DWTS 15, Week 5 – Power Rankings, Part I
So this no elim/split performance night sure does throw a wrench into the normal, everyday workings here at Pure 😛 I realize that, since there is no elimination this week, it’s sort of pointless to try and predict who goes home – but the power rankings do allow for some interesting discussion, so we don’t want to just skip them altogether. So just think of these as “theoretical power rankings” – who I would predict to go home if there actually was an elimination this week. And since it’s split into two nights, this is what I’m going to do: tonight’s rankings are just for those that we saw dancing individually tonight (Gilles & Peta, Kelly & Val, Kirstie & Maks, Emmitt & Cheryl) – so if these were the only contestants left, who I would predict to go home out of the four. I’ll also include some thoughts on Team “Call Me Maybe”. For tomorrow’s rankings, I will rank EVERYONE – and to save myself the work (and the redundancy) of commenting on every single couple again, I will probably just copy and paste my commentary from this post, and add any additional commentary I feel necessary after seeing tomorrow night’s couples dance. Make sense? Good…because I’m not so sure I understand it myself 😛
1.) Gilles & Peta – Well, guess I can’t really get too mad at the overscoring of this one, since it’s kind of become par for the course this season. I actually thought Gilles had some really nice lines in this rumba – he was actually extending both his arms and his legs nicely. But my big problem was that I still felt like Peta was doing all the work…and it got a little repetitive. To concur with Len, I got tired of the leg extensions and displays of flexibility really quickly, and it seemed to slow everything down just a little too much. It was a time-waster in an already shortened routine. It seemed like the first part (the a cappella part) was nice, and then once the crescendo hit with the instruments it was all overwrought emotion from there on out. I would have probably given it a 28, tops, because I felt like there just wasn’t as much content as there should have been. 29.5 is an awfully cushy score.
2.) Emmitt & Cheryl – Lack of hip action and excessive shimmying aside – I actually ended up really liking this routine 🙂 Probably my favorite individual routine of the night, as Emmitt just seemed to be having a ton of fun to a really cheesy song. I got a little worried at the beginning when I saw Cheryl doing a lot of shimmying around Emmitt, thinking that this would be a repeat of their bolero where Cheryl just did a lot of dancing around him. But once they got into the routine a little more, I thought he did a pretty good amount of moving himself, and there actually was a considerable amount of samba content in this routine (you listening, Val?) Could have done without the giant inflatable parrots, but hey, we can’t always get what we want 😉
3.) Kirstie & Maks – Technically, I think it was the best routine Kirstie’s done so far this season, but I just ended up feeling kind of “meh” about it – probably because both Kirstie & Maks looked uncharacteristically cheerless in it. Seriously, between the black costumes and their intense, focused expressions, I thought they were quickstepping at a funeral. Did Mrs. Robinson die at the end of The Graduate? I’m confused 😛 Guess after I heard what song they were dancing to, I was expecting this dance to be as camp as Christmas – but it was just too tame. I think she started off strong and had a good frame, and then maybe got a little bungled up on the bouncing sections, but overall I liked the choreography. Just wish they would have remembered to have fun with it 😛 If we were basing this week’s elim solely on this one dance, I’d say Kirstie should probably be a bit worried – but since she’s got the team dance (and next week’s dances) to give her a boost, I wouldn’t be too worried…yet.
4.) Kelly & Val – Anyone else think they may have phoned it in on this samba, given how stressed and busy they were showing Kelly to be in the reheasal package? 🙁 I don’t feel like Kelly or Val really got 100% into this routine, and for the first time since week 2, I saw Kelly get a little bit intimidated and unsure of herself out on the floor. She also seemed a little wobbly, and I saw some funky arms & legs…a few “Bambi on Ice” moments. I could have done without all of the touchy-feely-sexy-ooh-look-at-how-much-chemistry-we-have stuff at the beginning, and I would have liked a little more meat & potatoes samba in this samba, but that kinda goes without saying. Len & I were surprisingly like-minded in regards to tonight’s show 😛 But again, I have to wonder if Kelly & Val had a rough week between her work schedule and the team dance rehearsal, and maybe knew they were kind of half-assing it – because neither one looked very surprised or upset by the critiques or scores they got. Perhaps they took a calculated risk in a week they knew wouldn’t matter too much? If I were Kelly, I would be slightly worried after this routine – for the simple reason that it seemed to really expose her weaknesses.
