DWTS Season 18, Week 7: Who’s Dancing What…and When?? (SPOILERS)
A comment before we get to this weeks dances… if you claim you hate this site, and then copy what we write verbatim (or copy Courtney’s tweets verbatim), post it to your skating forum or Maks tumblr and take credit for the info, you are a sad, poor thing. Not only are you a hypocrite who spends way more time here than your little friends realize (thanks for the hits!!), but hopefully now your little friends know you got it all from here. 😀 Ya stole it with nary a mention of those of us who actually told you what to say. Tisk tisk. Do you think we don’t see?? Honeys, every time you visit the site, we know where you came from. 😉 We appreciate your visits…we’ll put you on blast next time, we appreciate you so much.
Now, on to some other stuff. NeNe is apparently playing a Madam trying to prevent the randy Tony from getting to her girls. Why do I sense multiple, scantily clad females in this dance? And why have all the dances suddenly become “super sized”?? Rarely do I like it. Val’s cups and saucers were cute and Derek’s wedding. That’s it.
Charlie has a song, apparently, that is not even remotely Latin. Why does this guy keep getting screwed?? I don’t get it. Can we have some normal music please? I don’t like Amy’s song either, so there you go.
Apparently, surprising exactly no one, Meryl is quiet as a church mouse in team rehearsals. And word on the street is, as you may have heard Courtney say in the comments, that we shouldn’t be so sure her team will win the team dance, although the dance is good, and fun.
ETA #1: We’re about 80% sure this song is Candace’s…the other 20% thinking it might possibly be NeNe’s. 🙂 So you’ve been warned. Apparently Candace is drawing inspiration from a story in the Bible to get into character for her Argentine tango…my memory of the good book is a bit rusty, but maybe the story of Salome and the Dance of Seven Veils? -Court-
ETA #2: And now for another song none of you have probably heard of, and a song that is not exactly Latin 😛 Apparently Val picked this song himself, and the artist is Jamaican – either Latin night is Latin only in name, or somebody needs to buy Val a map. I guess he picked it because he wants to bring out Danica’s “sexy side” – but I don’t think he should hold his breath waiting for her to twerk & whine like these cute Russian girls gyrating to the same song on a pier. They’re allegedly using the troupe for their dance, just like Meryl & Maks, so I would assume there’s going to be a “brother vs. brother” storyline happening this week; Danica has also injured a rib, and had to skip rehearsal the other day to have it checked out. The plot thickens…
ETA #3: Poor Charlie. ~Heidi
ETA #4: Court here again with another song spoiler and some info about how rehearsals are going 🙂 Not sure NeNe’s song really fits the storyline she & Tony have decided on, but I guess it doesn’t matter much because Candace’s Argentine tango is looking really, really good – far better than NeNe’s. I guess Mark has really been working with her on calming her nerves, and it seems to be helping. As for the two salsas – Meryl is looking fantastic (surprise, surprise) and is having zero issues “shaking it”. Danica? Not so much – source says she looks “like a librarian” doing the salsa. I have to wonder if her mobility is just severely limited due to her fractured rib, because she didn’t have any issues “shaking it” back in her week 2 samba. As for Amy – apparently her rumba “looks beautiful”.
ETA #5: And behold – it’s the song spoiler I’m sure you’ve all been waiting for. Although that song is really fast, I think Meryl probably fared the best of anyone in the Latin week song department. Hell, at least it’s actually LATIN 😛 However, there was allegedly some more tension between Meryl & Maks in rehearsal yesterday…guess we’ll see if that makes it on the air. We also have some intel on the boys – apparently both Charlie AND James are having a tough time. Charlie apparently “looks like Baryshnikov doing paso doble” – meaning it’s looking wayyyy too flowy & balletic. I doubt the song is helping. As for James – “his song is nuts and barely has a samba feel because of it”, but the routine is apparently “very ambitious” and he could score big points…IF he can nail it. And then there’s the team dances – Team Vida has apparently made NeNe the focal point of their dance (with the boys dancing around her a lot) which I’m not sure is the best idea; Team Loca is apparently doing their entire routine on the stage and not venturing down onto the floor – but I wonder if the stage is going to be built out or enlarged, because I simply can’t visualize that small stage working for it.
Amy and Derek – Rumba
Dancing 1st
1-800-868-3410
James and Peta – Samba (Song: “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee
Dancing 2nd
1-800-868-3402
Charlie and Sharna – Paso Doble (Song: “Sail” by AWOLNATION
1-800-868-3412
Candace and Mark – Argentine Tango (song: “1977” by Ana Tijioux
1-800-868-3407
NeNe And Tony – Argentine Tango (Song: “Can’t Remember to Forget You” by Shakira Feat. Rihanna
1-800-868-3401
Danica and Val – Salsa (song: “Watch Out For This (Bumaye)” by Major Lazer
1-800-868-3403
Meryl and Maks – Salsa (song: “Adrenalina” by Wisin feat. Jennifer Lopez & Ricky Martin )
1-800-868-3406
ETA: Oops. Forgot the team dances. Both are “freestyle” – that is, not one set dance (according to our source).
Team Loca: Music: “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
Meryl/Maks
Amy/Derek
Danica/Val
Candace/Mark
Team Vida: Music: “Cup of Life” by Ricky Martin
Charlie/Sharna
James/Peta
NeNe/Tony
[…] A rumba to “Light My Fire” by José Feliciano ( ) Bring the sexy, girl!! If you want to see what everyone’s dancing (and eventually their music), head on over to PureDWTS for all the info. […]
Let it be known that Court hates reggaeton & wishes Daddy Yankee would just go away. Poor James. 🙁
NeNe channeling Heidi Fleiss while Tony channels Charlie Sheen? Pass the popcorn, prease 🙂
LOL Heidi! I love how the first paragraph turned out!!
“Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee for a Samba? Well, I know little to nothing about dancing so I won’t say that’s a bad Samba song but it just seems odd. I just always picture a Reggeaton/Dembow (street dance) kinda dance when I hear that song. Samba is the last thing I would think of… Then again, they have used some weirder ones before.
Thanks for the spoilers! I absolutely love these!!!
What does “supersize” mean in the DWTS world?
I looked up “Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee. 😯 Oh. Mah. Gawd… with music THAT craptastic, I can only guess that it’s easy to clear and cheap (free). 😛 You are sooooo right, Courtney! Poor James…
Oh boy Rumba for Amy another slow dance, All im hoping is that CA and bruno wont say their commentary like last time where everyone started hating on Amy for being treated differently ugh just comment on the dance and that’s that. I think her hip action will be okay and maybe that will take away from the focus on her leg action for once. I dont know, either way im sure it will be beautiful!!
Cant wait to see who wins the team dances!
I think that Candace will do amazing at the argentine tango!!! Her type of movement I think will really suit this dance, I don’t know, I just feel like this could be her dance, her breakthrough if you call it, atleast since week 1. And like I’ve said before, I just want the judges and TPTB to stop screwing with Candace, as well as with Charlie. And I swear, if Nene pulls out a lackluster AT compared to Candace’s (which I can see happening) and she gets a higher score, I will scream.
I really hopes Charlie proves his doubters wrong this week and rocks the Paso, Latin song or no Latin song.
Poor Candace – why does she keep getting stacked up against NeNe? Now they even do the same styles.
Sounds like they’re continuing to try to create a rivalry between Val and Maks by giving them both salsas. I’m sure M&M will be overscored again.
It’ll be interesting to see Amy do a rhumba. I hope Derek doesn’t try to cheat again like he did with their waltz.
It may be very early for this but I just can’t help myself. Gonna go ahead and make some scores prediction (I got four out of eight last week. Yay!) CAI, Len, Ricky, Bruno:
Danica & Val: Salsa : 39 (10,9,10,10)
Meryl & Maks: Salsa : 39 (10,9,10,10)
Charlie & Peta : Paso : 36 (9,9,9,9)
James & Peta : Samba : 38 (9,9,10,10)
Candace & Mark: A. Tango: 35 (9,8,9,9)
NeNe & Tony : A. Tango : 32 (8,8,8,8)
Amy & Derek : Rumba : 38 (10,9,10,9)
Team Meryl: 39 (10,9,10,10)
Team Charlie: 37 (9,9,10,9)
Hahaha. Just noticed a put “Charlie & Peta”. Meant Charlie and Sharna **** Oh gosh, no… Not the long lost siblings again. Oops!!!!
I hope you are wrong about Charlie’s scores, CC. If he gets nothing but 9s again, he might as well pack it in and get some sleep. I can’t understand why the judges are holding back on him when he does everything they ask, and more.
Ziggle- Extra dancers, props, all manner of crap.
Cheat?? Jesus, Lizzie, are you trolling? Sure looks like you are. It’s not cheating, it’s choreographing a dance with lifts. It’s a risk that sometimes people take when they have few other options.
Maybe Maks will actually choreograph a Salsa and Tony will actually choreograph an AT – or is it just Derek who “cheats”?
I hope I am wrong too AC. I guess I am just a bit pessimistic seeing as the judges have been lowballing him. That and the fact that he got a not-so-Paso song. Maybe Ricky will throw him a 10 ( I hope). Heck, I hope I am way wrong and he gets a perfect score. Just up to the dang judges to recognize the guy’s freaking talent because so far, to them, he isn’t as good as Meryl. *eye roll*
I’m not trolling, PH – I’m just noting the illegal lift that Carrie Ann would’ve marked down if it was anyone else but Derek who did it.
# Charlotte … I’ve been thinking about how the judges have consistently over scored NeNe and I’ve come up with a theory. I’ve concluded that they may well be a little afraid of riling her up. I mean, I’ve never seen any of the Housewives shows, but I know that tables do get overturned, and by females considerably smaller than NeNe (well, that actually includes just about everyone). For sure she could take on the judges’ table, and wouldn’t that be a scene! I can just see her picking Bruno up by the scruff of his neck and tossing him like a rag doll (he actually might quite enjoy that, depending, of course on how he lands, and on whom). Len would scamper out of the room yelling, “Too much frippery,” while CarrieAnn would immediately fall off her chair and for once, finally, just lie there and play dead. Sounds pretty good, I know, but it would make an awful mess, and as janitorial services have gone the way of the confessionals, it would fall to Tom, and we all like him too much to see him put in a situation which might cause a mime relapse. Anyway, just a theory.
Bullshit, Lizzie. You haven’t been watching this show very long if you actually believe that (and you really don’t, do you). Derek gets graded harsher than most people every other season. He regularly gets called for shit that people like Tony, Maks and Val do on a regular basis with no penalty at all. As for “Illegal lifts” – CAI ignores them on a regular basis and she’s missed a couple already this season. You would know that if you regularly watched this show and weren’t more interested in trolling. Not only are you lacking in empathy, but you are extremely disingenuous as well. This is especially stark since you completely ignore the fact that Maks choreographed a foxtrot with little content and Tony Choreographed a Salsa that was actually hip hop. Not to mention that Len also said he wasn’t docking Drew for breaking hold – sound familiar? Since you didn’t whine about them, yet whined about Charlie’s scores (for getting marked down for breaking hold) and Amy’s scoring (the woman with no feet), I can only assume that you are trolling. Or scared that Amy might bump Charlie’s ass to the curb.
And the trolling also comes into play when, instead of just complaining about it for the 500th time, you label it “cheating” – that’s an inflammatory bullshit tactic often employed by TROLLS. Derek took a risk – it was CAI that didn’t mark him down like he probably expected. Bitch at her – or does that not accomplish your goal??
@Susan hahaha, what a funny theory!!! But it does make sense, it’s so easy to walk all over Candace and screw her over as she’s so sweet, but nene is definitely another story. However I think that the AT is not a dance that nene will be able to master to the same extent that Candace will probably, because nene enjoys the loud, booty shaking type dances which is the exact opposite of Candace. So, and this is just in my humble opinion, if nene is scored higher on a less inferior AT to Candace, the unfair judging will be way more obvious. Not that it isn’t already but you know.
#18 That is why you are the Princess.
Rich, Robust Laughter coming from this corner and a few OMGs on the side as I genuflect and back out of the room. THEN I really burst out laughing.
We need to do a seasonal TOP 10 List of PH’s best posts and Courtney’s too!
@Heidi, what is your opinion on Charlie’s “Everybody Dance Now” cha cha last week? I’ve heard some people say that he was a little bit loose in his movements and could have been sharper. I thought it was pretty good, but then again, I am not a professional ballroom dancer.
Also, I really hope that this is the last week that they indulge Nene … personally I think that Nene should have gone home this past week and Drew should have been given another week. He was improving so much!
I’m going with the idea that some of the judges scoring is being done to heighten interest and/or even the playing field. I find the caliber of performance highly entertaining, extremely competitive and much more than I expected. but I do have to admit Charlie is special and he is starting to look a bit drained and I do hope from here on in they judge him on his performance & not on him not producing some mystical breakthrough their waiting for, it’s not fair to him and certainly not to his pro (Sharna) who designs the program & instructs him. His cha cha cha according to the judges was spot on, it was beautiful, terrific, & no recommendations on correcting execution but he still can’t beg buy or steal a 10??? (well some say the 1 ’10 he has received was stolen because he dropped his cane – no credit for the difficulty or complexity of the program from them) and the cha cha cha also was extremely complex and difficult, anyone with basic dance expertise and experience will tell you that. Oh well it’s only a show, they’re getting paid, seem to be having fun and no one’s devoted most of their lives training to winning the ???? trophy (sorry I forgot the name)..so I guess we shouldn’t get our panties (jockeys) in a bunch. I enjoy reading your comments, you all seem to be pretty fair minded. And it’s a live show…not many of those anymore.
I agree about this being a good week for Candace. I think she will rock the AT.
I can’t wait to see how Tony lifts NeNe. Is she wearing heels? I can’t imagine her doing the AT steps as quickly as Meryl did.
Meryl can move her hips. I’ve seen her do it on the ice. And her samba wasn’t terrible either. I think she will do well with the salsa.
Charlie will be ok but he has to get into character. Maybe Maks will help him on the road.
Danica will also do well with the salsa.
Amy and Derek will perform a beautiful rumba.
I’m not so sure about James and the samba.
Another week with no quickstep for Meryl and Charlie. Have any of the pros choreographed the same dance yet that they had to choreograph during switch week? (i.e. Maks and Meryl jive)
I still think Meryl’s team will win but I also fully expect a twist to even the teams up.
I honestly don’t think Meryl/Maks are over-scored. She is so much better and cleaner with routines than the others. I think she was underscored with the Disney week routine. I think, for the song, it was a good routine. I think that they are trying to even the playing field for the other teams. I do admit that Maks is not one of the better choreographers.
I think Derek is doing an amazing job of working with Amy’s limitations and showcasing her talents well. I do, however, think that she tends to get extra point(s) because they take into account those limitations. If we believed Len – they should be scoring her on the dancing and nothing else. It doesn’t seem like they’re doing that. Her story definitely makes for good TV though. So from a rating standpoint I understand.
Charlie definitely seems to get screwed with dances and music. I think Sharna’s choreography has been amazing! The Mary Poppins dance was awesome.
NeNe’s fans and personality are what’s keeping her in the competition. Plus everyone seems to love Tony’s personality. I know I do.
Candace – I really don’t see what the fuss is over her. I don’t think she’s good. Plus she unfortunately alienated some fans due to her comments on her being submissive to their husbands.
James – meh. Don’t feel one way or the other about him.
Danica – I also think Val is an amazing choreographer and teacher. I really like Val’s intensity.
But this is just my 2 cents and I have no dance experience at all. Just a DWTS’s fan. Love the site BTW.
Found this site this this season of DWTS (have watched it on and off, depending on who is on that season), and am enjoying it. I am a long time skating fan, grew up in a town where the guys learned how to play hockey, and the girls learned how to skate. Have loved ice dance since Torvill and Dean burst upon the scene, so it has been a while. Have followed Charlie and Meryl for years.
I’m finding this season to be a lot of fun to watch-so many interesting and strong pairs.
Love Derek’s choreography and ability to make his celebrity look their best, season in and season out, not to mention his cleverness with group choreography. I like how well he and Amy work together. Kudos to her to have the balls to even entertain the idea of doing DWTS, and to be blowing all of our minds with her athleticism and dancing ability.
That being said, I am quite surprised that Charlie’s nice, slightly goofy cute boy next door angle is so played up-he is not that on ice. He has a very strong, mature and romantic presence there, and I am not sure why it has not translated to the dance floor-perhaps due to the dances that they have done? I really like Sharna and her choreography, so IDK. It bothers me that CAI said in some interview that she thought that Charlie had been “winning the mini competition” between him and Meryl. Huh? Then why have Meryl’s scores consistently higher than Charlie’s? I do wonder, like others, if he and Sharna are being shortchanged. Charlie looked quite tired in last week’s package (ok, he looked like crap), I really do think that road fatigue is starting to wrap its fingers around him, and that any positive upward momentum might be slipping away. I hope not.
