There are so many video’s of rehearsals being leaked and I’m so excited to see these newbie’s take on the cha cha, foxtrot, salsa, or viennese waltz in 2 weeks!  Until then…here’s another the good, the bad, and the incredible hot!

THE GOOD
Season 8: Lil Kim, Paso Doble
This is a PERFECT example of how amazing Derek choreographs to his partners!  Lil Kim picked up on all the little details in the dance including the wrist flips and the leg kicks!  Her facial expressions were on point and her costume was very fitting! 

THE BAD
 Season 7: Kim Kardashian, Mambo
I think Mark said it best when he said “Kim just needs to come out of her shell and bring it” I do feel like a lot of people expected Kim to be this sexy dancer but it all reality she didn’t have the musicality!  She knew the steps but didn’t put any of her in them which makes for a boring performance. Lastly, Kim never did the moves 100% like Mark does all the time, so it was aesthetically pleasing to watch.

THE INCREDIBLE HOT
Louis Van Amstel always has amazing choreography!

This is a much cleaner copy of previously posted videos uploaded to You Tube by TV Guide.

Part 1 – Injuries

Part 2 – The Pros

Part 3 – The Wardrobe

Part 4 – The Judges

Part 5 – The Stars

Part 6 – The Show

Part 7 – The Hookups

A series of videos of the Final Three on GMA the day after the Finale. I have to say, this was a good cast – very cute, all of them.

E! News on the Winner of DWTS and the Finale as a whole:

Marc Malkin, from E! Online, is none to pleased that his favorite didn’t win:

From ET Online:

On Tuesday night’s thrilling “Dancing with the Stars” finale Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas walked away with the coveted mirror ball trophy — and ET was backstage to celebrate with the season eight champions!

“It feels amazing,” Shawn Johnson says about the victory. “I don’t know how we did it. I guess we like to save things for the last second. We worked really hard, I feel like I’ve grown so much. I can officially say I am a dancer and that is amazing to me, I never imagined that.”

“To be on the stage especially next to Gilles [Marini] and Cheryl [Burke] and Melissa [Rycroft] and Tony [Dovolani] was amazing,” Mark says. “I’m just so honored to have had Shawn as a partner and to take her this far. Thank you to the fans for voting for us. Thank you.”

USAToday.com article called “‘Dancing’ Stars find new fans and more opportunities”.  The focus of this article is mainly on Gilles, but it’s a pretty interesting read all the way around. Here are a few excerpts and the picture they used:

LOS ANGELES — Hours after actor Gilles Marini and dance partner Cheryl Burke wrapped up a rumba that drew a standing ovation from the Dancing With the Stars studio audience, he needs a body tuneup.

Soft New Age music and a soothing tabletop waterfall in chiropractor Tom Rudenko’s office are a quiet contrast to the boisterous theatrics at ABC’s hit ballroom competition. But they’re just the tonic for weary Marini.

The potential payoff is far bigger than bragging rights and the cheesy mirror-ball trophy awaiting Dancing’s winners on the May 19 finale. Yes, the actors, athletes, singers, models and reality stars who have appeared since its 2005 debut have risked injury and humiliation on live TV. But Dancing also has jump-started careers, polished tarnished reputations and generated opportunities in ways most of them couldn’t imagine.

Lil’ Kim, the pint-sized rapper best known for R-rated lyrics, breast pasties and prison time for perjury, was ousted last week. But during her stint, viewers saw the sweet demeanor and feisty spirit of a hip-hop artist shaking her booty to the cha-cha. “I think I’ve already won,” she says. “This has shown another side of me. I’ve got new fans. Acting makes sense; I could see doing a kids’ show. Definitely, the music will be different.”

For Johnson, 17, who may aim for the 2012 Olympics, Dancing provides more options. “It’s really given me the opportunity to see what else is out there. I never thought about acting. Now? Maybe,” she says, giggling.

Even show regulars have managed to parlay Dancing into opportunity. Co-host Samantha Harris is subbing as host of syndicated game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Burke, who opens her third dance studio this week, also has an apparel line and endorsement deals. Pro dancer Julianne Hough is leaving to focus on a promising singing career.

From the Entertainment Section:

What Our Writers Love This Week

TV

Lil’ Kim

Someone call the cops. The rapper was robbed — robbed! — on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” this week. An electrifying performer and fierce competitor, she made magic on the dance floor with partner Derek Hough. But she lost on Tuesday’s show (to Ty Murray, of all people), depriving viewers of what could have been the best “DWTS” finale of all time: Lil’ Kim’s sass vs. Gilles Marini’s sizzle. (8 p.m. Mondays on ABC … if you still care.)

