DWTS 15, Week 9 – Power Rankings
Well, if you’re reading this, it means enough people FINALLY stopped hitting “refresh” on the homepage that I could get logged into the dash and actually get these posted 😛 And with the way things are going, things might not calm down until Tuesday morning…so if this is late, sorry, but we got hit with too much traffic and my pleas for people to scale back the traffic on Twitter went unanswered. C’est la vie.
Maybe I’m just tired and apathetic from a full day of Thanksgiving grocery shopping and house cleaning, but I’m feeling a bit blasé about tonight – a few standout performances that I enjoyed, but overall, nothing too surprising, and I think things played out the way they should have…and as we suspected, the judges finally got real and managed to call certain couples out on the crap they’ve been getting away with for the past several weeks, and couples that have been putting in the effort finally got the love they deserved. Let’s get on with it, shall we?
1.) Shawn & Derek – In quite possibly the biggest surprise of the night for me, I actually ended up enjoying their Knight Rider bhangra the most out of any dance I saw tonight! Judging from some of the frustrated tweets we were seeing from the usually-unflappable Derek this weekend, I was fully prepared for this to be a hot mess – but it actually was the most high-energy, in-synch, and entertaining routine for me tonight. I think the speed of it was what really impressed me – they were both moving so fast, and doing such intricate steps, and were still somehow staying almost perfectly in synch. And the most amusing aspect? Shawn actually seemed to dance it better than Derek! 😛 I also thought they managed to put that hideous Bollywood routine that Gilles & Peta did to shame, which was another perk 😉 Overall, I think they handled the wacky dance theme challenge the best of the five couples. Moving onto their Argentine tango – another technically flawless dance. Shawn’s feet & legs were sharp and precise, which was the main complaint I had about Melissa’s dance – but I do agree a bit with Carrie Ann (and those words literally hurt my mouth) that Shawn & Derek had a little bit of a disconnect with the emotion of the dance. HOWEVER – this is something for which I really have to blame the music. “Bad” is a great song, but maybe not a great song for an Argentine tango – it’s a song about a guy asserting his authority and masculinity, and he’s doing it in a cheeky way. It’s not about passion or the thrill of the chase between a man and a woman…so I feel like if they had actually gone the smoldery route, it would have looked a little odd and out of place given the music. I also thought Derek did a slightly better job of really accenting the music with his choreography than Tony did. When it came to the two Argentine tangos we saw tonight, Melissa may have had more of an emotional connection, but I thought Shawn had the better technique. I thought they should have gotten the same score – either downgrade Melissa a point or upgrade Shawn a point, whichever. In the end, I think they may be the only couple that is a lock for the finale…at least I hope.
2.) Apolo & Karina – HALLELUJAH!!! They finally got the praise they deserve for their chemistry. Loved their rumba – I thought it was the perfect combination of good choreography and good emotion, and Apolo just NAILED the technique. And for those who poo-pooh “Man in the Mirror” as a rumba song – I think they injected far more romance into that rumba than Kelly & Val did with a song that was far more outwardly romantic. Then there was the “Big Top Jazz” – sigh. It wasn’t perfect – I agree that there were a few stumbles, and it felt a little frantic at times. But I really don’t think it was nearly as bad as the judges (Carrie Ann in particular) were making it sound – the degree of difficulty was much higher than Kelly’s flamenco or Emmitt’s Lindy hop, and possibly even Melissa’s hustle, and I still think he managed to stay far more in-synch than both Kelly & Emmitt. I also thought the lifts were amazing, and didn’t know what Carrie Ann was talking about, claiming they were clunky – I actually think Apolo could give Tony a run for his money, and I’ve always said that Tony is the best lifter we’ve ever seen on the show (and Julianne the best liftee). Was it his best dance? No. Did I enjoy it? Somewhat. But hopefully it’s just a minor, mediocre hiccup in an otherwise pretty damn strong season. I think Apolo is the strongest guy left, and deserves to be in the finale – and I feel a little bit better knowing he’s got a 3-point lead over Emmitt & Kelly, even if it doesn’t equal out to a huge margin. I do think he’s getting a decent amount of votes – both from loyal voters who’ve gotten pissed at his low-balling this season, and possibly from the voters who go for the “hot guy”…now that Gilles is gone, at least some of them must be impressionable enough to toss a few votes Apolo’s way 😉 Perhaps I’m being optimistic there, but while I wouldn’t necessarily put money on Apolo making it through to the finale next week, I would say I’m at least 76% confident he will. I think the judges do realize he’s one of the strongest dancers left, and probably want him in the finale…hopefully America agrees.
