DWTS Season 19, Week 5 – Dancing by the Numbers!
Wow. What a night. And not really in a good way. While I certainly think that Julianne is ten times the judge that Carrie Ann is, all of them needed a good smack the other night for being so ungodly rude. No, I do not disagree with some of the scores they were handing out (although Sadie and Alfonso got hosed in a big way), but the timing and the comments. You wanna use those paddles, how about NOT throwing out 6’s, 7’s and 8’s to those same people for the first four weeks. You say “Oh, it’s now week 5, we have to get tough. NO! THIS IS STUPID THINKING! No matter how often you say that’s what you’re doing, it just comes off as dumb – and as if you’ve had the realization if you don’t start scoring some of those guys low, they’re going to stick around for a while. :::rolls eyes:::
I will say that one time that I loved was when CAI asked Val what his dance was supposed to mean – thanks for asking what all of America was probably trying to figure out. Val, you have potential but you have a long way to go before you hit Derek’s level. A long way. And you’ll never get there as long as they keep giving you partners with dance experience. You need a Joanna…and more clarity of vision. And pills that help you resist the showmance bug.
What else did I like? Well, not very much. Alfonso and Sadie were fantastic. Bethany was very good. And that was pretty much it. Problem is that I heard some of what went on behind the scenes and it just makes me feel bad. This is my happy, shiny dance show and they’re determined to screw it up. And no, it’s not Julianne’s presence or Len’s absence – that’s too simple minded.
Anyway, let’s have a triple elimination and get this sucker over with. Hell, no Macy’s Stars of Dance? Pro numbers that aren’t even close to the quality that we got back in seasons 5 and 6 (but which bear a striking resemblance to a strip show)? And now Burlesque, Bollywood and Broadway?? Screw that. I joined this ride to see BALLROOM DANCING. And we have a Déjà vu downtown if I wanted to see that shit. I’m not a prude – far from it. I’m just BORED out of my skull with the exact same female centric pro dance every week where the only thing that changes is the color of the skimpy costume. And really, you know it’s bad when I’m yelling at my TV for Val to put his damn shirt on, I’m sick of seeing his damn chest. That much pride in a man will be his downfall.
:::sigh::: It’s safe to say that this past week’s show just pissed me off. In large part because I had such high expectations, I suppose. I expected fun and I got….crap.
Part of the problem is also that this season started off so well – and so much better than Season 18. Like, a thousand times better than the Showmance Season, where we could have fun with the characters (Tommy, Michael), giggle along with Jonathan, wonder why Artem was not correcting Lea’s posture problem, laugh in a very uncomfortable way at Antonio…and so on. But they put a huge cloud over the whole show the other night with their behavior.
Anyway…when you look at the total scores of the couples, the REAL reason for the 5 and 6 paddles becomes glaringly apparent. They pretty much guaranteed that either Jonathan or Michael is going to go home. Even Antonio feels a bit bullet proof with these scores. Let’s take a look at where everyone ended up by the end of the night.
Nearly 30 points between first place and last place. Hell, there is 20 points between *fifth* and last place. When the number of points handed out increases, the margin decreases – but there is nothing that will protect the bottom two in this case, unless Jonathan and Michael both are doing far better in votes than I think they are. Lordy.
Michael is low man on the totem pole – what will it take for him to be safe? Take a look…
As you can see, Michael only needs to get about 5,200 votes per million votes cast to get past Jonathan. And I think it’s very possible he can do it. That’s chump change. If he doesn’t manage that, he needs about 10,300 more votes per million votes cast than Tommy. I tend to think that’s less likely. In addition, as much as I don’t think Antonio is going to last much longer, I have a hard time believing Michael can get 21k to beat him.
So, while I think Michael might beat Jonathan, I don’t think he beats anyone else just yet. But what about Jonathan? If Michael manages to get past Jonathan, what does Jonathan have to do to be safe?? See below.
In order to be safe, Jonathan needs ONE of the following:
– He needs for Michael to NOT get the 5,200 more votes per million votes cast than him, OR;
– He needs to get 5,200 more votes per million votes cast than Tommy, OR;
– He needs to get 15,500 more votes per million votes cast than Antonio
And so on up the list. But does anyone think he’s actually getting the votes to get past Tommy?? He could be, but I tend to doubt it. Speaking of Tommy, how safe is he?
To be safe this week, Tommy needs ONE of the following:
– He needs Michael not to get 10,300 more votes per million votes cast than him, OR;
– He needs Jonathan not to get 5,200 more votes per million votes cast than him, OR;
– Tommy needs to get 10,274 more votes per million votes cast than Antonio, OR;
– Tommy needs to get 24k more votes per million votes cast than Bethany, OR;
– Tommy needs to get31k more votes per million votes cast than Janel, OR;
– Tommy needs to get 37,700 more votes per million votes cast than Sadie OR Lea, OR;
– Tommy needs to get nearly 40k more votes per million votes cast than Alfonso.
