DWTS 14 Week 9 Power Rankings
Well kids, I’m back after a few days in Vegas, with a few fun stories to tell (be on the lookout for my review of the DWTS Live in Las Vegas show later this week!), but first, let me get back into the swing of things with this week’s power rankings – I’m gonna try and keep tonight’s kinda short, as I still seem to be suffering the effects of the time difference…or just burnout. Vegas is tiring!
Overall, feeling a bit ho-hum about tonight – no truly stand-out performances; some overscoring going on across the board, likely to keep the margins close; and an overall lack of content in the bulk of the Latin dances (with the exception of Donald). Not exactly the nail-biting semifinal I was hoping for, but thankfully, it was only 90 minutes, which may actually give me a chance to catch part of the Hawaii 5-0 finale or America’s Got Talent premiere before dozing off 
1.) Donald & Peta – After tonight, the only thing I feel fairly confident in saying is that Donald is a shoo-in for the finale, based on fanbase alone - and that’s even with the 2nd lowest score of the night. I don’t think there has ever been a more LIKEABLE contestant to do the show – seriously, I grow to love Donald more and more every week. And doggonit, some of the Pack FINALLY came out to support him tonight! Loved seeing Aaron Rodgers in the audience, cheering for “Quickie” 
I liked his waltz, but didn’t love it – the music was throwing me a bit, as it actually seemed to make him look kind of off-time, even though he wasn’t. His posture does seem to be improving, though, and he seemed to really connect to the emotion of the dance. His samba was actually my favorite dance of the night – I think it was the only Latin dance tonight that truly had a lot of real content, and I loved that they opted to go a different route than the standard “shake your ass as much as you can, and we’ll just call it samba” route. It had a storyline, it was different, and it was cute. My only complaint? Donald seems to stutter a bit when getting back into hold from being out of hold – he seemed to miss a few hand leads with Peta, and she ended up finishing them herself. Overall, I think they had a pretty damn good night, and I (knock on wood) don’t foresee any big problems with them making the finale.
2.) Maria & Derek – I’m surprised about these two for 2 reasons: despite some pretty bad injuries, they managed to crank out 2 dances that didn’t completely suck, and the judges didn’t lowball them. If anything, I think they actually overscored them a bit – I don’t think their Argentine tango was even close to being as good as their paso doble, although the choreography was great and Maria didn’t mess any of it up; she just seemed to dance it very cautiously, though, and her legs looked pretty soft – kinda expected for a dance done on such broken feet, but I can’t really overlook it. I did love the beginning of it, though, with just their feet visibile under the curtain…kind of a nice twist. I wasn’t too keen on their jive, for the simple reason that there didn’t seem to be a whole lot of jive actually in it – again, likely an attempt to baby Maria’s injuries, but I can’t really give it a free pass. Maria seemed extra cautious in this dance, as the actual jive steps she did didn’t really have much bounce to them. Plus I’m just getting kinda sick and tired of that damn “Tightrope” song – they use it in the DWTS Vegas show, too, and I don’t really like it there, either. Not really a fan of their jive, but I can’t say it was terrible, either – it was adequate. Overall, I think the judges were awfully kind to them tonight – I like them as a couple, but tonight wasn’t their A-game. However, I think their high score (though still decently close to pretty much everyone else) will likely usher them into the finale, since going into this week I really saw Maria & Katherine duking it out for the 3rd spot in the finale (along with Donald & William) in terms of votes…and although I’m not so sure now that William has the finale all tied up, I do think Maria has done enough to make her untouchable to at least Katherine, which basically ensures she’s in the finale. I think we’re in for another Hough freestyle – here’s hoping that Derek finds a way to work around their collective injuries and redeem himself a bit from his so-so freestyle with Ricki last season!
3.) William & Cheryl – William seems to have worked on his posture in ballroom, but now I see his footwork suffering. That tango looked more like a paso at times – a little too stompy or marchy, and once again, Cheryl seemed to be doing all of the work. There was a lot of William standing in place and moving Cheryl from side-to-side…and the big drawback to that is that Cheryl tends to backlead, so she looks like she’s moving too dramatically for the amount of force William is leading her with. If the guy looks like he’s not leading hard and the woman’s moving hard, it basically screams “she’s doing all the work”. Not good. Overall, it wasn’t a bad tango – he didn’t mess up and the character was there – but it wasn’t really great, either. As for their samba – *sigh*. Content, people – CONTENT!!! I’m honestly shocked that Len didn’t call them out for a lot of “messing about” and “excessive gyration” in this dance – I thought Donald’s had far more content and far better bounce. This seemed to be more about ass-shaking and walking from place to place than actual samba steps…yet it got a 30. *shrug* I gave up last week, so I’m not going to even try this week…guess they need William around for the finale in order to really drive this ABC merger home. Due to scoring, I think William going home is probably not a HUGE possibility, but I also have to wonder if he’s a whole lot better off in the votes than Katherine - in terms of combined score, I think William might be the only one Katherine might have a chance of catching up to. Will be intersting to see if she actually does it…
4.) Katherine & Mark – Oy…just not a whole lot to say about these two tonight that I haven’t already said in previous weeks. I found their quickstep to be rather bland – not just in terms of entertainment, but for once I actually saw Katherine get a bit tentative & hesitant in her choreography. Some of the bouncing around seemed awfully timid - like Maria’s jive. There was nothing glaringly WRONG with their quickstep, but it just didn’t seem to make a ton of impact…it was ok, but not great or terribly memorable. Sorry, but I thought their salsa was bizarre mess – another dance suffering from a noticeable lack of content, and Katherine seemed to be struggling to keep up – and whatever happened at the end that made her freak out just made me cringe, as it seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Katherine on an off-night. She’s at the bottom of the leaderboard now, and I while the spread seems pretty close, I don’t think she has a prayer of beating Donald (the next person up) in votes, or Maria in combined score – the only person I could see her POSSIBLY catching up to in order to earn herself a spot in the finale is William, and I think ultimately his fans will come through and keep him in for the finale – which may leave Katherine out in the cold…which sucks because I do think she’s the strongest dancer left technically, but she also seems to lack connection to the dance and the audience. Kinda stinks that she’d be eliminated this close to the finale, but hey – it happens every season, and the show still goes on.
So who you guys actually see moving onto the finale vs. who do you hope is moving onto the finale? 
I’m tired. I want a nap.
I’m agreeing with Maks, which means I need professional help.
I think Katherine will get sympathy votes to get her to finals. I thought the judges were generous about her salsa. Mark inspired by Derek last week? Either way, lacked content too. Mark puts so much of those side by side shimmies even with Katherine’s samba and jive. She has slowly declined IMO but started off so high that I feel maybe just on being known as the technician, she can get through.
I am not sure Maria gets there because while she has tons of support, are they voting? Though that opening of her argentinr tango was amazing! She impressed. I wonder if the judges overscored to set up a shock? I hope not but the cynic in me sadly wonders. I hope I am wrong. Maria’s jive was interesting. Not as bad as I anticipated but I think they were surprised by the tens too, lol.
I agree Donald is the only sure thing.
Will be interesting tomorrow. Now off to vote some more.