I do like Meryl with Maks. I like their synergy, and their affection for each other (I don’t care if it is platonic or romantic-it works). She and Charlie have Russian coaches who are the best in the world right now. The coaches are Russian old school, so Maks’ personality and way of doing things must be no big deal, and perhaps somewhat familiar to her. The gap in heights doesn’t bother me, as most pairs skaters have a big gap, mainly because there are all sorts of over the head lifts in pairs.
yeah yeah, tl:dr
@Heather The only pro who has choreographed another routine to the same dance style withh her switch up partner and then her original partner is Cheryl (tango) and Witney choreographed another Cha-Cha for Drew in switch up week which she did for Cody in week 1, so I wouldn’t count out any of the pros doing the same dances they did in switch up week in the coming weeks. I’d like to see a jive out of meryl, and one of Val’s amazing argentine tango’s with Danica, as well as a foxtrot out of Charlie, but who knows really.
I might be in the minority here, but I love the super sizing of the dances. I just think it’s really fun and cute! It also gives the troupe and eliminated pros (Emma) a chance to do more on the show.
I think this will be a fun and upbeat week. I hope the judging evens out – I wonder if the judging might get more even when there is a producer shift.
The division of dances is interesting this week. A lot is spread out and such, and we are seeing 5 different styles, which is nice. I am glad that we are seeing a Paso finally! I think we will see quite a few Pasos in the next few weeks.
#18 That is why you are the Princess.
Couldn’t agree more with dancewithyou! I don’t comment much anymore, but am always lurking in the background. This site just keeps getting better and better. Between PH’s acid wit, Vogue’s rapid posts of everything DWTS related and Courtney’s super Deep Throat spoilers, Pure is the place to be all day everyday during dance season! Love reading all the comments too! Agree with so many of them and disagree with some too! #9, I’m talking to you!
Here are my predictions for scores, CAI, Len, Ricky, Bruno:
Danica & Val: Salsa : 40 (10,10,10,10)
Meryl & Maks: Salsa : 37 (9,9,10,9)
Charlie & Peta : Paso : 39 (10,9,10,10)
James & Peta : Samba : 38 (10,9,10,9)
Candace & Mark: A. Tango: 34 (9,8,9,8)
NeNe & Tony : A. Tango : 32 (8,8,8,8)
Amy & Derek : Rumba : 36 (9,9,9,9)
Team Meryl: 39 (10,9,10,10)
Team Charlie: 37 (9,9,10,9)
I think they’ll start building up Charlie with the Paso and drop Meryl down slightly. I don’t expect anything much different from Danica from her Salsa compared to her Cha-Cha but they are really driving this “improvement” arc with her so I think they’ll give her a perfect score, especially considering they gave her straight 9s this past week and Salsa isn’t THAT involved technique wise.
While I do think Candace could do great with the AT she has missed at least 1 full day of rehearsal since she was in NYC yesterday and I think the judges will continue to be critical of her. I think this will be the dance that the judges get “real” with Nene and both she and Tony will be flabbergasted (much like Leah last season during the semis). I fully expect her to be eliminated though.
Agree about all the extras in dances…some of it turns out cute, alot of it us just distracting.
Meryl quiet as a church mouse? I totally relate to her- I’m shy too especially in group settings. Makes her performing these dances (as well as what she can do on the ice) even more amazing in my opinion!
Val and Danica will be missing a couple of days rehearsals also. They are travelling to Washington for Danica’s science fair expo. Not sure if it matters as she is such a good dancer but that is what she is up to this weekend.
@Judy: I doubt it will effect her that much. She’s already a very good dancer and Salsa isn’t as complicated as Argentine Tango, I think anyway. I’m sure Val’s going with her also so they can still fit in rehearsal.
Awww Meggie. THANKS!!xx 😉
Ok CC and DLT, I will play again too…
Danica & Val: Salsa : 10, 9, 10, 10
Meryl & Maks: Salsa : 9, 9, 9, 10 (they don’t seem to do as well with the faster dances)
Charlie & Sharna : Paso : 10, 10, 10, 10 (I have a feeling their paso will be off the charts and they will get their first week of all 10’s. I hope so)
James & Peta : Samba : 9, 9, 9, 9 (I’m worried about his legs and footwork again with this one)
Candace & Mark: A. Tango: 8, 8, 9, 9
NeNe & Tony : A. Tango : 8, 8, 8, 8
Amy & Derek : Rumba : 10, 9, 10, 10
Team Meryl: 10, 9, 10, 10
Team Charlie: 9, 9, 9, 9
I like the team songs but I actually like Team Meryl’s song better. I think it’s catchier and will probably get the audience more jazzed up than livin’ la vida loca. Plus, with choreographers like Sharna, Team Charlie has a really good shot unless the dance itself is messy Although with 2 less bodies, their risk of messiness is reduced. I’m still quietly team Meryl because of Amy and Candace but this might be one where the supposed underdogs take it. Ok. Thanks for letting me think “out loud” so to speak.
@Debbie – Meryl’s team has “Livin’ La Vida Loca”. Did you mean “more jazzed up than ‘The Cup of Life'”?
@Vogue – I keep going back and forth on if I think Charlie will get a perfect score (though I’m sure he’ll deserve it) or if Danica will get one (who will probably be the same as last week) or maybe even both. I do agree that Meryl doesn’t do AS well with the faster songs though.
I really wonder if they’ll put Candace in jeopardy yet again. They almost have to with Nene still there. Anyone else against her it will be too obvious Nene is the one going home.
My guesses on scores (the scores are Carrie Ann, Ricky, Len, and Bruno):
Danica and Val: 39 (10,10,9,10)
Meryl and Maks: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Candace and Mark: 34 (9,9,8,8)
Amy and Derek: 36 (9,9,9,9)
Charlie and Sharna: 40 (10,10,10,10)
James and Peta: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Nene and Tony: 32 (8,8,8,8)
Team Charlie: 36 (9,9,9,9)
Team Meryl: 39 (10,10,9,10)
I just listened to Candace’s song and wow.. hehe. Not sure I am a fan of it but it sounds like it’ll work well for the Arg Tango. It talks a whole lot about a serpent so is Mark going to be the serpent (after all, he was already a lobster lol) and Candace “Eve”? 😛 Anywho, that dance should be interesting!
I also far prefer “Cup of Life” over “Living La Vida Loca” as a song, but I think they both offer some potentially dramatic moments so it will be interesting to see who best capitalizes on their song and talents. At least no one got hosed with a song this go around.
NeNe playing a madam to Tony’s character, hilarious. Followed by the eye roll of the girls as hookers thinking is that the best they can do. But it is a clever way of using NeNe’s strength of personality on the floor. Don’t know if it’ll hide her weaknesses in technical skill but I’m hoping it’ll be really funny and not overly gawdy. What are James and Charlies’s roles, current customers trying to protect the girls from Tony? If the ‘girls’ are too scantily clad it’ll look desperate to me.
I wonder what Team Loca’s storyline is for their dance. I’m sure both will be entertaining.
@Ashley L I think the whole role playing of NeNe and Tony is going to be for her Argentinr Tango, not the team dance. Hopefully the team dance doesn’t have a story line and it’s just fun dancing all around.
Courtney #37 oops Sorry I meant I like team Charlie’s song better as I think Cup of Life is catchier.
@cc
Thanks for the correction. That’s what I get for trying think to early in the morning. 😉
There isn’t much time for me to post since I am so busy with work but reading the comments that Derek cheats just makes my blood boil. That word is so ugly when connected to Derek’s name. There are apparently many who do not know Derek Hough at all. Derek cheating? Absurd!!!!
@Lisa M “Candace – I really don’t see what the fuss is over her. I don’t think she’s good. Plus she unfortunately alienated some fans due to her comments on her being submissive to their husbands.”
I don’t understand how she could alienante her fans due to how she lives her life. She has never said anything about other people should follow. Her book was about her life and how she balances things. This is how she lives her marriage and they have been married 17 years. It has worked for her.
I do think the A Tango will be Candace’s break through dance. I am sure Mark will come through with great choreography for her again.
Of course we all want the judges to be consistent but unfortunately they have been all over the place this year. Some people they score on technique, others on performance and don’t comment on poor technique.
I hope this week Nene does go home. Yes she can be entertaining and over the top but to me her attitude is horrible and I am over her.
Also agree with everyone on Charlie. I think he is great but also getting screwed by the judges scores. Hopefully we will see another great dance from him this week and he will be scored appropriately.
When I think of the songs for the team dances, these are the images that flashed across my mind:
1) Cup of Life – Derek and Maria’s Salsa encore, where Derek kissed CAI instead of Maria as a twist to their dance.
2) Livin’ La Vida Loca – the party at the end of the Shrek film, Puss and Donkey held an impromptu concert.
The continuing screwing of Charlie actually got me to vote last week. As they intended???
I know it’s rather like spitting into the wind (stuff goes nowhere and doesn’t matter to or affect anyone but the spitter) but I felt like making my futile stand anyway. Because it did matter to me to say enough is enough… *sigh*
Hahaha! @Nobleze #49 me too! Both images at that.
@Nobleze YES! That scene of Shrek was the best thing EVER. hahahaha. Thanks to you I will now YouTube that. I also think of Stacy and Tony’s Samba to Livin La Vida Loca . She killed that dance… so good.
Shrek definitely comes to mind! That is still one of my favorite movies! Or on this season of The Sing Off, Calle Sol, an a Capella group from Puerto Rico, did Livin la Vida Loca for Party Anthems night on the show.
I’ll play this game too then. Just my gut feelings.
Danica & Val – Salsa : 38 (10,9,10,9)
-She did well with cha cha, but I don’t know if she’ll get a perfect 40 this week.
Meryl & Maks – Salsa : 39 (10,9,10,10)
-I agree, Meryl might do better in not as fast dances, but there are lift possibilities in salsa, and that could provide some wow factor. She did pretty well with samba too.
Charlie & Sharna – Paso Doble : 38 (9,9,10,10)
-I want to see how Charlie gets into the character of the paso (I’m sure he’ll be fine, but it’s just that for years in their partnership Meryl was always better at emoting than Charlie and he’s just a nice guy and he’ll have to get angry haha)
James & Peta : Samba : 36 (9,9,9,9)
-They did pretty well with their salsa, but I’m thinking James’ technique might not be as good as that of some other competitors.
Candace & Mark: Argentine Tango: 34 (9,8,9,8)
Amy & Derek : Rumba : 37 (9,9,10,9)
-I think Amy can pull it off, but Amy does with the subtle nuances of rumba will be interesting, because it’s a slower dance than say her last week’s jive.
NeNe & Tony : Argentine Tango : 32 (8,8,8,8)
Team Loco: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Team Vida: 36 (9,9,9,9)
Bottom 2: Candace & Mark; Nene & Tony
Elimination pick: Nene & Tony
Fig (#42), by “no one got hosed with a song”, I assume you’re talking about the team dances. I think Charlie getting a non-Latin song by a non-Latino artist on Latin Week qualifies as getting hosed. And while that “Gasolina” song might be good for a Samba, it’s bloody annoying, in my opinion.
Court and PH, do you think Sharna might serve Charlie better by dialing back (just a bit) on the complexity of her choreography? After all, doing devilishly difficult routines hasn’t gotten them 10s. Sure, Charlie’s capable of handling the tough stuff, but with traveling, skating, surviving on 3-4 hours of sleep a night, plus learning extremely complex choreography, he might be heading for both physical and mental overload. Contrast that with Meryl who’s been doing Maks’s simplistic choreography which is, by comparison, easy-breezy to learn. She’s looking pretty “fresh”. Sharna’s never made it to the two-dances-a-week part of the season. So I wonder if her lack of experience will come into play. You need to push, but you also need to be strategic.
CC: I just listened to “1977” too, and I *definitely* don’t like. It’s a shame that it’s most likely Candace’s song instead of NeNe’s. I’m going to have to suffer through Tony trying to lift NeNe without putting out his back, while she looks about as elegant as an oversized sack of Idaho spuds — so why not go all the way and listen to “1977” and get it all over with in one dance.
There’s so much good Latin music out there, but I guess they went for the cheapest crap they could find and clear quickly.
Is this the verified order next week?! As far as I know the first couple to dance has always been safe!
No, Claire, this isn’t the verified order.
And it isn’t always that the first couple is declared safe. Think it has only happened twice. A third time would be way too obvious. Then again, TPTB tend to treat their audiences as if they are 10 year olds so they’ll probably do it again and be all like “betcha didn’t see that coming!”.
I also noticed that that “1977” song seems to have been used on Breaking Bad… and isn’t that like Mark’s favorite show ever? He sure tweeted about it a lot before (and then he blocked me on twitter lol). I think Mark is probably very excited about that song. Maybe he even chose? Maybe I’m thinking too much of it? 😛
Oh gosh Tony trying to lift NeNe… I mean, he HAS been working out a lot apparently so I don’t doubt he can do it, but NeNe doing a lift “gracefully” is where I think the problem is. We shall see…
Rita Hayworth as Salome on YouTube. Interesting….
Rita Hayworth is a GODDESS. If you’re up for it, search for the clip of her from Gilda.
OK, I just popped over to visit PDH and, call me Negative Nellie, but I don’t like it either. While Latin artists (including Ricky) have covered it, when I hear that song, I don’t think “Latin”. Where are they coming up with these choices? Guess I’ll fall back on my earlier comment that they’re going for “cheap and easy”.
@Cidra – As someone on Twitter said to me last night, “Looks like Conrad broke the bank on Disney night – and they’re on a tight music budget for the rest of the season!” 😛
Cidra, you might be onto something. Sharna is producing fantastic routines out of Charlie, but as we saw in his package, he’s getting tired out and frankly almost at the end of his rope so to speak with Stars on Ice, DWTS, and traveling across the country every couple of days (so probably jet lag too). Meryl has said that they only get 3-4 hours a day of sleep! They usually always get 8 hours at least, so it’s a major change along with lots of stress on the body. In that sense, perhaps Meryl is better set up to last, because really, in my opinion, especially in the early weeks the most important thing is to survive elimination and keep dancing each week, not necessarily to show up the most difficult choreography (although that will probably help with gaining supporters). You don’t need to necessarily be pulling out the extremely, extremely difficult choreography until later (especially finale freestyle). Especially when they get to 2 dances a week (is that next week?), I think the better strategy might be to have more polished routines over having the most difficult but not as polished routines. Also, there are still 4 weeks left, so they can’t burn out now..
haha Courtney, that is probably true – with all the fancy animations and music royalties during Disney Week they probably have to take it easy on the budget this week 😉
I find it offensive what Candace is doing. I will try to temper my comments by saying what she says she believes and what she really does are two different things. I hope she goes before NeNe. NeNe at least looks like she’s having fun on the dance floor.
Ugh, Court. I sure hope that funny comment on Twitter doesn’t turn out to actually be true. That would be dire.
Leeann, Not sure I’d give Maks any credit for “strategy” with his simplistic choreography. His routines are rarely content-rich. So I’d say it’s just good fortune that his weakness seems to be working in Meryl’s favor.
On the other hand, Sharna’s strength could be working against Charlie. If TPTB’s manipulation doesn’t undercut him, Sharna’s high-level choreography might. I love Sharna and think she’s doing fantastic work with Charlie, but they came out of the gate pretty fast and haven’t slowed down. While they might be able to dial back this week and next to try to recharge their mental/physical batteries, they can’t coast for long. Of course, we’re talking about an Olympic athlete here, and if anyone can go on fumes and still perform, it would be him. In any case, I don’t think winning the MBT was ever a priority for Charlie (or Meryl). So I guess I should stop worrying. If Charlie’s enjoying the chance to work full-out with an amazing dancer, that’s what counts. Maybe he’s embracing the philosophy in the Warren Zevon song “Sleep When I’m Dead”. 😛
Charlie had a simpler and very polished routine with Peta, and the judges found reasons to slam him anyway. Especially with Carrie Ann demanding that he has to “surprise” them now, I have a feeling they’d mark him down for backing off on difficulty.
AC, I both agree and disagree. Len and CAI’s problem with the rumba wasn’t the simplicity but the lack *rumba* content. (Which is hypocritical as all get-out since they don’t call out Tony and Maks for not putting content appropriate to the dance style in their routines 🙄 .) That said, there’s definitely a chance that if Sharna backs down on difficulty now, that would just hand the judges another whip with which to beat them. Strategically, I would have come out all guns blazing with the Week 1 and Week 2 performances, and then dialed back a bit on complexity for the next couple weeks.
I really think the producers are following a script with Charlie and Meryl. I personally think Charlie started off stronger in the competition before Meryl (and Maks) steam rolled ahead. Now that Meryl has claimed the top spot (and most of the spotlight) I think they’ll slowly start to build Charlie back up so they’ll both be at their peak going into the finals.
Whether that was what Sharna wanted or not I don’t know but it might be better that way. I think when a celeb is at the top for most of the competition expectations are pretty high by the time finals rolls around.
At this point Sharna probably realizes the deck is stacked in Maks’s favor and how desperately he wants that trophy — she’s probably spending more time with him than anyone. So I assume she’s not worried about winning and just wants Charlie to have a good time and put out memorable performances (which he has). Frankly I don’t think the trophy matters much to Charlie or Meryl either. There’s only one person in this equation who craves it as much as air and water.