Thoughts on Team “Call Me Maybe”: As I said on Twitter, this routine was so stinkin’ cute 🙂 But with a song like that, can you go any other route except cute? 😛 I thought the theme was genius: it fit the mood of the song perfectly, capitalized on the celebs strengths (3 girls with cheerleading skills and one guy that is just cool…and hot 😉 ), and made for some cute costumes and scenery. Loved the stepping portion at the beginning with the guys; thought the group sections were a nice combination of freestyle moves and enough proper ballroom to please Len – they were also sufficiently synchronized, given that some of the moves (like the leap frog over their partners) are hard to really do 100% in synch. I also thought the individual sections were nicely reflective of each partnership – Sabrina got to be sassy with Louis, Shawn & Derek got to be fun & cheesy, Melissa got to be “pretty” and move smoothly with Tony, and Apolo & Karina got to make up for their hip-hop mishap last week 🙂 At the end, I was left smiling and feeling proud of them – they could have gone totally crazy and gone for shock value rather than technique, but they managed to throw it a lot of real dancing along with a great deal of entertainment value. I would be pissed at CAI giving them a half-point shy of a perfect 30, but we all know she’s saving her 10 paddle virginity for Team Gangnam Style this week. :::eye roll::: Oh well – at least they can only hope to get a half point more than Shawn’s team, tops. That’s good enough for me 😉
So what did you guys think of tonight’s dances? Be sure to keep an eye out for any spoilers we might post about tomorrow night’s show…and avert your eyes accordingly, if you want to be surprised 😎
Good job, Court! I couldn’t wait for you to get this post up and read your thoughts! I can’t wait to read everyone’s rankings too. Here’s how I rank them….
1. Emmitt and Cheryl – Once again, I loved these two (I’m liking Cheryl so much more this season thankfully). Emmitt was such a charmer as always. And this was a true Samba too. Full on personality and bounce. So natural and just having fun! Such a joy to watch!! 29
2. Maks and Kirstie – I was worried after seeing their package, but, wow, I thought Kirstie and Maks brought it. So smooth, beautiful posture, and carriage, and Kirstie looked so elegant. A couple of their steps may have been off, but, I loved this dance. Loved the end too with their romantic silhouettes. Stunning and climbing up the ladder. Keep it up, Kirstie and Maks! 26.5
3. Peta and Val – Overall a beautiful Rumba. Wonderful lines and very sexy. At the same time, I also didn’t think it deserved 10’s. I wasn’t wowed like some of their previous dances, but, still really good. 25.5
4. Kelly and Val – I thought this dance was clever, modern, and fun. I especially loved the dip and Kelly’s smile at the end. However, she seemed nervous through out the dance and a little insecure which ended up playing into the strength of the performance, but it was still fun and enjoyable to watch. 25
TEAM CALL ME MAYBE – PERFECT! BLOW AWAY! LOVED IT IN EVERY WAY! Great choreography, loved the flying circle. So clever! Entertaining and full of technique! They totally wowed me! 10+++++
Gilles dance was nice, but Peta was doing pretty much doing everything, boring choreo, the song did the job, made all the drama for a OK rumba. What ass again,, “best rumba ever”no way jose.And he pretty much said that he is a better dancer than Shawn, since she can’t do tricks this week. News for you Gilles, Her mambo was miles ahead of you rumba.
Emmit was fun, I liked , it was overscored of course, but at least he was dancing the all time, unlike Gilles.
Kelly and Kristie, don’t even remember
TEAM CALL ME MAYBE _ AMAZING, SO GOOD. WTF is Wrong with Carrie Ann.
My rankings for Monday would be the opposite of what was shown…. Kelly and Val I thought were at the bottom of the 4, followed by Gilles and Peta, because i think she did the majority of the work, and 2 of the judges are scoring on the “looks” of contestants instead of actual content… And Carrie Ann was just way over the top,and completely uncalled for… And, surprisingly, I put Kirstie and Maks AHEAD of Gilles, because she worked hard, and she tried quite a bit harder than Gilles, in my opinion. Emmitt and Cherul seemed to have a lot of content, and worked hard, and while not the best of that particular dance, I think he did the most with what he could, of the 4 individual dances.
And Team Call Me Maybe…………. WOW!! Too bad there’s no results show to see that again! I thought the combination of difficulty and technique and content and tricks and lifts, and matching the music was A++++!!! And the best part? The looks on Team Gilles faces……. Completely peeved.
