of all of them. They were a bit out of sync and I just don't believe the goofy character. Without the goofy hair it really would have brought the character down even more. He really is best at drama. And his technique seems to be going a bit down instead of up. I think he seems nervous and feels the pressure of all the other great couples.
Lil Kim- while not perfect, her technique has been gradually improving all season. And what a performer. Great choreography, beautiful holds. Loved it!
Chuck- also really enjoyed it. He does have good posture and hips and really comes alive in Latin. They look like they are having so much fun out there now. Just needs a little more arm work and some other things like they said.
Shawn- the tempo seemed too slow and that is what hurt the dance a bit. I enjoyed it but she wasn't as fiery as last week. Still has great technique and is getting more relaxed in her arms. Good choreography- surprised that Len was griping about it having too much of a real samba move- geez.
Melissa- can tell it would have been a fun number. Too bad about her injury!
Ty- great choreography really helped Ty look more energetic and fun out there. He is stiff but it was a really enjoyable number and I'm not sure he will be able to do much better in terms of loosening up anyway in the last few weeks of the show.
Team Dances: so much better than last year! I think the scores could have been closer though. Team Mambo was fun and solid and I didn't agree with Carrie Ann- they worked it! Team Tango was great too- intense and cleaner in the unison sections. But maybe it is easier to do unison with a tango? With Lil Kims error, I don't think a 10 was warranted but they did deserve to beat Mambo by a little.
Now, in a general sense, dont love the fact that someone can use rehearsal footage to cover them for Mondays show. But I do think Melissa has done well enough all season to be given a chance to move. I definitely don't think she should be allowed to use another rehearsal tape again in the event though. If she's still hurt next week, she's gone- it's too late in the competition and not fair to the others. I do have to say she would be one of the "Top 4" teams that I would miss the least though. I enjoy Lil Kim, Shawn and Gilles more and think she has ridden on Bachelor popularity and been the most overscored person of the season. And Tony is my least favorite pro but that's not her fault:)
I think Ty is going to go. I do like him but of everyone left he would be the right pick. Eliminations are really going to be sad the next few weeks!
I am so ready for Chuck and Julianne to go home!
I agree with you Valerie...I am tired of seeing Julianne and Chuck...it took them a very long time to ramp up and while they were doing so, I got bored with their "couples" antics. To me, Julianne has not danced to the level that she has done on previous seasons because of her personal involvement with Chuck. She would let it rip every other season no matter how "underseasoned" her dance partner was. Too bad this is her last season on DWTS.
Regarding Melissa, I too think that she as well as Steve-0 should have been done once they missed Monday night competition. I believe on previous seasons that was the case. To me, Melissa has been plagued with DRAMA since the beginning and I am bored with that too. I loved Shawn originally but feel that she seems to be slowing down her pace and Lil'Kim has picked it up each week. She and D just dazzle together but my $$ is still on Gilles and
Cheryl to take away the disco ball trophy!
That's all.
I think all of the couples are fun to watch now. I am bummed about Melissa's injury. Personally, I thought she was a real contender to Gilles and Kim. Ty was a huge surprise to me this week - he really seemed to step up both the difficulty and his performance, and Chuck is getting into his groove, too. It will be sad to see anyone go from here on in, but I think that it has to be either Ty or Chuck, because they really have no chance of winning in the end, and then it will be Shawn's turn unless Melissa has to drop out.
I was very disappointed in the group performance of Cheryl and Gilles. They seemed to be moving very slowly. At first I thought it was part of the routine and would build up the intensity, but it never did.
Great season to what looked in the beginning to be a dismal one. I'm loving it, and hating that there are so many injuries, but it's easy to see why when you watch the effort and intensity that go into the rehearsals and the performances.
I'm pretty pleased with this season overall. Tonight's show really showed some of the inconsistencies in the judges' scoring though. There's no way that Ty deserved the same score (from Len) that Melissa got for not even doing her routine. His technique was way better than her stopping at some parts and not having any emotion or full arm extensions, etc. Melissa should have been scored significantly lower.