Okay, so looking at all these tables leads me to a few conclusions:
- Alfonso, Sadie, Lea, Janel and Bethany are definitely safe this week. I don’t see any of them getting beaten by either Michael, Jonathan or Tommy. Maybe Tommy in the case of a couple…but not the other two.
- Antonio is *probably* safe, since Michael, Jonathan and Tommy have to get 21k, 15.5k and 10.3k, respectively, to beat him. Tommy might beat him, but the other two probably aren’t.
- That leaves us with Michael, Jonathan and Tommy.
I have a hard time believing that either Michael or Jonathan are beating Tommy, so I think he’s probably safe.
That leaves us with Jonathan or Michael. My thought is that Michael can get the 5.2k more votes per million votes cast he needs to beat Jonathan, but I think it could be tight.
So, my thought is that Jonathan goes home. Michael is my second choice. If someone else goes home – although I don’t think we’re into shocking elimination territory yet – then I’ll do a brief update to show what happened. If there is a double, I think both Jonathan and Michael hit the road.
Amazing numbers post again. Love these! I am so glad I am not alone in my thoughts about Val and his need to be showing off his body. When Artem & Val were standing there in all their glory with Jessie J I was thinking how stupid they looked. Now Derek looked HOT and he had his shirt on. I can see Jonathan going home.
YES YES YES YOU GO GIRL HEIDI !!!!! That rant is exactly my thoughts
Correct me if I’m wrong, but they will be adding in the scores for Monday night before elimination, right? So, the elimination is based on combined scores for weeks 4,5 and 6? Which means that the margins will be even smaller, and fewer votes per million needed to stay?
And that leads me to another question, which may or may not have anything to do with what you just posted about…. Now that we’re down to a single show each week, and someone is eliminated at the end of the show, provided that they are using only one set of judges scores, each elimination is LAST WEEK’S viewer votes and THIS WEEK’S judges scores, correct? So, HOW are they getting who’s in jeopardy before the scores have been given?
I so agree with everything you said. I was really hoping for a better season after the vomit-inducing last one(largely because of the showmance)and then it just went downward.
I am also tired of the dancers with their skimpy costumes from week to week and I can hardly stand the bare chests of the guys. Where are my
ballroom dances – the waltz, the quicksteps the tangos, pasodobles?
What the heck is burlesque, Bollywood, hiphop etc. This is the only
reality show I watch and I watch it for the dancing – not for the showmances, the drama, the fake stories, the nasty remarks from the
judges.
My understanding is that it’s the viewer votes and scores from the previous week (or in this case, the previous two weeks) – so the scores for this Monday night have nothing to do with it. I think that’s why they used the same scores and votes for two eliminations (basically a double elimination spread over two weeks), so that the votes and the scores that are used for elimination will be from the same week. I also think that’s why they call safe or in jeopardy before the couples dance – to indicate that the elimination is already set, and tonight’s scores have nothing to do with it.
I think the first season they had no results show they were trying viewer votes from the previous week with scores from the current week, and decided to scrap that (in my opinion, a wise choice).
Heidi, I wholeheartedly agree! What are they doing to our show? PLEASE bring back Macy’s Stars of Dance (not just for a Derek dance) but because they usually have more class. Are TPTB so desperate for us to like Artem and Val that they won’t LET them wear a shirt? lol
PH, you are so right on all counts! Great post as usual and fantastic commentary. Just wish we were at the surprise elimination stage tbh so we were spared more showmancing while the show get rid of all the guy celebs. Funny thing is that all those guys are great entertainers and so fun to watch develop.
I completely agree with you PH! I’m tired of the weird dances, I want to see ballroom. I was tired of shirtless guys seasons ago, now it seems some, like Val, can’t do a dance without having their shirt off. The judges were extremely rude which made the show worse than it was. If it wasn’t for Alfonso, Sadie and Bethany, it would have been a complete waste of time. And those three got hosed on their scores yet again.
I’m siding towards Jonathan going home Monday, if not Michael. I think Tommy will be around until at least those two are gone. But I’m starting to think there may be a shocking elimination, that’s you Janel, before Tommy is gone. I can see the steam coming out of Val’s ears now if that were to happen.