Great job Courtney and up so fast. I agree with all.
am so tired of the overscoring but guess I’d better just get used to it. I liked Kristie & Maks and Emmitt * Cheryl – the other two whatever!
I think it’s so uncalled for when Gilles disses on Shawn – does he really think he’s that much better than everyone else – OH YES HE DOES – I’m getting soooooo tired of him!
Loved loved loved the Call Me Maybe – so energetic, fun, happy. Definitely a 30 in my books.
Kelly & Val – Not terrible; not her best. I’m thankful that they weren’t all over each other this week. (The closest thing we had to last week was Brooke’s comment, but I’m gonna blame that on Brooke’s stupidity.) I certainly thought it was underscored. However, the first person to dance has always had a crappy score this season.
Gilles & Peta – Dancing with the stars? This was more like “Dancing With Peta while Gilles stands next to her. I really don’t remember much about this dance. It was completely over scored. It deserved 8s.
Kirstie & Maks – She’s improving. She’s still the worst dancer right now and probably deserves to go.
Emmitt & Cheryl – This was actually my favorite dance of the night. It was fun to watch. It is so nice that Cheryl is going back to her old self. (I missed the old Cheryl.)I don’t remember their exact score, but it should have placed them at the top of the leader board. One more thing, this is what a samba is supposed to look like. They might not deserve to win, but they do NOT deserve to go home yet.
Team Call Me Maybe – What was CAI looking for? Did she need someone to set themselves on fire in order to give them a ten? I loved it!
Team Call Me Maybe was amazing and cheers to Len for giving them a deserved 10.
That was the best group dance ever. I actually thought the stars were stronger than the professionals. And the choreography was amazing — great moves and transitions.
As for the individual dances, I was expecting them to be overscored and pretty much all of them, except for Kelly’s and Val’s, were. I wonder if the judges were anticipating that Team Gangnam’s dance would not match up to Team Call Me Maybe’s and were compensating for that difference.
As for my impressions regarding the individual dances, I thought Gilles’ performance was way too theatrical, causing some of his lines to be harsh and choppy. Emmitt was flat-footed, and I was PO’d that his samba scored a 29 when JR’s far superior samba received only a 27. Kirstie and Maks just came across as bland to me, and the dance seemed very slow for a quickstep. I actually enjoyed Kelly’s and Val’s dance, even though it didn’t have much samba.
Thanks for your great critique. My DWTS night is complete after I read this site. I wasn’t blown away by any of the dances tonight and I think tomorrow’s individual dances will be better. But I absolutely LOVED the team Call Me Maybe dance. The choreography was awesome and so cute and original. I thought they deserved all 10’s.
On both DWTS and SYTYCD, I think the song “I will Always Love You” overshadowed the routine. I wish Peta had given Gilles more to do in the Rumba. They look good together but I just don’t feel the chemistry.
Is it mean if I say Carrie deserved to fall off her chair based on her falling off her rocker on her scoring this season and last? That was more entertaining than all the individual dances tonight.
Team Call Me Maybe was easily the best dance of the night. I was so bored with all the other dances that this dance just brought nothing but a big ol’ cheesy grin to my face. Totally worthy of the 10s. Should have been three 10s…but I guess two 10s is better than no tens.
Perfect explanation to CAI’s team Shawn score: she banged her head a wee bit too hard.
Perfect explanation to CAI’s team Shawn score: she banged her head a wee bit too hard. The rest of the dances left me feeling pretty meh. I’m excited to see Shawn, Melissa, Apolo, and Sabrina’s individual dances.
Well, it’s very frustrating that CAI wouldn’t give Team Call Me Maybe a 10 – they definitely deserved it! I’ve also decided that I’d rather have all of Team Gilles go home before any of Team CMM. I used to have Kelly and Val ahead of Sabrina and Louis, but I’m no longer really enjoying K&V after last week’s show. My hope for semi-finals – all of Team CMM; finals – Shawn, Apolo and Melissa. Keeping fingers crossed and voting!
Perfect explanation to CAI’s team Shawn score:She banged her head a wee bit too hard. I loved that dance, probably my favorite team dance ever. It was cute, clean, entertaining, and humorous. It made me wanting to know what the number of the administrion office at DWTS High is. 😉
The rest of the dances left me feeling pretty meh. I’m excited to see Shawn, Melissa, Apolo, and Sabrina’s individual dances. They’re my dream final 4.
Sorry for the multiple posts. Idk what happened. My post wasn’t going through, and then I hit a button by accident and a motivational speech was put into my comment. Relieved that deleted fine and wasn’t put in my comment.