3.) Melissa & Tony – First of all, I’m just glad Tony got to dance tonight – I do really like the guy and I’m happy that he’s enjoying himself this season 🙂 Second of all, I think Melissa may have made the strongest showing tonight that she has all season to prove she deserves to be in the finale. I thought her hustle was really cute and captured the caveman theme well – I would have liked a little more basic hustle, and I do think Melissa stuttered a bit on those portions, but I thought the lifts were great and the energy was high. Very cute, fun dance. I thought her Argentine tango was impressive – lots of cool lifts, and that’s one area where I think Tony really beats a lot of the pros. Tony actually used to work for the same franchise that my boyfriend does, and they really seem to put a lot of emphasis on good lifting – and I’ve noticed that Tony is the one male pro that doesn’t seem to balk at lifting over his head, which is extremely difficult. Just wish we got to the opportunity to see him doing it more 🙂 Anywho, I thought they connected well to the song and handled the lifts really well, but I do wish that Melissa had been a bit sharper with her feet & legs – she still seems to move a bit softly, like she’s afraid to really hit the steps hard. But overall, I think she had a strong showing tonight, and I think she deserves to be in the finale. However, of the 3 people I do want in the finale, she’s the one I’m the most uncertain about actually MAKING the finale. She’s got a half a point more than Apolo, but I’m still just not positive that she’s got the fanbase to carry her through. Yes, she likely has more voters than she started this season with. But is she going to be able to stay ahead of Emmitt’s NFL fanbase? Or Kelly’s supposedly “huge” soap fanbase? I just don’t know. I think Shawn has always been getting a slew of votes, and Apolo has likely benefitted from his fans getting pissed off, but Melissa has remained relatively safe these past few weeks. Does she have the juice to advance? I sure hope so. I’m going to err on the side of optimism and say she does, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she was the last one saved tomorrow night.
4.) Emmitt & Cheryl – Yes, Emmitt is a charming guy, and he has a lot of fun out on the dancefloor – but I think tonight, we kinda saw that he’s more style than substance, compared to some of the other couples this season. I thought his Lindy hop was cute, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Emmitt DID get off-time at a few points, and yet he didn’t get called out for it while Apolo did (surprise, surprise). I also thought it was a bit elementary and repetitive, compared to what we saw from most of the other couples tonight. And what was with him dancing with those binoculars for so long??? Yes, it was a cute routine, and he seemed like he enjoyed it, but I don’t think it was particularly innovative or special. Then there was his tango – I had heard from Deep Throat that Emmitt was still REEEEALLLLY struggling with it during camera blocking yesterday, so I guess they at least managed to get it looking presentable between then & showtime. But while they didn’t really have any huge blunders, I also didn’t think there was anything particulary eye-catching or special about it – they got through it, but it wasn’t hard choreography, and he looked a little stiff to me. And worst of all – he stopped looking like he was having fun. It was all just intense focus. Nothing terrible, but nothing great – and it just didn’t leave a lasting impression. I think it was probably the most forgettable routine of tonight’s show. And in the end, I’m still left saying the same thing about Emmitt that I have been for the past several weeks: he’s (usually) fun to watch, but he’s nowhere near the skill level of some of the other couples this season. And this week, he actually lost a good bit of the “fun” that has likely helped him stick around as long as he has (along with some inflated judges’ scores). I don’t think he’s got the skills to make it to the finale, but his fanbase? Who knows. I think he may be able to bump Melissa out of the running, but I don’t think he could overtake Apolo or Shawn. But who knows. I think his fate is hanging solely on his fanbase at this point, and I don’t know if it’s enough to pull him through. Guess we’ll see – I do think he’ll be one of the last two standing tomorrow night, though.