THANK YOU Courtney for saying what I was thinking – Maria’s legs were waay too soft in her AT, and the jive… wasn’t, really. I actually thought for a while there that they were trying to throw Donald under a bus, considering the scores he got compared to the others. I don’t think Katherine was at her best, but I don’t think it was her worst, and I’m power-voting for them in the hopes that somehow they can knock out William. Yeah, don’t get me started on William…
PH – Fear not for agreeing with Maks!
As a friend of mine says, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut on occasion”… 
William and Maria were overscored, and Donald should have gotten at least 1 perfect score.
I really hope Katherine doesn’t go…she’s been so consistent and and is technically strong…
I’m confused as to how Donald’s samba gets a 29 while William’s gets a 30. I thought Donald should have gotten a 30 and William’s should have been a 27.
I thought Maria was pretty good, but overscored. Her Argentine Tango was good and very well choreographed, but the legs were not straightened or sharp. I think it should have been a 27. Her jive lacked some jive content and looked too cautious IMO and I was surprised she got a 29. I expected Len to at least say something. I still think she should be in the finale as oppose to William, though.
I agree that Katherine’s salsa wasn’t that great even before her stumble/injury at the end. I think Mark wanted her to take the more wild route and it looked like she felt uncomfortable with it.
All in all, I thought William (despite improving a lot since week one) was the weakest dancer tonight, but I agree that unless Katherine’s fans really rally, she’s the one most in danger of going home. I gave all my votes to her, because it would be sad to see her not make the finale. I think she’s the best dancer this season and just have a bad night tonight.
I thought the dancing tonight wasnt really impressive for anyone…it was almost whoever kept their head above water looked the best my ranking.
1) Maria & Derek – this dance was decent enough…and the best of the first dances…but a lot of the content reminded me of his A. tango with Nicole so i couldnt help but compare…and her legs are just a BIG NO compared to nicoles..not sharp enough, not fierce enough, not 30 worthy.
their jive was derek obviously covering up the fact that maria cannot do jive kicks…and while it was glaringly obvious…i give them a pass, but it atleast produced a half-way pleasant routine to watch with no glaring mistakes…which is made of win tonight
2) Donald & Peta Waltz – loved their song and the all white…and give him credit – it was ok. but he really needs to smooth out his arms (always looks like he is about to karate chop someone)
samba – another case of winning routine not because of greatness, but rather because, of no mistakes and enjoyable when others choked …so solid overall night for him
3) william and cheryl – his tango was passable, but he really needs to tuck him bum in!! it was so distracting tonight.
samba – im not a ballroom expert, but im also not stupid…that was a SALSA under the title of samba. i saw no samba bounce, no samba roles, and the few samba steps were done with salsa hip and flare. I do approve of his white pants though
4) Katherine & Mark : quickstep was good technically aside from one stumble i did see (and she did look cautious), but the same problem that strikes kath all season lately: it was bland
Salsa – what the HELL was that?? i am honestly very confused?! what in the world was mark thinking….it was disjointed, the costumes were horrible. they looked like deranged animals, i saw no salsa….i could go on and on…but it was a disaster and Bizarre. I dont blame katherine at all, but i give mark a big F- for that routine. The perfect cap off for that hot mess of a routine was that hot mess of a fall at the ending (my sis and i were laughing out loud- bc we didnt no what else to do)
hate to say it because, technique wise kath deserves to be in the finals, but i think that routine might of sealed her fate
Funny, Heidi!
I also felt somewhat ho-hum about tonight. I liked the dances, but I wasnt’ wowed like I wanted to be.
Donald/Peta- I really liked his waltz, he was very emotional, fluid, and classy. His posture improved but I do think I saw a few stutters. I too think he has problems with transitions mainly. When he gets going on a step it looks great, but it’s getting from one move to the other that can sometimes get messy. As for his samba, I really liked it too. It was fun and cute. He had great rhythm, he was clean, and there was plenty of content. Again, problems with a few transitions, but I think he’s totally worthy of the finals.
Maria/Derek- I LOVE these two and think they are worthy of the finals as well, but they were overscored a bit tonight too. The AT was awesome, but it was just a little careful for my taste. I thought it was totally worthy of 28 or 29, but had Maria been a little less timid, it would’ve been a 30 in my eyes for sure. Still awesome AT. As for the jive, I don’t know…had a hard time with that piece of poo for a song. I think the dance as a routine was great, but I wanted to see some more kicks. Granted, had they went too much kicks and such, it probably would have disconnected them from the music. That song was far too tame for a jive IMO. As for the dancing Maria did, it was good, but still, I’d love for her to move more. I’m pretty sure it’s injury, but the talent’s there, now she just has to flaunt it.
William/Cheryl- Of course, these two ended up being the most overrated and overscored of the night. The tango was alright, but he was still clunky and stompy and I saw quite a bit of issues with footwork. Not worth 28, more like 25. His samba I did like a little bit more because it was very fun and entertaining and he had good hip action, but it lacked content and he seemed kinda heavy on the legs and footwork. I really hope that Katherine somehow manages to pass him up, because while I do like him, he should’ve been gone last week for me.
Katherine/Mark-I actually liked Katherine’s dances tonight overall. I saw a little mishap in the quickstep somewhere, but other than that I loved it. I liked the energy, choreography, and I do think Katherine actually did perform with her face and have some showmanship. As for the salsa…well, I guess overall I liked it. However, the music was annoying and that outfit wasn’t well suited for Katherine. She’s gorgeous and that dress just was too out there for her. She danced it well I think, but I didn’t quite feel it all the way. Still think she was better than Willy though.
A big complaint I have is that while I really like salsa as a dance, it is not a ballroom dance with a solid list of syllabus steps as it is more of a showy, social/club dance. I don’t understand why tptb just didn’t stick with mambo. It’s movements are extremely similar to salsa, it has a more solid list of syllabus steps, AND it’s actually a BALLROOM dance.
Overall, I would love to have Donald, Katherine, and Maria in the finals. And I think there is actually somewhat a chance of that happening as long as Katherine/Mark voters really kick it in high gear. Really hoping it turns out like that, because I love Katherine and while she was one of the judge’s pets, she is far more deserving than William IMO. Maria was my favorite and I do think she’s a better dancer than William too. Same goes for Donald, along with the fact that he’s so freaking likable and I love Peta too.
Wow, wow, where do I begin? They were all so FANTASTIC! This has to be the best semi-final in all of DWTS history?!!
My rankings in order;
1. Peta and Donald – Both dances were flawless. The first so elegant, smooth, full of beauty, and romance. It was angel sent again and it put me in a spell. I loved all the cool beats and bouncing in the second dance. The choreography was so fun. I wanted to get up and dance too. 1st dance: 30 2nd dance: 30 Total: 60
2. William and Cheryl – I loved both dances, but, the second dance was the powerhouse. I couldn’t find a thing wrong with it. It was fun, sexy, and bouncey. One of Cheryl’s best Sambas ever. 1st dance: 28 2nd dance: 30 Total: 58
3. Maria and Derek – I didn’t like their second dance as much as their first. It felt off and I didn’t think her feet and kicks were as fast as they should be, but, wow that Tango. Just brilliant, passionate, powerful, and captivating. 1st dance: 30 2nd dance: 27 Total: 57
4. Mark and Katherine – She was a little messy in her footwork in places in the first dance and the ending was botched in the second dance. Even so, these two have it in spades when it comes to the entertainment factor. 1st dance: 29 2nd dance: 27 Total: 56
It’s going to be painful, but, I think either Maria or Katherine are going home. I’ll say it will be Katherine.