I just want to say thank you for doing these posts every single week. I find them fascinating. I just don’t know how long I can stay with this show. I loved it so much. I think the reasons we are getting all of these odd dances are they think those will appeal to those younger viewers they want. The same with the skanky opening dances. I don’t appreciate the showman’s or the low-balling of scores or the just overlook whatever wrong this dancer did but not this one, etc. It’s just not the show I enjoyed so much. The show is also becoming too heavy with pros that side with “the fam”. So not enjoying that aspect either. So we basically have our top 5 unless we have a dramatic exit. I had hoped that exit would be Janel but the way they are pimping her and scoring her, they intend to keep her. It’s a shame really. After we got through that waste of a season last spring, Conrad left, I had high hopes but those hopes are gone. Anyway, thanks so much for all your effort. I appreciate it.
Since I found this site these elimination articles are my favourite as well so thanks again! Len’s back after Pitbull week so hopefully we see some ballroom. Can’t remember the last time I saw a quickstep, tango or VW.
I hope Michael goes but I think Jonathan or Tommy will go. I feel like Tommy may have lost a lot of phone votes that he would have gained from the general viewing public that watched the show in week 1 and loved him (like I did). He seems to have burned out over the past couple of weeks and won’t attract the “floaters vote” as I like to call it. As nice as Jonathan is, I thought last week was really his last chance to save himself and try to compete with the top 5 and it just didn’t happen. It’s down to his and Allison’s fanbase to try and save him.
Heidi you are hilarious but you are soo right I agree with everything you said I too was looking forward to a better season than last but it’s not happening The judges were on target just need to phrase things a little better I have a problem with the crappy music and dances I have never heard of some of these
I have a feeling that a Fam member will win this year just by the way things are going Alphonso is really getting nit-picked probably because he is expierenced but Janel and Lea also have training and can do no wrong JMO I have trust issues with this show I really enjoyed this show when they stuck to the Latin/Ballroom dances
Thanks so much for what you do on this site it helps me to know that I am not alone in some of my thoughts anyway Keep up the good work! Excuse my spelling 🙁
I can’t agree more with everything that has been said. Cheryl L. said it all for me.
I also had high hopes but they are gone now and even though I have been a fan since day one (except for last season) I think it is now over for me.
I do enjoy Derek, Bethany, Mark and Sadie. Derek and Sadie’s Charleston was so good.
Artem and Janel’s package before their dance made me want to vomit and then they danced and then I did. Disgusting pigs.
I doubt if this show can recover and be a real dance show again because they seem hell bent on it’s destruction. What a shame!
Why the comparison between Derek and Val’s skills? Both are talented and bring alot to the show. And not only did I understand the concept of Val and Lea’s Broadway number (she actually held up a sign at the beginning that read Retired Dancers’ Home), I thoroughly enjoyed the dance. It also contained many traditional ballroom steps and styles. The fact that CAI didn’t get it doesn’t surprise me. She’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
But I do agree that the fun was missing from the show. I would attribute it to the judging. Antonio, Jonathan and Michael all improved IMO, but got no notice. Tommy was the only one who seemed stagnant. I think Jonathan in particular got hosed in the scores and deserves another chance over Michael or Tommy.
I’m no math genius, but I was wondering the same thing, Lori. Just waiting on PH’s next math class for that answer!
PH your opening comments are dead on. Let’s just cut to the chase, get rid of everyone but Leah, Bethany, Sadie and Alfonso and let
….the fans enjoy the remainder of the season with some quality Troupe dancing and Macy’s Stars of Dance.
I agree Juliana. There are nothing to compare between Derek and Val because Derek is in a whole different level than Val. It’s like comparing lion to a lamb 😉
Sometimes I think the producers forget that this is DWTS, not Keeping up with the Kardashian..haha.
@julianna I agree. The concept of Val and Lea’s dance was clearly laid out in the beginning.
I felt sorry for poor Peta getting hosed on scores two years in a row! The girl deserves a break. That dance that the choreographed for Jonathan was hard to say the least. He gave it his all but IMO he is still “meh”. Not very memorable.
Favorite dances of the night for me were Alfonso and Sadie followed closely by Lea. I did not care for Antonio, Michael or Tommy. Bethany was good, Mark was the perfect person to choreo hip hop.
With respect to who goes home, I agree that it will likely be Jonathan and if not Jonathan, then Michael. Michael may be getting a big boost from NASCAR nation although I am a NASCAR fan and I don’t vote for him because I don’t think he deserves it. I thought disco would be a good dance for him but IMO it was not. Did it deserve all 5’s? Maybe, maybe not. Tommy goes out and gives it his all every week, Michael doesn’t even try. That being said, I kind of agree with Julianne and CAI that if Michael and Tommy were to stay around they need to step it up.
The first season they did one show a week it was the viewers votes from the week before and judges scores from that night which was incredible stupid and just allowed the judges and producers to manipulate the show so much more. If you are going to have one show a week the only fair way to do it is use both scores and votes from the week before. It sucks when someone had a breakthrough week after a bad week as their fate is already sealed but it is what it is.
