DWTS Season 12, Week 9 – Who’s Dancing What?
Well, two more weeks to go. Two individual and one crazy-ass dance with will skew the game in a horrible way (and based on twitter and celeb interviews, I’m pretty damn sure my previous post was accurate). Of course, because the whole season was a mish mash, the semi-final is also a mish mash. So….who’s dancing what?
Ralph and Karina - Argentine Tango and Salsa
Voting Number: 1.800.VOTE4.08
Chelsea and Mark - Argentine Tango and Rumba
Voting Number: 1.800.VOTE4.01
Kirstie and Maks - V. Waltz, Paso Doble
Voting Number: 1.800.VOTE4.11
Hines and Kym - Argentine Tango and Salsa
Voting Number: 1.800.VOTE4.03
And of course, all three teams are participating in that Cha Cha Bonus dance. From everything I’ve read on twitter and heard from the pros and celebs, the first place and fourth place teams at the end of the individual dances will compete and the 2nd and 3rd place teams will compete. The winners of those legs will face off. The over all winner gets 15 points. One of my previous posts explains why this is a travesty – unless fans of the other couples vote like CRAZY (and I mean, crazy) their favorite stands a one-in-three chance of going home. The point margin is likely to be impossible to overcome, unless the winner was a serious low scorer on the individual round – and even then they will be extremely tough to beat. This is equivalent to letting the judges decide one of the 3 couples in the finale – the people will have no say unless they can really step it up in terms of voting. I keep praying I’m wrong. I would have more respect if they just stood up and said “You know what? We’re going to let the judges pick one couple for the finale.” That would at least be honest. This? Not so much.
Anyway, I think, of the individual dances, Hines and Ralph will be most challenged with their dances…you know, I don’t even feel like analyzing it very much. Why? Because that 15 points throws everything off. Who ever wins it (Hines or Chelsea) is pretty much guaranteed a spot in the finale – more so Hines than Chelsea. I just don’t get the sense that Chelsea would last beyond this week without it. Now, I could certainly be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time. Now is the time when lots of people simply vote for the best dancer. Technically, that would be Chelsea. BUT, they also tend to vote for the most pleasing and entertaining couple – and any of the remaining three could be that couple. I think this is the first season where we have three relatively equal people in terms of entertainment/pleasing value and then a fourth couple that is the best in terms of dancing. It’s actually quite strange and I don’t think I can predict what will happen. If the bonus dance wasn’t a factor, my guess is that Chelsea would go home and my second choice, believe it or not, would be Hines – I think perhaps he peaked too early. BUT, Kirstie, Ralph and Hines all have, I would guess, sizable fanbases.
I am very conflicted. I think either Hines or Chelsea will win the bonus dance. I think if Hines wins it he is definitely in the finale. I think if Chelsea wins it, the fans of the other three have a shot, but ultimately Chelsea will stick around. If Chelsea doesn’t win the 15 points, I think she stands a good chance of going home. Beyond that? I got nuthin.
my craziest DWTS fan confession.. hm.. well most of the...
This whole bonus dance thing makes me sick in the stomach. All of a sudden I feel like I am slowing losing interest in the show. This is my favorite show and now the judges are trying to destroy it. Thanks alot judges.
I will watch it until the finale and will root for everyone but Chelsea, but I am also glad there are other shows that are now garnering my interest. But I couldnt of made it through this season without the PureDWTS site. Thanks ladies.
I think what you wrote in your last two paragraphs makes sense for how it will go down. Everything is riding on whoever wins that 15 points (which is such a rip).
Anyway, other than Chelsea and Mark, it’s going to be hard to see anyone else go….especially Kirstie or Ralph who will be getting my votes with the majority going to Kirstie. Kirstie is so inspirational. I’m dying to see Ralph do the Crane move which he said he might do if he makes it to the finals.
Shewww, tomorrow night can’t get here soon enough and I’ve got my extra accounts READY because I don’t want us fans to go down without a fight for our say!!! PLEASE VOTE EVERYONE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
Hey Sandy…thank YOU!! <3 <3
OMG! I can’t believe how nervous I am for tomorrow! This entire “cha cha off” (as Kirstie called it) has got me ticked off! Personally I believe that the only purpose of this is to get Chelsea in the finals. There does not seem to be any other reason for it. I am 100% a Kirstie fan and think with her fan base she’ll be fine. I am indifferent between Ralph and Hines, but I do think that Ralph will be the one to go.