And Court, WELCOME BACK!!!! We missed you!
Most overrated and over scored tonight were Derek and Maria! What a non-jive. No kicks of any kind and a 10!! Next, William and Cheryl…No words can describe these dances.
SHOULD GO HOME: Maria or William
FINALISTS: Donald and Katherine
To win: Donald
I’m concerned for Donald due to his package, they could have also mentioned Donalds charity work, but they didn’t, instead they drove home the drug dealer aspect, I’m surprised they mentioned that he had been homeless. I still believe that’s part of what did Brandy in during her semifinal. I hope the focus is where it should be on Donald for voters, who he is now and his dancing.
Also have to agree on Katherine’s outfit, I hated it!! I want to like William but their constant fawning over him makes me not want him to win.
I’m having a bad influence on Will. He talks to me on twitter during the show. But I would’t say “piece of poo” in regard to Maria and Derek’s jive song, I would say piece of SHIT, so clearly I have to work on Will a bit more.
I think Maria and Derek were on equal footing with Donald and William and for that reason, the over scoring has little impact on me. I mean really, when everyone is over scored, what can you say?? Well, Donald wasn’t really….and what does that man have to do to get a 30?? He’s a much better dancer than William!
But really, all in all – I give up. Totally.
here r my rankings:
1) Donald and Peta
2) Maria and Derek
3) K+M
4)W+C
Maria and Donald are easily my favorites this season. Will be so happy with either of these two winning, although I fully expect Donald to win. They are both good enough dancers who are so much fun to watch. Maria and Donald are just so much fun to watch.
William is a nice guy, but not a great dancer. I don’t care one way or the other whether he advances or not.
Katherine suffers from the same thing Mya did, technically a great dancer but somehow emotionally disconnected. I felt bad for her at the end of the Salsa, but I agree that the whole thing was just weird. And what’s with Mark and cages? What on earth did that have to do with anything?
Tomorrow I hope Maria and Donald are announced safe first, leaving the judges favorites the last two standing with one of them going home, preferrably William, but I think it will be Katherine.
LOL Heidi! Yes I guess you do, I am not one to throw the word shit around a lot, but I guess I shall learn
I feel bad about Williams’ samba, but I totally called it. (Sad smirk.)
Cheryl is beginning to really get on my nerves.
Katherine leaves tomorrow, Maria after her.
Donald/William finale, Donald wins.
Sad pathetic blatant cheating by the judges to get golden boy Hough in the Finals……what a ridiculous NON Jive, worst ever on the show & it gets 10′s sorry but eff off judges, giving that dance a 10 spits in the face of the brilliant Jive Katherine did week 2.
Won’t matter anyway, I hope Maria & Derek get to the Finals only to be booted out on their “broken ass’s” 3rd place.
For sure the Final 2 will be William & Donald & sorry but William should win.
sorry I need to pick my jaw up off the floor but someone did not say that Maria is a better dancer than William???
……….have I entered the Twighlight Zone?
Lisa: On your free Willy soap box again? Its getting sickening. You need to get over it. All Cheryl does is flaunt him like a strip pole in a club.
You need to get off of Derek and Maria’s case. You must be obsessed!
I’d like William to go, but I really think it will be Katherine. It’s not from the stumble in the salsa- that stumble and the resulting possible injury would get more sympathy votes than anything else. The problem was the quickstep was just ok, I thought she looked extremely tentative and I saw more than one error, and the salsa was just so poorly conceived. Mark what were you thinking? The let’s-turn-the-latin-dance-into-an-Asian/Middle Eastern-dance-trick was covered, better, by someone just last week. She did put more oomph in the dance, which I liked to see, but I hated the choreography and the costumes. I think those things could drive a nail in the coffin. I am disappointed in Mark’s choreography this season for a great dancer. He normally really ups the game with a good dancer but I really don’t think he did this season.
Anyway, I didn’t like William’s tango, it was just ok, nothing special. I actually enjoyed the samba, because they did make it more like salsa, and he is very fluid and comfortable in that kind of movement. I think it should have had more samba content to get a 30 though.
I really think Donald is going to win. He is so likeable and does really well at every dance. Peta’s choreography has also been great this season, it’s been great to see new pros bring something fresh and dynamic to the show. I wish his jive last week got a 30. I don’t actually think his dances did deserve a 30 tonight. They were both good, but not particularly wowing like that one was. But he is a shoo-in for the finale, the only shoo-in in my opinion. And I know he will get that 30.
I was very impressed with Maria and Derek. I thought their AT was great. Then when you consider the injuries, it made it even more impressive. No, I will admit it wasn’t as good as Nicole or Jennifer, but, as much as I like Maria, most of us can agree she isn’t as good a dancer as either of them. Derek choreographed a great dance that she was totally capable of doing, and that was a smart move. The jive, I also liked. I thought Derek also was smart here, the dance really fit the song and he went easy on Maria. Of course, I would have loved a better song and more jive content, but I think at this point, Derek is doing his job–making his celebrity shine to the best of her ability, with her abilities and injuries. She has come so far and they have had some of the most memorable dances of the season.
Oh I said that Maria is better than William, right here!! *raises hand* me me me me!!!
Honestly, I don’t think much of that comment was very civil or logical, kinda mean and hateful if you ask me, sorry.
Well, let me ask you something completely off topic:
When this season – that started so good and we (at least I) thought that would be the best season ever – became this bland and confused season?
I think that was on somewhere between Kym’s abuse and Rock week… =/
Will, pay no attention to Lisa – clearly someone desperate for attention, & willing to act out like a petulant child in order to get it. She’s not really doing herself any favors…
And Lisa, seriously – figure out some other way to fulfill your need for human interaction. Last season you did it by playing the part of the desperate Tristan fangirl; this season you’re suddenly the antagonistic, anti-Derek crusader. Neither character fits you particularly well.
People….ignore trolls, please.
If it weren’t for Katherine’s freak out/misstep Bruno would have given a 10 to everyone tonight.
William & Cheryl:
Tango – I think Willy Boy gets up in his head sometimes. The tango was better than I thought it would be, but the over scoring continues. Bruno was definitely giving him a vagina score. Whatever, William is probably having it locked up in the finals.
Samba – Okay…I (and everyone else) called that perfect 30 probably 2 or 3 week ago. And TPTB just so conveniently had William dance the Samba in the Semi-Finals because they knew it was a guaranteed 30 as well. I actually don’t think it was that bad. It was probably his best dance. What I don’t get is what Court said: All hips and what? He called Nicole out for too much gyrating and gave her a 7. What is it about William that has these judges go cray-cray?
Katherine & Mark:
Quickstep – Too many stumbles to have earned 2 10s in my opinion. The poor girl has become Kyle Massey. Too many 10s and not a single 30 (I’m not comparing her in any other way, just score wise so don’t get your panties in a wad). And her legs seemed really wooden for me. Not her best.