Monday’s show I think is taking a combination of scores and votes from the last two weeks and Monday night so I’m thoroughly confused on that part.
ANYWAY…I do agree that I think it’s Jonathan and if not him than Michael. I wouldn’t be too shocked if it ends up being Tommy but I really hope it isn’t. I would love for them to eliminate two people though. We are going into week 6 and there are still 9 celebs left! This season is just dragging. I would also prefer going back to 3 finalist instead of 4.
My thought is that it’s Jonathan’s time to go – I really haven’t enjoyed the combination of he and Allison all that much. Not a fan of Michael either, but I did like their Car Wash disco dance. I hope Tommy sticks around at least one more week.
I agree – so tired of Burlesque, etc. I prefer Ballroom and am looking forward to Derek and Bethany’s Tango this week. Guess TPTB liked Janel’s Burlesque because on the new commercial that I briefly saw, she was front and center.
Tired of the guest judges as well. Jessie J had a few good things to say but then kept going on and on and taking up all the time. When Len’s not around, 3 judges are fine.
IA Juliana. Both are talented and bring a lot to the show. It’s possible to enjoy both without stripping from the other, especially since I feel they offer different strengths and entertainments.
My prediction is Johnathon going home, or maybe in a slight surprise Tommy. I can see Tommy outlasting Johnathon and Michael because I do find him to be a better dance, but I could also see where he might ‘shcokingly’ go, as shockingly as one can be for being among the 3 weak scorers.
No, Lori. They’ve not done that so far, why would they start now. The elimination on Monday is based on the previous TWO weeks instead of one week.
To your second paragraph – no, again. Each elimination is the viewer votes and judges scores from last week. The first season they only had one show a week they did it the way you said, but people complained so much because the judges could, theoretically, base their scores on what they heard the votes were to try and take control of who goes home.
Gee, Juliana, why did I compare Derek and Val?? Perhaps because it’s my damn blog and I can write what I want? Yeah, actually, that’s it.
If you have been reading the whole site and the various comments, you know why the Val/Derek comparison is relevant. If not, too bad. And gee, I must not be the sharpest tool in the shed either then, eh? Well, I can guarantee that I’m sharper than most – including yourself. I guess you just have to be a Val fan to get it. I though it was rather silly.
Amen, Thiana – there is no real comparison. Not yet, and maybe not ever, if he insists on using his big brother’s showmancy playbook.
You know part of what pisses me off about Janel is the same thing that pissed me off about Meryl (and why I liked Charlie so much, incidentally) – too much wasted fucking talent. So much screwing around. Part of it is TPTB’s fault for the dances they are giving her – making her into the sexpot which is SO BORING. But part of it is Val’s fault for refusing to rise above the bullshit and whip out some difficult dances. I don’t think we’ve seen anything yet that was terribly difficult except some of the lifts in the Burlesque – and who cares about a bunch of lifts??
Oh man, I loved loved your rant, Miss Heidi. You said it and then some. The judges were just wacky.
And do I ever agree with you about having more (high quality!!!) pro numbers too. They need to find a happy balance with them because we are all here for some excellent “dancing” in general not just the competition aspect.
I’m so torn on who will be eliminated. As much as I hate it, I think Michael should go, but, I can see why he might stick around again because of his massive fan base.
Great synopsis! I agreed with so much of your review. The sassy “i-am-woman” pro numbers are getting really tired and played out. Time to switch up the choreo.
As for Val and Artem, leaving something to the imagination goes for both guys and girls. Val/Artem – we get it, it’s ballroom…the whole shirtless macho guy thing is required but when you do it allll the time it comes off uber cheesy in a Fabio sort of way. *cringe*
I actually really like both Val and Derek equally and think they’re both very talented and very different artists. Val is the better, more dynamic, technical latin dancer with an impressive competitive record in the dancesport world. Derek is the better choreographer as a result of his incredibly well-rounded background in multiple dance genres. Val shines best when he’s authentic and focuses on transferring his deep knowledge of technique to his celebs/students; he really seems like a great teacher and Derek…well, what’s there really to say, it would be difficult to stop him from shining. He’s a triple threat with an endless well of talent.
Enjoyed this PH. I don’t want them to ruin S19. The showmance of S18 definitely ruined the vibe of that season, though I will say Amy & Derek and Charlie & Sharna are some of my favorite couples on any season of DWTS, so their dancing saved the season from completely being meh.
Thanks again for these By the numbers posts Heidi! It really does help clear up whose in danger and whose not.
