DWTS Season 23, The Semi-Finals – Dancing by the Numbers!
I find myself asking the exact same question that I’ve asked for the last couple weeks – does extreme pimpage (raving judges, over scoring, positive/mush/sentimental editing) work on an audience? I think it’s very clear that the answer is yes. Why? Trump. Enough said. And if they didn’t know that it worked, they wouldn’t do it so much.
But you have to wonder where the tipping point is: when do they go so far that the general viewer sees the man behind the curtain?? I mean, this past week the thing with Laurie was just…disgusting. Leave the poor child and her family to deal with their grief without making a public spectacle of it – that’s just distasteful. The raving over Jana – come on. The first part of the season I forgot she was even on the show. Boring. When does the general audience wake up and say, “dang, they’re really pushing so and so HARD.”
I also think this past week we saw competing agendas. John always says they aren’t clever enough to manipulate everything, or they don’t do it to benefit a particular contestant – only for ratings/drama. Well, I think that’s part of it, of course – but manipulating the show for a particular pro to win logically leads (in their pea brains) to bigger ratings down the line and maybe in the right demo. Clearly hasn’t worked thus far, since they still lose in the demo and their total viewers numbers continue to shrink. Now, I think they were willing to go with James possibly winning the show – there is a thing called the Law of Diminishing Returns. That thought applied here means that they can push and push and push for a particular contestant to move forward (Laurie and/or Jana), but if their goal is ratings and the person they’re pushing is getting fewer votes (or just isn’t as popular using some unknown metric) than a contestant they AREN’T pushing, then they aren’t doing themselves any favors (increasing their ratings) by continuing to push. They are better off letting the chips fall where they may. So, I think they had started to take their hands off a tiny bit – and had resigned themselves to getting Gleb and Val to the finale (pushing Jana and Laurie, but not an all out assault which would have entailed crushing James). Gotta have those touring pros all in the finale! It’s all good – a new pro gets a MBT, the touring pros are in the finale, Gleb and Val get exposure to help try to fill the massive Derek void that they know is coming.
Side Note…isn’t it ironic that they probably pushed Derek away faster in order to try to make Val and Gleb happen?? LOL – like I said, competing agendas. Newsflash – if Gleb is all that he doesn’t need pimping. Derek came up and became a star when the show was all about Maks and Tony and the pimpage was relatively nonexistent. And look at him now.
Anyway, it was all going to work out. But then what happened? Laurie’s grandmother died and they couldn’t help but capitalize on it to the fullest, most distasteful degree. It occurs to me that instead of using that event to pimp Laurie, they just went full out for the drama and the press, with the side effect of helping her in the votes. I guess what I’m saying is, that it was a coincidence. Marilu saw it very clearly, on this show and on the Apprentice, that they are looking for a story. Of course, they pick their story based on who they want to win – competing agendas – but I tend to think, in this instance, that they were okay with James winning if that’s what was going to happen. But they had to grab on to the drama of Laurie’s grandmother and capitalize on it fully. It’s so craven. It also probably had the effect of turning the audience back to Laurie, increasing her odds of winning. :::sigh::: We could be treated to another photo of all the fam mirrorballs together….if Val wins will they finally have enough combined trophies to beat the number that Derek has all by himself?? LOL
Anyway, I ramble. Calvin is our man on the bottom this week, but his chances aren’t too bleak. Kinda bleak, but not horrible.
See, that is not a big spread. But they have been fawning and drooling over Jana for a couple weeks now and the audience is SO GULLIBLE. So gullible. People start to believe shit if they hear it often enough. And Carrie Ann throwing Calvin that 8 for a mis-step when Jana had just as many issues and got a 9? Bitch please. That’s a not-so-subtle hint to the audience that she thinks Jana is better than Calvin. And if she thinks that, it must be true. We can only hope that the rest of the audience is on to CAI and her game. That one point wasn’t just for the spread – it’s a psychological tip to the audience. :::gasp!!!::: “An 8 on Week 9? Calvin must not be that good. I want to vote for someone who’s going to win.”
So, as you can see, Calvin needs around 7k votes per million votes cast to make it to night two over Jana. If you had asked me two weeks ago if he could do it, I would have said hell yes. Now I think his chances are no better than 50-50.
And we’re not going to take it any further than that, because that’s really what it comes down to on Monday night. James and Laurie are almost certainly safe, while either Jana or Calvin isn’t going to night two. As you can see from Table 2, there are tiny numbers between Jana and James/Laurie, but I don’t see anyway she’s passing either of those two. We’ll talk about James and Laurie on Monday night, after the free styles.
So, Calvin or Jana? My track record in Season 22 was nearly perfect, as I recall and this season I’ve missed two and couldn’t call two (she says without looking back at her own posts). I want Jana gone…but I haven’t gotten what I wanted in a couple weeks, so why would that change now? I’m very afraid I feel like Calvin is done after night one.
I hope I’m wrong. You?
I have so come to dislike this show. I’m not even watching this season. Every Monday night, I watch this site. Far more interesting, far more honest. I take in what everyone says here and then I go vote. I have voted against whatever manipulation is being thrown, although that hasn’t seemed to work too well for me yet. Long time viewer of the show who is just so tired of it. Many thanks to all on this site, the only way I’ve managed to still stay somewhat engaged with it.
Well you hit this spot on!
I’ve watched less and less since about season 18. Watching Meryl and Maks in a clearly made up relationship for votes and then watching Maks milk her for everything he could get out of her publicity wise was just the beginning of the end for me.
Season 19 with Janel made it worse. And with the exception of Bindi’s season, I’ve just only watched the dances. No packages, no judges commentary.