5.) Kelly & Val – I hate to say “We told you so!” but…we told you so. 🙂 Val did exactly what we had predicted he would do with their surfer flamenco – he basically just choreographed a stompy (and gimmicky) paso doble and tried to pass it off as flamenco (just as an aside – paso doble does borrow some steps from flamenco, so they are related, but flamenco is still a distinct dance that has very noticeable differences from paso doble). Unfortunately for him, though, the judges DIDN’T do what we predicted, and they actually called him out on it – even Carrie Ann, who can usually be swayed by a scantily-clad dancing male, pointed it out. I did see SOME more flamenco-ish parts, but I think those got lost in between sections of choreography that were so blatantly paso doble-y that they just seemed inconsequential. And then the whole bit in the water with Val in a Speedo? Somebody please break it to Val that surfers don’t wear Speedos…they know better than to risk scratching the family jewels on an errant piece of coral. As for Kelly – she just looked kinda lost to me the whole dance. Like she was having a hard time remembering her choreography, and was ending up a bit behind because she was looking to Val to see what came next. So overall, it wasn’t very surfer-y, and it definitely wasn’t very flamenco-y…so I’d say it was probably the biggest fail of the night, although not the least memorable routine. Trainwrecks are memorable, too 🙂 As for their rumba – it was better than their flamenco (although I wouldn’t say that’s too much of a feat), and was overall pleasant to watch. But I thought Apolo had much more difficult (and varied) choreography, and handled it better than Kelly did hers, which seemed a bit repetitive, with the multiple spins that Val seems to love adding in. It also seemed like Kelly was standing relatively stationary for a good part of the routine…while Val did his own thing in the background. Oh, and I had an epiphany as to why they may have gone last – you see that circular light rigging they were dancing in? Yeah, apparently those take a bit of time to set up & tear down, as I learned from Deep Throat in week 5 as they were pretaping night 2 and were taking their merry time setting up the platform for Shawn’s rumba. Compared to the other MJ routines, which had more easily removable sets, maybe they opted to get those knocked out first before futzing with Kelly’s set. Just a thought 🙂 Anywho, I’d say Kelly is probably a goner tomorrow night – unlike Emmitt, I don’t know that she has the fanbase to cover the margin between her and anyone except maybe Melissa…and while I think Melissa has been gaining support as the season has worn on, I think Kelly may have lost some from week 1. So I’m guessing that Kelly may be the first one eliminated tomorrow night.
So what are your thoughts on tonight’s dances? Who do you think will be eliminated…and who do you think will advance to the finals? Oh, and before anyone asks – I’m hearing three dances for next week: some sort of repeat dance (either a judge’s choice or couple’s favorite or something like that – don’t know if it’s an entirely new routine or just a repeat of a previous one) and the “supersized” freestyle on Monday, and then an instant dance on Tuesday…and here’s the kicker: it could be one of any 10 styles for the instant dance, meaning it could be Latin OR ballroom. Dun dun DUN 😛 But keep in mind that they have switched things up A LOT this season, and that dance lineup could change…just like all the other wacky sh*t this season 😛
What a night, I’m still trying to recover from after shocks of Melissa’s sick argentine tango. My rankings.
1-Melissa: Caveman hustle is tied for the first spot at my most entertaining list along with Kirstie’s cha cha. I can’t find words to describe her Argentine Tango. There were so many details that I stopped paying attention to the details, and let myself being haunted by the total package.
2-Apolo: His rumba didn’t have flashy moves, but it was enough for me. Sometimes less content and more emotion works, it was one of those moments. His jazz dance was weird at times, but overall it was okay.
3-Shawn: What a revelation after last week’s trio disaster. Benghra was error free. Argentine tango was also error free but unfortunately she couldn’t get into the character.
4-Kelly: If her flamenco was like her rumba, she wouldn’t be 4th on my list, flamenco was weak. But her rumba was totally underscored. It should get a 30.
5-Emmitt: 5th place for him, but just like the other 4 contestants, for me he can be in the finals.
I hit the send button before editing the revelation word. Sorry for the typo.
Last weeks trio disaster?? LOL!!!
