Chelsie Hightower Assesses The Five Remaining Couples On Dancing With The Stars
USA Today has an article up where pro Chelise Hightower gives her thoughts on the remaining five couples on Dancing With The Stars. She was “surprised” on Gilles Marini’s exit last week, but, says, “You never know what to expect on the show.” Below are more of her thoughts and predictions for Melissa, Shawn, and Apolo. You can read more of her thoughts on Emmitt and Kelly at USA Today. Note too (at the link) that she’s picking Shawn to win it.
Melissa Rycroft
The reality TV star has been a dark horse in this race. “She was already a great dancer before, but she’s improved so much. She’s had a boost of confidence and that confidence is very noticeable,” says Chelsie. Melissa had perfect scores on two performances last week, so she’s riding high. “She could definitely be a finalist and a contender for the mirrorball.” Melissa and her pro, Tony Dovolani, must dance a “Caveman Hustle.” The name pretty much says it all. Says Chelsie: “I think they’re going to go a fun route.” What else can they do?Shawn Johnson
The Olympian is a firecracker on the dance floor, and Chelsie predicts we’ll see her in the finals. But this week, Shawn and her amazing pro partner, Derek Hough, are tasked with dancing a “Knight Rider Banghra.” Chelsie says a banghra Indian dance is “similar to Bollywood, which is a really, really cool dance.” (Gilles and his partner were only a half point away from perfect scores with their Bollywood dance during Week 4.) The twist will be the Knight Rider part. But, as Cheslie points out, Derek will “make it look great no matter what.” Derek has been tweeting photos of David Hasselhoff, who starred in the 1980s Knight Rider show.Apolo Anton Ohno
“Third place is so up for grabs,” says Chelsie, assuming Shawn and Melissa will make it to the finals. Apolo, Emmitt Smith and Kelly have “‘been on the same level, I feel like, the whole season. Whoever can show the strongest dances will take the spot. But it’s going to be really tight.” With “Big Top Jazz” as their dance/theme, Apolo and partner Karina Smirnoff might do some clowning around on the floor. Jazz was a big dance in the 1990s, explains Chelsie, who says it’s totally open to interpretation. “It’s not a ballroom dance at all.” No matter what happens, Apolo landed a spot on People’s Sexiest Men Alive list, so even if he doesn’t win the trophy, he can boast about that.
I find it interesting that Chelsie is assuming Shawn and Melissa will make the finals, and thinks that Apolo, Emmitt and Kelly are about equal chances to take the third spot – but not all for the same reasons. Emmitt’s reason is that he’s charming and has a big fan base, and Kelly’s is the “romance”/chemistry with Val, and she doesn’t give a reason for Apolo, so I’m assuming it’s because he can actually dance really well. Of course, Chelsie thought Gilles would be in the semi’s, so it’s not like she’s always right. But I find it interesting.
She’s obviously basing it all on how they’ve been treated by the judges. Would have been nice to hear an original thought.
I don’t think she’s basing it on how they’ve been judged…if that were the case, she wouldn’t pick Shawn as the winner, she’d pick Melissa. Honestly, I think Chelsie makes some valid points. She’s basically saying what most people here have been saying–except pertaining to Apolo. But then again, she doesn’t really say anything specific about Apolo. There’s no mention of technique or past performances, just his theme this week. I think pertaining to him, she’s just as confused as some of us are about the judges’ scores.
Chelsie holding be analysing she should be performing damn she needs a popular partner so we can get her that mirror ball
I mean Chelsie “shouldn’t” typo
Chelsie does make some good points. And I ahgree it is Shawn’s mirrorball to lose.
And maybe Grant could quit spamming the pros for follows on Twitter. His idol is the latest pro who answers him back om twitter.
“My No. 1 has kind of always been Shawn, just because I think she’s consistently had the best performances. She has really delivered. She’s done things we’ve never seen before and she’s adorable.” The took the words right out of my mouth
After her partner’s injury, I don’t know if Chelsie still thinks Melissa is going to the finals for sure. Just before the semi finals, this injury is a big risk for Melissa. The pictures are telling everything, he’s in pain. I hope he gets well soon. I know how much they wanted this, but now everything’s complicated. I feel so sad for him, he’ll probably blame himself if Melissa dances with another partner and gets low scores.
Oh no, I was looking forward to Melissa’s routines this week. If Henry is going to dance with Melissa, at least I know that Henry worked with them for a few days. Henry was getting along with them, but Melissa’s Argentine Tango and Caveman Hustle can’t be the same without his original partner. They worked all week for those two dances.
Henry doesn’t know the choreographies of hustle and AT and Melissa doesn’t know how to dance with Henry. Spending a few hours for a trio dance is nothing like learning and performing two totally different dances in less than 24 hours. People can’t feel comfortable with a new partner when they have 1 week to rehearse. In less than 24 hours, it’s close to impossible. A few points deduction can cost Melissa the finals. It’s a critical week. Poor team Melissa! They were so excited in the previous weeks and now, maybe they won’t be able to dance together tomorrow.
Does Chelsie EVER have an original thought or is she just always repeating what she is told? Heard all of this and believe none of it.
Deena why are you being mean I’m just showing support I try to not spam I didn’t realize me showing my support means I’m spamming and not every pro is my idol my only idols are Henry chelsie mark Derek Peta and Val and if I send others support I don’t call them my idols! PS great site btw
Punctuation is good.
LOL, PH. Didn’t you know there’s a punctuation shortage? So you gotta save them for when you need to vent about the crack-addled judges. You know, “Len, you #$@#&*%!!!!” 😉
I’m sorry guys I hope y’all don’t hate me! I’m feeling that vibe because I’m huge fans of the dancers and of the puredwts staff!
Grant, one person’s responses to you are not indicative of everyone on the site. Relax.
Heidi I’m just apologizing for annoying some people and I hope I can start with a fresh slate