I find this site to be a more honest commentary on what’s going on. Depending on what happens next season, I may just drop the show altogether.
What is the absolute f*#k is wrong with TPTB??? The manipulation has gone way toooooo far this year. I have watched for several seasons and it’s literally the only show I do watch because of my crazy schedule. Why can’t we just watch honest dancing and vote however we want. Why does there have to be an agenda?? Have you seen dancingABC Instagram?? I am pissed. It is literally just Val and Laurie’s “emotional” foxtrot, then a picture of her AT and promoting that she was going on Jimmy Kimmel, then a cheesy memory book of Val and Lauries “friendship” and how there is billions of friendships but not any as sweet as yours. Come on! You know who’s friendship might actually continue after the show. James and Sharna. They are the only ones that aren’t fake.
Anyway, 3 out of the last 5 posts have been about Laurie. It’s bullshit. They are aware that there are other people in this competition, right??? if they don’t do that “memory book” thing for everyone thoughout the next couple days, I’m going to lose my mind. and I’ll be done watching the show after this year. The only thing I care about is James winning. I hope we, “the non-gullible” fans can pull it off for him!!!
Thank you for this post and for the commentary about the show and the producer manipulation. Like Molly (#2), I watch less and less. If I watch live, I channel surf or get up and clean during the packages (and even some of the dances), because I can’t tolerate the tone and tenor of the packages. I generally skip the judges comments, although I will follow your live blog here to check scores and decide about voting.
I am right in the show demographic (female and over 50). I usually wait until the first week to see the dances before I pick my favorites. Generally, I am of the Ginger Rogers school (she did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in heels) of fandom, so I usually find the journey of the female stars more compelling than the male celebrities.
Suprisingly, this year, I found both James and Calvin as much or more interesting as people and as dancers, although I am a long-time fan of Marilu’s. I knew nothing about Terra before the show and found Terra’s dancing and her personality compelling. I hope that we get to see more of Sasha in future seasons — the two of them were really enjoyable to watch.
Although I hope that Calvin is not eliminated first next week, sadly I think it is likely that he will be.
I thought a tiny bit of joy went out of Calvin’s eyes with that 8, it was a slap and he knew it. Then, when he was not much more than a forklift on the Salsa, his dancing was great, very rhythmical but it was overshadowed by the twins doing their flips I thought he might be going next time.
But there is always hope and a great freestyle. Jana just bugs because of the whimpering and the faux I can only dance with Gleb, Gleb is the only one who understands me bs, but also the choreography stinks. Whoever told her to look like that on the Paso is certifiable. Her partner is sloppy, much worse than Dmitry and he only lasted two seasons as a pro. That Quickstep was more about Gleb messing up than good choreography. So if it’s down to the two of them Calvin deserves to stay, Jana not so much.
As for James, some fans of others are saying that Jenna was an unfair advantage for James on the Trios because she danced with him twice. You know, THAT Jenna that everyone loves to hate because she’s a camera whore is suddenly an advantage. I say, make up your mind. Of course this wasn’t Maks’ first trip to Val and Laurie’s rehearsals, and of course Alan was Gleb’s surrogate the week he was sporting a knee injury. But why quibble with facts or the difficulty a non-dancer would have dancing with a new partner.
Certainly the show is pushing the dead Grandma angle for all it’s worth, it is the story this week – not the dancing. If that’s the deciding factor, then yeah, what a season.
Just like a lot of people here, my heart hopes that Jana is next out but my head says that it will be Calvin. It will be just like how Wanya got fourth place last season and Ginger got third.
I love both Jana and Calvin so I’m torn, but I don’t think Calvin can do it this time.
Casanova, were you watching last season when most of the show’s FB and Twitter posts were about Nyle?
Remember, the freestyle won’t help whoever is leaving – that’s already decided.
Mods –
In your opinion, do you think the freestyles has the wow factor of earlier seasons since they now have contemporary and jazz in the regular season?
The only freestyle that comes to my mind in the last few seasons is Mark and Sadie’s. I just wonder if it hasn’t become “just another dance” in some ways.
Just curious.
This is my first season watching, and only decided to do so because I couldn’t have Calvin on my fantasy football team and wanted him to have a darn good reason for quitting football;) I kept watching, and frankly got a little obsessed watching, because of James and Sharna.
From episode one Calvin has always been one of the most fun to watch, BUT I fell in love with the partnership of Sharna and James. They NEED to win! Not only because he has really turned into an amazing dancer, but because the partnership was so strong. Sharna knew exactly how and in which direction to help him excel. On top of the amazing chemistry, they have a remarkable synergy.
Now for my rant…why is no one that I have seen talking about how awful their package was prior to their Argentine Tango? Talk about some not-so-subtle manipulation by the dancing with the Stars producers! Sharna and James are about to do what I feel is the most sensual dance there is, and the package shows his girlfriend Becky. I believe the last time they showed her was after Sharna and James that perfect and very romantic rumba. Becky was edited talking about James almost dying with a smile on her face! The girl is an actress. I have to think there was a better cut! And how is the audience suppose to feel about him playing the role as a seducer of another woman? And if that weren’t enough, after the dance and CIA’s wobblegate 9….we then get to see the blindfold thing has been done before. Let’s not mention that it was the contestant, not the pro, that was blindfolded! Again, my first season watching, but my understanding is two different contestants have been blindfolded. Did they make sure to point out to the second contestant that had been done before? AARGH!
It is mostly just another Dance, IMO. I think Kellie’s was great…to the point that it shouldn’t be tried again, particularly by Pros with little contemporary experience. Bindi’s was great because it was so emotional, but I wouldn’t call it ground breaking. Sadie’s – loved it. Very different. Those are the only three that I actually remember in the last few years, to be honest. I would have to go back and look them up – and that’s not the best sign. I have a vague recollection of Nyle’s being contemporary. That’s about it.