Don’t mean to post so quickly after my last post but just saw that Danica tweeted she broke a rib yesterday during rehearsals…hmmm…not sure how that will effect things. I really know nothing about how severe rib injuries are but wasn’t that what Melissa Rycroft had in season 8 when she didn’t dance one week?
@DLT – Was going to post it with the next spoiler, but yes, Danica is injured – she had to skip rehearsal yesterday to go to the doctor, so Val just rehearsed with the troupe. Apparently this is a previous injury that has been exacerbated the past few weeks.
I always think of the problem with Maks choreography isn’t *typically* that it lacks ballroom content (mucking about aside) rather it lacks creativity to be memorable on tv, perhaps due to the fact that he’s straight ballroom/latin trained, not further cross trained as a dancer and not theater arts trained, nor motivated to pursue the variety that might help him present his celeb in ways to appeal to the widest audience. And that he remains firmly entrenched in his dogma and teaching style and expects the celeb to adapt to him rather than vice versa. Clearly he has a sizable fan base and he can often get his celebs pretty far into the competition and I fully realize there are plenty of people who view his choreography/teaching style/dogma/philosophy as superior.
I think/hope that Sharna and Charlie, while of course want to do well in what is after all a competition, take a longer view on things, similar to how Derek now views things, *create and perform the greatest/most entertaining dance you possibly can each and every week*, leave everything on that floor and if the scores reflect it, great, if not, let your work speak for itself and for the long run. I have a lot of respect for that. I feel like Karina might not always use the best strategy if the ONLY goal is to WIN, but I love love that she pushed people like Apolo and Corbin to really stretch and grow as a performer.
I also have been wanting to comment for a few weeks how much I’m enjoying Mark lately. He really seems to be in a good place and has grown from that happy enthusiastic boy, through some rough periods into a nice young man. I love that he’s so willing to be fool for his art, imo.
Speaking of Charlie getting hosed once again. I thought Charlie and Sharna’s Disney song was a hosing, but they pulled it off (with a minor glitch). But seriously, who on earth would want to dance to Supercalifragilisticexpealidoshish???? (Sorry for the spelling) 🙂
The Team dances should be interesting to say the least. One is super fun. And since we know that Derek’s team always wins, I guess someone from Charlie’s team will go home. I’m thinking that maybe Nene will finally be leaving.
Excellent point, Jess. As Derek says, it’s the dances people watch on youtube. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of a cheap, tacky-looking trophy, but I can see why the pros would like to win once. There’s some professional validation there. However, I think the pro has to kind of defer to the celeb on the goal. In this case, I agree Charlie’s more interested in having fun, pushing himself, and creating memorable performances and Sharna’s giving him that. Some celebs really want to win. For ecample, I always felt that winning was extremely important to Nicole Scherzinger. Derek took that on board and did everything he could to make it happen; and he succeeded. Of course, being Derek, he also produced memorable dances.
I agree Mark appears to have worked through most of his confused, angry phase and is coming back to a happier place where he sees his glass as being half full rather than half empty. He doesn’t seem to feel the need to try to prove he’s as good as (or better) than every other pro on DWTS and is back to having fun with his celebs. Good for him! Now if he’d just give up with the weird hair styles (first the gangsta-buzz now all that excessive top hair – it just makes him look silly).
Danica eats no dairy at all, I always wonder how people’s bones are when they restrict their diets so completely. Although she looks amazing and all that but the number of fit celebs with osteoporosis and brittle bones due to their dieting is growing. Don’t slam me please but I wonder if injuries like that are sometimes made worse by extreme diets.
Ok, she broke a rib twerking like in that video of Val’s song. Yikes that is obscure.
Well, FWIW, that “Watch Out for This” song has a remix that includes Daddy Yankee so that would make it a bit more Latin? But it seems like they are using the original version and not the remix.
Some odd choices but like I said last night, this Latin Night is at least better (in terms of song choices) than last season’s when, apparently, Lady Gaga’s “Applause” and Beethoven’s “Symphny No. 5” were considered “Latin”. lol
@Judy – From the recent research I’ve seen, seems like scientists are figuring out that our bodies don’t really need dairy beyond a certain age, and it can actually cause more harm than good – I cut back dramatically on my dairy intake last year (due to my asthma) and have found that I actually feel a lot better when I don’t load up on milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. My own doc actually told me that, as adults, it’s much easier to absorb calcium from fruit & vegetable sources than it is from dairy sources, so I always make sure I compensate with lots of fresh fruits & veggies. I also found out that load-bearing exercise is actually more effective at strengthening bones than a high dairy intake. That being said – I do wonder if other aspects of Danica’s restrictive diet could have contributed to her rib fracture. I have always found that, unless it’s medically necessary, highly-restrictive diets tend to do more harm than good to your body.
I have heard of lots of people who do get better from all sorts of chronic conditions by limiting dairy or wheat etc. But I just remember Gwyneth Paltrow coming out saying she had pre osteo from limiting her diet and you can get fractures etc. Danica has such a limited range of foods she eats and whether it is allergies or dieting I don’t think she has said. Anyway, this isn’t a diet blog, just wondered about her!
I’m thinking she’ll be able to dance come Monday. Past contestants have done it before. Kind of surprised they didn’t try and keep it quiet for the “shocking” element of it on Monday. Hate to sound heartless by saying this but it will probably get them some sympathy votes. That, mixed with her scores, will probably push her past Candace into the semis (previously I thought Candace might be able to hold her off with her fan support).
DLT, i thought Danica would be out early too but now think she could be final 4. Not liking that prospect, but I can see Candace leaving this week or next.
Judy – I still think Meryl, Charlie, James and Amy will be final four. While Danica might get some sympathy votes for this week, and seems to be peaking at the right time, I don’t think she would get enough votes to get past those four to make it to the finals. Especially considering their scores will all hover around each other. Who knows though, I could be totally wrong.
AC, Cidra, I think Len and Carrie Ann had a problem with Charlie’s lack of hip action in the rumba in terms of “rumba content”. The dance was polished, elegant, and lyrical, but I personally didn’t see too much hip action from Charlie (and I love Charlie and Meryl). He greatly improved on his hip action for the cha cha though. Just my take on it. I think it was probably underscored a bit though (I think that 7 from Carrie Ann was low, but apparently lift police was out in full force).
Cidra, I agree. I think both Meryl and Charlie want to just have a fun time with the show, but of course they would love to be in the final or win. Meryl especially is the type of person who wants to make people around her happy though, so I think since Maks wants to win that mirrorball so badly, she wants to give him her best shot. I also agree that winning at least once is some sort of “validation” for the pro, so I can understand Maks, Val, and others want to win so badly.
Yikes, Danica! Be careful! Broken ribs are very painful!
I have a prediction on Meryl & Maks’ salsa. Run, shake the booties, lift, lift, lift, mess about, lift.
Just kidding – I am sure the NEW Maks will come up with some fabulous choreography that will knock my socks off. =rolls eyes=
When this season began, I loved Meryl. Not so much anymore! Maks has ruined Meryl for me. Mark is doing a fantastic job. Of course, no one can compare to Derek.
Courtney–My mom loves old movies. We watched Gilda one summer back in the late 60s. Yes, Rita Hayworth is a Goddess.
#PJ…Love that!
Conrad is tripping lol what is with these terrible songs no one has heard of before my god
LOL, Court, I vote for getting Val a map. The boy likes to pass himself off as smart and educated, but then he opens his mouth, and it’s pretty obvious he’s not.
Yes, rib injuries are painful, but this has come at just the right time for Danica-Not-a-Dancer. I bet she and Val will play it up for all it’s worth on Monday night to maximize the sympathy scores and votes. TPTB might even pull the old “will she/won’t she dance” drama. Of course she’ll dance, but afterwards she’ll wince and cry a few crocodile tears in front of the judges. CAI will gush about how brave she is and how well she danced with such a painful injury. Then they’ll get great scores. Barf!
I’m not sure whether or not Charlie cares about winning, but I do know he’s pretty upset he’s not getting 10s and doesn’t know what he needs to do to get there.
This tidbit from E! News shouldn’t come as any surprise:
Giuliana Rancic: “One of our producers probably put this in here. . . . Before you go, we’ve seen your abs quite a bit on ‘Dancing’, but I’d really like to see them in person. What do you think? Can you give us a peek?”
James: (sighs) “I can say I will give you quite a show on Monday, ’cause it is salsa week.”
Here’s what i predict the scores to be:
Carrie Ann, Ricky, Len, Bruno. I don’t expect the show to place Ricky next to bruno
Danica & Val 36 (9-9-9-9)
Meryl & Maks 38 (9-10-9-10)
Candace & Mark 36 (9-9-9-9)
Amy & Derek 36 (9-10-8-9)
NeNe & Tony 35 (9-9-8-9)
James & Peta 39 (10-10-9-10)
Charlie & Sharna 36 (9-9-9-9)
Team Loca 35 (9-9-8-9)
Team Vida 34 (8-9-8-9)
That’s hard news to hear Buttercup and makes me mad 👿 .
Poor guy’s already doing what he needs to do to get 10s. Someone needs to pull him aside and give him the hard truth about the show — namely, it’s not what you’re doing on the floor that determines your score, it’s what TPTB want to see happen on the show.
He and Sharna need to work up a rehearsal package that’s a sequel to the Meryl/Maks package last week. It worked like a charm for Meryl: she professes disappointment; Maks has a break down; they get a perfect 40 on Monday. Mission accomplished.
That gives me a sad, Buttercup – he seems like such an easygoing guy who just wants to have fun. Sucks that he’s feeling kinda defeated by the show.
Don’t worry about Charlie feeling defeated – he and Meryl spent YEARS being held down by figure skating judges and that was their career. Their attitude was to just keep working harder and getting better until the judges had no choice but to reward them.
Charlie is incredibly competitive. I don’t think he’s capable of entering any kind of competition and not caring tremendously about winning. He talked a lot in his earlier packages about where he was on the leaderboard and about his scores. He does care about that stuff, so I’m sure working for 10’s is his agenda.
@Sam well my guess is that we’ll be seeing LOTS of abs on Monday night and not just from James. I predict Val, Tony, Maks and James will all have their shirts unbuttoned (if not off).
Lippy, I understand about figure skating judges, but this situation is different – there’s nothing Charlie can do on the dance floor to force the Stooges to reward him with a 10. If TPTB don’t want it to happen, it won’t happen.
Cidra
I feel even that wouldn’t work for him lol, it would probably backfire. Even his packages seem to be a little strange and it definitely feels like TBTP are up to something. Like the big deal they made about the cane. That just emphasized to the public that he screwed up, instead of showing that he had a really good recovery. It would be awesome if he miraculously won the whole thing. Unfortunately, the fatigue is going to get worse with all the shows and the added dances. It is going to turn into Survivor:DWTS edition.
There is a cute video of Team Vida doing push ups posted by the official twitter. Are all the shirts coming off? lol
Well you all do realize that when Charlie and Meryl felt they weren’t getting the scores they needed or deserved in Ice Dancing they called on Derek for help…just saying. I noticed your statements about the team dances and not counting on Meryl’s team winning…so I have to ask has Deep Throat mentioned who is doing most of the choreography for the team? Love your comments PH. I have to say that while I love DWTS I am really disappointed in some people who accuse Derek and Amy of cheating. Really? There is a huge difference between not knowing if your feet touch the floor because you can’t feel them and lifting your feet off the floor. Okay done venting…well really I’m not but I might get moderated for what else I would like to say…lol. I would suggest to those who are already scoring Derek and Amy low…don’t forget what happened last week!!!
In a video from OTR – Danica even described her Salsa routine as “Street, Urban, Jamaican Salsa … not your typical Salsa” 😉
Lippy…they did not spend years being held down by figure skating judges…lol it’s just that Virtue & Moir were better than them…I even think they should have won the Olympics again but the behind the scenes politics made sure M&C won in Socchi…
Just my own personal opinion mind you, but I thought Virtue & Moir were just going though the motions at Socchi, Virtue especially.
Well crapola! NeNe and Tony get Argentine Tango. While AT can be passionate and thrilling it’s not vulgar or cheap. Look at the best of the AT’s we’ve seen on DWTS including Derek&Nicole, Cheryl&Gilles, Anna&Evan and Derek&Jennifer (which had a delightful playfulness to it).
NeNe as Madam and Tony as a horny would be customer? Oh Vey.
Could the song for Candace just be the music and no lyrics? Would that work better or would the show even let them do that?
Aww, poor Charlie. Although I don’t particularly care for the storyboarding by the producers, I understand that it’s a part of television and I try to not let it affect my enjoyment. But knowing that these manipulations affect people – even those that are probably as mentally tough as an Olympic athlete – that’s what I don’t like. Even myself, I often have to keep in mind when talking about the celebs and the pros – they are all human, with real feelings and real vulnerability. Everyone, including my least favorites deserve empathy and appreciation for what they do, even Tony, haha.
May I very respectfully ask the figure skating fans who’re here because Charlie and Meryl are on DWTS this season to please keep the Davis/White vs. Virtue/Moir ice debate out of this discussion. I realize there are as strong feelings on that subject in the world of ice dance as there are about the Chmerkovskiy/Hough debate in the DWTS world, and I just don’t feel it would serve anyone on this blog well if that debate migrated here.
Mods, I apologize for stepping into your territory, and if you feel it’s better for the forum to delete this, I understand. However, having been a serious figure skating fan for decades before I kicked the habit a while back, I know how deep, heated, and bitter these debates can get. Those who have brought it up so far have been respectful, but as you know, these things can spiral out of control very quickly.
Misty, good point. Don’t know if they could or would do that, but for me at least, Candace’s song would work *a whole lot better* if you cut the vocals (and I don’t mean that in a sarcastic way).
OMG…Just went to youtube to check out Charlie’s song — somebody help me. I get that the beat and drama is there, but in addition to not being the least Latin, isn’t that way too slow for a Paso?
OK, I feel like I’m spamming the board with all these comments, but I’m catching up on stuff. So apologies to all.
Leeann, Courtney is more an expert than I am on actual technique, but I don’t think Charlie is as far behind Meryl or James as his scores indicate. I think that he’s been given harder choreo than either Meryl or James, so it’s not really comparable.
And dang, I go work hard all day and then go to happy hour and ya’ll are commenting up a storm!! 🙂
Yuck..just decided to listen to the music. Maybe I can watch the dances with the mute button on???
And I’ll say again that if you look at Amy’s jive (or most of her other dances) and think she should have been scored down, it’s your issue, not the judges. You think that because she has no feet she couldn’t possibly be a good dancer – so you don’t see just how good a dancer she actually is. And no, you can’t compare ANYONE to the massive ringers that are Meryl, Charlie and Danica.
I ask once again – why are some of you so fixated on AMY, when NeNe was tied with Meryl in Week 5 and only a point below Charlie that same week? I think some of you hear the noise elsewhere and fail to engage your BRAINS.
I like Charlie’s song. But just as a song. Do I like it for a Paso? Heck no. Do I like it for “LATIN Night”? HECK NO.
sigh.. so far two (perhaps three) terrible song choices for Monday night.
Really, della, the whole concept of “cheating” on DWTS is moronic no matter who they’re talkng about. 🙂
This is way late, Cidra, and Court may have already responded, but my feeling is that Sharna should keep doing what she’s doing. Either at some point the roles will reverse (because this is a storyboard that goes along with having a ringer – keep them down for a while) and Charlie will move up because of the difficulty and Meryl will move down…or things will stay the same because the fix is in. I think as soon as you start choreographing for the 10s you are in trouble – because the judges are nonsensical. I think they are going to “hit” at some point (Charlie and Sharna, I mean).
I have two theories and either one or both could be right depending on the season: 1 – the judges like to be RIGHT so they score the person getting a shit ton of votes high so when that person wins they look good (I think this happens really in the last two weeks); or 2 – they want to show a big growth arc, the person who was “struggling” comes on strong in the end (Charlie). Everyone loves a narrative.
No claire – the dances are in no particular order.
Seriously!!! rock for latin???
Sharna will become CEO of Minute Maid after this season is over, so much lemonade expertise with Charlie 😀
Warren Zevon – love, love, love. 🙂
Yeah, calling Peta on lack of content in her rumba is quite unbelievable considering Maks’ non-foxtrot and Tony’s non-salsa.
We also have to remember that while the fix might appear to be in…the judges scores are only HALF the points, the voters make a difference as we have seen in say the Zendaya vs. Kelly season.
Yeah, thanks buttercup, I have a sad now too. 😉 I wub Charlie.
Thanks, PH. Hope there was some good beer at happy hour.
I was really bored at work today so spent the day pretty much hanging out here pondering all things DWTS, hence my endless comments. 🙄
Part of me wants Sharna to dial it back so Charlie doesn’t get worn out and risk injury, but then I tell myself to stop being such a mother hen. He’s a grown man and a friggin’ Olympic champion. He doesn’t need to be coddled. So I’m now on board with Sharna continuing to “bring it”.
LOL on loving Zevon. In our quarter-century+ of marriage, my hubby has shared his ecclectic musical tastes with me. Warren Zevon was in there. The dude definitely marched to the beat of his own drummer and had an off-the-wall musical sensibility.
