Semi-final madness on 'Dancing with the Stars'

With just four couples left at two dances apiece and two hours to fill, if you guessed that tonight's "Dancing with the Stars" would be full of more filler than any result show thus far, you'd be right. Also, one star managed to obtain the elusive "Perfect 60."

I don't recall if I did last week but, if not, I'd be remiss not to thank Andrea for pitching in for me. It's greatly appreciated!

Tonight's show starts with a pro exhibition to "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by The Clash featuring Alec Mazo, Dmitry, Karina, Louis van Amstel (mleh), Chelsie (surprisingly), and a blonde I couldn't quite identify. If this is how we're starting the night, this is going to be more fillerific than I thought.

Before getting to any actual live dancing, we get to watch what Melissa & Tony consider their Latin and Ballroom breakthrough dances - the Week 3 Foxtrot and Week 9 Samba - complete with comments from the peanut gallery (them, pre-taped). Yep. Fillerific. On watching the Samba again, I still don't think it should've gotten a perfect score. She was good, sure, but a 29 would've been more accurate since her footwork was a wee dainty. Oh good grief, a pre-interview too? This is gonna be a long night.

Everyone gets the same video/brief interview treatment - Gilles & Cheryl review their Week 9 Foxtrot and Week 5 Paso Doble, Shawn & Mark their Quickstep and Paso Doble last week, and Ty & Chelsie the Week 2 Quickstep and Week 4 Lindy Hop. During the Lindy, Ty reminds me of a military man on leave in the 40's.

1. Melissa Rycroft & Tony
Dance/Song: Quickstep/The standard "I've Got Rhythm"
I really like Melissa's dress. The footwork that was\choreographed was impressive, though somehow I wanted some extra oomph overall in the personality department. They weren't giving me consistent Old Hollywood Musical. If I weren't looking just at their feet most of the time, I might've missed how great it was. Also, I applaud Melissa for living in the moment more. It looked like she was actually having fun at times as opposed to pretending.
Judges: Len called it a delight and said her feet were much improved. Bruno thought it was very good but it wasn't exhilarating. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno, adding that it didn't look like she was genuinely having fun the whole time. Score: 28 (9-10-9)

2. Gilles Marini & Cheryl
Dance/Song: Waltz/"Come Away With Me" by Nora Jones
To help out this week, Jonathan Roberts aka "The Dance Whisperer" came in to rehearsal help Gilles embrace his inner sophisticate. He did well during the performance - it was definitely a softer, gentler romance than we're used to from them. The technique was very good overall, though at times when he was looking at Cheryl, he had Skipper/Kermit Neck (meaning it looked squished).
Judges: Bruno said he looked like a "matinee idol," Carrie Ann thought it was breathtaking and subtle, and Len gave him a "sitting down standing ovation."
Score: 30 (all 10's)

3. Shawn Johnson & Mark
Dance/Song: Argentine Tango/An Electronica/Tango instrumental
While I found my minding wandering a bit during Gilles & Cheryl's Waltz, I was totally captivated by this Tango. It had intensity, crispness, and just the right amount of haughty personality. Considering how short she is, I thought Shawn did a great job extending her legs and making them look miles long. Oh, and great choreography from Mark and Shawn's dress is fab.
Judges: Carrie Ann loved the lifts and passion, adding "precision is her middle name." Len thought it was her best performance. Bruno called her "Catherine Zeta-Shawn" and likened it to the "Cell Block Tango" from "Chicago."
Score: 30 (all 10's)

4. Ty Murray & Chelsie
Dance/Song: Viennese Waltz/"Tuesday's Gone" by Lynard Skynard
Ty's technique was actually solid overall. There was a hiccup during a spin in the corner and he seemed sort of unsure on his feet at times but his posture and hold were great - it's the one part of Ballroom that he'll never really have a problem with.
Judges: Len thought it was fabulous overall despite some mistakes. Bruno is not as kind since it's the semi-final which sparks an argument with Len. Shocking. Carrie Ann loves how he generates support from everyone but noted that he was off tonight.
Score: 25 (8-9-8)

Since we're already saw the rehearsal segments for both dances, the second time around we get some hometown, personal history padding.

5. Melissa Rycroft & Tony
Dance/Song: Cha Cha/"Save The Last Dance For Me" by Michael Buble
Melissa is definitely connecting more emotionally this time around. I just wish Carrie Ann would've given that note earlier in the season. The choreography was good but there was something weird about the music. It was throwing me off. Also, Melissa needed a bit more gravity in her movements as some parts came off a bit too balletic. She needs to connect to the floor as opposed to floating above it, which is a hard habit to break. I like her outfit though.
Judges: Bruno felt it was uneven - some parts were fantastic but her energy wasn't consistent. Carrie Ann compliments her on connecting more emotionally but states it felt a bit discombobulated thanks to uneven step size. Len liked it but not as much as he'd hoped, adding she could never actually dance badly.
Score: 27 (all 9's)

6. Gilles Marini & Cheryl
Dance/Song: Salsa/"I Know You Want Me" by Pitbull
I like Cheryl's dress - it's Barbie-esque. It was a fun little number and Gilles body rolls are second to none. But I just wasn't feeling this for some reason on the whole. I think it was the music. I kept wondering if it was being played too slow. It definitely had great moments. I think I'll have to watch this one again on mute.
Judges: Carrie Ann wants to see him in the finals, Len was almost speechless and wished he had an "11" paddle, and Bruno says that "Lil' Kim is alive and well and living in Gilles pants." Bruno's in rare form today.
Score: 30 (all 10's)

7. Shawn Johnson & Mark
Dance/Song: Jive/"She's So Fine" by Jackie Wilson
Ooo...another super-cute dress. I like her shoes too. This is me, coveting. I think Shawn did a good job matching Mark's energy, which was my big concern for this number. It was a really fun number with a lot of personality. She even masked what could've been a mistake fantastically.
Judges: Len liked the speed and fun but it wasn't traditional enough for him. Bruno loved the over-the-top energy and admits it had Lindy Hop-like moments, but that doesn't bother him. Carrie Ann thought it was wonderful performance-wise but Shawn seemed to have lost some steam towards the end.
Score: 26 (9-8-9) - Len deserved to be booed

8. Ty Murray & Chelsie
Dance/Song: Samba/"Concrete and Clay" by Unit 4+2
One of Ty's problems is that he doesn't know what to do with his free arm, something that comes up a lot in Latin dances, which is why he tends to look a bit robotic. Like in the Ballroom round, there were a few flubs but it was good overall and the Samba Rolls were very impressive. The way he shook his behind made him look a little like duck. Cute.
Judges: Bruno thought he looked like he was dancing on a tightrope but put in a good effort. Carrie Ann called him the MVP of this season but didn't give any real critique. Len called it hectic but compliment Chelsie on the great job she's done.
Score: 23 (8-7-8)

Overall Thoughts: Surprisingly, I thought everyone was scored very fairly with the exception of Len on Shawn's second dance. Also, surprisingly, I didn't hate any of the music per se but two pieces were a little weird. Can you imagine how crazy it would've been if Lil' Kim & Derek were still in? It'd be insane!
Who's Out: Ty is so adorable but really, it's his time. Frankly, and no offense, it was his time last week.

What'd you think of tonight's dances? Were you surprised or disappointed by anyone? Did you have a favorite number? Any other thoughts?