I don’t know maybe after Carrie Ann took that fall we can blame her score on Team maybe on that. Team Maybe deserved 10s across the board and I lost some respect for Carrie Ann after this show.
Gilles is so overbearing I find I cant be fair when comparing him. I don’t like him at all this season. If he thinks for a minute he is better than Shawn he is delusional! 25.5
Val and Kelly I thought were the worse dance of the night and maybe even the season so far. Somehow I got the feeling they knew it and didn’t care. 24
Emmitt and Cheryl, I liked this dance and enjoyed them. 27
Kirstie and Maks….Kirstie wowed me tonight. I thought she did great. She is not a pro dancer and never will be but thats OK because in this show she isn’t suppose to be a pro. She has improved greatly this week. Tonight she not only danced with her feet but also with her whole heart. 27
The real winner tonight though was Carrie Ann. That falling out of the chair was a straight 30!
Team call me maybe is my top 4 now, Val and kelly were there but now I’m liking Sabrina and Melissa more.
I was actually expecting way more from Gilles and Peta’s routine..with such a powerful song like that, it didn’t move me in any way. There was nothing too wrong with the dance, I don’t think, it just didn’t make me feel anything..and dance should make you feel something, even if it’s bad.
So, I thought Gilles was overhyped once again..not a shock..but I suppose all I can say is that the last time, a very good looking, mediocre performer was grossly overhyped, he did not end up winning..so maybe there is comfort in that.
I thought Call me Maybe, was so much fun. It was quite a shock to see Len give it a 10, when CAI did not…but she is a flake, so what can you do?
I did not think Kirstie’s dance deserved its scores. She is always talking about what a good performer she is, and that’s what she brings to the table..but I don’t think they even really told the story all that well this week..and I haven’t been blown away by her performance skills in particular most other weeks either…
There was a lot of ups and downs tonight. The ups, I thought, was Kirstie and Emmitt. They are really pushing themselves. Emmitt’s dance had more content and Kirstie fixed her frame. I wish she had more fun with it though. I thought Emmitt and Cheryl’s attitudes displayed in their video was cute and a great method to going through this competition. I do think that both Kirstie and Emmitt need more work in regards to their technical skills especially when the competition is getting tight. As much as I love Cheryl and Maks, they are going to have to push them with tougher choreography.
The downs, I thought, were Gilles and Kelly. I am really rooting for Kelly and Val so it definitely hurt me to see them struggle with this dance. The connection was not there and her movements looked uncertain. I hope this doesn’t hurt her next week. I agree that Gilles scores were too high. The problem was that the song overpowered the dance. The chemistry between Gilles and Peta seemed forced on the dance floor and he barely danced. He can do so much more. This could have been a really great dance but it was ruined by too little content and not enough emotion.
The team dance I thought was cute, fun, and full of content. No doubt that this will be the winning team. The only problems were that there were times when they were out of sync and towards the end the energy seemed to go down. Overall it was a great routine, wonderfully choregraphed and well danced by all. Kudos to them.
Also, glad Melissa is okay.
Carrie Ann is trying too hard to be the female Bruno. She’s gone way over the top this season. I wish she could go back to being the median between Len & Bruno, when she actually brought something to the table.
The falling thing was hilarious though.
Kelly was just ok. She was scored fairly, but everyone else was overscored. Kirstie was so bland, I expected so much more performance out of her. They seemed to be laboring through the dance to me and she was not light on her feet at all. The scores were way too high. Emmitt was at least dancing the whole time and has good rhythm. He is much more enjoyable with the party dance styles. Gilles did some nice things and they certainly acted the part. But the choreography was why this came across so bland to me. The song was so much more than the choreography. Not that I am rooting for Gilles, I certainly am not, but Peta let him down tonight. But you would not know it from the scores!
Call Me Maybe was great. The transitions were excellent. They had the right amount of dancing and tricks and the right balance of cheese and fun.
Looking forward to tomorrow even more. Except for Gangnam Style. But I am curious even though I think it will be ridiculous.
Anyone else disappointed we won’t get to hear the band butcher Gangnam Style? I almost was sad when I heard the recording of Call Me Maybe come on. 😛
Nichole everyone has their opinion. and you has yours. In my opinion his not the best technique. That’s go to Shawn. Apollo is better in technique that Gilles in the men side. He is a great performer that it easy to confuse with technique. And Peta is not great choreographer in my option.