Yeah, no. We’re not getting into the argument of Davis and White versus Virtue and Moir. That’s off topic and you can take it elsewhere.
Werewolves of london, ah ooooooohhhh, werewolves of london….
…I’d like to meet his tailor! 😉
One of them ran amuck in Kent. And lately he’s been overheard in Mayfair. Ahhhh oooooooo!!
And his hair was perfect…..
Oh how I long for the day when DWTS would select appropriate songs/music for the dances. I think I heard one of the pros said some time ago the reason is to make it challenging for the dancers. uhmmmm huh! Anyway, looking forward to Amy’s rumba. As far as Tony lifting Nene, I’m sure he can. There were comments made when we first learned of Derek partnering with Amber on how he won’t be able to lift her. Well he proved the naysayers wrong didn’t he. Kristin Burtt said that she was surprised when she Saw Nene in person because she is not as big as people are making her out to be. These pros are use to lifting.
I must say too that I do not want to see another package where Maks is whining. Seems like the majority liked the fact that he “let his guard down and showed his vulnerable side” I know I may seem cold and the Maks fans will get me on this but I was not impressed and thought that just showed weakness and it was all about him and not Meryl.
I have never heard of Charlie’s song. Off to check it out.
Ooops, actually I have heard it. I like the song. I think they could make it work.
You’re too much, PH. We could continue, of course, but everyone else is probably thinking “WTF?????”
Sail is dramatic, but it doesn’t go anywhere. It’s going to be a challenge to choreographic any kind of dynamics to that. Charlie is lucky that Sharna is so inventive. I think she’ll pull it off.
I was getting ready to start on “Excitable Boy”. 🙂
I’m pretty sure the pros chose the music for this week and not last week. Sharna said that was the case in an earlier interview. My theory is sharna chose the song for the paso but it was the producers who put it on Latin night
So many informative comments. Gives me a little clearer picture of backstage drama.
One thing that really struck me is the mention of “storyboard”. Now I’m not quite as agitated about Charlie’s scoring. and wide eyed sweet blond Charlie can be a bit misleading. he is tough and when he makes his mind up to do something nothing absolutely nothing will detour him from it. unlike Meryl he IS NOT shy, is one of the boys & their goofiness can drive you up a wall at times; he is looked up to by the skaters & unfailingly was elected captain, team leader, spokesperson. He is always up for a challenge – want a little glimmer of “tough”Charlie, if you get a glimpse of him when he momentarily drops his smile – I’ve seen it – when the judges were critical of the “dance” content – so indirectly they were sticking it to the pro – Charlie takes criticism like a man but gets very protective when his peeps are the target (namely Sharna & Peta) – and no one absolutely no on goes after Meryl (although she is as tough as him & as protective ). saying all that he is still one of the most sweetest persons in the world…and Charlie craves challenge (but he does look like he’s running on fumes & needs more rest) but Sharna easing up on him would irritate him …a lot. And for me I am really enjoying the show – guess I have to figure out how to vote – I’ve gotten caught up in the “my Charlie is losing” syndrome…can’t just sit here & do nothing.
I agree – I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that Nene had the same score as Meryl for Disney Week and only a point lower than Charlie. Meryl and Charlie are heads and shoulders above Nene, and Candace I believe is better than Nene too. Maybe people aren’t that outraged though because they don’t see Nene as a real contender haha
Just listened to “Sail”. It’s an odd choice for a latin paso doble in my opinion, but there have been some really odd song to dance pairings this season. I’m no expert, but this song seems gruff and a little bit slower/drawn-out because of that bass downbeat. I usually think of paso as a hard-hitting intense dance, and I didn’t really get that feeling when I listened to this song imo. The dub step version is a little bit more upbeat and fast but it’s not really latin haha (neither version is…). Oh well. I’m sure Sharna and Charlie will kill it anyway!
I’m so excited to see Amy and Derek’s rumba! She posted a picture from rehearsals that looks beautiful.
#135 #rubyred
I have to agree with you. If anyone can turn all the negative into positive, it would have to be Charlie. I’m not ready to write off his chances just yet. The guy played a decent violin on national TV on a few hours of sleep right after winning the Gold, just to make good on a promise to a Today show host. He seems to thrive on any challenge thrown at him. Tackling all this hard choreography early on will help him in the long run, for the instant dances, if he gets that far.
Carlie, I’m excited to see Amy and Derek’s Rumba too. Along with Paso, Rumba is my favorite of the Latin dances that Derek choreographs.
His Rumbas are always so quietly intense, passionate and tender. He’s so in the moment when he dances Rumba. I can’t imagine how wonderful that feels to his partner.
Charlie has the coolest song and I think Sharna can create an amazing Paso Doble! Too bad AWOLNATION doesn’t fit the Latin theme…
I wonder if Charlie will start saying that he really wants to make it to the finals so people start voting for him to make up for the lower judges scores? It does seem that the charlie fans are increasingly getting more annoyed with the lower judges scores and will be voting harder.
Unless, of course, he’s getting the highest amount of votes already and Meryl needs to boost up her votes. So the TPTB manipulation will be backfiring and Charlie will be getting more votes than ever.
After Nene and Candace are gone, they definitely have to change their tone to a more competitive one instead of saying that they are having fun and enjoy the challenge.
But if anyone can do it sounding diplomatic and complimentary toward their competition without sounding cocky or full of themselves, is Charlie. Meryl, unfortunately, is partnered with Maks, so she is negatively guilty by association. Poor Meryl!!
And then of course, Amy is gaining steam because of her story, because Derek is a genius and she’s got that Olympian competitive spirit and wants to win. I don’t know what I’m am going to do when all 3 Olympians are in the finals! Can’t they all win?
What the actual fuck were they thinking when they gave Charlie & Sharna their song?
Give up on Charlie?? I picked him as the winner on day one and I haven’t changed my opinion on that. His journey right now is resembling that of Donald Driver – and Meryl’s is similar to Katherine’s. Although Charlie is a much better dancer than Donald was. Derek and Amy could play spoiler in that if they’re still in, they will get all the Derek fan votes. If they get eliminated, Charlie and James could pick up a LOT of votes. But either way, I’m still thinking it’s Charlie for the win.
Nice backstage info, as always, but I didn’t get the Jamaica thing. Maybe it’s a language barrier for me as I don’t speak english as my primary language, but why does Val need a map? After all, Jamaica is localized inside Latin America, right?
Honestly, Meryl is reminding me of Nicole Scherzinger.
I have to go with the Nicole S analogy too, except Nicole did not need a showmance. Her dancing spoke for itself. From all the gushing I am seeing on social media, I do believe that will push her over the top. I have from day one believed this win is more for Maks than Meryl and the need for a showmance when Meryl is already such a strong contender tells me they are not taking any chances. They will get Maks the mirror ball one way or another. Yes, Maks. Last week’s rehearsal package solidified in my mind what I thought all along.
Having said all this, I do have a sliver of hope that I am dead wrong lol.
Go Amy and Charlie!
This season seems more competitive than usual to me. Nicole was good, but to me, it was really only between Evan and Nicole. This season it seems to be between Meryl, Charlie, James, and maybe Amy.
I’m a little worried because Charlie’s trajectory to me seems like Evan’s. Evan was doing Stars on Ice simultaneously with DWTS just like Charlie is, and while he did well and came out on top over Nicole sometimes, Nicole managed to stay on top of the leaderboard score wise more often. And I feel like Evan just kind of lost some steam at the end. I feel like Charlie has a good shot at winning and certainly at making the final, but I hope he doesn’t burn out or tire out. He seems to be more tired than Meryl is, and there are still a couple weeks left. His and Meryl’s schedule is so grueling right now.
Also, I personally think that while Meryl and Maks do have chemistry, it’s the producers who have a role in overemphasizing it. I mean they had like a 2 second “moment” in their tango and tptb specifically used that photo on the DWTS Facebook with the caption “there is something magical between you two – Carrie Ann”. Oh well. I guess that everyone has their storyline, and the producers gave them that one.
OMG!! I’m driving maybe 10 miles from my house and The American Music Theatre has posted on their sign… “Bill Engvail today at 3:00 and 7:00″… How did I not know this!!!!
Mona, I agree that the showmance was scripted by the Producers from day one. I tried to make that point, albeit not very well. You did a much better job. I do believe that will be the difference and not Charlie’s fatigue, however, If the judges scored Meryl the way they are scoring Charlie, there is NO doubt in my mind we would be seeing a much different dynamic.
BTW, I’m not sure how much this means in the grand scheme of things, but the list of excerpted dance clips that ABC posts is rather interesting (listed alphabetically each week):
Week 1: Amy, Billy Dee, Candace, Charlie, Drew
Week 2: Charlie, James, Meryl
Week 3: Amy (2), James (2), Meryl (2)
Week 4: James (3), Meryl (3)
Week 5: Amy (3), Charlie (2), Danica, James (4)
Week 6: Amy (4), Charlie (3), Danica (2), James (5), Meryl (4)
I was thinking Donald Driver as well when I saw how Charlie was being underscored repeatedly. He may take the whole thing. Love it! I will still be happy for whomever wins but at this point, would be a wee bit happier for Charlie to take it over the others.
I feel like Nicole was a better dancer….but that may only be due to the crazy good dances that Derek came up with for her. He choreographed to some ridiculous music. Pretty Woman Tango. 50’s Paso. Sailor Quickstep. The Buble foxtrot that is still one of my favorite dances of all time. Their AT was incredible. And that Lady in Red rumba? Wow. Still pissed at CAI for calling out a lift after the dance was over…AFTER she called out a lift but didn’t mark down for it at the end of Shawn and Mark’s dance…
….gee, that stuff has happened BEFORE Amy was on the show! Ain’t that amazin. 🙂 To hear the screeching around certain places, you’d think she’d never done it before. At least she had a logical reason, this time.
I wish they gave Charlie better song choices. I know he’s going to execute the song and the style either way.
I want to see him do something like how Corbin did his Paso last season (which was probably the best Paso on DWTS, in my opinion). Using actual music they use in professional dances and doing an amazing traditional dance because I feel like he could execute it
Mona and Rose, I’ve also thought Meryl is reminding me a lot of Nicole, which is pretty ironic considering how much Maks and Erin have whined about Nicole.
While I agree the producers are scripting and pushing the showmance, Maks is certainly helping it along with some of his tweets and Instagram pictures. You’re not seeing that from Meryl. At times she seems uncomfortable with all Maks’s pawing until she notices the cameras are on them. You’re right, it wasn’t needed with how strong a dancer she is. And it’s not like this is the first time we’ve seen Maks showmance his partner to try to help him get votes. Or the second. Or the third.
Glad to hear Candace nerves are calming. She is a fan favorite IMO so hopefully judges finally score Nene appropriately and Candace fairer. Also great to hear Amy’s rumba looks beautiful. I hope she continues to improve as she is dancing. Love to see how she handles another slower dance after the waltz. Though I am sure people who dislike her or rather Derek will find something to criticize.
I’m thrilled to hear Candace’s ATango is looking great. Now if only the judges will pull their heads out of their BVDs and give her scores that reflect what she’s accomplished! If they give NeNe a tongue-bath and overlook Candace, I’ll be livid, absolutely l-i-v-i-d!
Not surprised Meryl is nailing the hip-shaking salsa. Still waters run deep. She might not talk a lot but she has not trouble speaking through her dancing/skating. She’s got talent both as a dancer and as a performer.
Danica dancing like a librarian – LOL. I don’t mean to be unkind because I realize cracked ribs are no laughing matter, but I loved that line. I’m sure she’ll do her best, and I just hope the judges don’t overcompensate her. Yeah she’s injured, I get it, but let’s see you give her scores based on what she does rather than pity-scores.
Imaging a librarian shaking her booty. Too funny but I bet it is really painful with a broken rib. Danica tweeted she is wearing a rib brace. Maybe she won’t be in the team dance.
Thanks Court and all mods for the scoops. How I wish for more traditional songs for latin week…
I would love to see Meryl and Maks dance salsa to something like “Aguanile” or “La Vida es un Carnaval”. The authenticity of the songs enhances the performance so much for me.
Anyways, looking forward to Monday.
Given many of the songs above, it seems “Latin Night” just means all the dances are Latin dances. I was hoping for some more authentic music as well.
I’m glad to hear Candace is looking good – I’d like to see her stick around over NeNe and Danica.
I’m also sad to hear that Charlie is frustrated at the lack of love from the judges – hopefully Sharna has heard Derek’s take on getting love (or not) from the judges, and is helping Charlie to not get discouraged.
Life’s been pretty busy, so I haven’t been able to comment much, but I’m managing to keep up on most of the posts. One funny thing – it seems the odds makers are less involved this season – they don’t seem to be posting odds as often as in previous seasons. Is this the first time they haven’t been putting out the odds weekly?
Well I am certain none of the Val and Maks fans will want her judged any differently due to an injury right?
I am hoping we hear “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony for a Salsa. It would be very fun. Maybe for Meryl’s dance. I like that Shakira song they are using for NeNe’s dance but as an Argentine Tango? A bit strange imo. No surprise Meryl is nailing the Salsa. Bit surprised Danica is looking like a librarian (LOL) but I am guessing it is because of her injury? Idk. Happy to hear Candace is doing well in her Argentine Tango now let us hope the judges don’t underscore her for it if it is indeed great. Any word on how Charlie and James are doing? 😛
I was really hoping for Charlie to go last on Monday but I’m sure they’ll have Danica go last now and tease the “will she dance/won’t she dance?” all episode.
Really really hope Candace is able to keep her nerves at bay on Monday, I really want to see her bring it all together.
As obvious as it would be that Danica goes last on Monday, she HAS never gone past 4th.. ever. So I wouldn’t mind it much if she went last or close to last. Same with James.. he should go last soon too, I think. Everyone else has already gone last anyways, some more than others.
I’m sorry to hear that Danica was injured. I don’t mind her just that I find her dances uninteresting no matter how technically perfect it was. Good luck to her.
Of course not, Lynne. LOL. How often have we heard “but she has an injury!! She did great!!”
Going last doesn’t mean what it used to mean – not when they have to work out how to stack the dances to coincide with “safe” and “jeopardy”.
True that PH. I miss when the dance order actually mattered haha. I still don’t know how I feel about them not even knowing when they dance.
CC, I know it’s totally antithetical to TPTB’s need for drama, but I wish they’d save the elimination for the end of the show. Under that scenario *all* the couples dance “in jeopardy”. Sure it’s great for those who get called safe and then get to dance; but it totally sucks when Tom says “( ) you’re in jeopardy, and you’re dancing next.” I don’t think Tom likes it either, bless him.
Thanks for th insider info! Amazing as always!! 🙂
Hm I’m wondering how Charlie is doing. Sharna just said that they were working hard in that interview I believe (amazing interview, by the way!). I think paso should be a good dance for him though.
I’m curious what song Meryl has. I was also hoping for more authentic music. Glad to hear that she is “shaking it” well. I know figure skaters sometimes have a tough time with Latin hip action. Also, any word from the sacred sources on whether Maks stepped up the choreography for the salsa? Hopefully he did. The tango was a step in the right direction but still not enough.
Lucas (#145), when most people in the US think of Latin Night, Jamaica isn’t the first thing that springs to mind. Now if DWTS was having a Caribbean night, that would be entirely different. There is Latin influence in some Caribbean nations, but Jamaica is known for its Anglo (British) roots. That said, there are apparently folks who fled Cuba and have made a life for themselves in Jamaica. So I’m sure there’s a Latin community there it’s just not the predominant culture.
Took a look at Amy and Derek’s rumba rehearsal pic — beautiful!
I’, looking forward to another gorgeous performance from these two on Monday. Yes, rumba is slow, but they’ll be able to build on what they figured out from doing the waltz. There’s also that all-important rumba hip action, and Amy has great hip action. Finally, for me, a good rumba is about trust and chemistry, and these two have boat loads of both.
Cidra, agreed. Amy had fantastic hip action in the salsa, so I don’t think hip action should be a problem. Are there other rumba techniques that may be difficult for Amy to execute that I’m not aware of?
@Cidra could not agree with you more. I’ll never forgive them for what they did to Diana Nyad. Making her dance after being eliminated.. ugh. They just need to do the elimination at the end of the night. The way they did it last season for me was ok. Even if it did feel rushed.
It wouldn’t feel rushed if they got rid of the 4th judge. There are so many other things I’d rather see in the time taken up by a fourth judge.
With full acknowledgement that the show never has been and never will be “fair” I would like to add to the list of complaints. In addition to the kind of insensitivity/cruelty displayed with Diana, interspersing results with the dances makes the playing field grossly uneven. Everyone should dance in the same context, which is that no one has any idea if they’re safe or not. I find it hard to believe that a performance given immediately after hearing you’re in jeopardy is the same as it would have otherwise been. And if you wind up not going home, that performance may well affect the following week. I really hate that they do this.
You’re so right, Susan. There would be plenty of time for the elimination drama at the end of the show if they’d get rid of the 4th judge. With all due respect to Robin Roberts and Julianne, the guest judges have been a totally unnecessary, mostly annoying distraction. The 3 Stooges comments are annoying and useless enough.