A lot of this is Spot on. I really hope that they don’t just hand Laurie the trophy because honestly, I feel like if we are voting for teams. James and Sharna are a much stronger team. My genuine question is what story line are they going to push for James in order for him to pass Laurie, Becuase I feel like there is no Stopping her at this point. Which kind of makes me mad,
Amber’s & Bethany’s were different & also James/Peta’s so they also stand out to me.
I didn’t think James video package was bad in any way. But maybe that would explain why Afterbuzz bashed them throughout the episode this week. Even got a bit nasty towards the end when the female host made Sharna sound like she is obsessed with James. They made her come across as desperate. Absurd and hypocritical considering they are Jana & Gleb fans. Funny how they got rid of the host that found Jana’s behavior as a bit sketchy.
@Christy
The blindfold thing has been done before 3 times with a contestant. The 1st time was in Season 10 whitch was ages ago. The 2nd time was in S21 which was last fall and it was used to visualise the song’s lyric “they say love is blind”. Since then it’s done every season.
Afterbuzz is trash. I don’t know why anyone wastes time watching it.
You forgot Julianne and Apolo, Geri. They were blindfolded during their freestyle.
As for Bindi and her blindfold, I think it was just a visual tool and she didn’t do much dancing with it, did she? I could be mis-remembering. I do love how pros like to act like it’s never been done.
@Christy, @Geri, the first time I remember anyone using a blindfold, I had actually forgotten, until someone mentioned it…. Was WAAAY back in Season 4, Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough’s freestyle. BOTH of them were blindfolded, and still managed to have a (almost completely) in sync routine!
And no, of course no one else had it brought up that the blindfold has been done before, because it didn’t fit in with the narrative of the season at the time.
PH, I’ve forgotten entirely that AfterBuzz was still on!
I really want Jana gone badly but it looks like it might indeed be Calvin which would be a shame. Laurie was destined for a win from day one and I think that she is still getting plenty of votes anyways. The “package and drama” helped even more. Hinch is the winner in my book, but the lack of international votes might still hurt him.
Unfortunately I agree with you. Calvin might be out. Laurie and James will advance. But it would be so good to get rid of Jana.
As for the freestyles. Unless Sharna created something absolutely outstanding (and she is the only one capable of doing so) I do not see the freestyles as that hugely important. Every number can be some sort of freestyle these days which takes away from “the finale freestyle” being super special.
AfterBuzz said what??? What’s the matter with them? Glad I never watched them and now I never will! What a way to put down every couple except for Laurie. I wouldn’t be surprised if the TPTB told them what to say in order to fit the producers’ agenda. I seen Kristyn Burtt on twitter tweeting something about AfterBuzz before. I hope she’s not part of it anymore. She’s more classy than that!
I don’t believe for a second that Sharna is desperate or obsessed with James. She’s not that kind or that kind of person AfterBuzz is trying to make. Didn’t she appear on AfterBuzz in the past? What a way to talk about someone like that behind her back, someone who was actually on their show. Sharna may be single but I can’t see her that way at all. She’s good to Becky. Not nice of AfterBuzz. 🙁
Honestly, the DWTS Afterbuzz in the Kristyn/Jake/Suri/Anna era was the only Afterbuzz show worth watching. I tried to fumble through it for a few other shows (America’s Got Talent, Sons of Anarchy, Walking Dead) and couldn’t even finish a single episode of them – the commentary was unintelligent and half the time, the commentators acted like they didn’t even want to be there. And now, with Kristyn gone, the DWTS Afterbuzz ain’t shit, either. I honestly didn’t know anyone was still watching them…
Yes it’ll be harder for Hinch to take it home with the international fans not being allowed to vote unless they know a way around that and some do. I think he’s won many American hearts. Let’s hope the end proves that.
I didn’t watch but gave all my votes to Calvin when I heard the scores. Hopefully it helps.
Thank you for another excellent numbers post Heidi.
I’m 50/50 on whose going home this time. In my heart of hearts I want to believe that Calvin can get past Jana, especially since he was put in jeopardy so that may lead to more votes this week than he previously would have received. However, like you said above, if the audience is buying what some of the judges have been “selling” LOOKING AT YOU CAI, then it may be hopeless in the end.
I told myself last season I would have been happy to have a Lindsay/Wanya freestyle even though I knew he didnt have a chance for the MB and also received the same underscoring treatment Calvin has as did Alek previous season (…..I know she’s not the only pro to have this pattern). So I am gonna try to remain positive and be thankful I will at least get to see Lindsay’s talent for creativity come to fruition but man will it sting to know that Jana would cost him that 3rd spot. Had this been between Terra & Calvin there’d be no bitterness from my end as I truly saw them as equals but Jana remains a whole different story.
That’s so strange. I mean, Becky literally gets the best part of the whole situation, she babysits Sharna’s puppies along with her and James’ puppy. Also, she’s an actress, so I think she gets it more than most of the contestants significant others.
Some people really can’t handle not having a ship, I guess? Although, when Jana and Gleb is the alternative…eek.
Why don’t the producers love Lindsay? I think she’s been amazing the past few seasons. She’s obviously a great teacher, and I like her choreography. Why wouldn’t they want her and Calvin in the final? They are so fun to watch, much more so than Jana and Gleb.
Just excellent as always, Heidi! Dang though…I didn’t realize Calvin could be in as much danger as he is. I just love him and Lindsay. It’s going to be so hard to watch any of them leave except for Laurie and Val for me. Every time TPTB decide to pimp the max out of someone as they’ve done especially with Laurie, it makes me like them less.