“most amazing dancer that’s ever been on the show ” kkkkkkkk. I could name you at the top of my head at least 10 people that can dance circles around him, and some of this people are in this season. I’m pretty sure that the blind one is you.
I had major problems with the songs tonight, they did not suit the dances, except for Copacabana for the samba. Therefore, I didn’t enjoy the dances that much. Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” is a guilty pleasure? Really?
I really felt bad for Carrie when she fell off her chair. She looked great though. Gilles was at least a gentleman for rushing to her side
I thought Kirstie did really well tonight, but it was slow quickstep, the song didnt help much. I do feel its time for her to go. I can’t imagine her and Maks doing something we haven’t seen before
I was rooting for Kelly and Val, they were a pleasant revelation and great partnership, but I’ve been getting a bit turned off by them as well. This was her worse dance tonight. I think she’s mostly likely to get eliminated
Nicole, either grow up and learn how to converse like an adult (where you don’t insult people who don’t share your opinion) or get out. You clearly aren’t mature enough to be posting here.
Well dang thought I was doing okay on my pain killers (in hospital waiting for surgery in 4 hours due to gall bladder and on a Monday no less…geez). However I have looked four times for the Nichole post to see what she said and can’t find it…so maybe I am not as with it as I think…hope I am voting for who I think I am…lol. I have watched the Team Shawn dance now five or six times…could it be my guilty pleasure at this point…and I thought someone said they were out of sync in the beginning…well I must be blind because I thought they were awesome and I didn’t see them being out of sync at all. I thought it was great Apollo led the pro men out…and I agreed with the judges who said that it was hard to tell the difference between the pros and celebs. I also thought it was really neat that Shawn and Derek left the tricks and lifts in the individual part of it to the other couples. I just think that says alot about being team players. Finally, I can’t remember when I have seen Tony look so happy in a long time. Oops and one more thing…did Apollo and Derek shave to look younger for the dance…I think so. Oh dang and one more thing as I go on and on…in my drugged state I think I remember that Lacy got in trouble for too much dancing around her partner when they did some swing that she was a world champ of and they nailed them in scores…yet tonite they basically said Peta danced all around Gilles with her legs and didn’t downgrade them at all. Maybe I am remembering it wrong…but I know you gals will know.
Team Shawn was just awesome. You really could not tell the Pros from the stars. It deserved all 10’s and yes it was worth a replay on youtube.
Did anyone catch the catty comment from the C Bro’s publicist??? All she could come up with is …”Was I back in high school?”, how juvenile was that, jealous much?? Anyhow, a good show all in all!!!!
Leave it to Lizzie. She’s nothing but class. Yeah, the jealousy bug seems to have infected quite a few people.
Really loved the team dance. And I appreciate the analysis here of the couples.
No fan of CAI but I am glad she didn’t get hurt or knocked out cold. Somebody should line her floor area with mats. Or put her in a safety harness.
Court, I must have been channeling you last night because I said to my DWTS-watching buddy, “Kirstie and Maks look like they’re doing the quickstep at a funeral.” 😉
I loved Team Call Me Maybe. I’ve watched it a few times already. I’m so glad Melissa was okay, but I’m worried for her in the upcoming weeks. She seemed to be really on some medication.
I didn’t enjoy any of the other dances tonight. Kelly and Val just seemed like a mess, which really disappointed me. Kirstie and Maks, I was impressed with the actual dancing, but it seemed boring coming from Kirstie!
Peta and Gilles. Ugh. I hated it. It was walking and posing to my eyes, and I was glad when it was over. I don’t know what the judges were talking about with the “oscar nominated” and all that mess.
My favorites individual dance was Emmitt and Cheryl, because at least Emmitt looked like he was having fun and that they worked hard at it. I loved his rule about laughing, too. He’s really turned Cheryl around for me this season, and I hope that continues with her future partners. I have to say though, and this may sound…crude, and I’m sorry. But what the hell was with Cheryl’s dress?!?! The gold or tan or whatever for most of it, and then the big dark brown patch in her…area. I’m sorry, my mind went straight to an inappropriate place. It was awful! I think that was the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen worn on this show. Did anyone else notice that? I hope I wasn’t just seeing things.
Girls, can I nominate Tom B’s line after CAI fell (When you said let the baby making begin, I didn’t expect you to assume the position) for “Line o’ the Night” for Cheesecake??