Yeah, I don’t see the need for a 4th judge. I would rather have that time spent on the dancers. It was especially ridiculous last week when the judge was giving a performance of his own mid show.
The double elimination in the second episode was the worst. I don’t like the part of randomly picking couples who are already in a nervous state throughout the show for an elimination. They should just do it at the end of the show. I’m sure they are all nervous to perform live anyway. I’m sure some are more affected than others, pros and celebs alike. The drama is totally not worth it. It also seems like they waste precious time in generating the drama, again, time that could be used for more substance.
I couldn’t agree more, Susan. How can someone like Candace be expected to lose the nerves, and yet, right before she is to dance, they tell her that she is in jeopardy? In her latest blog, Carrie Ann defends this cruel practice by basically saying that it’s a motivation you to step it up. Are you kidding me? It motivates you to be scared to death! So glad to hear that Candace’s AT is going well. She told Nick Lachey on VH1 that that they’re exploring some things to help her with her nerves, like seeing a sport’s psychologist. Don’t know if that was Mark’s idea or the producers, but whatever works, right? Hopefully, she’ll have some of those “angry” stares in it, which she’s really good at, because I’ve come to believe that the madder you look in these dances, the more sexy you appear to the judges.
I’m not at all surprised that Amy’s Rumba is looking beautiful, I mean, she has Derek as her Rumba teacher… man, who wouldn’t want that homework! I think they’re going to be amazing.
You know, I enjoy a good love story as much as anyone else, but I have to say this, I just don’t see a showmance\romance among any of the couples this season. Meryl may have a little crush on Maks, but aside from their sexy dances, Maks looks and acts like a big brother with her. And Peta seems to be more into James than he is into her… and presently, that’s not very much. I remember past seasons of DWTS with Kelly and Val, Mario and Karina, Maria and Derek, etc., so I know what a real showmance\romance looks like, and I don’t see anything close to that this season, which by the way, is alright with me.
Yay! Great updates! I’m glad Candace is doing well with her AT. I never thought that Meryl would have a problem with her Salsa. I wish Danica the best; injuries such as hers can lead to more serious matters. I also wish It’s NeNe’s last week on the show this Monday.
Rib injuries are painful and can be serious so i hope danica is ok. What i have issue with is val saying previously injuries should not be used to get sympathy votes and thats all i feel they are doing since they were in the btm 3 last week. Why mention it now unless there is a real danger of her not performing but she looked ok at the science fair. I hope they arent trying for the poor danica vote is all im saying lol.
Apparently, according to Val’s twitter, Danica missed 3 days of rehearsals due to her injury. I wonder how that is affecting her salsa – and also the team dance. That’s quite a few days of valuable rehearsal time right there!
You saw Maria and Derek as a showmance, Kenya?? Boy, I sure didn’t. I thought that was a big joke to both Derek and Maria – I never got a serious showmance vibe off them. I think they were winking at the audience the whole time. I think they adored each other (and still do) but I got a pretty platonic vibe off of them. You wanna see Derek dancing with someone he has the hots for, go back to Joanna Krupa (of all people). There were several interviews with the two of them where I thought he had a huge crush on her. Then, back to Shannon – we know how that one turned out. Shannon was a showmance that turned real for a year or so, but Joanna was never an actual showmance – just someone he had a case of the hots for.
I’m actually trying to think if there was anyone else – I tend to think that Shannon taught him that it was not a good idea to have a showmance.
First-time commentator/long-time fan of this site/ballroomdancer/personally know the DWM pros: that’s me in a nutshell! Hope my comments are welcome here!
I’ve watched DWTS literally since day 1; however, I’ve never been one if those rabid fans who vote and stalk the celebs/pros. I am a dancer myself and since I do know Val/Maks/Tony, I do tend to keep my opinions to myself for the most part. On that note, the show has changed dramatically over the years and you’d be surprised how much the pros have become actors themselves on this show. That’s what I think a lot of people forget–this is a SHOW, for entertainment purposes, not reality based at all. Much of it is fixed and predicted no matter how the public votes.
On that note, I’d love to comment on this season as it stands now:
For one thing, it does not matter what dance Meryl is given–she is a professional ice dancer who will excel at any dance, any genre and Maks knows this. Therefore, he is aware that he can take the easy way out with her b/c it comes so naturally to her. Choreography is not his forte; however, it doesn’t matter. He was given Meryl for a reason and that is to win his first and only trophy. He PERSONALLY declared to TPTB that he would return this season if he was guaranteed a winner; so they gave him a ringer. End of story–he WILL be in the finals and he WILL win with Meryl over Charlie and Sharna.
Charlie is just as talented obviously as Meryl and Sharna is an amazing dancer/choreographer but she does not have the fan base that Maks has to win this entire competition. Charlie WILL be in the finals but he will not win. It’s literally fixed for Maks to win this season.
Val is the better dancer/choreographer than his brother and I know this PERSONALLY; however, from what I read, Danica broke a rib which can be very painful and difficult to dance a good salsa with. Not only that, but the song he picked is a reggae/dancehall song which is going to be hard to dance a true salsa to, broken rib or not. I have a feeling that Danica and Val’s routine is going to be a love it or hate it type of dance. I actually think that it’s going to backfire on them and leave a bad taste in viewer’s mouthes so to speak. She will be safe until next week that is.
Tony has changed his personality to fit the show on purpose. He’s bringing the drama this season esp. b/c of the drama NeNe brings. He REALLY is not like that in person. TPTB declare to the pros how they should portray themselves every season depending on the partners they are given. Tony knows what he’s doing. I do think that her AT will not be as good as Candace’s but I do think she will be safe this week.
Candace, unfortunately, will not be safe. She will go home this week but I think it will be on a good note. I think her AT is gonna make her SHINE! It is a shame b/c she is admired regardless of her values but I don’t think she has the fan base that NeNe does and although she has improved, her dancing is not as good technically as even Amy’s is. I really wish she would stay another week over NeNe but I don’t see that happening. NeNe has a big following and although her dancing is not as good technically, she brings drama and a wow factor.
Amy, I think, has been genuinely surprising people, even Derek himself. It is interesting b/c I’ve never met Derek, but I do feel that of all the pros, he, truly, is one of the most honest and down to earth. What you see is what you get with him. No fluff, no drama, no innuendos, he’s real. He’s given the partners he’s given for a reason–no other pro can handle them with the integrity and respect that he can. Not even his ‘friend’ Mark who I have met and left a lot to be desired so to speak. Amy can make it to the finals, esp. with Derek’s fan base. Will she win? Nope–read what I said about Maks!
Peta, Peta, Peta–this guy James is not the dancer everybody makes him out to be. He gets the women votes b/c he’s a looker but Peta knows exactly what to do with every partner she gets–sex it up and dance around them. Her MO doesn’t change. FYI, I’ve met her and she’s ok–ho hum, not anything I can rave about and that’s when she was dating Maks. Not sure how much further James will get. He will be safe this week but will he make it to the finals? Not sure–if there will be a 4 couple final like I keep hearing, than yes he will. If there will be 3 couples in the finals, I don’t think he can beat out Amy. But still not sure.
What I can say FOR SURE is that from the start of this season, Meryl and Charlie were brought on to attract viewers b/c they had just won the Olympics and to show great dancing which they gave been. But that is a given since they are pros themselves. So to not call them ringers is like saying they can’t dance. They are ringers and they will be the ULTIMATE final 2–number 1, it shows friendly competition between them, number 2, it showcases great dancing which is what people want to see in the end and number 3, it gives Maks the WIN which is what all his crazy fans have wanted for years.
There you have it everyone. I hope I didn’t bore anyone with my commentary. I’ve been wanting to post something for a while now, but since I do know certain people, I’ve been a bit afraid to share my thoughts. As I said from the beginning, I hope my opinions are welcome!
Not only that PH Maria talked about her boy friend, Kevin all the time.
I love Derek and I like Maria, but I thought they were definitely working the showmance angle – even if it was more so on the producers part than theirs – and it kind of bothered me. I knew it wasn’t true, but I still think it was part of their “story” that season. Not quite as overt as the Kelly and Val or Maks and Erin thing, but still there. The shipper vote is strong and never ceases to amaze me what people will fall for – and ultimately, what will cause them to vote.
If Meryl and Maks are guaranteed a win, the others might as well phone it in. (I really hope this is not true and everyone brings their A game. I’m loving this season so far. :D)
Thank you anonymous. My thinking has been trending on that note. I would love Charlie to win this just because he has put in such hard work and I really have been loving Sharna’s choreography (and I would prefer Amy to Meryl if that is the case)but looking how he is being scored week after week it is not going to happen.
Funny how some Derek haters are always saying he is being a sure thing and in his contract to win. No. And no blatant sure thing and winner than Meryl. I hope she gets contemporary or jazz. She will have to teach Maks. She did work with Alex Wong. Also people forget before Derek, she worked with Elena Grinenko on ballroom dances. One year was like a samba, salsa mix and another was on a rumba.
I think Candace will survive because she does seem to have a lot of support on fb and her fans overlap with the show’s key demo.
I think Charlie was partnered with Sharna to put him at a disadvantage votes wise. Sharna’s fan base is smaller than Maks’. I think this season is set up for Maks to win.
Well if it is a fix and there isn’t a snowball’s chance in you-know-where of anyone other than MAKS ( notice I did not include Meryl) winning, why bother watching until the last 2 minutes of the finale? How is that fair to the other contestants that are working just as hard?
#189
Sharna is a wonderful choreographer and teacher though. Whatever the ulterior motive behind that pairing, the end result has been quite amazing. In the end, you would hope whoever wins it, would want it to be well deserved. Even if she doesn’t win, she’s made a mark for herself this season more so than the previous ones.
If Maks is guaranteed a win, other pros and stars should speak up. If they manipulate the votes, that just ruins the point of the show. THey did rig the switch up votes, so I won’t be surprised if they rig the winner. Charlie should withdraw if that’s how they are treating him. Even Meryl, why would she want a win that’s fixed?
Don’t all 4 finalists get the same amount of money when they make it to the final 4? So winning the MBT would be bragging rights, correct?
If this is a fix, it should go down as the lamest fix in all of DWTS history. I mean you have to get paired with a professional dancer to get a win, that is funny. The easiest path ever laid for a win on DWTS, it would be great if Charlie or Amy takes the prize in the end.
I am on James’ team and I want him to take it home (so far, he’s earned it, imo). If not James then I’d love Charlie to win. However, every day I feel like Maks has really been guaranteed a win and it bugs me to no end. Like, I sometimes even feel there isn’t any hope for Charlie or James to win because the fix is so in for Meryl and Maks to win. I know some people felt the same way with Z and Val and they ended up losing, but with M & M it really looks like they have already named them the winners. Maybe I am just being super negative but it’s just the feeling I get from this season so far. Just feel like there isn’t anything James or Charlie can do to possibly win over Maks because the fix is in. Gives me a sad, myself..
Folks who spend time here know I’m no Polyanna and I don’t go around with rose-colored glasses glued to my face and rainbows shooting out my… So I’m just throwing out some food for thought here since Anonymous seems to have convinced many posters that the show has guaranteed Maks the MBT.
I’m not 100% convinced the fix is in, BUT consider this — if enough people *believe* Maks has been guaranteed a win, get demoralized, pissed off, or just lose interest and quit voting for their favorites, then — fix or no fix — you’re complicit in helping hand Maks the trophy.
So I’m gonna keep on voting for my favorites.
I just wanted to comment re Danica: I can see her doing her individual dance, just not the team dance. I have a hunch that she will want to do both, but especially going into two dance territory after this week, I don’t think she will be able to do both.
I have a feeling that one of the younger dancers will go into the team dances in her place. I want to see Witney or Lindsay or Jenna go in, but I think it will be someone more along the lines of Emma or Karina.
Anonymous, I’m going to say this – people who are actually “in the know” don’t usually have to try so hard to make sure people know they are in the know. You’re trying too hard. Good for you if you’ve met “the fam” but I tend to doubt that gives you any actual inside information as to the inner workings of DWTS. It may give you an idea of what Maks thinks (I’m skeptical), but that’s a different thing. As we’ve seen in the past, the Fam’s view of DWTS is pretty skewed by the fact that only Tony has won an MBT. Maks’ opinion of DWTS does not make it fact.
As for what they told Maks and what will actually happen?? I have a feeling they may be two different things. He can declare all he wants – and they gave him Meryl. Good for him. But a thinking person realizes that giving him Meryl is not the same thing as fixing it so he wins. It gives him a great shot, sure. But there are no guarantees. I may not be a Maks fan, but I SERIOUSLY doubt that he wants to win so badly that he would take a “fixed” win in any case. I feel sorry for him that the only way he feels he can win is with a massive ringer. I’m sure in his mind that’s the only way Derek has won – but it’s obviously not true.
As for the rest of it??
1. Gee, I never would have guessed that the show is not as “reality based” as some would believe – we’ve only been having similar discussions for years – as recently as last week when many wondered if Maks’ “break down” was real or acting.
2. Again, declaring he would only come back if he won and actually winning are two different things – they did their best to guarantee it by giving him Meryl but that does NOT mean that he will actually win. He might – but that doesn’t mean they fixed it for him. You can’t play both sides of this sweetheart. Declaring in advance he will win because they fixed it for him and then coming in here and pointing out that he won, so therefore it was fixed for him to win? No, doesn’t work. She’s a ringer, remember, so if she wins it could easily be legitimate.
3. If the pros fanbases are what drives who wins (and really, which is it – are they fixing it for Maks/Meryl or is it that Maks has a bigger fanbase than Sharna – you don’t get both), then Derek would win this season. Period. He’s got nearly 200k more twitter followers than Maks does. While the celebs twitter followers may not dictate who will win and be safe, it certainly is an indicator of general popularity (or notoriety, in some cases), especially for the pros who joined twitter at roughly the same time. In any case, the pros fanbases don’t give one the win over another – if that were the case, Maks would have won a long time ago. The general audience decides it. Now, if by some miracle Derek were to win this season, I might have to revisit this thought. But I certainly won’t have to if Maks wins. He has Meryl.
4. Gee, we neither knew that Val was a better dancer (so glad you know this personally) or that Danica had broken a rib. And it never occurred to me this would be painful. Sorry – we’ve written about all of these things so much on this blog that if you were truly a longtime reader you wouldn’t phrase your comment as if this were “news” to us. It brings out my sarcastic side.
5. Tony changed his personality this season to bring drama?? FAIL. I don’t see a personality change at all. He’s been this way for a few seasons now, only he’s focused his petulance on the media and other pros up to now. And FYI – NeNe being safe this week has nothing to do with her AT, it has to do with how she did LAST week.
6. Derek the most honest and down to earth? Duh. Him and half the female pros.
7. Er, you’re not really watching this show are you. Because you describe Peta of the past seasons, but not the Peta of this season. She’s doing quite well by James – you might try throwing in a “in my opinion” from time to time because no matter how hard you try to convince us you are in the know, it is still just your opinion.
8. Gee, Meryl and Charlie were brought in cuz they had won the Olympics and could bring viewers?? NO KIDDING. And I don’t see many people here saying they aren’t ringers.
9. YOU don’t actually know what people want to see. You are not an authority – on either the average viewer or on DWTS.
Here’s a tip for you in posting in the future, anonymous. We don’t care who you think you know. The fact that you implied that you “know people” so many times in that post makes me think you’re full of it. That’s on you. Anyone is welcome to post here as long as they don’t act like assholes. You were certainly polite, but you have a lecturing tone and a desperate need to be taken seriously because you “know people”. You want to be seen as an authority. Get over it. You’re not. Many of the things you wrote (Meryl will win, etc) could actually happen – that STILL doesn’t make you an authority. It means you, like many people, can see writing on a wall. Congratulations. Now, I fully expect you to storm off and proclaim loudly that “opposing opinions aren’t welcome here”!! Sure they are – just try some white space and a little humility next time.
Again…if winning is predicated on the pro’s fanbase, DEREK would win again this season. Period.
In case you’ve all forgotten, Peta won with Donald Driver when she was a newbie. Sharna’s lack of massive fanbase won’t hurt her if people are voting for CHARLIE.
There has been so much talk of a fix, but I think it’s important to remember that all of the contestants are doing so well and working so hard. Frankly, I think any of them would deserve a win. Charlie is a very hard worker and an amazing dancer. James is also doing so well. Amy has overcome so much and is astonishing everyone. Heck she can dance better than many people with 2 good legs! And Maks’ choreography may not be top notch, but you can’t say that Meryl is working any less hard than the others – you can’t be lazy and sit around doing nothing and achieve the kind of polished routines she has. Meryl also has dyslexia and depth perception issues that she doesn’t publicize to overcome.
I have no doubt tptb has a hand in deciding the courses of the seasons, and I would say that this is not the first time a “fix” would/could have happened. I mean, are reality tv shows (DWTS is one categorized by the Emmy Awards) “real” necessarily? Nope. They’re scripted almost always from what I’ve seen (look at Dance Moms, RHOA, etc). It’s all entertainment after all.