And I agree about Afterbuzz. It’s just awful now. That they said that about Sharna is just further proof why they’ve lost all credibility and viewers. I liked it a lot better with Kristyn.
I’m not gonna sit here and bash anyone, I like all 4 couples on some level. On performance level alone I think the final 2 should be Laurie and James ( I’m judging on the contestants not the pro) personally I want Laurie to win but I’m good with James. I like Calvin he’s had problems here and there but he’s improved, that’s the way the show should work. I like Jana to an extent, but I feel like she has been overscored (way too many 10’s) my problem is some of her dances have lack of content. My predictions are a toss up between Jana and Calvin I would tend to say he has more fans than Jana but who knows. The finale will be interesting, the reason being is Len is back, as much as I love Laurie I don’t think he has given her a 10 yet, maybe that will hurt her, maybe not but my gut feeling says James will win.
I’m an “irregular” watcher of the show – I admit it. The only time I have watched it was Season 1 (curiosity) and whenever a celebrity that I know is on the show. They include:
Donny Osmond (OK, but not spectacular); Nastia (have no idea why she got eliminated – the logic escaped me); Bindi (talented); Paige (beaten by a guy playing the disability card with the worst hunched over dance posture I’ve ever seen), and now James.
Of all the couples I’ve seen, James and Sharna are by far the most enjoyable to me. But I’ve resigned myself to the fact that he is unlikely to finish ahead of “The Kid” (Laurie) because of, among other things, the teeny bopper gymnast community is probably robotically voting for her like damn lemmings. Despite this, I will give as many votes to J & S as I can.
Apparently they like Jana so much they are letting her sing on the finale (per her Twitter) *insert eyeroll*
To TPTB, why is Gleb>Lindsay? He’s not as good of a teacher or a choreographer. TPTB must be happy now that they have two female pros who can fill the Julianne sized gap that was left seasons ago, so why risk pushing one of them out? They need a strong male pro to fill the Derek sized gap that will be left soon, but so far, it doesn’t look like Gleb can fill the spot, so why keep gunning for him?
Not sure if I’m reading too much into this but this is something I’ve noticed occurring with the top 3 since S19 going into finals – whenever there are two male celebs in the finals, the female celeb ends up winning and vice versa.
S19: Alfonso, Sadie, Janel, (Bethany 4th)
S20: Rumer, Riker, Noah, (Nastia 4th)
S21: Bindi, Nick, Alek (Carlos 4th)
S22: Nyle, Paige, Ginger (Wanya/Antonio “equal” 4th) – arguable to the fans
Now, TPTB manipulations probably have turned me into a little paranoid conspiracy theorist, but for this to happen 4 seasons consecutively? A little excessive IMO.
@Hezekiah Thigpen I agree with you that there have been some massively unfair things in Laurie’s favor this season, but I don’t really understand why the only thing you pointed out was people who were already her fans before the show voting for her. That aspect of the show is something that is going to be true for any show where celebrities compete against each other, and it’s something that is true for every person who has ever been on DWTS. Obviously, people with larger fanbases benefit more, but every celebrity is going to come in with a fan following that will vote for them regardless of how well they dance. There are many things that are annoying about how Laurie and Val have been handled this season, but I actually think the fact that she gets the vote of gymnastics fans is one of the few things that isn’t annoying and is a totally normal, fair part of the competition.
I miss Len. I feel like the judges used to be stricter with their scoring, especially when they passed the halfway point. They used to nail them for things when they let it slide for weeks. I think without Len everyone is just too nice. They’re easily fooled by the shiny stuff and they reward flash over content and technique. (Like how no one commented on the fact that Laurie’s trio wasn’t really a trio, or that Jana’/ dances basically look the same every week). At least Len was never swayed by that. He could appreciate a dance for being fun but at the same time recognize it didn’t really represent the dance style.
#29, Terri – I’m pretty much of your mindset.
IMO – you could make arguments for Laurie, Calvin or James to win. I think James has shown enough to have been the frontrunner – in other seasons. Jana is the only one I feel needs to go. And the cynic in me hopes that her singing in the finale is a proper sendoff because she won’t be dancing, but I agree with the majority here that it almost feels like Calvin will go first.
It’s a tough call for me – I completely disagreed with CAI on Lauries dance this week. I actually watched her arms and thought they looked like her arms do on the balance beam. And that’s just not graceful enough for a dance competition. On the other hand – I actually really like her and feel like she -possibly- could have blown everyone out of the competition if given another pro. And unless Val gets major help – her freestyle will not compete with Lindsay or Sharnas work.
(Perhaps another reason TPTB need Calvin to go —- less competition for Laurie in the freestyle)
James has killed it almost every week – I would love for him to win. Sharna has earned it. James has earned it. And I like that he was such an underdog coming into this.
So pro personality aside and skill only – I go for James, Calvin, Laurie, Jana
What I think the pros can produce on finale night? James, calvin, Jana, Laurie
Call me crazy – but I actually think James, Laurie, and calvin will all be happy with whatever place they get. They seem to have all really enjoyed their time and while they are strong competitors, they have just had a ton of fun. And I just don’t see that in Jana. All I remember from her packages is drama and tears. Well except for that bff moment with Laurie – lol
Funny though, if you watched DWTS from season 1 to 20 you only saw the blindfold get used twice S4 Apolo Freestyle/S10 Erin Waltz. If you only watched form S21 to S23 you’ve already seen it 3 times.