It will be interesting to see how Ralph does with his knee injury, how Kym will do with her neck injury and how Kirstie will do with three/four dances. Yikes!
My guesses:
Maks/Kirstie: Paso-27; V.Waltz-27
Mark/Chelsea: Rumba-22; A.Tango-25
Kym/Hines: Salsa-17; A.Tango-29
Karina/Ralph: Salsa-23; A.Tango-16 (scratch that 16, I have absolutely no idea. But since I have no idea I might as well leave the 16 in place.)
I have just one doubt: how is the winner going to get 15 points? where is this said?
I didn’t understand that…
well… I hope Hines win this WTIA chacha bc from the top4, I think that he is the obvious that reaches the final – because of his consistency and football fan base…
I will be happy to see Kym win her 2d (3d) MBT, or Karina or Max win their first. I will not be happy to see Mark take a third. I shudder to think what he would be like next season, were that to happen.
Biffette, good idea again. Here’s my guesses;
Maks/Kirstie: Paso-28; V.Waltz-27 (55)
Mark/Chelsea: Rumba-27; A.Tango-29 (56)
Kym/Hines: Salsa-24; A.Tango-27 (51)
Karina/Ralph: Salsa-27; A.Tango-29 (56)
The 15 points Bonus round will most likely go to Mark and Chelsea unless Len puts a stop to it(and I hope he does). I’m hoping Kirstie does another killer Cha Cha and takes it.
I think it’s a real shame that Kirstie and Maks did their AT last week – it would have been nice to have all four couples do the same dance which would have given us a really good opportunity to compare their dancing skills.
Think the Salsa is the toughest of the Latin dances this week and fear this may really penalize Ralph. To be honest though I think they will make sure the leaderboard will be
1. Chelsea
2. Hines
3. Kirstie
4. Ralph
which will allow them to have a Chelsea vs Hines final of the cha cha off.
Also – people have to be prepared to keep voting if they feel strongly as the lines will likely be really busy tonight. As an international viewer, I shall do my best with online voting in the morning here!!
@carlos lustosa some of the pros have tweeted it adn it has been in a few other places. Chelsea confirms it in this interview: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Dancing-Chelsea-Kane-1033119.aspx?rss=breakingnews
Kym is practicing with a neck brace on so the sympathy vote may be in play for them. Hey at this stage of the game I say go for it, any of the others would.
Scoring will be crucial tonight and I am curious to see how the judges score tonight. I will hate to see any of my favorites leave, but it is about time that a sports figure made it to the finals again, the past few seasons its been all about the actors.
So if they need to sacrifice one of the actors let it be Chelsea, so Mark doesnt have his face plastered all over the finals and my TV, then I can enjoy the finals with my three favorites. And all is good…
@ Lisa C – thanks for the link. That article seems to make it certain that all of our fears are true and it is a judges’ choice in all but name – least we know and can be prepared for voting like crazy!
I’m with Heidi, in that I could deal with this better if the producers were upfront and said “the judges will pick 1 couple for the finals and the public vote will choose the other 2.” This whole stealth approach is insulting. Do they really think we’re that stupid?
I’d love for Hines to win the “cha-cha off” because that would leave Chelsea vulnerable and surely Ralph and Kirstie’s fans could out-vote the Chelsea/Mark fans. However, since this whole set-up seems to be designed to get Chelsea into the finale, I can’t see the judges giving Hines the bonus. My only hope is that Len’s had enough of Mark’s attitude.
QUESTION: Is it every voter for their favorite, or should we be going for a coordinated voting approach? I’ve got my extra accounts validated and am ready to stick it to the producers.
@Cidra – The best strategy is just for everyone to vote as hard as they can for their favorite – period. Vote splitting almost always favors the couple you don’t want to stay – for most of us here, that’s Chelsea & Mark. If you’re on board with wanting those two to go home, I would suggest picking one of the remaining 3 (Kirstie, Hines, or Ralph) and just voting as hard as you can for them. I think Heidi & I are both throwing our votes in for Ralph, and I’m pretty sure Vogue is giving all hers to Kirstie. So I guess my best advice for everyone is just to pick one person that you would absolutely die if they didn’t make the finals – and vote like hell for them and them alone.