Well, I’ve heard the winning pro gets a bonus and I think the celeb does too.
By the same token, Cidra – if those people voting for Meryl are convinced that she’s going to win and they don’t need to vote….hand the trophy to Charlie. 😀
In Reply to Anonymous,
I wonder why you say you’re a long-time fan of this site, yet you’re posting here for the first time now and your first post is a very lengthy comment designed to convince everyone that the fix is in and Maks is guaranteed the win. The subtext seems to be “don’t bother to vote for your favorite, it’s a waste of time. Makes me suspicious that you might have a hidden agenda. If you don’t have an ulterior motive, then I apologize.
While I don’t necessarily *disagree* with some of what you said, I think you might want to consider moderating the somewhat lecturing tone in which you express your opinions. They come off sounding more like “pronouncements” — like Moses and the 10 Commandments. Most of us here are not naive and understand how the show works behind the scenes to manipulate the storylines of the season.
Did Lord Conrad want Maks back? Absolutely. Did they have to promise him a ringer to get him back? Yeah, I buy that too. Do they want a Meryl vs. Charlie final. Sure they do. You don’t need an inside source to figure any of this out; it’s pretty obvious.
You say you know Maks/Tony/Val. So I presume you’re getting your insider insight from the Chmerkovskiy camp. That’s hardly an unbiased source. They may honestly believe the producers have promised Maks a win, but I’m not convinced the show cares whether or not Maks wins the MBT. The only reason to orchestrate a win for Maks is if his winning would benefit the show in some tangible way. I don’t see how it would.
Some point to Tony and Melissa’s manufactured win in the All-Stars season as evidence that the show will manipulate the result so a certain pro can win. I thought that too until it was pointed out that the manipulation was not really about Tony, but about Melissa (the underdog who had *not* won her season) beat the previous champs. That made for a much more compelling and exciting result than if a previous champ had taken home the All-Stars trophy.
Right now I think TPTB are just making sure they get a Meryl vs. Charlie showdown in the finals. However, all this manipulation could also have the effect of convincing the average viewer that Meryl is the better dancer and the one who should win this season. I feel the judges’ scores and comments play a role in how Ma and Pa on the couch perceive the couples because “sheeple” tend to place way too much stock in what the so called “experts” say instead of trusting their own judgment.
Now if we start seeing shennanigans like that mini mirror ball falling open oh-so-conveniently when Melissa went to pick her dance style, then I’ll have to revise my opinion on whether or not the fix is in.
Good point, PH. I don’t think La Familia fans will get complacent. They’re pretty stoked right now. However, it’s certainly possible the average viewer who’s backing Meryl won’t pick up their phones if they think Meryl has it in the bag.
As we’ve seen before, TPTB’s pimping and manipulation of a couple can have unintended consequences.
Yeah Heidi, personally, I did see a showmance between Maria and Derek… boyfriend notwithstanding. I do remember what happened with Shannon and I know he had the hots for Joanna, so the etc in my comment is referring to these other showmances as well, Maria just came to mind first.
@Anonymous
Thanks for your viewpoint. I have to say, we know it’s an entertainment show but your comment that the pros are like actors playing a part and not like that in real life, imo is detrimental to them because they are using their real names and representing themselves so why anyone would deliberately portray to the world they are jerk, or someone who abuses women, or someone who comes off as a smarmy guy in a sleazy showman makes them look really stupid.
And the producers can’t make them play those roles as you just stated regarding Derek, “Derek himself. It is interesting b/c I’ve never met Derek, but I do feel that of all the pros, he, truly, is one of the most honest and down to earth. What you see is what you get with him. No fluff, no drama, no innuendos, he’s real. He’s given the partners he’s given for a reason–no other pro can handle them with the integrity and respect that he can.”
You would have to agree to go along with playing a role and in the end the public just sees someone who would sell their soul, character and reputation to get some extra screen time. Tristan is another good guy not willing to sacrifice his reputation to ‘play a role’.
Anyway, I have had the feeling the fix is in for Maks as well by the judges comments. I wouldn’t jinx it though. Because if he and Meryl go into the final freestyle not doing the greatest routine and Charlie or Amy (or whoever else is there) have a stellar one, TPTB may not be able to take the risk of handing it to Maks if it looks like they had to commit fraud on the public to do it. I was rooting for Zendaya until I saw the freestyle and Kellie/Derek turned it on that dance alone for me.
Since you know them personally Anonymous and you said they choose to play a role, I have to ask you, did Maks deliberately abuse women (Hope and Melissa) because he was playing a role that would get him that kind of negative, will always follow him, attention? Who wants to be known as a man who abuses women?
Thank you for your insider knowledge anonymous. I’m still a Val Gal btw. I’m glad he can think for himself in the sense that after the hilarious Monaco showmance that made them look ridiculous and Kelly look like a sad cougar, he went back to being a grown man with some self-respect and some standards imo. I for one think he’s evolved since his first season on.
Sorry for writing a book. 😮
Meryl specifically stated in an interview that DWTS does not feel like work. I have never heard ANY celebrity say that. She may be tired from traveling, but clearly learning the dances is a piece of cake.
I did not know she worked with Elena Grinenko too.
PH #198, why would you consider it a miracle if Derek wins? I understand that the ringer-ness of Charlie and Meryl is overwhelming, but I think that he and Amy have a legitimate shot, especially because she is a good dancer and she has a sob story. (One can draw similarities between Amy and S15 Tony, IMO – sure Amy is significantly more likable, but both have/had one thing about them that is bringing in a lot of votes, IMO: Tony having never won the MBT, and Amy as an inspiration, dancing without legs.)
WOW I apologize for my comments. As I did state, it was the first time I decided to post anything. I probably should have worded my opinions a lot differently. Sorry for any lecturing, that was not my intention. I definitely did not mean any disrespect towards anyone and I will most certainly keep my opinions to myself. I hope I will continue to be welcome to visit this site and read up on the articles and stuff. Thanks for allowing me to express myself even one time. Appreciate it!
#Anonymous … You said that Maks was promised a “winner” not a “win.” That’s not the same thing. Either way, my question to you is considering the situation you say has been constructed for Maks’s victory, and also that you know him, is he so utterly lacking in self-respect, integrity, pride, confidence, conscience, or any sense of honor, that he thinks this set-up will result in a valid/acceptable/desirable win? I can’t see how it could be otherwise, and if that’s the case, he has much, much bigger problems than never having won a MBT.
Rose, Charlie has expressed similar sentiments about DWTS not seeming like work too. I’m sure that for Meryl and Charlie learning the choreography isn’t as much of a struggle as it is for other contestants, but I don’t think necessarily it’s a piece of cake – I mean, they’re still having to learn and polish dances in styles they haven’t really danced on the ballroom floor within a week like everyone else. There’s some difficulty in that, imo.
My take on that is that quote from Meryl is that compared to training for the olympics in ice dancing, DWTS is not really “work” for them per say. This is like their fun experience following Olympic gold. I think obviously Meryl and Charlie are working really hard on learning and perfecting the dances, but they’re also looking upon this whole DWTS thing as a fun experience.
Don’t leave @Anonymous…..You just need to remind people in your post occasionally that it’s your opinion, imo. 🙂
But I was hoping, since you know them and I don’t know how well you know them, but if they know they are playing a role that they chose to play, then was Maks playing the role of woman abuser or did it just come naturally for him? I’m not being sarcastic, I just don’t believe Maks was ‘acting’ on that front. Do you have an opinion on that?
Leann, I did not hear Charlie say anything like that but, yes, he is also obviously at a tremendous advantage. I started watching this season with no intention of voting for either, but in light of the blatant manipulation I will vote for Charlie if the ice dancers are the two left standing at the end.
I think this season Meryl has two things working in her favor to “legitimize” the win, if it happens for her to win:
1. both Charlie and Meryl do SOI at the same time as DWTS. This handicaps them a bit relative to the other contestants who do not have to travel and do not have other major gigs going on. Why it matters? Just one other reason to argue against people claiming it is very easy for them to pick up dances.
2. both Charlie and Meryl have been exposed to the same amount of prior training and experience. The fact that Meryl has not struggled with latin as much as Charlie has -and I think salsa and samba are more telling tests for latin dance skill than cha-cha-cha is – will work in Meryl’s favor. She has someone she is directly compared against because of the similarity in training, and she may have the edge on that.
Btw, both arguments will works exactly the same for Charlie in “justifying” the win if that happens. So, I think this competition between Charlie and Meryl hat TBTP is going after is more interesting than the Nicole S10 competition, because here you’ve got two people with identical pre-show experience.
Anna, if the program is trying to showcase two people with identical experience, why force the showmance for one only? DWTS women go gaga over showmances. Sorry to harp on this, but it is sticking out like a sore thumb to me.
One other observation on Meryl/Charlie. If you look at their dances on you tube, Meryl’s dances have way more views than Charlie’s, by a significant margin. And this is true week by week.
Disclaimer:
1. I know you tube views do not translate proportionally into votes
2. I know there are many replications of the same video posted by many posters, so take my statement qualitatively, rather than an exact quantitative statement.
The reason I bring this YT thing up is because I think there may be some truth in what Carrie Anne said in her blog. Viewers, like the judges, expect something surprising, something memorable, a breakthrough dance from Charlie.
Rose, Meryl and Charlie are the kind of people who think that training for hours a day is fun precisely because it’s hard and challenging. Their work ethic is legendary in the skating world. So when they say they are having fun, it isn’t because it’s so easy for them but because learning new skills is their idea of a really good time.
Rose #215, I personally do not see a showmance between Meryl/Maks. I see a beautiful friendship, but in no way some romantic chemistry. This is not Val/Kelly type showmance where sexual tension is all around.
And I may be a naive person, but I truly believe that the Maks/Meryl partnership is very real, very honest, and very sweet for that matter. And I don’t think it’s played up, I think they are like this in rehearsal, and with each other, whether cameras are on or not.
On the other hand, in my view, I do not think Charlie has a lot of chemistry with Sharna. Sure, they get along great and work well together, but there isn’t much more than that. To be honest, the only package of Charlie that I like to re-watch is the one with Peta. That’s where I could see a bit more of the funny, goofy personality of Charlie.
#215 Rose, that’s simple. Showmancing his partners has become habit with Maks and Meryl will not speak publicly (at least now) about whether or not she has a boyfriend. Whereas both Sharna and Charlie are very open about having significant others.
If Maks is so good at “playing” the showmance angle on this show, how come his career as an actor hasn’t picked up faster?
Why view his chemistry with his partners as “acting on the show”, rather than a personal quality of being able to click and getting along well with people around him? Why is he still having chemistry with Erin? If it was an act put on, why keep acting on that front as well?
Donna, yup, no denying it.
Anna, nowhere did I say their friendship is fabricated. I believe you missed my point entirely.
Regarding the Maks/Meryl showmance… Meryl have said in this interview that she does have a boyfriend, but she prefers to keep it private (compared to Charlie and Sharna who are open about their relationship with Tanith and Paul).
http://www.nbcolympics.com/wdiv/news/tara-lipinski-catches-olympic-ice-dancer-meryl-davis
Rose: Meryl has been known to be pretty private about her personal life. There have been a couple interviews in which she’s mentioned a significant other (see: Cosmo interview, Interview with Tara L., etc.) admittedly, but the last one was probably several months ago. She’s never mentioned who she’s dating either way. That’s more conducive to playing up a possible romantic connection between the celebrity and pro than say for Charlie who is very open about the fact that he has a girlfriend (Tanith). To me, it would make no sense to have a “showmance” for Charlie, not to mention that it would be unbelievable anyway, when Tanith is there in the audience pretty often and he’s not concealing that fact that he has a girlfriend at all (and considering his comments about his monogamous relationship, etc.).
Reality TV competitions haven’t been real since………..well, never really. However, the emotions we the viewers get from these shows are real.
The sheer bubbling joy I got from watching Bill and Emma? Real.
The tears and laughter while watching Jack and Cheryl? Real.
The awesome wonder I feel for Amy and Derek? Real.
The immense gratitude I feel for being able to watch Karina and other amazing dancers show me their stuff every week? Real.
I love the show. Not unconditionally, and not without the need every now and then to call it out on the carpet when it’s being stupid, but I do love it.
I’ve heard that Meryl separated from her boyfriend after the Sochi Olympics. Really though no one knows because even though she has said she has a boyfriend before, those interviews are several months old now and things can change. In a Cosmo interview after switch up week with Val, Meryl refused to say whether she has one or not, and her significant other hasn’t been in the audience to support like Tanith has for Charlie many times, so who knows.
TPTB have tried several times to get Meryl to talk about her personal life and she refuses. I gained a lot of respect of her for that.
#220 Anna, playing a role on a reality show doesn’t necessarily translate into being an actor. If it was, we’d have 50 bachelors cluttering up our movie screens. Also Erin probably isn’t the best example to use — IMO, she still seems to have a bit of a thing for him.
Where are all Maks’s former showmance partners? I have yet to see any of them supporting him other than Kirstie. Even Erin had stopped the past few seasons. I guess the rest are all too busy being Hollywood divas and recovering from the road rash they got when he had to drag them around the dance floor.
Thanks for the new update and buttercup for your info. Surprised Charlie is having a tough time since he did do a paso for ice dancing. But guess you can be more flowy there. Tension with Maks and Meryl? Doubt they will show it bc the narrative is all about Maks being so nice and gentle.
I am curious how team Loca will work the stage.
Oh Anna (#220) that’s priceless:
Why view his chemistry with his partners as “acting on the show”, rather than a personal quality of being able to click and getting along well with people around him
That’s Maks to a tee alright — Mr. Congeniality, get’s along with everyone. ROFLMAO 😛
I just want to say thank you to Buttercup for dropping by from time to time and giving us information. Much appreciated. Yay Meryl for not giving in to TPTB!
And also big thank you to Courtney for posting spoilers week in and week out! I just can’t enjoy DWTS without you, without this site. Thanks to all the mods!
As for the show itself, I really can’t bother to think too much. So much real and manufactured drama, I’ll just see how things play out. I only vote sporadically, whenever the dance really makes me to, like after Nene’s foxtrot. But I will vote hard for Charlie from now on. Sharna’s numbers entertain me every week.
I had a feeling we’d be seeing that “Adrenalina” song on the show at some point. Can’t say I like it for a Salsa but we’ll see. Just hoped they would use some actual Salsa songs, but guess not.
I had that fear when I saw Charlie had the Paso: that his movements were going to be all lyrical as opposed to the kinda sharp-ish and macho moves of the dance. Hopefully it all comes together.
I also had that fear after hearing James’ song. I have been listening to the song and trying to visualize a Samba to it but it’s tough. I do have faith that the ambitious choreography won’t be too much of a problem considering he seems to be able to do well with ambitious choreo. Wondering if Peta will attempt Samba rolls with him… Hopefully seeing his bandmates yesterday (they showed up at his rehearsal. how nice!) helped him give him a boost of confidence.
NeNe the focus of the dance? Hm. as long as she is dancing good enough then I guess it could work but I am skeptical about that. And using just the stage for Team Loca? Hard to picture how thag would work without them at least enlarging it somehow but I guess they know what they’re doing..
Can’t wait for tomorrow!
It will be Therapy with Dr. Davis Part II. Judges scores (10,10,10,10) What about the bias of using one of the judges own songs. 😀
Thanks for the update! I’m really looking forward to seeing all of these dances. I’m going to reserve judgement on the songs and numbers until I see them, but thanks for the info as to how the people are coping. I’m really excited for the team dances, though!
In terms of the drama, I feel like there might be some real and some manipulated drama on the show. As a result, it’s hard to tell which is which. And Meryl and Maks having tension? I feel like that happens with Maks once a season. No big surprise for me there.
Oh.. and Meryl and Maks dancing to a Ricky Martin song and a song he is featured in. Are they trying to get (or is TPTB trying to give them) brownie points? 😛 Just a fun coincidence… I guess. hehehe
You’re being WAY to broad, Kenya. A showmance is defined as a “romance between two characters on a tv show or two reality show participants”. An ACTUAL romance. Derek and Shannon were one (although they became real life), Derek and Maria arguably were one – although I think they were jerking the chains of the very people who fall victim to showmances. It certainly isn’t hard. But Derek and Joanna were NOT one. Him having a case of the hots is not the same as a romance, aka showmance. If it were – well, Derek doesn’t know about my romance with him. 🙂
Yes, in the world of the internet these things have actual definitions. I do understand that, along with netiquette, most of these things are getting lost because people tend to stretch definitions or change them to fit a given situation. Or it just gets lost by younger people coming into the internet and having not been on it since it began (back in the stone ages) like myself. They hear words and interpret them differently than the original definition. Going by the true definition, Meryl and Maks are NOT having a showmance (at least not yet). This is a very different thing than their fans “shipping” them. One is done by the couple, one is done by the fans. Two different things. And, frankly, the latter is….gross. The former looks like fun. 🙂 Technically, Derek and Maria were a fauxmance – a pretend showmance, for whatever reason. Had to be pretty faux when the camera landed on her boyfriend in the audience every monday and tuesday. And of course, she talked about Keven all the time in rehearsals – that just never made it on the air. Interesting.