I’ve never missed an episode of this show in 23 seasons! Having said that, it’s easy to see the fix is on! It’s no longer about who the best dancer is, it’s a popularity contest! I miss the old days (1st 10 seasons) when the music was dance worthy.. it was true ballroom dancing and the best dancer won… but a bunch of fans started whining about how this contestant had more dance experience than others, they started putting on “D”. Listers like Cloris and Springer…the music went to shit, some of our beloved pros had enough (Edyta) and won’t return.. Tony got partnered with potential non winners with exception of Melissa and then everyone threw a fit that it should have been Derek and Shawn .. the judging is terrible Carrie Ann is an attention whore, especially since Julianne showed up.. I’ve seen a lot GO down hill hence the lower ratings… As far as this season goes, I’m rooting for Sharna and James , not just because he’s improved the moyand having to switch partners mid season.. in Derek’s defense, he is the best choreographer on the show, they all know it.. and we all know he won’t be a regular pro anymore! Yes, the fix is on as wrong as I think it is.. but I’m a true lover of dance and will forever be a fan as long as the show lasts… I do think it’s days are numbered..
I have to point out that “teenybopper” voters are notoriously BAD at it. Shawn was more popular than Laurie her first time out and she BARELY won. And she didn’t win her second time around with far better dances than anything Laurie has done. Aly? Also didn’t win – didn’t get close. Nastia – was sandbagged but didn’t win. Evan Lysacek – better known that Laurie and didn’t win.
All I’m saying is, is an Olympic ringer is NOT a guarantee that one is going to win the show. It certainly increases your odds tremendously – that’s why they’re called “ringers” – but it’s not a guarantee. It all depends on who you’re dancing against. James still has a shot. I would say it depends on how badly they manipulate the show on Monday…and if Sharna seriously kicks Val’s ass in the freestyle. That bar is set pretty low, but I think this season the freestyle may be important.
I think you have to look at the dancers themselves, Rach, and not just their gender. I think Bindi was going to win from the moment she opened her mouth on night one. Alfonso was going to win no matter what. Nyle – that one was a bit closer (thanks to people rallying behind Paige) but I think he was destined to win as well.
Rumer was manipulated into position by the producers, no question. But the other seasons the winner really wasn’t the “chosen” one at the start of the season. They pimped the hell out of Ginger and Nick….while I think Janel was just about getting Val as far as they could. I think they knew night one that Alfonso would win also.
Given Laurie’s grandma sympathy factor, Hinch’s reunion with Sharna, and Charismatic Calvin relegated to low man on the totem pole, I predict voters rallied most around them and that it will be Jana placing fourth.
Just out of curiosity, do you guys think it would be benificial to James if Calvin gets sent home and the same with Laurie if Jana gets sent home?
I’m wondering if Calvin gets fourth, his fans would decide to vote for James and if Jana gets eliminated Monday night, her fans would vote for Laurie… It sucks because I want Calvin to go as far as he can, but I also want James to take home the Mirror Ball
I want Jana gone. She should have been gone a few weeks ago. Terra is better than her. Jana’s dances were forgettable. And if she gets to Tuesday night over Calvin, TPTB can clap themselves on the back and say job well done, we got what we wanted. The travesty would be, and I don’t see it happening, was if by some slim chance she actually won. Then I would most certainly not watch anymore because there is no way that can be justified.
I’m hoping James wins. What they did to Laurie in her package was disgraceful and they should be bowing their heads in shame. Laurie can dance, no doubt about it, but I think James is the better of the two.
Cindy, I can’t say having Calvin over Jana is getting my way as I love them both, but both of them over James sure would be. I know that won’t happen and that’s okay. James worked hard too.
As for Laurie teeny boppers, I think it’s a lot more than that, but I think James has a shot if they pimp him next week, Please consider, a lot of us have voted like robots in the form of power voting so that comment is actually insulting a lot of us ? Or trying to anyway.
I do see Calvin gaining in support and I still think it’s Laurie’s to lose, but not the foregone conclusion Alfonso or Nyles were as PH mentioned before.
You do realize, Rose1, that continuing to insist that James has been pimped AT ALL doesn’t make it actually true, right?
I do wish that people would realize that someone getting attention doesn’t mean they are pimped. James is a natural. An unknown, non-dancer who is likable as hell. Of course he’s going to get attention – on his own, naturally. Unlike Jana….
I,too, ju find Jana boring. Can’t deny Gleb is gorgeous; but Sasha’s personality carries much more weight for me. I’d rather see him as a new p
@Rose1 – Errrr, please point out where Cindy “insulted” you.
Ha! Sounds like Afterbuzz has gotten to the point where they’re grabbing random people off the street, sitting them down in front of the microphone and letting them spout idiocy.
I absolutely think that, Jerin. I don’t know how much weight it will actually carry, but I definitely think if Jana is eliminated more of her supporters would back Laurie than the other two and same with Calvin’s likely supporting James if they continue to vote.
Am I the only one that thinks it’s going to be Laurie and Jana head to head. I definitely believe James should win speaking on dancing ability and the way he pumps up a crowd, but from what I seen james out of the other 3 has the least amount of followers meanwhile laurie and Jana both have around 1 million plus. Also besides this week Laurie is always the one with the most amount of views on YouTube with Jana right behind her. On top of that jana is about to reach 1 million views while laurie already has a million views on their you to be vid. I guess what I’m trying to say is based on the amount of support james has it doesn’t look like it’s going to match up wi th the other girls. If Laurie and Janas freestyles both get the same score I’d say Jana is Laurie competiton based on viewers support.
Roselyn, READ THE SITE BEFORE COMMENTING.
For the 5000th time, it’s has been shown time and time again on this show that twitter followers and youtube views mean NOTHING when it comes to who wins the show. If it works out that way this time, it will be a coincidence.