I really thought it would be Antonio who would go home next week because he seems to be the most forgettable/unlikeable. But when you look at the numbers that Jonathan, Michael, and Tommy have to all get to get past Antonio I’m not sure Antonio is in jeopardy. Unless he’s really tanking in the votes and with Cheryl having her fan base I’m not sure he can be tanking that bad.
I also don’t think Michael will go home because of the Earnhardt storyline in Week 4 and the NASCAR votes.
That leaves Jonathan and Tommy. Jonathan seems to have a lot of people rooting for him. But his partner is so new and is getting mixed responses. Gonna be a tough one!
It’s funny, there’s a video from a dancesport competition where Derek won the championship – Val and his partner took 9th place. Never realized it until someone pointed it out to me. A lot of the time, from what I understand, Val and Mark were in a different group than Derek because of the age difference. But Mark and Julianne both complained they could never beat Derek when they did compete. Both were excited when they were on DWTS and beat him for that reason. And now…. 🙂
Val stayed in the competitive world a LOT longer than Derek and Mark (and Julianne) did, hence the impressive record. It’s comparing apples and oranges.
It’s very possible, LPES, that Antonio could be tanking – I just think for this week he’s good because of the margins. But if he does badly next week, look out.
Even if I’m not particularly fond of a contestant that doesn’t mean I enjoy seeing them get humiliated in front of the judges. I imagine the vast majority of us are the same way. Judge constructively and consistently and if you don’t like something say it without making the contestant the butt of your jokes.
This “look at me! look at me!” behavior by the judges is exhausting and literally the opposite of entertaining. Make it stop.
I’m assuming we don’t know if there is a double elimination on Monday?
The latest ABC release only mentioned one elimination, but, you never know.
Wow, wow, wow, another mind-blowing, genius numbers post from PH! If Derek is a genius in choreo and performance, then Heidi is as well in what she has created and developed on this site and PDH. Amazing stuff. I agree with some of the other posters about the direction of the show, and it makes me sad/mad. I started watching Season One for Ballroom and like others became a devoted fan. Yet now, I am so discouraged this season watching the same strip-club choreo, tedious bare-chested displays by Val and Artem, the non- ballroom dance styles, the effortful showmances, the 4-judge panel, and last week’s critical judges’ comments. The show I loved has changed into something I find hard to relate to. If it weren’t for Derek’s dancing, I probably wouldn’t watch anymore. I loved the numbers post and think probably Michael will go bah-bye on Monday. Thank you Heidi for your excellence.
Thanks, DW and everyone. 🙂
Tear ’em up PH. You are the guardian at the gate.
If the show continues with the 4-couple finale, they wouldn’t really need to do a double elimination. I’ve heard this season will be 11 weeks, correct? If that’s the case, there are currently 9 couples, so…
10/20, Week 6: 8 couples at the end of the night after elimination
10/27, Week 7: 8 couples dance, 7 couples after elim
11/3, Week 8: 7 couples dance, 6 couples after elim
11/10, Week 9: 6 couples dance, 5 couples after elim
11/17, Week 10: 5 couples dance, 4 couples after elim
11/24, Week 11: the remaining 4 couples dance in finale, finale results the next day (Tuesday, 11/25)
Two thumbs up, Princess H (even three if I had a third thumb)!
Your intro and insight helped me make sense of what happened on Monday night. Over-all, I found it to be underwhelming/lackluster. Probably because of the music/songs used for the dances and the harsh judging. There were some dances that saved the night for me though–Sadie and Derek’s Charleston (there should have a 10 considering that Antonio got an 8), Alfonso and Cheryl’s Flamenco (should have been at least 9’s across the board), Bethany and Mark’s Hip Hop (two 9s and two 8s would have been more appropriate). I guess I can include Lea and Val’s Broadway, although I thought there shouldn’t have been 9s in their score.
I’ve been wondering if those who are often underscored are killing in in the votes. Perhaps they are. Looking at the numbers and with your commentary, Princess H, it won’t be surprising if any of the three men–Jonathan, Michael, and Tommy–goes home next week. I would feel sad, though, because to me these three are very likable.
Thank you for this fantastic numbers post, Princess Heidi!
I like to read this site, but I agree with Julianna that it is not a good idea to come right out and compare one pro with another. Val and Derek are both awesome choreographers and dancers and they make a great contribution to the show. I believe that the pros do visit this site and comparing probably does lead to hard feelings. Whenever I compare myself to another I always tend to feel worse about myself not better.
I wish Australia’s DWTS voting worked like this!
They do theirs by having the person with the most amount of votes from the judges gets the point amount of how many couples remaining in the competition (for example, if there were 10 couples in the competition, first place on the leaderboard would get 10 points). They then do the same thing with audience votes. They combine the two numbers for a two digit number, and the person with the lowest total goes home. If there is a tie, the person with the highest number of viewer votes stays.