Salsa – Um…Mark you wanna not copy Derek? Well, I shouldn’t say that. But I actually thought the Salsa was pretty good. And I think Katherine was more upset about the mistake because she knew she probably just lost herself a spot in the Finals. At the end she looked in pain too. So maybe she was hurt. She had some awesome hips, I thought. I was about to call 30 out loud and then IT happened. Poor girl. :/
Donald & Peta:
Waltz – He’s officially my pick to win. But this waltz…I dunno, I’m kind of iffy about it. Yeah, it was very emotional and sensual. Something just seemed off about him though in this dance. I think he was stumbling over his feet, although we really couldn’t tell because of the smoke. And another thing about the smoke: I’m pretty sure Peta’s foot came off, but the smoke covered it so CAI didn’t call it.
Samba – Again, he’s my favorite, but I felt the same kind of attitude about the samba. Very tentative, and I keep yelling in my head “GET THOSE EYES UP DONALD! GET ‘EM UP NAOW!” I’m surprised no one mentioned it. But was it his best? Nah, that honor belongs to his Jive.
Maria & Derek:
Argentine Tango – I actually thought it was her best dance. But at the same time, I kept thinking Audrina Patridge. I say that because when she would look away from Derek, she kind of had this dead look in her eyes, like nothing was there. And then when she would look at him (and hello! The ways she was looking at him when they finished?!) it was all fire and intensity. It was a really good Tango, but over scored methinks.
Jive – I call bullshit on Bruno and Carrie Ann. How in the world was that Jive worthy of 10s? They took forever to start, they was just standing around and moving their feet. I know she’s injured but can you at least not make it seem that way? I’m probably going to get flack for that last statement… Anyway, 27 at best. I have to disagree with the judges on this one. VASTLY over scored.
margaret, Lisa is not breaking any rules other than coming close to trolling. What Derek fans need to learn to do is to ignore obvious baiting by obsessed haters. Please start to work on that – thanks. I’ll take care of Lisa if she goes too far.
Oh lord. “They was just standing around?” Come on me. “They WERE just standing around.”
Will, best comment of the night.
Lisa, may I suggest anger management.
Rewatched Maria’s jive and loved what she said about Derek after. She’s right, she would not be getting tens, or making it to the finals if it weren’t for him.
It was not the best jive of the season, that goes to Donald, but for her skills, and where she started, it was great.
Oh! And Tom let a mini-spoiler out! Did anyone catch it? He said they’re revealing something about next season. Although I can’t remember if it was tomorrow night or next week… All Star Season here we come bby!
I’m not Courtney, but I’ll answer, Carlos. What happened was that through this week, the pros have each choreographed SIXTEEN dances which they have then had to teach to complete novices. They have had to teach either two or three dances to these novices starting in week five. I’m sorry, but that is absolutely ridiculous.
People want to know why Derek and/or Mark aren’t up to their usual standards?? They’ve never had to choreograph this many dances for amatures before. Really, choreographic burnout and injuries out the wazoo – what more can you expect with this level of training…for people who aren’t used to it. The risk of a career ending injury to Derek, Maks, and Mark goes up astronomically in these conditions. The women are a bit safer because they are not lifting people – but their partners are doing work that they aren’t used to and could also be injured.
It’s quite ridiculous.
This night could’ve been a spectacular semi-final with 4 very evenly matched couples for different reasons.
I don’t care what the judges scores were, but IMO, tonight was a giant clusterf*ck.
William had 2 good, but not great dances yet gets a 30 for a hips only Samba. It wasn’t ok when Nicole gyrated for Samba but it’s OK for the judges’ pet? His Tango was ok, but not memorable
Katherine had an amazing Quickstep tonight and would’ve easily given her a 30. Len hates Mark. I don’t get why, but he refuses to give Katherine a 10. One of the best females in last 5 or 6 seasons and she can’t ever get a 10 from him.
Donald produced 2 very iffy dances for me. His Waltz was technically sound, but emotionally empty for me. His Samba was just…weird.
Maria produced a great Tango but a bit hesistant in parts. That 30 was for the choreography, not the dancing, don’t be fooled. Her 29 for THAT Jive was one of the biggest “WTF” moments next to Rob’s 30 freestyle score. There was barely any content Jive related. A 29 was a insult to Katherine’s FAR superior Jive she did in Week 2. If Katherine did that Jive tonight, it would’ve been a 30.
I hope Katherine makes the finals, but I’m not confident. The judges made it very clear they want her out tonight. I wonder how shocked they will be when she’s eliminated tomorrow. Well, judges if you loved her so much, you don’t place the best dancer on the bottom if she has the smallest fan base.
That makes two of us, PH! Actually dozed of during one of the dances! lol
We need new judges.
I disagree Matt. I felt the tens for a quickstep with errors and that salsa with nines, with a stumble, shows they want her In the finals. I think it is fan bases. Not the pros but the celebs. I think if Katherine makes it through, it will be a mix of sympathy votes and just being touted technically the best for weeks.
I agree with some others who have said that Maria, William, and Katherine were all overscored, so it kind of balances out for those 3. I’ll be pretty mad though if Donald goes home because he’s the only one who didn’t get the same benefit.
From what I can tell (and I’m not trying to spam by posting so much) is that the judges go off to a far away land when some of the other celebrities dance, and then when Donald dances, it’s like they suddenly want to be real? I give up. I seriously hope Donald doesn’t go home tomorrow night.
Tony, it has been that way all season with Donald. The judges act like he is a professional dancer and should be held to a higher standard than the others. I hope Donald has the last laugh and wins.
How do you guys think that the couples will peroform in their freestyles ?
Im kind of worried for Donald, since Peta has never choreographed a freestyle
Peta:0
Cheryl: 5 (season 2,3,6,8,13) – 2 perfect 30′s
Mark: 4( season 6,8,11,12)- 3 perfect 30′s
Derek: 4( Season 7,10,11,13) 2 perfect 30′s
Would love to see Donald go …. But will probably be Katherine or Maria …..want Willam in finals… To me he seems the most “real, honest, hard working, and humble.” The best final group would be Katherine, William and Maria….William 1st, Katherine 2nd, amd Maria 3rd.
That was too bad about Katherine’s back; according to her twitter it was a “reflectorical spasm.” Reminded me of when Maks’ leg gave out during his Rumba with Kirstie, only Katherine’s was too close to the end of the dance for any chance of recovery. Although watching her at the end of the show it looks like she might have had to stop dancing anyhow so maybe it was for the best that it was at the end of the dance.
The two who deserve to be in the Finals are Katherine and Donald, yet they got the lowest scores. We’ll see how big of a fanbase Packer Nation is, but I really hope Katherine makes it through rather than Will or Maria.
I would really love to see what Derek would have done with Katherine. Mark just doesn’t seem to tailor a good routine that fits her and shows her off to her best advantage and I agree with the person who said that their costumes were not great.
I’m sorry, but Maria and Derek had a perfect Jive song.
Here it is. There is nothing about it that’s difficult for a Jive. Come on now.
Donald Maria and Katherine should be in the finalsz. William can go any time now.
Katherine is the best technically, but lacks charisma and a connection with mark.
Donald has charisma enough for a football field. What he lacks in technique and finese he makes up for in how he makes the audience feel.
Maria and Derek. What she lacks in technique they make up for in pure chemistry. Dancing has a romantic side to it and they ooze it. Their passion at the end of AT is unmatched.
I say Donald vs Maria is my finals. Both absolutely no background in dance and both connect with the crowd.