Loved the team dance; was really disappointed in Peta’s work – both choreo and execution, she keeps doing the same thing over and over again. And she is clearly determined to replace Edita in terms of skimpy costumes – somehow Edita looked better almost naked, Peta looks too harsh, IMHO.
Did Apollo have trouble with his lift? Or was it me, LOL?
I love him anyway and gave him all of my votes, he is just great.
A voting question – do you know if it is database based? Or cookie based?
I was able to vote from multiple browsers and computers with the same account – makes me think cookies.
Thanks.
Violet I had the same issue with Cheryl’s dress, WTF, that was just wrong in so many levels.
I’d give CAI a 10 for that fall, but when Gilles picked her up, that was definitely a lift. 🙂
auntie bellum awesome comment, I LOL’d, but I had a mouth full of energy drink. Hopefully my boss won’t ask why this paperwork has purple splatters all over it 🙂
Loved team CMM’s dance. Wish I could have voted for them as a whole, I would have given them all of my votes.
Does anyone know why Gilles is being such a douche this time? Is it just ego? I liked him last time and loved him when he guested on Hot in Cleveland, but I can’t stand him this season. I’ve actually started fast-forwarding through his segment(dance & all).
I loved the Team dance and I too thought Apollo had a problem with the lift; and it did not seem that their individual spot dance was as long as the others. I played it back a couple of times because I enjoyed it so much and still came away with the same feeling. Loved the transitions ..
Do yo think that maybe some of the couples (Kelly and Kirstie) maybe called in their individual dance today because they knew there was no elimination this week. That was the feeling I got.
Kirstie explained her “guilty pleasure”…. a sixty year old woman having her way with Maks…being in that age group I can attest to that being a “guilty pleasure”…..
Loved Team Shawn!
I think Peta’s choreography is really not at the same level as the other pros. Everything is so boring and last night she just danced around him. I felt like Kirstie had more content. Val’s choreography shadows What Maks has done in the past that whole chair intro was very Hope cha cha and a big time suck.
I really like everyone on Team Shawn and I previously didn’t like Sabrina and Louis but they have calmed down a lot. I was wondering about Melissa’s fan base and she is super cute but I don’t vote for her. Then I found out my husband who is “forced”watch has set up accounts and is voting for Melissa so go figure.
Katy, I had the same feeling about Apolo and Karina’s solo during the group dance, except that I thought Karina was the one who messed up. It didn’t look like she extended her leg all the way. I was wondering if her neck injury may have compromised the move. Their solo, moreover, was defintely shorter than the others. Could it be because it required more energy and strength to do the moves?
By the way, did anyone else think that Sabrina and Louis just recycled a portion of their disco routine from last week for their solo this week (not that I’m complaining — as I said above, I loved this team dance.)
Just a thought on Apolo & Karina’s section in the team dance being shorter and the lift issue. Apolo has the stomach flu, they may have taken it a little easier to avoid an “issue” if you get my meaning.
I know I wouldn’t want to be doing a ton of fast dancing and exerting myself on lifting someone if I had that going on.
I forgot to mention it above, but Apolo looked really “hot” in that football uniform. With my apologies to fans of Derek, Louis and Tony, but no one filled out the pants and shirt better than he did.
If you want to see something in the cheesecake, my advice is to NOT suggest it. 🙂 We don’t do requests.
@Laila, glad to know it wasn’t just me! 🙂
Team “Call Me Maybe” had the best dance. That deserved a 30. That is the best team dance in the history of the show.
All dances were overscored except Val and Kelly. The only dance I liked was Emmitt’s samba. It is useless to vote since no one is eliminated this week. My choice to leave next week would be Gilles and Peta regardless how well he dances.
I think and hope that each week more people are getting how douche Gilles actually is and how the judges are overscoring him like crazy. In the long run this is going to hurt him, I don’t think he will win.
Team Sunshine’s .5 point tax was the price you pay for going first. I have no doubt that if the dance order were reversed, it would have been a 30!
Maybe we will see it in his individual dance, but Apolo was his amazing dynamic self. I don’t see any evidence of his frequent “use of the office.” (I love Karina’s way with words on this, such a classy way to sum up the situation!)
This is my ranking of the dances:
1)Giles and Peta: really good. overscored. the reason behind the dance was kinda odd though.
2)kirstie nd maks: great job. Underscored. not what i expected.
3)kelly and val: cute. not great but not bad.
4)emmit and cheryl: cute. not great not bad.
Kirstie is in trouble next week though i think.
Group dance: LOVED IT!