Have to agree that just because Laurie is an Olympian, that doesn’t mean she’ll definitely win. I feel like TPTB/Rob Wade have thrown a bit of conventional rules out the door when it comes to who they expect to win. They’ve had football players that could have definitely won, but didn’t. As PH mentioned Olympians who didn’t wib either.
If Laurie and Val’s upbeat, barefoot freestlye is troupe heavy and gets mixed in the shuffle and doesn’t strike an emotional chord with viewers, they may not get all the votes. Judges scores I doubt she won’t get a perfect 40.
I can see Jana and Gleb going for an emotional contemporary, Calvin and Linds for a sports/cheerleader themed performance like Donald Drivers, but Jamea and Sharna…not sure what she’ll do so Im looking forward to it.
For all I know she could be doing a Stars Wars themed freestyle ? …but whatever it is I hope it’s memorable enough to get the votes and beat Jana and Laurie. ?
Forgot to mention…lol Roselyn I WISH that were true…then Ryan and Cheryl would be final three with Jana and Laurie! ?
And Marilu would have been out week 1, EmnEm.
And Kim Kardashian would have done better.
And Nick Carter would have beaten Bindi. Or better still, Paula Deen would have won that season since she’s got twice as many twitter followers as Nick and three times as many as Bindi! How about Hayes? He has 3.4 million followers to Paula’s 1.4 million.
Get the drift?
EmnEm, there was a two part interview with James and Sharna on tweeted by George Pennachio. All she said is the freestyle will be emotional, inspiring and will fit James’ story. Yesterday in the FB live chat, she said it’s a combo of the VW, Paso, Contemporary and the Tango and I just heard the song they’re doing. Beautiful! So I’m looking forward to it.
I’m so curious what Laurie will do. When I hear “barefoot,” I think contemporary but I heard the song and it’s definitely not a contemporary song. I think it’s going to be an upbeat and fun freestyle. You don’t wear much on your feet when you’re on a beam but I thought I saw Val say something that it’s not gymnastics so I dunno what’s going to happen.
I just have this feeling that Calvin will be leaving before Jana, landing him in 4th place. We shall see!
As for the twitter following…Jake wouldn’t have been eliminated first and Redfoo from season 20 wouldn’t have been either, seeing both of them have no less than 1 million followers. So I would not look at the number of followers on twitter or any social media platform and determine that way who would win. By the way, it is a shame that Redfoo was eliminated. His scores were much better in the second week than the first week and he could’ve probably kept improving had he stayed. Ah well. Happens when you don’t vote! 😉
Kinda glad an IG following doesn’t relate directly to elimination. If it did, boy oh boy, I would not be able to watch Kim Kadashian’s caliber of dancing for more than she lasted.
Sandy, missed that tweet..thanks! I hope it doesn’t get too contemporary. While I don’t mind contemporary, I’m sick of these overly emotional freestyles because we now know it works to win when done right. While I don’t mind if it gets them the win, I just wish the freestyles were what they were before. Guess i’ll have to wait for Mark to come back on the show and make it to the finals. 🙂
Also, I heard Val and Laurie mention that it would be upbeat, fun, and a celebration of Laurie’s journey and barefoot lol on All Access. Dom asked if there would be acrobatics/flips and Val kinda paused and said there would be “dancing.” I wonder if they’ll bring in the other girls part of the fab 5 for the freestyle??
If Calvin and Lindsay take a Rob and Cheryl route on their freestyle I think they might be scored higher based on content by the judges but won’t get to final 2 because of Jana’s overly emotional freestyle. Wait…someone gets eliminated MOnday night based on last weeks scores and votes? So…hopefully that’s not Calvin 🙁
“It works when done right” EmnEm because it’s in the hands of a person who infuses it with *genuine* emotion combined with good contemporary choreography – the pros on this show who can do that are few and far between. When it’s done “right” I don’t mind it being done. But it usually isn’t.
Personally, I like all the finalists equally for different reasons. That’s very rare for me. I don’t stick to one couple amd cote for that same couple every week. I go strictly by dancing. Who’s dance I think is the best everu week.
I don’t pay attention to “manipulation” or anyhing like that. I don’t pick favorites or least favorites and get obsessed. It’s just a TV show for me.
However, one thibg is for sure. I will NOT vote for anyone who does a contemporary for their freestyle. So sick of everyone doing it every season. I’d rather see a cha cha freestyle.
Frannie, just wondering – can you sound any MORE condescending and superior in your next post? Just wondering.
You say that you don’t pay any attention to manipulation – yeah, the people who say that are the first ones to get on twitter and spout some nonsense that the show manipulated them into believing without them even realizing. And you’re not obsessed cuz it’s just a TV Show – posting on a fan site dedicated to DWTS kinda puts a huge dent in that assertion. If it was “just a TV show” you wouldn’t be here. I watch lots of TV shows, yet don’t post on web pages dedicated to them.
On social media I am seeing instances where James is edging out Laurie but only by tiny margins. The Canadian vote would have made a difference so I’m sulking about that. The first season ever that a canuck had a shot and they shut us down. If the show refuses to at least open the phone line then this is Lauries to lose and that sucks hard, especially when as much as Laurie is an extremely likable girl, I just don’t find the pairing with Val very appealing. I don’t think the choreography was particularly inspiring and I have felt for a long time that Laurie has not shed her gymnastic rigidity for more softer arms and styling. She hits latin hard which is a good thing, but it’s not when it’s overplayed. (See Paso) and it was rather strange to put a 16 year old in the role of a sensual husband murderer on the AT. Again, hitting a romantic hard is one thing, understanding character is another. Jana dances better than her in contemporary style, and James and Calvin have grown much more as students of dance than she has.