Well, Aviva, I think at some point they are going to get to something she honestly can’t do. Up to now they’ve been working it amazingly well, and Derek is a genius – but she does have limitations. Or I would think she does. Combine that with the ringiness of Meryl, Charlie and Danica (and some other inside info that Courtney has posted), not to mention the fact that Derek has won 5 times and ppl are less likely to vote for him (especially since he’s been making it look so easy that people forget Amy is a double amputee) and you have a recipe for a win by someone other than Derek and Amy. I could be wrong. I was wrong about Kellie (although once I saw the freestyle I felt she had a serious shot), and I was wrong about Amber. So, who knows?
Does Meryl even have a real boyfriend? You can be private about your dating life but when you are in a career that puts you in the spotlight there is always a chance that something will come up especially in this time of the internet, webs etc. I have seen exactly one photo of Meryl with Fedor(if he really is her bf)and nothing else.
What if she just say that so people will stop inquiring about her and Charlie?
In one interview where they were asked what their future plans are since surely they will be going their separate ways pretty soon what happens to their close relationship? Meryl said nothing about her future plans but she did say she plans on being Aunt Meryl to Charlie’s kids. I confess I felt a little sad for her that time.
I too was a bit worried that Charlie would be too “fluid” and “flowy” for the Paso. I’m hoping that the “inside source” saw the dance before the couples left LA for the week and that Sharna was able to whip him into the the more precise, almost aggressive movement we tend to associate with a good Paso, over the past 2-3 days on the road.
In my heart of hearts, I’m hoping the producers are giving him all the Latin dances up front so he can just get through to the last couple of weeks where he can KILL IT on what should be his true strengths (Fox Trot, Quick Step, Waltz/V.Waltz) and then there WOULD seem to be an improvement “arc” to comment on (or at least a showcasing of what he does best).
I’m not sure what to think about the team dances. I’ll have to wait until I’m able to see them I guess (gutted that I have to work Monday night, so won’t get to see anything live).
Oh great, Ashley – posts like anonymous’s are designed specifically to get people to beg them to stay. Script: claim to be well connected, espouse knowledge, apologize profusely and offer to “never post again” and wait patiently to be begged to stay so you can offer more insider knowledge. :::rolls eyes:::
I swear, I sometimes feel like the only person who has extensive internet experience and who has seen every ploy in the book. Does this make me cynical? Probably. But better cynical than gullible, in my book. 🙂
To Ria, it seems from this interview she does (or at least did) have a boyfriend (http://www.meryl-charlie.com/2014/02/cosmopolitan-gold-medalist-ice-dancers.html). I don’t think she’s secretly in love with Charlie like a lot of people seem to make it out to be just because she’s not public with her love life. I’m excited to see Team Loca’s dance although I don’t know how they are going to make the stage work especially if they’re including the lift that was shown on Twitter.
ENOUGH with the Anonymous bullshit. Pick a name or don’t post.
Hm Adrenalina isn’t a bad song. At least it’s Latin sounding, but it is pretty fast like you said.
Oh no, I was worried about Charlie and the paso because he does tend to be more lyrical (even in his cha cha I felt). I hope they fixed that!
I’m surprised James isn’t doing as well with the samba. I get that his song isn’t so good, but his salsa was pretty good back in week 2.
@PH
Oh shoot, I fell for it too! Yes, I definitely qualify as the less experienced, internet user. Note to self. (head slap)
Ria, that was *one* interview that you saw. Meryl has been friends with Tanith for years and she is close with both Tanith and of course Charlie. Why wouldn’t she be ‘Aunt Meryl’? She does have other future plans, but they just weren’t shared in that particular interview.
Meryl also never made up her relationship; believe me, the skating community would likely know. She is a private person, and there is no rule that says she has to post pictures of her boyfriend. Charlie does because he is just more open, he’s not shy.
Thanks to the mods for all the spoilers btw, this is a great source. Definitely looking forward to Latin night. I will say I’m surprised more couples don’t have a Ricky Martin song; the team dances do I know, but I would have thought more couples would go that route as well.
I hope Danica is okay for tomorrow night!
Ria, as you said that was *one* interview that you saw. Meryl has been friends with Tanith for years and she is close with both Tanith and of course Charlie. Why wouldn’t she be ‘Aunt Meryl’? She does have other future plans, but the question was in regards to her relationship with Charlie in the future.
Meryl also never made up her relationship; believe me, the skating community would likely know. She is a private person, she gets to control what is shared with everyone. Charlie’s been more open about his relationship ever since the end of the Vancouver Olympics, once he and Tanith were no longer competing against each other.
Thanks to the mods for all the spoilers btw, this is a great source. Definitely looking forward to Latin night. I will say I’m surprised more couples don’t have a Ricky Martin song; the team dances do I know, but I would have thought more couples would go that route as well.
I hope Danica is okay for tomorrow night!
Ria, as you said that was *one* interview that you saw. Meryl has been friends with Tanith for years and she is close with both Tanith and of course Charlie. Why wouldn’t she be ‘Aunt Meryl’? She does have other future plans, but the question was in regards to her relationship with Charlie in the future.
Meryl also never made up her relationship; believe me, the skating community would likely know. There is no way of knowing if she and her boyfriend are still together until she says something. And I wouldn’t be waiting for that! Charlie’s a direct contrast as he’s been open about his relationship ever since the end of the Vancouver Olympics, once he and Tanith were no longer competing against each other.
Thanks to the mods for all the spoilers btw, this is a great source. Definitely looking forward to Latin night. I will say I’m surprised more couples don’t have a Ricky Martin song; the team dances do I know, but I would have thought more couples would go that route as well.
I hope Danica is okay for tomorrow night!
Sorry! I didn’t mean to post so many times…please delete the first two?
tension between Meryl and Maks again. Is it bad that I’m hoping Meryl gets tired of playing therapist and just tells Maks to man up? Anyway, I can’t wait til Charlie gets to do some ballroom…Meryl and Charlie are both very comfortable with foxtrots and the waltz, but I remember Charlie always especially shines with foxtrots.
Wait actually going back to the Adrenalina song.. I’m guessing they aren’t going to use the rapping parts, so I wonder if tptb are going to use the Ricky Martin “Spanglish version” where I believe the main lyrics are in English (and Ricky Martin has lead vocals) or the “original” version where the main lyrics are in Spanish?
I never meant that Meryl is in love with Charlie. They seem to be just really close friends. I just meant that maybe she’s tired of people asking if they are “together” so both of them say they have significant others to close the topic.
Hm… Team Vida put NENE as the central focus? I mean I guess she can “shake it”, but I’d much rather have Charlie and James as the leads. I’m surprised Peta and Sharna would do that..
The stage is pretty small, everyone on Team Loco probably barely fits on that stage altogether and they have to dance a whole dance on there … I buy the explanation that they are going to extend the stage if that’s the case. Also, do the pros of the individual pairings choreograph the solo parts of the team dance, or is it the one principal choreographer making up the whole dance?
Thanks for the spoilers as always!! 😀
Even with all my crabbing I don’t believe that it was preordained b4 the season began who would b the winner- too many variables. You got to have the ratings (along with certain demographics) to not get cancelled – so MY opinion – Maks was lured back because of his fan base (with a competent partner who gives him a gold plated shot at winning) Derrek (who I heard had bid adios) brought back for his fan base (a true challenge for him in designing choreo for Amy) & of course Meryl & Charlie for their new blood fan base & incredible abilities (they get exposed to a much wider audience than skate fans & have fun while learning new skill) They also will star in 4 ice shows (abc/disney) 2 at the end of this year & 2 beginning 2015. they are committed to an event in Japan following dwts & soi & a vacation to recharge. Now no 1 can b harder on Charlie than Charlie & he tends to get extremely frustrated with himself; also his partners/teammates are extremely important to him & he will turn himself inside out if he feels he is letting them down – so Sharna now seems to have an added task of keeping his frustration level with himself at bay. Now for all I know there definitely could have been an agreement that he would b judged harshly but eventually would attain scoring less critical. No matter what Charlie will “try” his best even if you wanted him to do the paso to the “hokey-pokey”
When he’s tired he does tend to get giddy & a bit unfocused & being 1 of the boys he does as boys do….him & Jeremy abbot (skater) were goofing & in synchro gave their buddies the 1 fingered salute failing to notice the gal with the camera….she posted this gem on her twitter/fb & it was lifted & someone is now trying their best to deleeeeete as many as they find..shame on you Charlie, 40 flogs with a wet noodle.
But on a happier note Charlie was reunited with DJ (his 4legged fluffy soulmate who he missed terribly) she alone will cheer him higher than a kite, Tanith is at several shows along with family & friends (I noticed his bestie skating buddy bow tie & all at the last show). So I guess we should not sweat tears & blood & just sit back & enjoy the show (isn’t he the only guy left on the show that hasn’t exposed his pecs – & it was Sharna who said she probably wouldn’t have him take off his shirt not him -desperation may call for desperate measures>.>> P.S. no one will betray Meryl & talk about her personal life – any info needs to come direct from the horses’s mouth & she’s not talking. All of the celebs left definitely have a shot at the final 4…just saying – still a lot of hot competition coming.
I think they had to put NeNe by herself because having her dance alongside Peta and/or Sharna would highlight how bad she is. This way she’ll be by herself and can “do her thing” without a context by which to evaluate her. I think this is how they’ve solved “the problem of NeNe,” by in some ways taking her out of the equation. I can’t imagine how they would otherwise integrate her into a dance routine.
I wonder if Team Loca works with a stage like the one used for Macy’s Stars of Dance last week. I’d like to see a stage that, if you’re standing on the center circle facing the skybox, expands forward from the circle and also out to the side after expanding forward for a little while and then going back to the stage, kind of making two squares, if that makes any sense. They also might just expand it forward.
Either way, the stage is going to be a lot easier to work with than last season’s stage. I’ve said a couple times this season that the smaller band allows for a bigger stage, and therefore more room to dance. (Se Candace and Mark’s jive and Charlie and Sharna’s contemporary.) The stage also might be bigger than what we’re seeing on TV.
I’d be surprised if there was another round of tension between Meryl and Maks that tptb wouldn’t love to show it. I hope it’s not too bad for Meryl’s sake. If Maks is aggressive and cursing at her he can kiss a chance at the mirror ball goodbye, imo. She’s so tiny and sweet and looks like she barely weighs a buck. That will look very bad for Maks. Hopefully, for Meryl, it’s a case of mild grumpiness.
I wish they used songs that weren’t so reggaeton-like.
I like when I learn new Latin songs through the show (old or new).
The song “El Mar de Sus Ojos” by Carlos Vives would have been cool. I wish Val choreographed something with this song.
My guess is that Team Loca is using the smaller stage in order to make everything work for Amy. Some of the figures and things that have been done in past seasons for team dances might be difficult for Amy to do, especially when it needs to be synchronized. Plus, many of the Latin dances are “spot dances”, so there’s no real need to travel in them. I’m really looking forward to seeing what both teams have cooked up – though I’m not thrilled at the idea of NeNe front and center.
Sorry for being a motormouth – just wanted to add Meryl has x-tra pressures of her own, but keeping with her desire for privacy those won’t b aired in public. Remember Charlie & Meryl are like shadows of 1 another; they’ve spent almost their entire life together & their trust is infinite ( when he slings her around she knows come hell or high water she won’t land on her head on the ice & he knows he won’t have his throat cut by her skates) i – they have each others back & they respect 1 another to an extent that whatever their choices they will support 1 another – so any significant others must b amenable to this relationship. Yes, She is extremely tiny – Charlie 5’9 160# – and her endurance matches Charlie’s – no such thing as a weaker sex…Maks & Charlie get along just fine.
rubyred, totally agreed! Actually when I think about it again, Maks isn’t *that* much taller than Charlie (I think he’s around 6’2 to Charlie’s 5’9), although Maks has a bigger/broader build than Charlie has. Then again, Meryl is around 5’3 or 5’4 so I guess every inch of height difference counts.
I’m excited to see the team dances.. I think even though it’ll be close.. Team Vida will probably get points on the entertainment aspect, but they are looking for synchronization as well, which Derek is amazing at. He’s won every team dance so far because of it, and I think this time will be no different. I know he will pull out something amazing choreography wise.
Do you guys know if we’ll have the Macy’s number this week?
Wow. seems like the pros might actually know when they are dancing this week. According to Peta, they are dancing 2nd tomorrow night. Curious to see who is opening the show. I am gonna take a very wild guess and say Charlie is opening the show.
Why does James always seem to be one of the first 3? (except for Disney week). Well hopefully they will get to dance before they end up “in jeopardy” but probably not 🙁
I just want to send out a “cheers and thanks a lot” to Deepthroat, whomever he/she/they is/are. It’s fun as hell to get these behind the scenes goodies.
I’m glad to hear that Mark is really taking good care of Candace. He has a real relaxed Zen master vibe this season. It suits him.
@Kim As true as it is that dance order doesn’t mean the same it used to, I still can’t help but to be a bit annoyed that this is the third time James goes 2nd. Disney week he went fairly late and also on Week 2. That’s about it. Oh well, no one ever said that dance order determined the quality of the dance. It could very well be an awesome dance regardless so I won’t let it bother me too much 😛
I’m not surprised that Charlie is having some trouble overcoming 20 years of muscle memory, but I’m sure he’ll keep at it until he gets it. Anyway, there are worse problems than dancing too much like Baryshnikov.
Add me to the list of people who can’t wait until we get to see him swooping around the dance floor in a tux.
@CC very true. I will be satisfied with an awesome dance over dancing later in the show any day 🙂
@AC and me! I cannot wait for a Foxtrot from Charlie. I just know it will be AMAZING.
Btw, I think Amy and Derek will be using a stool during their dance. It may not be for too long but how much shall we bet that Len will call them out on “too much frippery around the stool”.
Wow, so many interesting comments… I love this site!
Heidi, I understand the differences between Showmance, fauxmance, and romance. I know what Derek had with Shannon Elizabeth was an actual romance… I think they even lived together for awhile. I know he and Joanna Krupa were NEVER an item, though as you said earlier, Derek seemed to have the hots for her. All I was saying is that I personally believe Derek and Maria had a showmance, that their feelings for each other were real, not fauxmance (fictionalized) for the show.
Geez… ppl do believe that Maks and Meryl are a couple (at least becoming a couple)…
lol
@carlos – Errr, yeah. And they all seem to congregate on tumblr. 😯
My turn to express how I feel and I may be dreaming But…. Meryl and Charlie are on the road and yes it is very tiresome but, They can learn a routine in 1 day Amy it probably takes her a day to figure out which legs will work with her dance JMO! No disrespect
I hope Amy will be in the finals with Charlie and Meryl and I think the freestyle will push Amy to the top (I’m counting on Derek and he always comes through)Maks has not done well in the freestyle and I’m not sure about Sharna Both Amy and Charlie have been underscored but if a skater has to win I hope it is Charlie It’s pretty sad to think that in order for Maks to win is to give him a pro to dance with and promise him the win Is nothing to be proud of
If Amy is eliminated I will be voting full on for Charlie just because he has been hosed all season JMO!
Boy, I am getting tired of hearing about Meryl.
So of course Meryl and Maks get the best song… smh
And what’s the deal with the other songs? Charlie’s song, Nene’s song?! James song, although I love that song, reggaeton is totally NOT samba music! I think that, since Ricky Martin is going to be a guest judge and it’s latin week, all the couples should dance to one of his songs. It would be the best thing, in my opinion.
I’d like to know who’s responsible for choosing the music on DWTS, because they don’t have a clue what they’re doing!
What dances are left….someone said that eventually down the pipe they will have to do 3 dances in a show….where the icers are concerned foxtrot, quickstep, waltz any style ummm if they do those – WOW – but you better believe those judges will call any miscue which would only b fair. This is another really hard week for C – technique is his forte & probably had Sharna climbing the walls when he has a miscue & starts kicking things & along with this “emoting” is not his strong suit but someone mentioned ‘still waters run deep” re: Meryl & there’s a lot more to Charlie then we’ve seen…he wouldn’t b holding back would he……..You seasoned dwts vets probably know more about that then me…maybe you’ve seen such a ploy b4…the team number from what I hear is loosy-goosy & U have some big “funny” personalities there especially on the 1 team..
Still have some concern re: Danica
If they do indeed show another therapy fauxmance from Maks (thanks for the clarification PH, I wasn’t aware of this terminology), the shippers will gladly lap it up. It also looks like a percentage of Meryl and Charlie “lost cause” shipping from pre-DWTS has now morphed into Meryl and Maks shipping. Just look at what a hit the first therapy session was. The DWTS FB page is literally smothered in various facets of the fauxmance. Any bets about another almost kiss in the salsa to keep the flames burning??
I’d like Danica and Candace to stick around longer than Nene.
LOL, add me to the list of those who are so damn tired of hearing about Meryl. Bless her, none of this is her fault, but at the rate this is going, the minute anyone mentions her name, everyone on Pure except for the few self-deluded Meryl/Maks shippers 🙄 are going to take a stiff drink or run for the exits.