I kinda hope Maria doesn’t win this season don’t start calling me a Derek hater because I am not I just was thinking in terms of an All star season. To see Maria face off against her extra cohost Mario. And also if there is an All Star Season this fall I am not convinced Ricky will be able to commit because she is launching a new talk show this fall
but i do want Maria and Donald in the finals
I really like William. I was hoping for William, Katherine and Donald but I have to say that Derek is a great choreographer and really makes Maria shine. They all are so likeable and I think that they have all gained in terms of good publicity, job opportunities (in the future for Donald), etc. Just like Gilles, I think that this is very helpful for William to gain other acting opportunities. The great thing about this show is that it allows the great personalities to shine and I think all of these are doing great. For me, Donald, Katherine, William but I would be sad for Maria
William/Cheryl – Tango: His legs were definitely distracting. They were bent ALL the time! Was he suppose to look away all the time too? Where were the head snaps? But he didn’t miss his steps though. 7 Samba: What was that? I was waiting for the samba, but there were none I think. At least Maria’s Bollywood samba was more entertaining. 6 Side note: that costume looked awful on Cheryl.
Katherine/Mark – QS: Her footwork was off, a lot of time. I wish it was more exciting though. 7 Salsa: I love the carpet effect on the floor. Did she hurt herself towards the end? I want to get excited on this dance, but couldn’t because I think she didn’t let loose enough. 7
Donald/Peta – Waltz: At last a dance that I like! It was beautiful. I was afraid that Len might deduct them for lack of hold though. 9 Samba: That is a samba even with a non-samba costumes. I love it. I think Donald had solid dances tonight. 8
Maria/Derek – AT: Derek never disappoint w his AT. But I wish Maria’s legs were stronger, they were too soft for an AT. Hopefully we can hear what she said to Derek on result show.
9 Jive: Okay, that was no jive, at all. I’m not even sure what it is. But it was entertaining I must say. 7
Donald had the best dances tonight. I like Maria’s AT too. I think Katherine will go tomorrow. Tonight I miss Roshon because his dances at least have chock full of contents and Chelsie had her best season of choreographing.
I must say after getting super bored last week by Katherine, I really liked both her dances yesterday! Those quickstep and salsa were really fun. The quickstep has the usual quickstep fun story, and though I don’t know what to call the second dance, that was really entertaining. I don’t think it was salsa though
So many gyrations, and I saw samba steps haha.
Derek and Maria. Oh dear, Derek danced with a pretty serious injury? He is a real pro. That A. Tango was very pleasing, choreographically, as we can expect from Derek. Maria wasn’t that sharp but she did really good. She did the leg extensions nice, kept her legs straight. I read comments about the jive and was expecting a really no-content jive, but it wasn’t that bad? There were plenty of fluff (wow Derek again
), but Maria did the basic jive moves imo.
Donald! He is so good. Like wow, his Samba! So much difficult content and he executed them all good. The music wasn’t very Latin, but his dance was 100%, unlike Willy’s. His waltz were smooth too. Loved the all white costumes Peta and Donald wore. He really deserves to win; he learned so much dancing.
After seeing Donald’s samba (watched clips from youtube, not live) Willy’s samba made me laugh. His samba walks were so amateurish and pigeon-toed. Samba is hard but it looked so week 3-4. And there were a lot of salsa moves
His tango impressed me a bit actually. His butt isn’t sticking out as much as usual, but as Courtney said there were a lot of stomping. Tango is supposed to be staccato right, but what I felt from that is jerky and rough, not the smooth staccato of tango. I also felt that the steps were rather elementary, but I’m not well-versed in tango syllabus, so I’m not sure.
Okay last night was so predictable…
Donald and Peta – Thank Goodness for these two, its such a joy to watch them dance. Is Len ever going to give them a *10*? Probably not, but I am concerned now going into the finals. With the blind eye syndrome bestowed upon the others, Can Donald and Peta gets high enough scores to pull it off???? *fingerscrossed* on that one. I call them Absolutely Safe and In the Finals.
Maria and Derek – The AT was great. But the Jive, Hello! Wheres the Jive? And the dilly dallying up at the table, I thought for sure Len was going to call them out for that. But No! Overscored. Jives are to be fun, that one was not. Because of overscoring these two are moving on.
Willy and Cheryl – ???????? I am speechless.
Katherine and Mark – Unfortunately, these two are probably going home. Katherine has been fading into the dancefloor woodwork and last night was no exception. Unfortunately that injury/disappointment moment was the highlight of their night.
Final thoughts: This overscoring of Willy just might cost Donald the MBT. At this point I am not sure it even matters if Willy dances a freestyle…. The *10* paddles will be there. Hopefully, the viewers will come though and the right couple will win.
I honestly don’t understand why Donald is not getting the same benefits that Katherine, Maria and William are – last night was the single most glaring incident of it, but it’s been happening all season.
Thanks, Courtney! Nice to have you back too! I agree with the rankings. I can’t believe how well M and D did considering his back injury – all those lifts! I wasn’t crazy over the jive, but ….
I didn’t think Katherine danced all that well tonight in either dance, and I really disliked the salsa. Mark was sure trying to copy his “brother” in creative choreography, and it backfired big time.
William’s dancing for me always looks the same. I just can’t get excited over it.
I don’t think anyone has to worry about Donald. I think it’s pretty obvious that he has been picked as the winner for awhile, and Len just wants to wait and unveil his 10 in the final when Donald goes home with the MBT.
Okay back to voting!
@Meggie – After last night, I am not so sure about Donald, we keep saying the *10* paddles are coming next time, and it never does from Len. Next week is the finale, thats it!! By no means do I feel that Donald has this in the bag, and that was quite evident last night.
Maybe the judges received the memo regarding the merger included with their paychecks…..
@Meggie – Back to voting? I wish I was so dedicated but I am not, I do my share and thats about it.
Well, Sandy, I don’t want to be argumentative, but I hope I’m right and you’re wrong!
Re: voting – I’ve found new ways to vote for D and M thanks to PH’s voting tips. I confiscate every computer in the house, etc., but I’m not a rabid crazy voter, cuz I just don’t have time! I’m a grown up, not a teenager!
To me, last night pretty much sucked. I looked up during the dances but the rest of the show I was crocheting. It did not keep my attention at all.
IMO, the only one who was not overscored was Donald. He was probably scored fairly, but it looked like he was underscored because of the glaring overscoring of the rest of them. Yes, I even think Katherine was overscored, because that samba (salsa?) she was supposed to have done was just ridiculous before whatever it was that happened at the end (I do hope she’s okay).
I would like to see Donald, Katherine and Maria in the final. I pray William gets the boot. But if he’s pretty much guaranteeed I would have to say I’d rather see Katherine than Maria.
I will say this too, and I’ll probably get blasted for it but oh well. I wish there were other pros in the final four rather than Mark, Derek and Cheryl. It has nothing to do with their dancing, or that I think they always get good partners or whatever (because I don’t necessarily think that). I know they are three of the best and have the biggest fan bases, which is why they’re always at the end. It has just become so predictable. I would throw Maks in there as well, and maybe even Kym, since they are usually there until the end too. And I realize that we would start running out of pros if none of those made it to the end LOL. Sometimes it just feels like I’m watching the same show season after season!
I am excited about the news Tom was talking about us finding out tonight about next season. I hope it really is an All Star season, but with no winners coming back!