Do you WANT to be taken seriously? (tm Chandler Bing)
I love Melissa’s A. Tango… this has always been her dance….. it was so good, I’ve tried the around the body lift and it was one of the hardest things i ever had to do and it took me like three weeks to get it right and fluid every time i did it, she was sick good!!! i think the whole her hitting the steps harder is her weakness kinda like Shawn’s is her lack of emotional availability at times! but i was blown away…. i really hope she makes it
Shawn was genuis as always!!! finals please
Apolo’s first dance was undescored i thought… i was really impressed and i thought it was one of his best… they were out of sync once and he slipped once and it should have gotten like a 28 at least!
Apolo, Melissa and Shawn for the finals. I see someone is using their Grandmother for sympathy votes on twitter… very bizarre.
I thnk the judges are biased if I spelled it correctly. They called some people out for there errors and some they just simply over looked
They should never do this again mixing theme with a dance it just does not work.
I think that Emmmitt and Val will go home next week. But if they are really pushing for Melissa to win I can definately see them bringing or letting a weaker dancer make it to the finals.
With that being said I do believe that although Kelly and Emmitt have the weaker scores I do believe one will be spared and one will go home. But which one I don’t know. If Melissa is the one they want to win than I believe either Val or Emmit =t will be allowed to make the finals.
Just saying
Regarding what i said about melissa sometimes hitting her steps softly, I’ve noticed that before but tonight but i must it was very minimal to nonexistent at least to me!!! their dance was my favorite of the night!!! the whole package!!! and it didn’t help that Dirty Diana is one of my MJ fav. songs!!!
As much as I loved Melissa’s AT, I just can’t get into the caveman hustle. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I don’t know much about the hustle, but it just looked REALLY unpolished to me. There was too much flailing going on.
The lifts in the AT were amazing though. Completely blown away.
I completely agree. In my opinion, Shawn and Derek had the most difficult dance/theme assigned to them. The Bhangra was without a doubt my favorite dance of the night. The choreography and execution were genius. But I can’t say I’m surprised…it is Shawn and Derek we are talking about 🙂 They absolutely deserve a spot in the finals!
1. Apolo- I think their jazz did seem rushed, he is being given difficult choreo. Though the rumba was beautiful! (9,10)
2. Melissa- hustle was good, but could have had a tad but more content. The AT was beautiful! She does deserve a spot in finale, hope she makes it…she’ll probably be Tony’s last good partner for a while… (9,10)
3. Shawn- Bhangra was surprising considering I had low expectations, though I agree the AT did need personality. (9.5,9)
4. Kelly- sadly, it was a paso rather than a flamenco….but I thought her rumba was really good! (8, 9.5)
5. Emmitt- the weakest dancer of the night…the lindy seemed too easy, and the tango looked awkward. (8.5,8)
I agree with the ranking for sure.
I really didn’t like melissa hustle, the choreo was all over the place, made no sense and she was sloopy during that dance. the At was great but come on, that dance felt like 80% lifts , and the dance bits were like you said soft and pretty as usual.
So happy for Apolo’s rumba, he really deserved that score, the jazz was a mess but who cares.
Kelly is just so unsure in every dance, she always seems like she doesn’t know the choreo and even If I liked the rumba, what is up with the kissing again. I’m not even commenting on the speed, lame.
Emmit was emmit.
I was scared for Shawn , bhamgra, but what a surprise, so good, and kind agree that she did somehow better than Derek. Her feet was pointed every single time, so fast ,really awesome. AT was flawless, I’m so impressed with her, and I agree with the song, they are dancing to BAD, Derek did a perfect choreo for the song, that last lift/spin was amazing, and she did a lift in the very end that I’ve never seen before, very fast but really awesome.
I know everyone has there favorites, but I’m gonna be so mad of Shawn don’t win this thing, she is not only the best dancer, but she brings every week.
The Knight Rider Bhangra was my favorite dance of the night. I hope it’s Shawn, Apolo, and Melissa in the final.
I thought Apolo & Karina’s rumba was perfection and their big top jazz had a couple stumbles but very clever, creative & entertaining…I like it more the second time that I watched it! But hats off to Derek & Shawn! Their Bhangra was amazing! Didn’t think Melissa & Tony were quite as good as their scores but I definitely want them in over the others. I don’t really remember much of Emmitt’s besides the props. Sorry, but can’t stand Kelly & Val. And is there any way that a Chmerkovskiy can keep their clothes on for one show?! So over it!