It is annoying because it has resulted in two very good dancers going home, and a contestant who received a 4/40 staying this week over someone who received a 29/40. If our voting system worked with the percentages, the 4/40 person would have almost definitely gone home!
*rant
i am so upset with how artem is portrayed on dwts! the strictly artem was so much more funny and adorkable (and dare i say, charming?) than this dwts one… i blame tptb for giving him a burlesque which deepened the perception that he’s another dude who likes to get his kit off every week when he is so much more than that.
in other news, I was so excited about Jonathan at the beginning of the series and seeing his progression through the weeks, saying that i’m disappointed would be an understatement. Hopefully, Allison and he will blow us away next week with his jazz.
Totally agree with DW on PH’s number genius! DW said it so much better than I could have! I was disappointed with the judges’ comments this week too, but not the low scoring (paddles) for the “boys” – minus Alfonso. I do think that it’s tricky to know when to use the low paddles. If you use them in the first few weeks, people say you are not encouraging the celebs enough, but if you start to use them now it is “stupid thinking”, as PH says. Maybe they have to pull out those 5s in week 3 with less harsh comments. I’m suspicious that the judges aren’t “guided” by TPTB as to what to say in a general sense from week to week.
Just throwing this out there: if anyone doesn’t like us comparing pros (the horror!!!), then they’re free to leave – no one is forcing them to read us. This is a blog, which by definition is a work of opinion, so it’s not like we’re totally out-of-line in comparing/contrasting. I’m guessing this sudden problem with comparisons stems from some insecurity on the part of fans of a certain pro…but regardless, it’s really not as big of a deal as some are making it out to be…
I don’t mind seeing hip hop, broadway etc (although I’m not too fond of burlesque), AS LONG AS they still keep the ballroom dances around. I think the reason why it feels diluted is because contemp and jazz are now thrown into the usual mix. Not that I mind these two styles either, but moderation should be stricter. The standard ballroom/latin dances should still be the main course. Unlike last season. One miserable paso doble. At least they gave it to Charlie White (that guy pulls everything off).
Excellent point of the pro dances this season, PH. They just don’t impress me as they did previous seasons. They’re also shorter (the time problem again, sigh.) which adds to the suckivity of it all.
Personally, I would prefer Michael to go. I believe Jonathan would have been better at this point in competition if he had started off with a more experienced partner. Allison’s cool, but she’s unfortunately not doing her job right.
The pro ladies are so much better than what they’ve been given to dance lately. It’s like “forget all the years you’ve spent developing your dance technique and just grind and thrust.”.
The pro dances are symptomatic of what has slowly changed the show over the past few seasons. An over-produced, frenetic, in your face, everything but the kitchen sink attitude.
Just saw my first Badie show. Bethany and Sadie are so adorable! Funny, sweet, goofy girls. So happy they’ve developed what will be a lasting friendship.
And Witney posted Alfonso got Will Smith on the phone to wish her a happy birthday. She said something like ‘Holy freakin’ heck’. Hilarious.
Love these girls. I can’t wait to see all three (and Alfonso of course) do a freestyle!
I think Michael will be safe this week and Jonathan will be the one to go, but Tommy should be the one to go. His performance last week was least successful IMO.
I agree regarding the women’s pro, dances. You’d think tptb would have gotten the memo that the young demographic isn’t going to tune in regardless of how much sleaze they try to inject into the program. I stopped watching those segments altogether.
Ashley that’s cute about what Witney said regarding Will Smith wishing her a happy birthday. That’s what I would have said too, only with more profanity!
Heidi thanks for posting a blog that is exactly how I felt watching this show. So disappointed in the direction that DWTS is going, everything you said was true.
I think the producers thought Artem would replace Maks as the sexy pro and everyone I talk to say it is not working….so now they are working on Val. I am waiting for a great opening, beautiful costumes, and real ballroom dancing.
I am ready for Michael to go home, he is nice but hard for me to watch, last week was his best dance. Because of all the Nascar fans, I think Jonathan will go.
I will add to what Courtney said with a simple Bite Me. Your opinion will not be changing how I write, so…FAIL.
And if certain pros are unwise enough to read here and have hurt feelings? Too bad – maybe they’ll learn something.
@Susan2
Exactly, me too. She’s such a doll. Those are just some nice, down-to-earth, they are exactly who they portray themselves to be, girls. There’s no guessing or confusion. They know who they are, which many don’t at that age, including me at that age. Which is why I find them so refreshing.
Sorry if I offended anyone, it is just that I thought that the statement that Val has a long way to go before he reaches Derek’s level is kind of harsh. I just felt that if Val were to read that, it would really have to hurt. I’m a sped teacher and the whole ” words have power” message is really drilled into us.