And here’s a random idea: let’s see if we can get #bon-assdance trending on Twitter – and attach a link to Heidi’s post about how bad it is to it. The more people who know about how bad it is, the more likely people are to vote to combat it. I’m gonna go tweet it right now – if anyone wants to just retweet mine, I’m @putuincespence. Let’s shut these judges DOWN!
OK, here are my predictions for tonight:
Chelsea/Mark – Rumba 29, AT 30 (59)
Hines/Kym – AT 29, Salsa 29 (58)
Kirstie/Maks – Paso 25, VW 26 (51)
Ralph/Karina – Salsa 24, AT 24 (48)
Annnnd, Kirstie wins the cha-cha off. Based on Kym’s injury, you could swap Hines & Kym with Kirstie & Maks.
@Vogue – Your Welcome!
All my votes are going for Hines and Kym if they dont get the 15 pts because I feel Ralph and Kirsties fanbases will be too much to overcome.
If Hines and Kym get the 15 pts (Im hoping they will, but not holding my breath on that one), then my votes will go to Ralph. Does that make sense to anyone?
voguerista:
Did everyone know that Drew Lachey is dancing with Cheryl Burke again tomorrow on the results show?
What does everyone think of people voting for their top 10 dances (of all time) of pros dances with celebrities and have that pro dance that same dance with that celebrity. Derek would probably have the majority. This way we can see him dance with possibly Nicole, Jennifer, Brooke once again! This would be a good idea, anyone agree!
I imagine I’ll be splitting my votes between Ralph and Chelsea tonight. By that I mean two votes for Chelsea and the rest (of my votes and accounts) for Ralph. I like her so much I’d just hate to not see her in the finals. I also think Hines has this wrapped up, but with Romeo gone here is what I’d like to see:
1) Mark/Chelsea
2) Karina/Ralph
3) Kym/Hines
but if it were just the pros and not taking the stars into account I’d like to see:
1) Maks — he deserves it!
2) Karina
3) Kym
Margaret, I’d love that. Good idea! I’d have to pick Derek (with Joanna-the futuristic Paso or Jennifer with any of their dances) and Maks (with Brandy last year with their Argentine Tango or any of his tangos really).
Guys, I think that that yall trying to predict the scores is awesome! I probably think Vouge’s predictions are the most consistent, I expect Ralph to do very good in A. Tango, ya’ll know that dance is all about creating the mood and he’s great at that plus he has good technique. Excited to see that dance and based on what I saw on George Lopez the other night the Salsa might not be half bad either.
Sandy, that makes sense to me which could be a good or bad thing, however you look at it. 
Voguerista:
I think the producers would love this, anyway to pass this on?
Vogue/Margaret – it would be cool if they voted on the best of the best: ie the best paso, best AT, best Rumba, best freestyle (I think Drew/Cheryl got that one already). But it would be HARD….
This is the second season in a row that I have had a conniption over the finals. And both have revolved around Mark and partner. Last season – partner. This season – Mark.
I will be very surprised if Chelsea doesn’t get the “immunity” award tonight.
Thanks, Courtney! That helps. I’m definitely on the bus that’s headed to a finale WITHOUT Chelsea/Mark. I feel a twinge of remorse because I have nothing against Chelsea, but them’s the breaks. Someone is NOT going to make the finals, and I want that someone to be Mark.
@Sandy, Seems like a good voting strategy to me.
I am with all of you guys, I can’t stomach Mark this season or last. What the heck has gotten into him! Makes us miss Derek even more! Right!
Derek damn well better be back!!! or I will kill!
I still do not believe one person will get points and the others won’t get any. At this point they keep them fairly close so that just doesn’t make sense. Also why would they have 1 and 4 dance –wouldn’t it be 1-2 then 3-4? Having 1-4 is kinda a given that the person who danced and won 1st is going to beat the one that took 4th.
Also saying Chelsie is the best dancer is an opinion only as I do not think Chelsea is the best dancer. And that is my opinion, just like others might think the one I think is is not.
I think we’ll see a perfect 30 tonight from either kirstie and maks (paso), hines (tango), or ralph (aregentine tango), or (and it pains me to say it) Mark and chelsea’s tango. Her rumba is going to be interesting to say the least lol. Odds are Mark makes it all about him and somehow he removes his shirt like last season.