I thought Shawn & Derek’s package tonight was the best! CAI is on drugs if she didnt feel the emotion. Their song was Bad! It’s not all romanticized..at all. They knocked the KnightnRider Bhangra of the park!
I want Shawn, Melis and Apolo,in the finals!
I really hope Melissa,Shawn and Kelly make it to the finals. I want Melissa to win not just for her but also because of Tony i just love seeing him so freakin happy and he really does do the best lifts of all the pros put together.
I thought tonight was okay. Nothing too impressive (the Banghra was high up there though and Shawn did look better than Derek in the dance lol).
I completely agree with your comments about Derek and Shawn and Melissa and Tony in terms of both scoring and performance.
However, I’m find that I have a problem with Melissa’s feet. At times they look a bit clunky as if she does not always point them during routines. I have been noticing this to be a problem of hers for most of her dances and that’s why I didn’t really enjoy her Argentine tango. Other than that everything else was good.
For the finale I for sure would like to see Shawn, Melissa and Apolo because I think that those three couples will be able to produce something exciting, original and challenging in their respective dances.
As they have been wont to do, the judges showed their cards tonight and who they wanted to advance –
– Shawn and Derek were awesome, loved the incorporation of the theme with the dance style, definitely one of my favorite dances of the season. I agree that “Bad” was a more difficult song to achieve the feel of the AT, and that’s where a little tiny bit of emotion was lost, but their precision and shapes were gorgeous. A no-brainer into the finale.
– Apolo and Karina – I actually cringed when the jazz routine first started and the slip happened and I couldn’t really orient myself within the dance. I think the dance worked the further in it went, and wow what a difficult routine. I think his rumba was one of the best I’ve seen from a male celeb in terms of fluidity, connection, difficulty, etc. Wonderful. I am afraid that the jazz blerginess (yes I just made that up) will hinder him a bit, but I hope that his fans pull him through because he deserves to be in the final.
– Melissa and Tony, I actually liked their caveman hustle more than I thought I would. It was silly without being too comical, but there were definitely some wobbly moments. Super creative lifts in the AT, but like always I feel that Tony puts too many lifts in when he’s given free reign. Plus she had much less attack and precision than Shawn. Don’t get me wrong, I actually really loved it overall but I think she in part benefited from an AWESOME song – I would have given it a 29.5, but I also understand WHY they got the perfect score. Hope she makes it to the finals.
– Emmitt and Cheryl – I thought the lindy was cute, but not great. I also agree that he didn’t seem to enjoy himself tonight and the packages give evidence to the fact that he seemed flustered/stressed out more than usual. Tango was decent, but not amazing. I enjoy him but I do hope he goes home tomorrow.
– Kelly and Val – I am so over these two, really. The disingenuous display of showmance has turned me off completely. Still, I was surprised how decently the flamanceo/paso and surfer melded into one another nicely, but yeah it definitely was more paso than not and I was also surprised that they called him on it. And puke at those speedos. Their rumba was overscored to me, too jerky. Not bad at all, but I think I saw areas of flat-footedness as well, with some of the lines not being as pretty as I think they should have been. I really hope America hasn’t bought into the showmance because I think that their hope of making it to the finale is the fervor of those fans that want this romance to never end. Barf.
I don’t know why but I’m sensing a all female finale. Shawn is there already (hope), Melissa did great and have all the help she needs (judges, producers and the sympathy). I want apolo in the finale, but I have this weird feeling that kelly will get there, she was last, she danced a rumba with a kiss in the end, she didn’t get a 30, so the team vally people will vote like crazy, and maybe some people did like speedo thing. Hope I’m wrong (like i said I want apolo in the finale, but at this point I could not split my votes, but crossing my finger for him).