I know I’m in the minority, but I actually really enjoyed Katherine’s salsa. I think it was because it was the first time that I felt that she let herself go during a dance. The only other dance I cared for last night was Donald’s and Peta’s samba because they really got into the dance as well. During the other four dances, I just felt that the celebs were thinking too much while dancing. I have to say that overall I found the performances last night to be somewhat flat, but that could be because my favorite couple wasn’t competing. Here’s hoping that the finals are more exciting.
BTW, even though Peta doesn’t have experience choreographing a freestyle, Donald has been watching the show since the beginning so he knows what is necessary for a great freestyle. I’m also predicting tons of lifts in Derek’s and Maria’s freestyle on account of her injuries (which IMO will equate to a boring freestyle — I much prefer side-by-side dancing).
DWTS, I am well aware of what song Maria & Derek had for their jive – doesn’t mean I have to like it. So why don’t you “come on now” and make the distinction between liking/disliking a song and saying that it’s not a good jive song? Because I definitely didn’t say the latter.
And thanks everyone for the compliments – I’m glad to be back, too
I have enjoyed reading comments from this link after each show and find them to be interesting.
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/television/dancing-stars-pros-grade-katherine-jenkins-donald-driver-maria-menounos-william-levy-dwts-article-1.1078396
Thanks Faye – That was good reading… A different set of 3 judges giving their critique and much more realistically I might add. I wish I would have been following this column earlier in the season. But I will say since reading it, it makes me even more pissed off at the way this season is going down.
Heh, I’m happy to see another group who agrees that William is the worst dancer left on the season.
I’ve seen their column a couple times this season and usually agree with them.
Just read Maks’ blog and I also agree with him. Scary.
I have a question for Court and PH. I know you two ladies aren’t the biggest fans of William, but all that aside, I’m curious: What do you think was Willy Boy’s best dance? (Vogue can answer if she wants too)
Tony, I don’t even remember most of Willy’s dances, so I’m not qualified to say. He just doesn’t make a big impact on me beyond me screaming “WHAT???” at my TV every week.
There is no dance that, like Donald’s Trio (among others) or several dances of Maria and Katherine, that stands out for me.
@Tony – It’s not so much that I’m not a fan of William, but I’m just tired of the pimping he’s been getting from TPTB – it’s to the point now where it’s actually detrimental to other couples, mainly Donald, as William can dance a clearly inferior routine and still get a higher score than Donald. But anyway – if I had to pick William’s “best” dance, I guess I’d pick his Viennese waltz…it was probably the most technically correct of all of his dances, although I still think Cheryl did the bulk of the work. His worst was definitely his jive – that was a hot mess.
Tony, in my opinion, William’s best dance (and my fave) was his Argentine Tango.
Hmm…Interesting. As I said, I was just wondering because I’m like PH, I can’t really say. Although I think I remember most of his routines, I still can’t call one.
Well I can’t remember one dance of Willy’s that stood out as a showstopping/jawdropping performance. And I find the partnership of Willy and Cheryl not very exciting at all.
@Heidi – I agree, Its good to know that others are seeing what we are. Their scores weren’t even close to what the Stooges were dishing out.
I have to ask you again Heidi..
… After last night do you think that Willy and Cheryl could possibly get their hands on the MBT? Gawd, I hope not!! Or Do you think that Donald and Peta could still pull it off? Or even Derek and Maria??
I’ve only seen some of the dances and once again the judges are on heavy weed.
I had other things planned for last night that ( unfortanantly ) were much less annoying than watching DWTS. Thats bad. I’m a pretty die hard fan and I can’t say i’d still be watching if it weren’t for Donald. For me Donald not only had the best two dances but by FAR the most content and it’s kinda suprising to me that Peta, the most neoophyte of all the pros this season is giving as good and better chereo to her partner than three seasond pros. I liked Katherine’s quickstep but for one reason or another was not wowed by it, her Salsa? WOW that was content, that was a real sexy Salsa. I loved it and the end was the only part where she messed up but it is such a shame. Derek I realize is having to chereograph around her injurys but neither of their dances were impressive chereo wise. At all. The Argentine Tango was GOOD and Maria I thought danced it so great except it was little lite but I guess I just except more from Derek which I guess isn’t fare to him but nonetheless it wasn’t near as good as their Paso which really was amazing, and the Jive if u wanna call it that wasn’t impressive either. I didn’t see one kick or friggin flick. I realize that she is hurt but it just shocks me that Jive scored higher than Donald’s. It was mainly just shaking and doing wierd feet things so I still think Katherine is a superior dancer and really Mark is giving her better choreo but Maria and Derek should be in the finale. I’m not even going to comment on he of the overly kissed hind parts. 
I think the MBT is going to probably come down to Willy or Donald and I still think Donald will take it, Sandy. Maria or Katherine?? I doubt either has the fanbase to get past either of those guys. I could certainly be wrong.
I kinda think that the judges are going to pull this perfect scores thing on Donald next week so they can take credit for him winning after “finally turning it all around and earning a perfect score”.
William&Cheryl:I think their Tango was pretty good. But definitely not perfect. Overscored by 1 point.
Their samba was his best dance probably. I’m glad there was a lot of content. I don’t enjoy watching him too much but it was obvious that he worked hard. Not overscored imo.
Kathernie&Mark:Yes! This is exactly what I expected
. I loved that quickstep. The best quickstep of the season and probably one of the best quicksteps of all seasons. There was a mistake but I don’t care. I prefer great dancing with a mistake rather than dancing without a mistake but basically doing nothing. Not overscored. I wish it got a perfect score.
Their salsa was the best salsa of the season. Of course there was a big mistake at the end. So, I understand why it got three 9s. But on the other hand, they didn’t take a point off from some other dances. Donald and Maria’s Foxtrot for example, Len and Bruno gave them 9s. What does that mean? That they deserved 10s if they didn’t made that obvious mistakes? Whatever…
I like it when they mix a style with samba/salsa. Like Derek’s samba last week and Mark’s salsa this week. I have to say Katherine was much better though. Because she had the fire Maria lacked last week and Derek failed to mix Bollywood with samba. It didn’t fit imo. I don’t know, I think Derek had little time to choreograph that samba otherwise he’d do a better job.
Donald&Peta: As I guessed, he worked his a.. off but couldn’t get a 10 from Len. His waltz was really good, perhaps one of his best dances. Deserved 10s.
I didn’t enjoy his samba I have to say. Hip action was not really good and something was wrong with his hands. I think Peta distracted him with her arm movement. 9.
Maria&Derek: I wonder if Maria’s boyfriend bought the show? Because I cannot find any reasonable reason for the two tens and a nine for their jive. I don’t think it’s about the song, I’m sure Derek would choreograph a lot better routine in any other seasons with that song. I’m thinking about all the other jives this season and I don’t think this was clearly better than Sherri’s or Jaleel’s or Jack’s. Even Martina tried to do some real kicks. What’s wrong with Maria? Ok, I know she’s injured but she is young! It wasn’t just her feet. She didn’t had any energy. Her upper body was also not good. It should get 8s. Overscored by at least 5 points. I think the best jives of the season were Katherine’s and Donald’s but they got 26 and 28 respectively, while Maria got 29.
And their AT was also overscored. Attack? Passion? Fire? Nope. Nothing. That was one of her worst dances in my opinion, just better than her cha cha and jive. It looked like they were rehearsing.