Margaret, you can contact ABC here if you’d like to pass your cool idea along. They had something similar to your idea last Season where they picked their top dances and then fans got to vote. But, I like your idea better since the fans would get to choose the dances to vote upon. Anyway, you can contact them here. If Buttercup is around, maybe she can pass it along too;
http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us
LK, Brooke and several of the dancers have mentioned the 15 point “winner take all” Cha Cha. We have a new interview coming up where Chelsea talks about it too. Unless producers change their minds today, the 15 points will only be awarded to one couple sadly.
Did you guys see this (or maybe you tweeted it already), but behind the scenes with Mark & Chelsea on GMA (with Cheryl) – it shows a snippet of their costumes for tonight – and mark is wearing black and white shoes – shocking! (@3.40ish…)
With Derek gone this season Mark must be under the assumption he is the Star of the Show now. And everything revolves around him. Who knows maybe the producers have been giving him the same impression, with all the pimping, so maybe he gets it honestly. Just saying.
Mark and Chelsea will probably win the cha cha battle. Chelsea deserves to be in the final but I’m hoping her outcome will be the same as Brandy’s.
I am also totally sick and disgusted about the manipulatuion of this winner take all cha cha. It’s so wrong! I’ll be voting harder than ever for Ralph, but I worry it won’t be enough. I SO want him to be in the finals, and do the Crane Kick in his freestyle.
@Margaret, You said “Derek damn well better be back!!! or I will kill!”… After the ridiculous antics and manipulation of this season, would you really wish that on the poor guy? I say that talented young man has enough other irons in the fire that he ought to run screaming when the DWTS producers knock on his door to see if he’s available for Lucky Season 13. Our (big) loss, of course; but more power to him if he politely says, “no thanks.”
I just read about Kym’s injury. I hope she’s okay to dance.
I hope it doesn’t effect her dancing tonight.
You are not alone J. I am not too happy about this take all cha cha as well. From what I read on comments the last few days, assumption is either Hines or Chelsea winning it. If Chelsea does win this (which I am praying she doesn’t) it will sure put Kirstie and Ralph in more danger of leaving us this week which makes me really really sad. Kirstie is so entertaining and Ralph is good and is planning on doing the krane in the finale. I think Hines might be able to pull off a safe if he does not win the face off (though he’s never been put in jeopardy which makes me ponder his fan base) since they will get sympathy votes from what happened to Kym on Friday (which is ok and glad Kym is ok). I was hoping for a Ralph, Kirstie and Hines finale and hoping it will work out in the end.
Cidra, no I don’t mean I will kill our beloved Derek!
We just want him back, dammit!
Thanks Lisa C =]
They may not be calling it a judges’ save, but you’ll see tonight that they’re not exactly taking a stealth approach and are quite upfront about it almost guaranteeing a spot in the finals.
Finals,
Hines/Kym
Ralph/Karina
Chelsea/Mark
Imo, out of the 4 that are left, these 3 have consistently improved week by week, they are the one’s that should be in the final. After all this is a dance competition.
Even 10, 8, 6, 4 would be somewhat fairer. That’s how they do the marathons, with declining points. But it’s a new season-WINNER TAKE ALL. Mark will be wearing his corky-soled shoes!
This stealth save thing is really crazy. What is the purpose? Unlike American Idol and their save, the judges here already have 50% input into the outcome with their scores. Now they get a super vote? Even Idol is smart enough to drop the save well before the end so that the end result doesn’t seem “fixed” by the show. Why the heck do we spend the whole season voting for our favorites if they are just going to preempt us at the end? Why bother investing at all?
Ok, the WTIA chacha winner couple gets 15 points. but the others? Zero? Guess at least 10 – 5 – 0 (2nd, 3rd, 4th)…
(I’d like to see this WTIA stuff last season, so Bristol could had left) =p
So they’re really going through with the bonus dance? Let’s hope they decide not to bring this back next season. I don’t think it’s very fair for the contestants or the voters.
@Buttercup – The problem I’ve got is that they’ve taken a stealth approach *up to now*. At some point, the cat *has* to come out of the bag, and it should have come out well before now.
@Lisa – I don’t know for sure why they’re doing this, but I think it has everything to do with trying to “game” the ratings (and the demographics) for the final.