Hmmm…this is the thing about Shawn: As a die-hard Derek fan who appreciates all the pros: Can’t take my eyes off of Shawn! Did not see her in Season 8 but went back to see her vids in anticipation of All Stars & am thinking, yeah but up for grabs. This woman continues to surprise so much! Love Tony & Melissa, doing so well, sorry, not in same ball park. Emmitt…ok, just..blaaah. Love Apollo but same thing, adorable man but no wow factor here. Who did I not mention? I dunno…guess they are ultimately forgettable…
Totally agree that Apolo and Karina’s Big Top Jazz had a few stumbles but there was exemplary! 🙂
I thought that the couples finished in the judges rankings right where they belonged. I’d love it if the top three with the judges are the top three with the voters, but not too confident about that.
I LOVED Apolo and Karina’s rumba, and I’m not a rumba fan. Very pleasantly surprised. I don’t remember many rumbas, even those that were good, but I’ll remember that one. I thought his jazz routine was a little too ambitious, but he did a pretty good job with what he was given. It was very difficult choreography.
I thought Kelly and Val’s showmance couldn’t turn me off any more than it already had, but they proved me wrong tonight! First with the ridiculous speedo/bathing suit, and then with all the relationship talk for the package for the second dance.
Off to power vote some more for Apolo. For once my chronic insomnia will pay off as it will be easy for me to stay up all night and vote!
That Bhangra might have been the dance of the season for me for the same reason that I adored Derek and Nicole’s Foxtrot – when it was over I felt HAPPY and wanted to try it too because it looked so freakin’ FUN. 🙂
As I said on another post, Melissa’s dance is a good example of why they don’t allow lifts on this show normally. It was nothing BUT lifts (and to think some of the same people raving complained about Shawn relying on tricks too much – Melissa’s had 3 dances that were trick filled now) and some of them were a tad sloppy. the rest of it was just soooo soft. It was a pretty dance and, over all, a good dance, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t think it’s worthy of the raves that it’s getting. It definitely needed to be knocked down a point – it was not better than Shawn’s.
That said, she deserves a spot in the finale over Kelly or Emmitt so if that one point helps then why not.
I absolutely loved Shawn and Derek’s Bhangra dance and I also think that Shawn outdanced Derek in that dance. She seemed to be really enjoying the dance. I also thought she was flawless in her AT including her emotional connection to the dance. I did not think that Melissa did as good a job tonight as she did last week. I almost felt like she and Tony put too many lifts in their routines and the hustle part of her dance was definitely off. I think that is the first time I have really seen her “off” but I would like her to make it to the finals. I also loved Apolo’s rumba but his jazz routine was a little hectic. Again, I think sometimes they just put in too many lifts and it just does not flow well. And he can really dance and I thought he danced the jazz parts of that routine incredibly well. I also hope he makes it into the final. I think Emmitt did a pretty good job tonight but I don’t think he is at the same level as the rest. Finally, I did not like either of Kelly and Val’s dances. The way Val and Kelly & Melissa and Tony were talking to Brooke, it sounded like they know that they are not getting the votes that the others are getting. If I had to guess, I would say that Shawn, Apolo and Emmitt are going to make it to the final but I am still hoping for Melissa.
Kelly was underscored. Especially on her second dance. I’ve taken a look around the internet: message boards, Twitter and such. Alot of her fanbase are angry at the judges. Their anger might be the way she gets to the finals. The anger and buzz could influence more votes. It appears Maksim is encouraging his fan base to vote for her and Val, too.
I hope Kelly, Melissa and Shawn make it to the finals. After that, I don’t care who wins as long as it is one of them.
There’s something about Melissa’s dancing that bothers me. I can’t put my finger on what exactly it is. There’s just something unnatural about her movement. She needs to loosen up a bit. (Maybe. Like I said, not sure what it is!)
Melissa n Tony are my fav n they deserve to be in the finals!!! i’m really scared that she doesn’t have the fanbase to get her through…
I meant there rumba lol
PH – totally get your point, I have the biggest smile on my face during that dance, I didn’t want to be over. I would not wanted to try something like that because I would probably be dead after 20 seconds of dancing, if I only had the stamina, ven Shawn got tired after that one.
If Apolo & Karina make it to the finals, I hope they aren’t asked to dance hip hop or another “funky fun” dance in the required round: what would be left for their freestyle?