Matt, your comment was the best comment I read
. Yes, I don’t remember I was shocked like that since Rob’s freestyle. I remember me and my family were like O_O. “What we didn’t see that was so great?” 
.
I think Katherine or Donald’s going home tonight. But I’d be very happy to see Maria go. If not Maria, I’d be happy to see William go but I think he’s staying for sure.
I’ll be glad if admins can delete my post(71.). I forgot to add codes, it looked pretty messy. Sorry.
I think a lot of people (Zach included) tend to grade Derek MUCH harsher on the quality of his choreo than any other professional – whether they admit it or not, Derek has set his own bar very, very high. When you pull off brilliance, “okay” just doesn’t measure up. But okay is what you HAVE to do when your partner isn’t as talented. Their job is not earth shattering choreography every week, but making sure their partner looks very good. I think a lot of people forget that little fact, when talking about choreography.
As for Peta – of course she’s doing well…she’s never had to do it before and she’s got a well conditioned, non-injured partner.
And really people?? You can’t complain about the choreo being judged one week when you probably thought it was just fine and dandy that the choreo was judged the week before when you agreed with the result. You know what that means…
Chelsie just tweeted that she is doing the design a dance tonight. Anyone know who the male pro is?
I’ll go with the same prediction as last season Derek or Maks with Tristan as a dark horse…
Oh I get it…. The Stooges will want to end the season showing at least some credibility….
If it’s Derek I hope he steps aside and lets the next person do it. Even though it doesn’t appear to be in his nature to let others dance for him.
“DWTS: All Stars” confirmed for “next fall”:
http://twitter.com/#!/MichaelAusiello/statuses/202430107422437377
I’m assuming “next fall” means 2014…
Nope, that’d be this fall. Fall 2012.
Aww, I’m glad Chelsie got it. I was hoping for her, Karina or Anna. Or Peta. Heck I’d have been happy with anyone but Cheryl
Why would that mean 2014? I would agree with Evaine and think it is 2012. I can’t wait to find out the details! I bet they just tease us tonight
I meant 2013
But I just saw the tweet from ABC saying it’s THIS fall… The other one just made it sound like it would be next year…
I really liked Donald’s Samba. There was just something so cool about it. His waltz was great too and from the neck down is was perfect. From the neck up he just had no expression and The chemistry is just off between he and Peta. PETA HAS DONE A pHENOMINAL JOB WITH dONALD THIS SEASON. I hope they make the final. Hey Donald, A Rod is single? Hook a brother up, he and Peta would make a handsome couple off the vertical dance floor.
I love watching Maria and Derek dancing together as much as Maria loves dancing with Derek. Her dances are the only dances this season that make me say Wow out loud.
I really like Katherine. Wish she didn’t have that bobble at the end last night. I won’t be shocked when she’s left out of the final.
William and Cheryl. I like him. I wish he had Anna or Kym as a partner. He sort of plods and clods around the dance floor, JUST LIKE CHERYL! If any of the pros have the producers and judges in her pocket it’s Cheryl. They’ll make the final because of all the orgasms middle aged women are having when they put him on screen. Beyond all this I like William and he deserves more than to be thrown out there as a piece of meat.
Princess Heidi, I’m actually fine with Derek not doing the most amazing choreography every week when he’s paired with someone that is not that great. Of course not everyone is Nicole Scherzinger. This week, I’m glad Derek and Maria didn’t pushed theirselves too hard, I remember Kym’s injury in season 12. They(Hines and Kym) made my mom shed tears after their AT actually
. I don’t want to see anything like this again. My only problem with Maria is, she’s always overscored too much. Well, the other problem is I find her fake, phony, annoying etc. but I wouldn’t get mad if that was the only case. The scores of Maria feels so forced. Like some people told the judges to score them high because normally judges wouldn’t give those scores to her dances. I wouldn’t had any problems if the AT would get 9s and the jive 8s. I wonder how much the judges would score Katherine or Donald if they danced a jive like thi’s?
I have no problem with Derek. I don’t enjoy to watch him this season because he seems a bit like attention seeker. I’d like to see a more class or fun Derek like in season 8 or 10. I’m not really enjoying his choreos this season, too but it’s normal because there’s not much he can do. That’s definitely fine. I didn’t say “I didn’t liked the samba” like I was expecting a samba like Nicole’s or Ricki’s. But I think he could do a better job. I think he failed to mix the Bollywood with the Samba. It could be more entertaining. But well, it’s not a big deal. And I don’t think the judges should score the choreography, they should score the dance. But I didn’t understand it, does the judges score the dance or the choreography?
I hope Derek will get a good partner next season, at least entertaining like Lil Kim. And we can see how Derek turns an average contestant into a dancer.
Derek did that THIS season, nutcracker, so I’m not sure what you’re talking about. And for the record, every post I make isn’t actually directed at YOU personally – I wasn’t even thinking of you when I wrote that comment.
Maria being overscored would be a problem if she were the ONLY one being overscored. That is clearly not the case this season. Donald was the only one NOT overscored last night.
You complain about her being overscored for her Jive and wondering how Katherine would be scored. Look at last night when Katherine got 9′s for a salsa that looked like a Cha Cha and where she blew the ending completely – it also looked very forced. Then look at Maria’s Bollywood Samba (which actually did have a lot of content in it, just not “the feel” for Len) the week before which Len gave a *7*. I think some are very selective viewers indeed. So, Katherine’s screwed up Salsa was fine getting 9′s AND Maria’s Bollywood samba with no obvious mistakes was also fine getting a 7?? That seems like a very huge double standard right there. Judging the dance or the choreo?? Which do you want? If they score the dance Maria shouldn’t have gotten a 7 and Katherine shouldn’t have gotten a 9.
You want to talk about crazy scoring, it might be helpful to REALLY look at ALL the scores.
Leaving tonight is going to be between katherine and maria. Personally I’d like both of them in the finals with Donald but William has been pimped all season.
I still want Donald to win the MBT.
Wow! I actually get to insert the “Tom tweeted this and thus start speculating” comment.
“Carrie Underwood, Alanis Morissette, Mary J Blige & Julianne Hough all coming to DWTS tonight. But the real story will be who’s going #DWTS”
So if this indeed is a shocking elimination tweet, than I expect it to be between Maria and William. Maria because she was at the top of the leaderboard and William, because “he’s popular”.
Katherine must have had the sympathy vote behind her and Donald is Donald. Of course, maybe Donald’s Cowboy fans could have not gone out in full force in voting, so there’s that possibility.
I think at this point, it only seems that Kath is safe only because if she were at the bottom of the leaderboard and were out, what would be so shocking about that?
Nathan, that seems like a pretty innocuous tweet to me. It will be a “story” no matter who goes and he never says shock.
In the interest of keeping it short & sweet:
William: His feet have been funky all season, but the height difference only exacerbates the issue in when hold. Would be curious to see him do that Tango with Peta for comparison. The Samba had lots of butt and hips but lacked bounce (and was overscored).
Katherine: Her class and technical ability make up for any lack of effervescence. I admire that she tries to embrace all Mark throws her way, even if/when their styles are contraindicated (i.e. that Salsa).
Donald: While he doesn’t wow me (none do this season), he consistently turns in solid performances and, overall, still think he’ got the best mix of goods to win this thing.