Lynn Jacobson,

Seattle Times Arts & Life editor

Maybe this happens when every star/professional dancer gets sent home on Dancing with the Stars, but I feel like some of the people really were extremely disappointed that Derek Hough and Lil’ Kim were sent home instead of Ty and Chelsie last night. I was emailed one example which seems to sum up really well a lot of people’s feelings about Derek and Lil’ Kim’s dancing on DWTS. It comes from tamdayc who describes themselves as “not the typical demographic of his fanbase” but who’s now someone who “really care about his career.” Check out what they wrote:

Yes, I am crying… sobbing! Those reading the outrage posted about Kim’s departure, let me explain why such emotion. I am a DWTS fan! When they announced S8 pairings, the thought from many was Derek and Kim were the oddest pair ever and that people felt bad for Derek. There were mean and racist postings(not on this MB but others) I was not a Kim fan, but felt the nasty comments were unfair. I began to watch KIMBERHOUGH interviews b4 the season and started to think they are onto something. A Black woman from Bed Stuy and a White Mormon kid from UT were looking past their differences to form a friendship and formidable partnership. Derek admitted he was unsure about the pairing but opened himself up. Then they danced and they were good! Not only good, but gave MEMORABLE performances. Derek created routines with Kim in mind. He had already thought up jailhouse routine b4 week 1. I cried watching their VWaltz.The chemistry was infectious! They supported each other outside DWTS. Kim performing with BHB and Derek appearing in Kim’s video. They had such an effect on me, I bought a BHB CD and I am SO not their demographic. I know I should get a grip and this is only a show but they brought me SO much joy. I knew they probably wouldn’t win, but longed for one more week, one more dance! Kim taught me not to judge. Derek taught me to open myself to new people and experiences. For the other teams left, I wish you nothing but the best. However, my DWTS champions have left the stage!

I imagine that things like this must be really nice to read if you’re in Derek and Lil’ Kim’s shoes.

The amazing cowboy somehow sticks around again. If he makes it to the finals, he’ll be the biggest long shot ever on Dancing with the Stars. That would be unbelievable. I’m sad to see Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough go. Derek was getting the most out of Lil’ Kim’s performances. The following is the music from the DWTS results show:

Jamie Cullum sang the song “I Get a Kick out of You” with Agnieszka Kazmierczak and Urs Gaisenhainer dancing.

Pro Dancer Competition music
Afton & Cody danced a Samba to the song “Hips Don’t Lie” —Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean
Mayo & Lisa danced a Quickstep to the song “Walking On Sunshine”
Anna & Maurice danced a Tango to the song

UPDATE: A new report says that Derek Hough has talked to the people from Footloose, but no agreements have been made. We’ll keep updating as we get more information.

Derek Hough calls into Elliot in the Morning and discusses Mark’s “wardrobe malfunction”, Lil’ Kim and he and Julianne both being in the running for starring roles in the Remake of Footloose.  Hopefully, one of the Hough’s get lucky today! 

We’re down to the final 5 and each couple now is dancing 2 dances each on the show. This is a real challenge for the stars to be able to remember 2 often very different dances.

Check out the Dancing with the Stars music from tonight’s episode or look back at the previous Dancing with the Stars music:

Shawn & Mark danced a Quickstep to the song “Friend Like Me”—Robin Williams Amazon MP3

Shawn & Mark danced a Paso Doble to the song “Gotta Get thru This”—Daniel Bedingfield Amazon MP3

Ty & Chelsie danced a Argentine Tango to the song “Amor Que Se Baila”—Otros Aires

Ty & Chelsie danced a Rumba to the song “Free Fallin’”—Tom Petty Amazon MP3

Lil’ Kim & Derek danced a Waltz to the song “When I Need You”—Leo Sayer Amazon MP3

Lil’ Kim & Derek danced a Salsa to the song “Por Arriba, Por Abajo”—Ricky Martin Amazon MP3

Gilles & Cheryl danced a Foxtrot to the song “Fever”—Peggy Lee Amazon MP3

Gilles & Cheryl danced a Rumba to the song “Sexual Healing”—Marvin Gaye Amazon MP3

Melissa & Tony danced a Viennese Waltz to the song “Angel”—Sarah McLachlan Amazon MP3

Melissa & Tony danced a Samba to the song “Jaleo”—Ricky Martin Amazon MP3