I agree with Laila. Kelly’s fan base is HUGE. If you look at Twitter it lights up with Kelly votes and Kelly and Shawn have a lot of followers on Twitter as well.
I think the finals will be Shawn, Kelly and Melissa.
I WANT the finals to be Shawn, Melissa and Apolo.
so shawn and derek do a creative dance that has samba moves in it according to experts but not enough for Len, so he gives it a seven. Val and Kelly do a flamenco that isn’t really a flamenco and he isn’t bothered by it and gives it a nine. Yup, somebody’s been smokin’ the mirror ball…
Sue, laila, all I’ll say is this: those screaming the loudest don’t always represent the greatest majority.
Courtney – I really hope you are right
Is it just me, or was Len really nice tonight? I think all I heard from him was praise. Or maybe he is usually nice, and I just don’t notice because he was always critical of Shawn.
“I’m hearing three dances for next week: some sort of repeat dance (either a judge’s choice or couple’s favorite or something like that – don’t know if it’s an entirely new routine or just a repeat of a previous one)”
On Twitter, Karina said:
“Need ur help.If we get into the final, we’d need to repeat our fave dance. Which dance do u want us to do from this season?”
I wish it were just something new to their favorite style, like they’ve done in the past sometimes. This just sounds like a total repeat. I’m sure you guys will have the dance confirmation soon, as always. If it is a total repeat, I’d prefer for that dance to be on Tuesday, not Monday.
Will be interesting how the votes go. I think Shawn, Melissa and Apolo will give the best performance finals.
Court – I give your analysis a 10!!!!! 🙂 spot-on as usual. I hope Melissa makes the finale, but I’m afraid it’ll be Shawn, Apolo, and Emmitt…
Here’s hoping I’m wrong & Melissa makes it through.
Shawn and Derek – I’ve re-watched the bhangra countless times already. It was so amazing. And I loved how goofy Shawn was being, running around the room after getting their scores. The AT, I thought it deserved a 30.
Tony and Melissa – the cave man Hustle was fun, but I just couldn’t get over how bad that CGI dino was. I REALLY loved the AT.
Apolo and Karina – Going after Shawn and Derek may have hurt him in the first round, I think. But that Rumba… Oh my gawwwd. I went back and re-watched it a few more times. So, so, dreamy. On a side note, did anyone notice Karina running her hands over his and on the celebriquarium, only to realize what she was doing then quickly pull away? Then a few seconds later her hand was there again. Never before had I wished to be in her place as I did at that moment.
Emmitt and Cheryl – I can’t remember much of either dance. Enough said.
Val and Kelly – when I was watching the flamenco I was thinking “man, I don’t think I can tell the difference between a flamenco and a paso.” Looks like the problem wasn’t on my side. And just as I get upset how couples sometimes invoke Brazil on a samba that had nothing to do with Brazil, I got upset with Val wearing Speedos on a surfer routine. Their rumba, they probably would have gotten better scores had Apolo not just knocked his out of the park before. I was completely dismayed by Val’s attitude upon getting his scores on both dances. I wonder if they will benefit from the “angry fan vote” though.
Ugh stupid auto correct. I meant to say, Karina was running her hand over his ABS, not his AND.
Great Recap
Loved the Bhangra (sp?). It had so much energy and Shawn did an awesome job. I loved their AT as well especially the lifts at the end. I’m so hoping they are safe. I’ve voted lots for them.
The rest wow so close. I don’t know whey this season but I keep forgetting the Emmit is even in the competition – I’m thinking it’s because his routines are just so so but as a person he seems great.
I enjoyed Apolo tonight.
No comment on Val
Sorry sent before I finished – I enjoyed Melissa’s routines as well.
I’m hoping for Shawn, Apolo and Melissa.
I wonder if the twist on a repeat dance is a dance from their previous season? It would be fun to have them take on a past dance, especially those with different partners.
IMHO, Karina deserves kudos for the choreography in Big Top Jazz. Bruno was spot on: a performance evoking the surreal and slightly perverse, worthy of 10 but for the slip during that skating-like move (O, irony). The dance fit the music, mood, and lyrics AND it had jazz dance movements, which looked pretty difficult (e.g. those two jumps in which he landed on one bent leg and froze the pose).