It’s called an opinion, Olivia. This is a DWTS blog, therefore we have opinions on all things DWTS. Sometimes, the opinion is NOT positive. This is what happens when you are a public person – people get to critique you. I happen to think that Derek is miles ahead of Val – I don’t find that particularly harsh either. I’m sure others disagree.
If you’re so worried about people’s feelings, you should talk to the Val/Maks fans that continually spew hate on Derek’s instagram/Twitter/facebook pages – they’re sending it right to him where he can’t miss it if he gets on line. No one I associate with sends hateful tweets right to the pros – and if I found out they were, I would give them a piece of my mind. But if Val reads this page, he is seeking out the opinions of VIEWERS of DWTS. Frankly, I think a lot of the comments are pretty constructive, if you have an open mind and/or are concerned with how other people see you. If you don’t care what others think, then you won’t care what I say and aren’t likely reading this site anyway.
@Olivia – “Words have power” is a great message. But unfortunately we all have our own ideas of words that are too harsh and hurtful.
For example: you stating “I’m a sped teacher”… I find distasteful. To those of us that have had a child with learning disabilities, I can tell you that the word “SPED” is offensive to us parents and their children.
I loved season 18 because there were a fair amount of really good dancers, meryl, charlie, amy, james, etc…this season is just painful to watch, mostly b/c the dancing sucks. Usually, there is one dud, but although they might have had fun personalities, there are too many just really bad dancers this season.
Sadie and alfonso are fun to watch, janel and lea are ok, and bethany did a great hip hop, but if she were with anyone else, i wouldn’t give her a second glance. I find that i spend way more time going back to watch videos of last season’s dances..mostly meryl/maks and amy/derek.
#50 Olivia: The statement that Val has a long way to go before he reaches Derek’s level is only stating the obvious, IMO and I find it neither harsh nor a criticism. Of course Val and Derek are both competitive dance champions, but that is the baseline. On the show, Derek has achieved 5 MBTs, an Emmy, Emmy nominations, renown as a choreographer and legions of loyal fans that honor him for not only his talent but also for his humanity. Val is relatively new to the show, and his beautiful dancing will hopefully position him to garner some accolades, but it is still early days for him and time will tell.
I’m waiting for Derek to actually come up with some complicated, outstanding choreography that will make everyone go WOW. He’s my favourite dancer and so far I’ve felt underwhelmed by what he’s done this season. Is he keeping the best he has for the last few weeks or what?
Meg I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way. I love Derek and his choreography and for some reason I’m just not feeling it this season. I know he must be totally exhausted mentally and physically after the summer, so that might have something to do with it. I also think Bethany is rather limited, since not a lot of personality shows up on the show and she isn’t an exceptionally talented dancer, so that limits the ‘wow’ moments. Even “Singin’ in the Rain”, didn’t make me exited. Maybe I just had too high an expectation when Derek only had Bethany to work with for the number. My issue could be the lack of any ‘wow’ pro/Macy’s numbers, where Derek can shine so much. For example, “Singin in the Rain” might have been an amazing Macy’s number. Anyway Derek is one of the few reasons I continue to tune in. I’m selfishly glad he’s back although I’m surprised he is. I sort of wish he was the new judge this season. I think I would have found him a more insightful judge than Julianne. He could have done a guest number or two and made me very happy.
@Meg.. I’ve got a feeling he’s going to be challenging Beth more and creating difficult routines because we’re half way done in the competition and this is when he pushes his partners a lot. They’ve got the Tango this week to a somewhat weird song, but it’s those weird songs that often drive Derek to create some of the best work.. I’m excited to see what he comes up with tomorrow.
@ Mindy – Wait, what song are they dancing to??
I really hope he’s gonna come up with more creative difficult routines, I’ve read somewhere people saying they wouldn’t give Bethany a second glance if she weren’t dancing with Derek and I can see why someone would say that…even tho I actually like this girl and been watching her videos before she got on DWTS, I agree. @ Karen, I dunno how limited she is, I think she can dance, I mean her hip-hop were many people’s favorite, mine as well..and it wasn’t even choreographed by Derek. I feel like he’s kinda holding back with her and taking it really easy and I just don’t understand why.
I’m a bit nervous about their tango, they had such limited time to rehearse…I trust Derek won’t come up with something easily forgetable and half arsed, I hope.
Ok just checked, apparently they might be dancing to Jealous (I ain’t with it)” by Chromeo….lol wtf?
“Jealous” is a great song and has an appropriate tango beat. Not sure why everyone is so taken aback by it…
Meg, Derek tailors his choreography to his partner, unlike some. That is his best quality on this show, actually, it just so happens that he amazes a lot of the time. But it’s about Bethany and what she can handle.