As for Charlie (or “Poor Charlie” as he’s affectionately known here, 😛 ), this is one of the few times that being compared to the glorious Baryshnikov is *not* a good thing. Dude, get a dose of testosterone and lose the flowy balletic moves stat! Paso is the man’s dance, so “man up”!
Sorry, @maina, but I don’t want to hear more Ricky Martin songs. Two are bad enough.
By now even Meryl is tired of hearing about Meryl.
I hope Latin Night is fun for everyone tomorrow.
I had thought TPTB encouraged certain couples each season to put the showmance feelers out to see if the audience would buy the storyline. Sometimes showmances work and sometimes they don’t, but, IMO, if the couples get votes and they have fun, why not.
One of those creepy Meryl/Maks shippers who don’t have any homework linked Pure DWTS to one of their tweets so the site should get some extra hits. 😉
LOL, Susan2! Truer words were never spoken!
RubyRed, (#275) You asked what dances the couplres still had left to do. Posting links is not encouraged here so I’m no good at it, but Court did a write-up on just that subject before week 6. If you’re interested, try cutting and pasting this url in your browser:
https://www.puredwts.com/2014/04/17/puredwts-season-18-week-6-whats-left-to-dance/
I don’t remember the couples doing 3 dances in a week except in the finale, but starting this week they will be doing 2 (which is more than enough in my opinion).
Damn straight, Susan.
I don’t know if Maks & Meryl are in a showmance/fauxmance/whatever, but Maks has been known to use this tactic in the past to generate buzz with his partners. However, Maks gets into REAL relationships with his fellow pro dancers (Karina & Peta) and not with his celebrity partners. He just knows what will get him/them attention. I totally believe that the packages are cut in a way to show a growth arc in MAKS and not in Meryl, which is sad because this is supposed to be about the journey of the celebs. I am definitely getting a growth arc from Charlie though. =) This is all my opinion of course!
My predictions on the scores:
(Carrie Ann, Len, Ricky, and Bruno)
Danica & Val – Salsa – 8 9 9 8 – 34 – Kinda worried about Danica at this point. Definitely about her breaking a rib (which is very painful) and the salsa is very fast lots and twist and stuff. I’m kinda nervous of them playing the safe card this week.
Nene & Tony – Argentine Tango – 8 7 8 8 – 31 – Don’t think this will be Nene’s week. I’m kinda nervous about the Argentine Tango – mainly because Nene is like 3 inches taller than Tony. And she’s not the most “graceful” dancer. I don’t think they’ll do lift – and I wish she will wear heels instead of flats. But I have a feeling this won’t be good.
James & Peta – Samba – 9 8 9 9 – 35 – I think this will be OKAY. Kinda a bad song for a Samba. I have a feeling his feet will be the issue this week. Just reminds me of his Salsa & Quickstep. Which is footwork wasn’t on point at all. But I still think he’ll give a good performance. Just worried about the technique.
Meryl & Maksim – Salsa – 9 9 9 9 – 36 – I think this will be good but not to the standard that Meryl is up to. I don’t think she’ll be on top this week. Latin really isn’t her strong point.
Amy & Derek – Rumba – 10 10 10 10 – 40 – For some reason I’m having a strong feeling that she’s going to kill and rock this rumba. Her hips are amazing!!!! Her and Derek’s chemistry is great. She knows how to act through the dance. I honestly think this will be her breakthrough dance. Many people might disagree. But I’m just having a feeling that the perfect score is coming.
Candace & Mark – Argentine Tango – 9 9 9 9 – 36 – I think this will be BY FAR Candace’s week for a breakthrough. Mark choreography is amazing and if Candace can act her way through the passion of what ARgentine Tango is – she’ll kill it.
Charlie & Sharna – Paso Doble – 9 9 10 10 – 38 – I’m just confused why Charlie is screwed every week. I think he’s better than Meryl sometimes. I hate his song choice. But I think his intensity will be there. But not perfection… yet 😉
Team Meryl – 10 9 10 10 – 39 – Best team we’ve seen in awhile.
Team Charlie – 9 9 9 9 – 36 – Don’t like how there making Nene the center of attention in this dance. I don’t see it being better than Meryl’s team.
My prediction from day 1 has also been a Charlie win. And no matter how high Meryl will be scoring right now, I don’t think it assures her the win that people seem to be predicting. I’ll be really happy for Sharna if it happens. Though.
@Aviva (254): “The stage also might be bigger than what we’re seeing on TV.”
If anything, it’s probably *smaller* than it looks on TV.
BTW, on the DWTS Twitter feed, there’s a photo of what looks like, once again, Peta phoning it in :p on choreography for James.
Wow they are opening tonights show with Amy’s rumba (they are dancing first per Derek’s tweet) So I guess that means lower scores typically right?
It seems like sucha odd dance to start with ?? Mods??
Rainemayer, maybe they want to give Amy a rest before the team dances.
I had guessed that they would start the night with Charlie seeing as a Paso is a good dance to start with. Rumba sounds weird to begin with but they have done it before (Last season, for example, during Hollywood night – Leah Remini opened with an awful Rumba).
The last few weeks those who went first did get kinda lowballed (Candace and Drew). I’m hoping they don’t do the same to Amy if her dance is really great as I am expecting it to be. Well, they’ve also given 10s for the first dance before so maybe Amy gets that same luck.
Yeah, I don’t feel particularly positive about Amy going first. From all accounts, she is killing the rumba – shame to see it underscored. But maybe that’s why she’s going first?
It’s possible the teams will dance first, of course. Don’t know if Derek would count that or not.
Heidi, It is week 7 and knowing Len it is just about the time he loves to slam Derek for something stupid. I am ready to vote all night long for Amy! I love her 🙂
PH, I have a terrible memory so help me out — have they done the team dances first in the past? Seems like TPTB would rather everyone dance their individual routine first so they can massage the team dance scores to get the total scores they want to see for certain couples.
I feel Amy and Derek’s Rumba is going to be beautiful. So I’m disappointed they’re going first. However, if they’re doing the individual dances first and then the team dances, it could be that Amy has to switch feet for the team dance, and that might take a bit of time to do right. You certainly wouldn’t want to rush it and risk a fall or stumble just because the feet aren’t attached properly to her prosthetic legs.
Me too Carolyn! I’ve not been hardcore voting for Amy/Derek lately..but from here on out, I will. I just voted using my phones and my one computer last week. This week, I’ll use my MacBook AND the PC laptop, then vote using the different browsers, Chrome, Internet Explorer and FireFox. Get my husband’s phone and vote too.
I don’t think Amy has gone first yet this season, nor has Meryl for that matter. Boo to TPTB purposely making Amy go first so they can underscore her 🙁
Love how they’re playing up Danica’s broken rib…what, for the sympathy/pity vote? Just saw it mentioned on a Tabloid news show commercial and they showed Danica and Val..go figure.
@Cidra I believe they did back in season 12. The team Cha Cha’s were first. And then everyone did their individual dances.
He’s only really done that when Derek has been out in front. It should be Meryl that gets slammed tonight.
Yes, they have done team dances first on a couple of occasions. Off the top of my head I don’t remember which seasons, but it has happened.
I’m not the best at recalling these things, but Amber did really well going first on the first show of the season, and I think Kellie also did really well going first at one point — got at least one 10 if I remember because Derek commented that he didn’t think that had happened before. Like Derek has said over and over, he and Amy are about defying the odds.
Thanks, CC. You’ve got a great memory.
Can’t wait to see what Derek’s designed for Amy’s Rumba outfit. I bet it’s going to be a stunner — gorgeous and sensual but tasteful.
Well, to be fair, Danica and Charlie also haven’t gone first this season besides Meryl and until now, Amy. Sean and Diana too but they don’t really count.
Cidra, I buy your explanation. I feel like (total speculation on my part) the individual dances are going first (so since Amy is first, then she’ll have time to change her costume and prosthetics – I have no idea how long that takes though for her to properly change her prosthetics or if she needs to tonight), then the team dances are last or maybe in the middle of the show, then at the end of the show will be the elimination. If team dances are first, then Amy would have to do a pretty quick change, right? I don’t think they would do that…never know though with tptb. Anyway, can’t wait to see the dances tonight!!
Last few weeks I split votes between Candace, Charlie, and Amy because I felt bad for Candace and Charlie. but from today it’s all Amy. Going by the natural chemistry between the two, Derek and Amy should kill the rumba.
I always have to run home from work to catch their dance, and luckily most of the time they go in the second hour. Hopefully I can run home quick enough today.
Leeann – Danica actually went first week 2 with her Samba. I don’t think she’s ever performed in the 2nd hour to be honest. Tonight I assume she’ll be last or at least the 2nd to last. James also seems to perform in the first hour a lot.
I remember Derek and Shawn getting two 10s with their Waltz when they went first so it is possible to do well going first, just seems like this season they have been low-balling whoever goes first.
Ananya, be careful running home to catch Amy and Derek’s dance — stay safe!
Cidra, I think you are “right on” about Amy having to switch her feet! I’m hoping to hear Len say,” That’s the way to start the night. From Len … a ten!” One can hope!
I just have this feeling they are going to pick this dance to start with the negative stuff–the yadda-yaddas like we don’t feel any REAL connection, or you are thinking too much, or the moves are jerky, you know. I REALLY hope I’m wrong because it sounds like they have had a pretty great week all round. UGH. I think she could really kill this rumba having had VW first she would understand the movement and they would have a little head start on just perfecting everything. Their team dance should be killer too, I’m hoping !
I totally buy the excuse that they need time for Amy’s costume/prosthetics change. Last week, Amy wore one outfit for the opening, and then a different outfit for her dance at the end of the show. So I don’t know how long it takes for her to change, but I’m guessing they don’t want to take any chances.
I have a hunch that Meryl, Danica, or Candace will be going last. I think that team will go second for the team dances, and the last dancer generally needs time to change.
I wonder why we’re finally getting dance orders, given the elimination process…
Are they finally changing it?
Candace has already gone last twice so I’m almost 95% sure she won’t go last this week and that Danica will (because of her injury). I am also guessing Team Vida will go before Team Loca because I’m guessing everyone just assumes that Team Loca is gonna be the best out of the two and they’ll end the night of dancing with a “bang”. I also think they’ll be doing elimination at the end of the show and won’t be calling anyone in jeaopardy in the middle of the show.
I was also reading that it is next week that Abby Lee Miller is gonna guest judge and ugh… I’m still upset over that. Why her out of everyone?! I’d even rather have Donny Osmond again. I also don’t know if I am in the minority or not but I kinda hope the Trio Dances do NOT come back. I never really liked them or cared for them. I actually liked the instant dances better like the did on season 11, 12, 13… Think those were more fun than the threesomes IMO. And then the semifinals is “American Icons” Night? Can’t wait to see which songs they choose for that. While I’m thinking like Elvis, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, etc… they will probably make Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus pass for an icon *face palm*
DLT, I’m pretty sure Drew Carey was the 1st one to dance on week 2. Danica went second though. I double checked on wikipedia and on recaps.
Did I dream this, or did they say before the season started that Mario Lopez was supposed to be a guest judge at some point? Just thought of it after someone mentioned Abby Lee Miller judging next week. We’re kinda getting down to the wire, and I have yet to hear anything else mentioned…was Sir Lopez unable to clear his schedule or what? Guess I’m just curious. 😛
I wonder what song Ricky is going to sing? I hope it’s Vida. That’s a catchy song.
I’m pretty sure the feet come with legs attached, so it’s a matter of taking off the leg which is pretty easy and putting on another. Not to make light of it, but I don’t think changing legs takes all that long. Now maybe it takes time to get your sea legs so to speak, if the feet are positioned differently, how she balances would change and it might take a bit to get the feel of it. This would be a pretty interesting question to ask Amy.
Another thing, I just read a tweet from Sharna from like Saturday where she says she’s slicking Charlie’s hair back for the Paso… Dang. Not a fan of his hair like that. Damnit!
Hopefully his golden locks will be in full effect during the Team Dance though 😛
I remember the Mario Lopez thing too. Maybe he was supposed to guest judge Latin week but then they replaced him with Ricky Martin. I mean, who wouldn’t… hehehe
I’m pretty sure that if we are getting a dance order, it means they are actually waiting until the end to give results.
Which makes sense cause with the team dances, the whole couple by couple results will be confusing.
No, Jess, Amy has said she actually changes the feet, not just the leg.
Vin, Ricky Martin has tweeted that he is going to be performing “Vida”.
CC, I love Charlie’s hair not all slicked up and gelled back also, but I feel like it’s difficult to change hairstyles mid-show unfortunately.
I don’t like the slick-back hair on Charlie either, CC, BUT with their dance being the Paso, I can certainly understand why Sharna would have him wear it that way. His natural fluffy hair just looks too boyish for such an intense dance.
Well, Good Luck to all the contestants tonight. I’m really looking forward to Amy & Derek’s Rumba!!- I’m also looking forward to the Team dances.
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I know I’m late but on the showmance comments re: Derek/Maria … I think with these two, the chemistry between them on the dance floor was REAL.. As for a romance, not.. Although, IMHO, I believe if Maria was not in a serious relationship, sparks may have flown-These two seem mesh well-LOL
Thanks for the amazing job that you all do here at “Puredwts”!!
@Courtney- Yes, Mario did say that he was judging in an interview with Julianne on his radio show. They talked about how they were both going to be on the show. I saw a press release for all of ABC Shows for their May Sweeps and it didn’t mention him. Tonight is Ricky Martin/Latin Night, Next week says Abby Lee Miller (no theme mentioned), the following week says American Icons Night (no judge mentioned), then the Mon/Tues finals. If he’s judging he’d have to be on American Icons night…though he is not anywhere close to an American Icon.
I figured that they will alternate the teams individual dances, and because there are 4 Team Loca members and 3 Team Vida members, that it would be Loca, Vida, Loca, Vida, Loca, Vida, Loca, Team Vida, Team Loca.
Most of the time, if I am remembering correctly, they do try to alternate the order for the individual dances between the two teams, and MOST of the time, the last individual dancer is on the team to dance second. Although I do think I remember Derek? (possibly twice) and his partner rushing to do their team dance first, after doing their individual dance last.
The alternation of team vida/team loca makes lots of sense (especially since Amy, Team Loca, is 1st, and James, Team Vida, is 2nd in the confirmed order right now). Going off of that concept, I’m going to go ahead and try my hand at predicting the order:
Amy
James
Candace
Nene
Meryl
Charlie
Danica (Meryl and Danica could be switched, but I feel like they are going to play the “will she dance or not” for a lot of the episode)
Team Vida
Team Loca
Well, for me, Amy and Derek going first means that I don’t have to look at the rest of the show. But them going first also means they might get lowballed with the scores and picked at for no reason, so that means I’m going all out with the voting.
I’m most looking forward to Derek and Amy’s Rumba, both team dances, and Meryl & Charlie’s dances.
After checking out some of these songs,on YouTube, I believe it might be better just to have the house band perform most of these songs. Yikes!
If this has already been posted, then my apologies – but I have to wonder if Amy is dancing first to give her a little bit more recovery time between her individual and team dances.
I thought for sure Mario Lopez would be judging Latin Night, and while I realize Ricky Martin is, well, Ricky Martin, what does he really know about this show? For that reason, I would have preferred Mario; at least he knows how the show rolls and what the couples go through to put a dance out there in less than a week’s time. If they insist on this foolishness of a guest judge every week and aren’t going to have someone with ballroom cred, then at least have former celebs who’ve made it to the finals.
That said, I’d be more than happy to have the AFLAC duck as next week’s guest judge instead of that piece of low-life scum Abby Lee Miller.
I’m not a fan of Abby Lee Miller… but if she’s going on the show next week, does that mean we might see a performance from the ALDC dancers? That’s the only good thing I can see coming out of her being a judge, because Maddie, Chloe, etc. are fantastic dancers … although I know she has done guest appearances or whatever without the girls.
@Cidra LOL “the AFLAC” duck! You kill me Cidra… Hahahaha. But I could not agree more with that.. anything(one) over Miller woman.
I agree with what you said about Mario probably being a better pick for guest judge for that reason. I agree that if they wanna have guest judges, past celebs should do it. I’d love to see Jennifer Grey guest judge (she did an amazing job filling in for Len on Strictly a couple seasons ago). Also people like Shawn Johnson, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nicole Sherzinger for example. And OMG Bill Engvall should guest judge too because, why not?! Hahaha.
Glad to give you a chuckle, CC. Of course the knock against having former celebs as guest judges is they’d be accused of being biased in favor of their former pro.
Oh, CC, I meant to say I agree with your earlier comment about hoping Charlie’s golden locks are flying free for the team dance.
I don’t know anything about that type of hair product, but as Leeann said, it could be difficult to get all that gel out in the middle of the show. If it has to be washed out, that seems like a tall order. On the other hand, if you can brush it out, it might be do-able.
Cidra, I’d be happier with the amoeba that lives on the lice that lives on the AFLAC duck than Abbey Lee Miller.
LOL, Susan2 — absolutely, sign up the amoeba!
I remember that Miller woman once said, after quite flippantly dissing Derek and Mark, that she would love to do some choreo for DWTS…I hope not!