It’s all okay because they are going to be open tonight about prempting us? Sorry, that doesn’t make me any less pissed off. I feel like a huge chump developing my favorite and thinking they had a fair shot to make the finals through a combination of votes and scores. I think a lot of fans are already pissed with the way the judges have been so whacky with the scoring, going back to Bristol last season. That manipulation wasn’t enough for them? Now this? It really isn’t fair to anyone, fans or dancers. Even if my favorite gets the points I will hate that they advanced that way. The whole thing is going to be tainted.
@Lisa – Agree 100%. Heidi & Courtney tried to get the word out this past week, so at least folks could be prepared with extra verified accounts to vote like crazy. But this sucks big-time – letting the 3 Stooges control what is basically an “Immunity Idol”…
Correct me if I’m wrong but they already had people vote for the ten favorite dances….was it just last season? Or the season before? I think it was last season because Derek had a few dances up there. They played the dances again, but not live.
Lisa, I was also hoping for a finals with Ralph, Hines, and Kirstie. I’m just so afraid with this stupid winner take all cha cha, that it will knock out Ralph. I agree, it’s not fair to the viewers or the dancers. I agree, the whole thing is tainted
As it gets closer to showtime, I’m more worried now about the bonus round. I mean, Kym got injured. I have faith in her but not sure about Hines. What if he’s so concerned and distracted and trying to be too careful with Kym’s neck? That could mess up his dance and he could have a really bad night tonight. I know how much he cares about her and don’t want to hurt her. Kym tweeted that she’s really lucky to have a sweet and caring person in Hines and Hines looked very worried when he was entering the hospital when the paparazzi caught up with him. I agree, it isn’t fair. They stay quiet about this then suddenly say something about this. Sounds a little weird. Far as I know, they’re still doing it regardless of injuries sustained by Kym and Ralph. Many say that the judges don’t like Ralph so I’m starting to wonder if they came up with this “winner takes all” right after Ralph got injured last week just so they can throw him out before the finals. Sorry I know that sounds like a conspiracy theory but I can’t help it. I know Ralph said in a paparazzi video going into the studio that he’s doing better so that’s a good thing but what if the producers were helping get the wrong person out… Kym. Kym’s injury is worse than Ralph’s injury (I think). I mean, you saw her on the stretcher in a neck brace and she’s still wearing a huge brace right now. Neck injuries can be really serious. Not trying to say that Ralph’s injury was no big deal, I don’t mean that. I’m sure Kym will be ok because she’s a pro but you can never be sure because of 3 dances going on. That’s a lot for a person with a neck injury! I just wish the producers had thought about this… they come up with something like this but anything could’ve happen. It’s not right. It’s not right to have Hines and Kym thrown out after all the hard work they put in and getting this far, because of Kym’s injury.
By the way, if they are doing this because of last season’s semi finals when Brandy got out instead of Bristol, then the producers are really dumb. This is different than last season! It’s very unusual, even rare to have the worst dancers make the finals. This semi-finals isn’t the same thing as it was last season and the producers are acting like it is. Last season, we had a relative of a politician, which drew many people to watch the show because she was related to a former runner-up for vice president. This season, we don’t have anyone from politics or anyone related to a politician and this season hasn’t been as nearly controversial as it was last season. This is different. Why don’t the producers see that?
@Liz – I’m probably more “conspiracy theory” than you right now. But the judging has been so wackaloon (I love that word) this time around, that I really don’t think Kym’s injury will matter – given, of course, that Hines is one of the “chosen ones” (and I think he is).
Long story short, I think the judges will overlook whatever they need to overlook, and then pound on whatever is convenient, in order to make this come out according to plan.
Bah, this makes me angry.
That would be stupid, Liz, because that would indicate that the producers of the show don’t really understand the math OR they DO understand the judges. Or wait – Producers = barely trained monkeys?
See, Bristol didn’t get into the final due to some crazy ass voting. She got in because she was consistently overscored to the point that there was a 2 to 3 point spread between her and Brandy at the end of the semi-final. And we know how little that is. THEY did that, so for the producers to counteract something the JUDGES did with a solid 15 points that the JUDGES get to award??? Insanity reins.
Oh, since Liz mentioned Kym and her neck, a question – I’m thinking TPTB will let Hines & Kym start with their Salsa, since that would seem to me to be less likely to mess up her neck. If they start out with AT, and she re-injures it, Hines is in a world of hurt… Also, would they have Cheryl around as a “hot backup” in case Kym can’t go the full distance tonight? Just curious.
This is the point I start to think the judges fix the contest. There’s no other explanation for them all taking such a mean and hostile attitude towards Ralph tonite.