Frankly, I think if you weren’t impressed by that Charleston then perhaps you’re not the fan you claim to be. Pardon me for being skeptical. We see all kinds of stealth trolling around here.
Word, Courtney. I had never heard of it, but as soon as I listened I could hear a tango beat in it. It has a lot of the Derek fans over on PDH flummoxed too.
Yeah, I just dropped some blazing torpedoes of truth both there & on Twitter. The Derek fan hand-wringing over music is becoming passé.
They really need to chill out. The man knows what he’s doing. Of ALL PEOPLE on this show to worry about, he’s not one.
Heidi, I said that I’m waiting for him to do a complicated, outstanding choreography, to wow the judges and everyone else because I know he can come up with some really cool stuff, the I liked the Charleston(which unfortunately he didn’t do with Bethany) and Singing in the Rain, doesn’t mean I was overly impressed. And feeling underwhelmed by what he’s been doing so far doesn’t mean “I’m not a fan” and I must be actually “trolling” around here.
Well, Meg, you’ve got to understand the amount of crap we see on this site every day. I don’t think you can blame me for wondering, since your comment actually shows a lack of understanding of what the show is about. It’s about *Bethany* – can she handle one of Derek’s “complicated” dances? I’m not so sure. He has to make HER look good, and if that means not “wowing” people whose expectations are far too high, then so be it. Frankly, I thought most Derek fans understood what the goal of the show is and why Derek is so good at it.
Derek always matches his choreography to his partner’s strengths and personality. That’s why he’s so great at what he does. I’m not sure what the status of Bethany’s ankle is right now, but I’m sure that it was a factor in the Singing In the Rain choreo. I never second guess Derek in anything related to dance! Bethany has really started to open up and be more comfortable with dancing in public. I’m sure Derek will take this into consideration and the Tango will be fantastic!
Firstly, I agree with PH. There is NO comparison b/w Derek and Val. Derek has a class of his own and I dont think any pro on the show now or to come will ever come close to it. See its not just about the dances that he stuns and wows us with, not about his genius insightful choreo, but a lot of it is because of his personality and the person that he is which has resulted in him winning the MBT 5 times and becoming the reason (most of us) watch DWTS. That trait is something that cannot be bought or acquired, its just God gifted and Val’s personality is ekh! Literally ekh! He annoys me. Derek on the other hand, i could watch all day doing anything and i wouldnt get bored.
Also for those of you who think Val is a better dancer, are u kidding me? Have you ever seen Derek and Val dance side by side? You can’t even move your eyes away from Derek to see any other dancer let alone Val. I know it seems like im Derek biased, but honestly, just watch them dance side by side. Youll agree.
Lastly, commenting on last week’s performances, loved the Charleston and the hip hop number. However, nothing comes close to Amber and Derek’s Charleston in season 17. That was the BOMB! Best.Charleston.Ever. Such dynamics, can watch that dance anytime!
I’m actually a bit nervous about the Tango because they’ve had so little rehearsal time. Like, way little. But, her fanbase should carry her through. Hopefully.
#69 @PH yeah what were they doing in Australia in the first place? Couldnt find out what was that all about. And I think their Tango will be just fine 😉 DWTS history has at least taught us that.
Bethany had some big event that she was booked to do – that’s the reason for Australia. Madness. But, it pays the bills (probably more than she’s getting for DWTS). Yeah, I’m sure it will be fine.
Post #72 says this. I’m going to watch the show and watch Derek dance his MAGIC and Bethany will do great.
For any of you who haven’t been wowed by Derek’s choreography with Bethany this season let me just say you may not be watching the entire dance and seeing the dance steps to the beat of the music. (IMO). Also I wouldn’t worry about Derek not having the right focus or energy, just go look at the DWTS instagram page and view the little bit of him and Henry. WOW WOW. Please everybody stop harping and worrying about Bethany. She is amazing just look what she has accomplished in the last 5 years of her life, YouTube, clothing, DWTS and music. Are any of us a little underwhelmed with our own achievements or a little jealous? Just saying!
Chill out, ette.
#74 PH, OK sorry, I know I get carried away sometimes. It’s just I really like this little Bethany and of course Derek. I’ll be more careful.
Wow PH. Went back to look at your numbers when the Monday 10/20 show ended. Tommy is really hauling in the votes. This should be interesting over the next 2 we:peks to see who else he can beat. Janel, Janel, Janel….. 😛
As always, I’m compelled to remind people that Tommy isn’t necessarily “hauling in the votes” – it’s more likely that other just aren’t getting votes at all. Important distinction.