#45 Annabelle – I thought Apolo looked resigned last night (like he knew he was going to be low scored no matter what) but it was just the tough athlete focusing on his game face. He’s spent his life training himself to tough it out through competitions no matter how his body feels, and NEVER letting his competitors see him sweat…
Love this boy. Hope he overcomes all the Gilles pimpage to make it to the finals…
I love how Shawn and Apolo are above all the crap that we see a lot of the other couple talking, they work hard and that it what matters for them.
I loved the look on Peta’s face when the camera panned over to her immediately after Team Call Me Maybe’s dance. Priceless!
@Courtney – I believe you stated in one of your Power Rankings posts, early on, that you felt Apolo was the one to beat. Now seeing how this season is playing out….The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, and Of Course the Same Old, Same Old Pimpage of a select few that happens each season.
Can I ask you, Do you still feel the same? I was confident that he would make the finals, Now I am not so sure at all.
Best part of the night, by far, was Carrie Ann falling off her chair. Check out Len beside her — he does look at her and make sure she’s laughing and OK, then he puts his head down on the desk and laughs and laughs.
Team Shawn! Loved it. Very inventive and fun and energetic. They seemed to work together well.
I’m not as impressed with Gilles as he is with himself. Why is a celebrity breaking up with her bodyguard on the red carpet, anyway? That gun under his arm flopped around and detracted from the performance.
Violet:
We had the same thoughts about Cheryl’s dress; if you are weird, so am I. Tacky, tacky to put dark colored sparkles in her crotch area.
@Sandy – Even with all of the low-balling I see the judges doing with Apolo’s scores, I still think he’s going to end up in the finale, based on fanbase alone. Ditto for Shawn – I think two well-liked Olypians are going to be hard to beat, even for a charming NFL player, a well-known movie/tv actress, and a soap actress, and I think those are the only three that have fanbases even close to the size of Shawn & Apolo’s. In fact, I think the very fact that the judges are low-balling the two Olympians is probably indicative of the votes they’re getting – if they’re not a threat, why low-ball them? On the flip-side, why overscore Gilles, unless he needs help? I see all of their questionable scoring as an attempt at leveling the playing field…perhaps with a slight inclination for ensuring a certain couple sticks around.
At this point, I’d say Shawn is a definite for the finale, Apolo is highly likely (barring some sort of last-minute, WTA cha-cha-esque twist that has the potential to really f*ck things up), and the 3rd spot is a wild card – could be Gilles, could be Sabrina, I could even seen it being Melissa at this point. Kelly? Not so much, after last night. I see her, Kirstie, and Emmitt probably getting the boot within the next few weeks.
Sandy, I’m with you. I too would like Court’s assessment of Apolo’s chances of making the finals now that we’ve seen what TPTB are up to. PH says we shouldn’t worry too much because Apolo must be getting a shit-ton of votes, but I’m a worrier.
Ah, thanks, Court. You must have been responding at the same time as I was echoing Sandy’s question.
Well I think its Shawn’s to lose at this point. Allowing so much freestyle at this stage of the competition was beneficial to her. The only thing that may harbor her win is the fact that the element of surprise is gone, so many tricks have been used already. Whats left then?
I always wait and anticipate the Finale Freestyle Round, well this year we have already seen that, so now what.
It’s always weird to get outside perspective, and after talking to a few of the casual fans of the show – those that don’t go on the internet and twitter, they simply watch the show and vote. Everyone I’ve talked to in that category of fan they are voting for Emmitt and Gilles.
Oh yeah, and those that commented on Cheryl’s outfit – I thought the same thing “Why’d they put a merkin on her dress?”
Also, I don’t think that freestyle replaces the individual one at all – different music, costumes, effects, tricks, etc. So I’m still looking forward to see what they can come up with. I also think we’re gonna see Shawn, Apolo, and either Gilles, Emmitt, or Melissa in the third spot.
That’s funny, cuz everyone I’ve talked to hates Gilles and thinks he’s smarmy.
I enjoyed the team dance and think they deserved a 30. I did not look at the spoilers for tonight, so I’m hoping that half of a percent wasn’t purposely done so there was room for the other team dance to get the perfect score. That would make Gilles’ head bigger than it is now. I like Kirstie’s dance. Kelly’s was ok. I think she might be in trouble this week. Emmitt’s was ok too. Gilles and Peta seemed forced and like someone else said, it didn’t make me feel anything. I wasn’t impressed at all and was disappointed to see the score it received.