I hope Calvin makes it to the top 3. Jana really has NOT improved IMHO. SHOULD Have been sent home weeks ago. I’d rather see Vanilla Ice Than Jana. Gleb hasn’t done her any favors.
I love my TV shows. I’m very involved in forums whether it’s Facebook or Imdb or various other websites. I enjoy giving my opinion just like everyone else.
That doesn’t mean I’m obsessed or “MORE” condescending. I just dont like to involve myself in conspiracy theories. TV shows are what they are.
As far as dwts, I vote for who I think the best dancer is each week and I’m not a fan of contemporary style freestyles because they’re played out in my eyes. Rather see some fun energetic dancing. Like Peta and Donald or Peta and James for example.
Not sure why you’re jumping up my butt. I’ve said nothing to insult anyone.
But okay, if you don’t like what I have to say I’ll find another forum. Sheesh.
:::sigh::: How many times do we have to say that looking at social media for an indication of how a contestant is doing is a MISTAKE??
Re-read your other post, Frannie – that was one of the more condescending posts I’ve read in a while. And your reading comprehension could use some work. I was saying you were condescending in a sarcastic manner.
By all means, if that’s how you’re going to post – as if you’re looking down on everyone else – then find another forum.
@KellyK I am not a fan of Jana, I think her crying and clingy interaction with Gleb is somewhat nauseating since we he’s a married man and at the very least needs to govern himself accordingly. The whole Argentine Tango was soft porn, very little good dancing. Shipping these two is just kind of pathetic. Of course Laurie should be final 3, but when dancing side by side on contemporary at least Jana looked like a dancer, Laurie still looked like a gymnast.
Called that one right. :::rolls eyes:::
The producers should be ashamed of themselves using Laurie’s grandmother’s passing in her package. She is a minor, why didn’t her parents put a stop to it? I’m sure they have the final word.
I feel that the producers are pushing for Val and Gleb to the finals because they need replacements for Derek and Mark who, I am sure, will not be returning to the show. However neither one of them come close to the talents of Derek and Mark.
So Val’s hinting he might not be back next season (in ET article on the finalists) and that it might be time to look at new things… Don’t believe it, except he’d probably consider skipping a season just so everyone will be fawning over him coming back as a returning pro…
Maks played that game for years. We see where that got him.
Derek is the only one believable when he says this stuff…well, Mark too, actually. They REALLY DO have other things going on.
Biggest travesty was Terra getting hosed. She was a legit top-four dancer and I loved her partnership with Farber. I had her in instead of Jana, but I knew that wasn’t going to happen after they gave Jana a sweet spot with Laurie so she could piggyback the gymnast to the finals.
That all said, this is Laurie’a title to lose and I don’t see it happening. She did a round of marquee talk shows, including Kimmel, this week and will be headlining the DWTS tour.
Laurie wins with ease (as much all the Hough lovers here hate that, including me), with James in second. He isn’t marketable for post-DWTS action anyway. They can sell tickets to Laurie and USA gymnastics fans for the tour. James’ draws less than 70 percent of that and no one from 10-18 year old demo that she does.
Math and money always win. Laurie walks off with the MBT.
Jason, cool it. People who don’t want Laurie to win aren’t necessarily “Hough Lovers”. That’s immature.
ETA: By the way, Laurie can still be a big draw for the tour if she doesn’t win. Not saying she won’t, just saying that you have to decide if the show is TOTALLY rigged, or just manipulated to hell and back. I think it’s manipulated as hell – and they might have successfully taken it away from James, since I think he had a great shot a couple weeks ago – but I don’t think they can actually rig the vote.
So I guess what I am hearing is why bother watching the finale if Laurie is the walk away winner? Even if I don’t really care about her because I don’t think she is the best dancer – and her partnership is a yawn with Val so the show is going to ramrod her in as the winner when at least two other finalists are far more interesting? I remember past tours where the top competitor said originally they were not on the tour and then when they did win were talked into a few special performances. Not saying that would happen again, but I’m open to it. As for being a Hough lover, sorry not me, I have enjoyed partnerships mostly based on the celebrity, not the pro so my faves have included Cheryl with 3 partners, Val with 3 partners, Karina with 3 partners, Kym with 3 partners, Derek with 3 partners, Mark with a partner , Julianne with 2 partners, Chelsie, Charlotta, Edyta,Lacey, Damian, Peta and Sharna.
Oh and Tristan with a partner and Tony with a partner. What I mean is I like all the pros mainly but some partnerships click..
This is reality television. Of course it’s rigged to a certain extent. You and I could probably put together a minimum of a dozen contestants TPTB pushed into the finale that never should have been close to it.
Plus, the votes are never made public, correct? Inposssible to know that the numbers actually are or were in past competitions.
Bottom line, let’s keep it real. If Derek was paired with Laurie, almost everyone on here would be praising her as the best thing since sliced bread. It’s the Chmerkovskiys who aren’t our favorites and that’s a fact, hence the overall love for James here since he was the only one who had a chance to beat her.
P.S.: And Terra not making the finale over Jana still annoys me. Lol.
GTFO of here with the “we” and the “let’s get real” Jason. And there is no “you and I” – you’re a thinly veiled troll with not so thinly veiled condescension. And for that I’m putting you on moderation.
Yes, we would be praising Laurie (although I dare you to find a post where Laurie herself is being put down) if she were paired with Derek because Derek would actually utilize her strengths and abilities to their fullest extent – that’s what he does. There would be emmy worthy dances once again from him this season (although his pro dance is certainly worthy). Val is not capable. And if you were REALLY a Derek fan instead of a poseur you would know that.