He didn’t deserve their meanness. And then the judges go on and on about Hines and Chelsea as tho they were the most special dancers they’d ever seen on the dance floor. The judging tonite was way too distorted and not enjoyable.
The scoring tonight was way over the top. I’m sorry, but Hines and Kym did NOT deserve perfect scores for both of their dances. I like HInes, but lately he seems to hardly be moving and Kym is doing all of the gyrations.
No doubt in my mind that they want Ralph out of there and that’s a shame. I like him.
All of my votes went to Kirstie as they have every week so far. I think she’s doing great, but can do even better.
Mark again with the spastic Pee Wee Herman moves, shoes, and socks. Good Lord, he looks like such a complete and utter dork
The producers have fixed DWTS now for sure. Was I the only freaking person that saw hoe Chelsea and Mark were off time the intire time they danced that last Cha Cha and still win! I encourage everyone to give all your votes to Ralph, tweet and re-tweet, facebook people VOTE 3408!!!, Let’s show them we have a voice!
@Sam I agree 100%. That was ugly. I especially did not like CAI’s comment re the WTIA Cha Cha –the audience can’t save you anymore. WTF I thot that was the whole point of the show?
Hopefully the fans will pull Kirstie and Ralph through, but I doubt it. One of them is going tomorrow night. Probably Ralph. They producers were worried that Chelsea doesn’t have enough of a fan base to get her into the finals, so that’s why they did this. And WTF was this face off of pitting the 1st and 4th couples against each other and the 2nd and 3rd couples? Not fair! Should have been Hines vs. Chelsea and Kirstie vs. Ralph.
As much as I love Ralph, he definitely is the weakest dancer and it showed enormously tonight. Little darling Mark got his 15 pts, cant stand him. Hines and Kym were awesome, Hines is crying…..awwww. Maks and Kirstie were okay, better than Ralph, but geez Maks can you get enough camera time, pinching and kissing Tom, better yet, maybe you and Tom need a room…. Does Maks have a mancrush?
Great Coin Toss Brooke Um…she must have been drinking with the judges…that’s the only explanation for the scoring tonite.
(Hope this doesn’t post 2x’s my computer is acting stupid.)
Well, I assume everyone believes us now?
I can take the judges ranking the contestants within reason – one or two point spreads is fair. But when Ralph’s AT is not discernibly better or worse than Kirstie’s Paso, yet Kirstie gets an additional 2 points? And Len gives Ralph a 7 on a Samba that was at least worth a 25?? Then to compound that with this big long spiel about how they are trying to prevent the best dancer from leaving? This show has jumped the fraking shark. They have lost the plot. This show has been billed as 50% judges/50% viewer votes – YOU are supposed to have a say. If the “best” dancer doesn’t have the votes – tough shit. That’s the nature of the beast. But not tonight.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH BBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
The only thing I am looking forward to after tonights show, is the HUGE, SNARKY CHEESECAKE that will result…. Probably well soaked in some libations?
Wouldn’t it be funny, if after the vote tonight, people get so peeved at the judges, that the one they decided they wanted in the finals…. Isn’t? It all felt so anti-climatic…
Love this – as I was watching the cha-cha off and saw the results, all I could think of was all the great comments that were going to end up here….
Just a thought on what i agree is an openly aggressive dislike/underscoring of Ralph. Just as Chelsea is getting backlash from fans about their dislike for Mark’s attitude, I wonder if the producers don’t want Karina to win because of the Playboy spread? Wholesome show, all american, kinda tough to have your MBT winner, out there with all the press, when all of her can be seen on the pages of Playboy. I think they can’t take the risk. Even getting her to the final three – they get lots of press (GMA the day after the finale, last year they had Larry King…) – she’s representing DWTS – and not in a good way in their eyes.
If so, I feel bad for Ralph being punished that way….
Well, I can just see TPTB siting around, patting themselves on the back, and having a drink for having engineered the final. Us poor, feeble viewers needed an assist in order to get the “right” people in the finale. I SWEAR, the producers think we’re *almost* as smart as Brooke! I’d take her on ANYDAY in conducting a coin toss, by the way.
I’m outraged and insulted. My “eyeballs” watching DWTS simply aren’t worth as much to ABC as my 19-year-old niece’s. And because of that, the fix was in….