Overall, I can’t say tonight was THAT bad. The judges were a bit wackadoo with their scores like usual, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as last week IMO. I overall enjoyed it 🙂
Gilles & Peta- I give credit where it’s due whether I like the couple or not, and I thought this was a very lovely rumba. Good hip action, lovely lines (especially in the legs), good connection. However, I felt his arms could have been a bit more fluid and I too felt like Peta needed to give him more because I think he can handle it. I also felt it that he was trying a little too hard to get out some emotion in some sections. But overall, I liked it. Good rumba. Overscored though IMO. 27
Emmitt & Cheyrl- Okay, yes this was definitely overscored, yes it lacked some technique and bounce, but I had a BLAST watching this. I was totally grinning ear to ear. I was also very surprised at how light and clean this was, and also at how much legitimate samba was in this. Just an overall joy, I loved it 🙂 25.5
Kirstie & Maks- I agree that technically Kirstie was at her best. I did find it cute for the most part but I also think there were some moments where she was really focusing on the steps and it detracted from the performance value. But overall, I think she made some progress and I’m proud of her & Maks. Also, might I add, the biggest reason I wanted Kirstie to outlast Bristol is the fact that Kirstie without a doubt TRIES and really seems to give it her all. Kudos to you, Kirstie. I still think it’s her time to go, but I give her tons of credit. Great job. 25
Kelly & Val- Well I most certainly didn’t care for how long and “sexed up” the beginning was. I thought to a degree it was fun, but I think stress really got to Kelly this week and she was very tense and a bit stiff IMO. I didn’t feel like she enjoyed herself. Hopefully she steps it up and also remembers to have fun. 24.5
Team Call Me Maybe- Okay, this dance was all kinds of ADORABLE! Another dance that I just grinned and laughed the entire way. Great sync, good mix of ballroom and freestyle, awesome theme, great technique, loved the formations and tricks. I saw maybe one or two very minor problems, but other than that: sheer brilliance. 29.5
Can’t wait to see the other dances 🙂
Personally, I think allowing freestyle at this point benefits EVERYONE and it’s crazy to claim otherwise. Freestyle = no rules. No good technique?? No problem. Wanna do lifts? No problem. Point is…there’s no rules and that benefits even Kirstie. You can’t screw up technique if there is none set.
I so agree with those of the posts that say that they prefer any of the CMM team to the gangum team. The reason is simple though CMM has the better technique. You can make someone with technique entertaining. It is far more difficult to make entertainers dancers and as the pressure increases it is tuff to get away with just tricks or letting the female pro dance around the male. It is ironic the groups were divided as they are. Loved CMM group dance, sooooo tired of CAI. A bore
I thought Team CMM was out-of-this world inventive, cute, fun and entertaining! I hope they are the final four! I was so impressed that Derek and Shawn held back on their mind-blowing flips and tricks during their solo so the other team members could shine. I just smiled and cheered during the entire CMM routine. They deserved three 10’s for sure and what the heck is CAI’s problem, anyway? Plus I really loved how cute Derek looked without his facial hair. As far as the other teams solo’s were concerned, I was kinda bored and I hope these couples are the next to go.
That Ganghum dance was a pure mess. They got nines for that…the judges must need tri-focals. If Gilles was any more vain and arrogant I don’t think he would fit on the dance floor. I loved how Maks told him to gosit down…it was the highlight of the dance. I thought Kirstie had her best dance but the fact that Shawn and Derrick had the same score from Len and their scores in general was plain ridiculous. Again bring on the tri-focals for the judges.
Well that was a fast turnaround. We went from best team dance ever on DWTS last night to worst team dance ever tonight.
Well I thought it was a riot! I loved the Gangnam Style dance. Of course it wasn’t technically great, but honestly, this team knew they couldn’t compete with Call Me Maybe on the technical field, so they went out and had fun with it. And I love them for it. This season is all about the over-the-top craziness and this dance really brought it. Every one of them was having fun and I appreciated that so much. I loved it for what it was. 🙂
@Evaine
Ditto!
Loved team Gangnam Style! The whole point was to not take themselves too seriously and they did it magnificently. I have to say, after Bollywood (which I also loved) and the team dance I’m starting to like Gilles a little bit again. Kelly and Emmitt also looked like they were having a blast. Kirstie looked stressed but I will overlook it because of the overall silliness flying around.
No individual dance held a candle to the team dances this week. Both were tons more fun then anything else the couples did.