The thought that we only prefer James because Laurie is dancing with Val is asinine and ignorant. Some of actually like James because he’s a VERY good dancer and a hell of a fun guy. Don’t try to find ways to rationalize the love for James just because you’re unhappy with it. That he’s the one with a shot to beat Laurie is just icing on the cake.
Maybe there’s some wishful thinking involved, but I think Jana will be eliminated tomorrow. Football players typically do well on dwts, and Calvin is super likeable and a good dancer. I’d never heard of her before this season, and she hasn’t wow’ed me such that I’d even consider voting for her this late in the season. I’m guessing that at this point, most people are no longer splitting their votes, and are mainly voting for the one they want to win. Though I did throw some votes Calvin’s way last week because the judges hosed him (most of my votes went to James, though). I’d be happy with either James or Calvin winning.
I think James has better chances at beating Laurie if Calvin is the one eliminated next. James would be the last man standing and some of Calvin’s fans would probably vote for him while Jana’s fans would vote for Jana’s BFF Laurie if Jana is eliminated next.
Wow Jason, I will own the fact that I am not a Maks fan since I don’t like his teaching style or his choreography, but I really liked Val with Kelly, Zendaya and Rumer. Those were favorite partnerships of mine, I was happy to vote for them, loved it when Rumer won. I recognize Derek and his partners beat him two out of the three partnerships, and yet I found a lot of natural talent in the three and i liked how he worked with them.
But sadly now Val is just phoning in the choreo and his big brother schtick with Laurie just feels more like, babysitting instead of really caring about her well being. So definitely Laurie would have benefitted from another partner. I feel like Val is no where near the teacher he was with Zendaya. I feel like Val was more intrigued with Zendayas urban hip hop training. I do not know why he does not seem as invested with Laurie except she seems younger than 16, but is talented on her own and Val is perhaps somewhat complacent in that she can perform with less coaching. But given all that training in gymnastics, it is disappointing he is not taking the time to soften her lines so that she floats in the dances that require fluidity more than just punctuate the space she inhabits.
Looks like somebody’s girlfriend screamed “OH JAMES!!!” instead of “OH JASON!!!!” in bed…
…seriously, cracks me up how many dudes get shook by James and anyone that dares to root for him. 😛
Ha! That is hilarious! Really I had no pro pony in this race, I was prepared to love Laurie and Val, because I saw this story before and was completely bummed when Zendaya lost. But then Hinchcliffe blew me away. There is a lot to be said about partnerships where Hinch and Sharna are sympatico both in real life as comedic goof balls and on the dance floor as a seriously sexy romantic team but still keeping it pg. Its no coincidence they are the only team to Rumba this season. Their chemistry is off the hook without relying on porn themes of black satin sheets and hot and cold showers. Nor did they need a troupe behind a 16 year old wearing next to nothing to pull off “sexy” They just needed to play off each other and it worked.
All this talk of Bindi and Derek makes me re wish they bring her back for all stars and they get to dance again. I’m so annoyed with the show that they got me rethinking that wish, but if they would treat Derek right that would get me interested in this show again. Otherwise, I’m out.
Court – on a roll today! :))
Keep it coming. Jana has got to go – haven’t liked her from day 1.
Laurie – she’s a great dancer, athlete, and seems like a great gal – but has had the least improvement IMO.
James/calvin – have had phenom improvement, both very entertaining. But James draws mr in more than Calvin. Witty, unexpectedly great talent – and a partner who has pushed him.
IDK what tonight brings – I can see it going either way.
I agree with Casanova and sarina…….tbh I like Laurie,but she hasn’t improved,it’s just stagnant. And Val to me was only likeable with Zendaya…smh…i hoping James can pull this off…….cause Val REALLY ain’t done that great of a job with Laurie…
I really hope that Calvin stays over Jana or Laurie. I remember dances he did this season and I went back to watch them again, but I do not remember any of Jana’s or Laurie’s dances.
I hope that James wins. I feel that he is the best dancer. When he dances he really feels the music and becomes part of the dance. He and Sharna together are a perfect team. Whereas when Laurie or Jana dance I do not get this feeling like I do with James. Calvin comes in a close second for me.
But do I think what I want is going to happen? Sadly, probably not.
Rosha, you think James has improved? How? He has both pimp spots tonight so good news for everyone here.
I like Jana and Calvin equally so either going tonight will be sad for me. The last two don’t interest me much, although Laurie is a very good dancer. Too bad Val didn’t know how to work with the gift he was given. I hope she walks away from this with as much joy as she had coming in. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone quite so happy to be on the show, well, except for maybe Marilu in the beginning lol.
@rose1……tbh……i like for someone to have little dance experience win this….and of course jana/calvin have little to none,but I’m just hoping James can pull this off,cause him and Laurie are pretty much head to head,and I hope James comes thru,over Val……
I voted for James & Sharna & I think they’re going to win. his freestyle was a great concept, to fill in where he black out, and so moving and thought-provoking. That’s the kind of thing that stays with you after you’ve watched it, imo. Laurie’s was spunky & gymnasticsy but not memorable or moving.
I’m so happy Calvin & Lindsay made it to the final three. I thought Gleb had cool concept & I thing he should feel lucky he made it this far with Jana’s dark clouds weighing the partnership down down. My opinion of course.
Sharna really earned it and of course James is amazing. It’s the right time and the right couple to win. Here’s hoping for it tomorrow!
And if anybody has the chance to see Mark in Jersey Boys, he was phenomenal. I saw the show last week and let me tell you, his performance on DWTS performing it did not do him justice. Not even close. Live & in person, I was shocked at his voice. And he got a long, well-deserved, standing ovation.
My goodness. Please forgive the multiple typo errors. It’s past my bedtime.