I hope the producers choke on that celebratory drink they’re having, and I also hope that someone picks the tires on Bruno’s car. I’m so pissed off right now, I’m thinking about watching re-runs of “The Andy Griffith Show” on Monday and Tuesday nights.
I would NOT get my hopes up about a cheesecake post. My mood will have to change drastically or Court will have to ply me with alcohol.
Oh come on – Playboy as the reason for them hating on Ralph?? Need I remind you that CAI has danced topless and french kissed Madonna?? And that Bruno danced in an Elton John video wearing outfits that left little to the imagination?? Come on, people – of all the people in the world to be puritians, the DWTS judges are the least likely.
I do agree that those short pants Mark is so fond of are just ridiculous. I LOLed when he started the second Cha Cha – over dancing again, but of course they can’t dock him for it. It would ruin their chances of getting rid of that horrible, offensive Ralph. :::eye rolls:::
Vogue, don’t kid yourself – there is only ONE reason why Ralph wouldn’t make the final and that is being 25 points (106,400 votes) behind the leaders. His only hope is beating the equally popular Kirstie – and we all know that she isn’t the one having trouble getting votes.
Yeah, Ralph will never make it now. I have nothing nice to say on the judges right now and Bruno’s DIAPER COMMENTS were the worst, most disrespectful, and unclassy thing ever!!! grrrr
Good job calling this Heidi!
They have lost the plot. This show has been billed as 50% judges/50% viewer votes – YOU are supposed to have a say. If the “best” dancer doesn’t have the votes – tough shit. That’s the nature of the beast.
Agreed so much Princess. And the underscoring of Ralph. I’m tired of being mad at a TV show, but I can’t help it.
You are so good, Heidi. Smelling this shit the minute they mentioned it. And preparing us for the shitfest and the real meaning and purpose of the shit. Thank you.
I don’t know if this show has ever been 50%judges/50%viewers.
I say that because there is always that dance at the end of the season where the judges vote on one of the final performances but the viewers have no say. Doesn’t that give the judges a little bit of an edge? Or did the group swing even that out?
lizzbeth, that dance at the end of the season actually doesn’t give the judges an edge. By the time you get to that dance – and they usually score everyone pretty well on it – a point or two isn’t likely to make a difference one way or the other. They just increase the totals which decreases the margins, but only very slightly.
I’m still having a hard time thinking that Brandy got eliminated because they overscored Bristol. Yes, overscoring helps a contestant stay in longer but there’s no guarantee and if anyone thinks that the voters had nothing to do with Bristol staying, which I really they did. So I think there’s a possibility that many people were actually voting for Bristol because some thought she was improving as a non-dancer and not only because “she was a teenager who got knocked up” and got on TV about that. The reason why I think this is because of Steve Woz in season 8. He had a total score of 10 and was saved. So unless the producers decided to rig the show and save Steve, it was the voters that saved him. It’s very hard to save someone with a score of 10. I was very shocked he wasn’t eliminated that night.
To answer Sally’s question, Kym got hurt in the Salsa, not the A. Tango. I know a couple others were doing the A. Tango first so they did that one first. When Hines and Kym were doing the Salsa, I was holding my breath and biting my nails the whole time, thinking “Oh god, don’t do ONE lift!” Thank god they made it through. I’m also very happy that Kym’s ok. Show wouldn’t be the same without her, not just for me but for many others, too, I think.
Actually, Liz, I think you’re kinda helping me make my point about the scoring and the voting. Yes, of course, overscoring won’t do it alone – people were voting for her. But it was not “shocking” BECAUSE the judges had so consistently over scored Bristol. That’s not conjecture – it’s math. Increase the scores, decrease the number of votes needed to eliminate someone like Brandy. And, for a variety of reasons, people may not have been voting for Brandy – she really doesn’t fit the successful demographic of the show. Not voting for Brandy, voting for Bristol. HOWEVER – and this is where you make my point for me, in a way – THE VOTERS have a say. AND the judges have a say. Last night? Not so much. Last night, they essentially said, “You all are idiots. We’re going to TELL you you have a say, but REALLY, we’re going to make sure this one couple is in the final whether you like it or not.”
All that said – you can’t compare people who stay early in the season to what happens later in the season. The dynamics are just to totally different – there are more people to eliminate, for one thing. When you’re in a crowd of 8 or 10 people, you have a better shot of sticking around when you’re in a small group of 4.