Maria: Her legs lacked tension in the AT and Jive lacked content. Those high scores were more for Derek’s choreography than Maria’s dancing.
My picks: I’d say Donald and Katherine most deserve to make the finals based on their season’s body of dancing.
Miss Heidi I know I tend to ( and all of us to an extent ) expect more from Derek sometimes but really I don’t care who chereographed thier Jive it was just lacking content in a big way as was their Samba and it just sucks because he is capable of alot more weather Maria is or not I don’t know. But injured or not you have got to be able to exacute basic even harder steps at this stage in the name. Not taking anything away from either of them I was just hoping for more from them.
Btw though Heidi, I do agree with you that Derek HAS set a very high bar for himself. He has created genious routines. My favorite this season have been the Foxtrot and Paso Doble and I still love going back to watch Nicole’s dances. It really just sucks Maria isn’t completely healthy so that she could really dance to her potential.
I do have to disagree with some in that Katherine’s Salsa didn’t resemble a Cha Cha to me. At all.
Aack, @Nathan! I hope you weren’t talking about the Dallas Cowboys. Using Cowboys and Donald in the same sentence may rain the wrath of Packer Nation upon your head! As someone born and raised in Wisconsin, I know of what I speak. LOL Just kidding…sort of.
Like Derek once said, “it’s just a dance show!”. Key word being “show.” The contestants this year appeared to all work very hard, so why all the hate? Everyone has favorites, and those favorites are the ones they want to see. The producers are aware of who the audience wants to see, so duh, those are the ones they want to keep! The judges scoring reflects the producers desires, so why bother to hate the judges, it’s just a SHOW.
I was in a pretty bad mood last night and watched the show while working – the only two dances I re-watched afterwards were Mark and Katherine’s, I have to say I enjoyed both of them.
Donald is really, really good but somehow I did not find him as exciting as usually yesterday, could be that I was just busy, but I still hope that he wins this season, my favorite contestant by far.
Maria a Derek – I will allow myself to include a few thoughts about Derek this time. For a long time I felt a little (well, maybe a lot) of resentment towards Derek because my favorite pro Karina – could not win, but now that she did, I think I can be more objective.
Without a doubt he is the most innovative and creative (my opinion supported by Emmy noms) choreographer on the show. His Paso with Allison H. is one my favorite dance performances of all time.
But I have never been more impressed by him than this season, even when he was “better”. Every choreographer, on this show or working professionally, has to choreograph around dancer’s injures, it is part of their process, and Derek is a master of that. But one can choreograph around injured necks, shoulders and backs, but how on earth do you choreograph around BROKEN FEET? No matter what he does, he KNOWS, he is HURTING his partner, and that emotional pressure must be unbearable, any human being would feel awful, Derek, a kind person at heart, must be devastated.
I loved their AT, although thought execution could be better, but whatever scores they get, they earn by character alone.
I already mentioned, I like Will, but his dancing is Ok, not as great as judges say, at least IMO.
If you got bored half-way through the post, I understand, LOL
Vikayanna, hitting “submit” once is plenty. And can it with all the accusations of “hate” – do it again and I’ll just start deleting, because no one here has even used the word “hate” to describe their feelings for William…we’re all pretty much tired of the pimping he gets, but agree that he’s a nice guy. BIIIIIIG difference.
I knew you didn’t write directed at me. But what’s wrong if I wrote my opinion to your post about Derek’s choreography??? Anyway. Yes, they overscore William, too. But I think the most overscored is Maria. Maria couldn’t improve much in my opinion. And that’s not Derek’s fault. I think it’s Maria’s lack of talent. I want the judges to score the dancing. But I didn’t understand what you’re saying. You’re saying they score the dancing or the choreography?
And no, I don’t think there was cha cha more than salsa. I think it had salsa content more than Maria’s samba had samba content. She made a mistake at the ending and they took a point off. What more did they had to do? Maria didn’t make any obvious mistakes but it doesn’t matter for me, because she’s always too cautious and usually dances to a lot easier routine than Katherine.
I REALLY looked at ALL the scores. That’s why I think Katherine and Donald are underscored and Maria and William are overscored.
I suggest you watch their Samba again, Zach, before saying it lacked content. I don’t agree. As for their Jive? Yeah I agree – but the name of the game is getting through the dance. You wanna place blame, blame the judges for the scoring – I seriously doubt that Derek expected that. If you watch their OTRC interview after the show, Derek says they didn’t have either routine down until late on Sunday, after a 12 hour rehearsal. You can bitch and moan all you want about lack of content, but the real issue here is the judging VERSUS content. You’re mixing content and execution when they have different meanings. Katherine is the only one who didn’t fully “execute” last night. Content, execution and judging are THREE different things which I think you are jumbling up. For example, last night Katherine MAY have had content (not sure I think she had any more than the Bollywood Samba, frankly), but she failed at the execution at the end and was basically trying too hard through most of the dance. Yet, the judges still gave her 9′s. Three different things – content, execution and judging. You can have varying levels of content but still execute a dance – and either get great or not great scores.
Jesus, Nutcracker – you WRITE as if I were talking directly to YOU on every single response. If you want to respond, feel free to do so, expect disagreement and go on with it. It ain’t all about you. You’ve said the same basic thing about six times now – please move along. Note: this time I AM talking directly to you.
Interesting coments, Heidi.
After watching Maria’s Samba more than once I still think it was lacking in Samba content but I loved the dance.
Willaim & Cheryl – I thought the tango was tenative, stompy, and bland; the samba was very simple. Overscored again. :p
Katherine & Mark – nice, but even I could see the missed steps in the quickstep, & Katherine looked uncomfortable & like it was all she could do to keep up during that “salsa”. I think part of Katherine’s problem with not connecting well with the dance, etc. is that Mark gets so caught up in his storytelling & props that he forgets about what is best for his partner – heck, sometimes I think he forgets he has a partner during dances. JMO
Donald & Peta – the couple I enjoy watching the most.
Good waltz , & really enjoyed their samba. Couple of little things in each dance, but I think the most solid performances of the night.
Maria & Derek – Impressed they could even dance tonight with the injuries, but I could see it affecting the performances. Both dances seemed hesitant.
The manipulating by TPTBWTHUC A & the “judging” this season have really taken away a lot of the enjoyment from my favorite show.
#99 mczetting very well said, every word
So I missed the show last night and have just gotten caught up with the dances on YouTube, and I have to say I am effing POd. I feel so bad for Katherine. The injuries are ridiculous! TPTB are going to have a ho-hum finale because everyone is so beaten up. Who the eff is in charge?! Maria’s dances were both lacking something – maybe two good feet to stand on? Maybe a healthy rib? I thought Donald and Peta were awesome and I loved William’s dances – especially the samba. I really hope it is not Katherine who goes home, but I don’t want any of them to leave. I love watching all of them dance. Maria would be more fun to watch if she wasn’t so banged up. I think Derek is being justifiably cautious with his choreo.
How can Katherine be underscored? She got a 29 in her first dance and a 27 in her second. In their first dance both Donald and William got 28′s. You guys seriously didn’t expect her to get any 10 after that atrocious if unfortunate ending. I’ll grant you guys that Donald may have been underscored in a couple of his dances, but not Katherine, not last night.
Katherine wasn’t underscored…she was actually probably over scored in her Salsa by two points or so.