I also thought Apolo looked particularly good in that costume and makeup. Anyone else notice how the makeup effectively lightened that stupid facial hair out of existence?
This was posted on another board…
I have to call BS on the DWTS producers. If anyone has seen videos of the Flamenco, at its basic level, it is a solo women’s dance where the man plays a guitar. When done as a pair, it tends to transform into looking more Paso Dobleish as seen by this PRO Flamenco dance between Derek/Chelsie:
Uh, the title of that video is wrong. That is a paso doble, not a flamenco.
I want a 3/4 of Team CMM final!
Melissa’s AT was amazing. So was Shawn’s but I feel like this is the one dance where the height difference between she and Derek really hurt them. It’s a lot easier to fake ‘passion’ when your face is up close to someone elses! As for Apolo’s rumba – it was up there with Mark & Chelsie’s rumba to the same song at Mohegan Sun a few years ago. Wish they’d done some more camera shots from behind Apolo though, show off the hip action!
I’m not the one that titled it, lol. My apologies, though.
Since it is basically a solo woman’s dance, how could a couple dance to it?
In actuality, any couple who ended up with that pick, would have been screwed six ways to Sunday if they were looking for a pure Flamenco. If anything, from what I have seen, Flamenco is pretty stationary as a dance. Even if they had done the few Flamenco couplings I just watched a bit ago they would have had to remain in one spot pretty much. I doubt that would be much doable esp. with the “Surfer” part.
Shawn & Derek – need to win this thing. Loved seeing Shawn with a REAL smile on her face in the Bhangra. And the AT? Carrie Ann needs to STFU, because anyone with ears understands that there is no romance to “Bad”.
Apolo & Karina – the jazz routine was NOT as bad as the judges made it sound – it was so difficult and he did a good job with it! Could have been cleaner, but still good. And that rumba! FINALLY, I saw the connection I’d been dying to see between them all season – the chemistry we see in interviews! And his movements were just exquisite. And – I usually hate when a rumba ends on the floor, but…that was REALLY hot. (And to the person that brought it up, yes, I saw Karina totally feeling up Apolo. Adorable.)
Melissa & Tony – I was actually kind of embarrassed watching the hustle, though it was cute. But OMG was that AT SICKKKKK!!! Even though I thought I was the only one thinking “this is only lifts”…relieved to see it wasn’t just me.
Emmitt & Cheryl – who?
Kelly & Val – predictable much. I loved the surfer flamenco music, but of course it would be a paso routine with no shirt. Then he ripped off his pants and I turned my tv off. Didn’t watch their other dance either (decided to end my evening on a high off Apolo’s rumba), but I heard her technique was perfect. I love Val (not on tv though) but found it strange how he sideways-talks down everyone (mainly the “Ballas brat pack”) but when Mark pays him a compliment, he says “thank you! That means a lot coming from you”.
Hope Kelly and Emmitt go tomorrow. Nothing else would make sense.
And I also wanted to say how STUNNING Karina’s rumba dress was – easily the most beautiful one I’ve ever seen. Though the top looked kinda like the cha cha/paso dress.
And, for those of you that know Karina’s pre-DWTS career – is it me, or did rumba Apolo look EXACTLY like her old partner Slavik Kryklyvyy? XD
@Rakat I have studied flamenco, and done correctly, it is a very intricate, enthralling dance that can inlude countless formations, and non stationary movement. Done correctly it is an absolute show stopper. It might not have grand movements and gestures that we expect from dance all the time but I think this would have been one of the more interesting styles to do..if done correctly, and it wouldn’t have to look like a paso..I don’t think one would have been more screwed getting flamenco than say..bhangra, so I think, (shocker) Val took the easy way out..choreographing basically a paso ( which of course Len doesn’t seem to care about, and gives a 9, when he gives other dances with what he says have little of the dance style content a 7..)
I’m pretty much with you this time Court. Though kind of at a loss for who will go home…
Derek and Shawn – Wow, their Banghra dance was just so incredible. It was weird, wild, theatrical, sexy…everything!! I loved it in every way. They reminded me of why I love this show again. I had a definite awww moment! Incredible and one of the hottest dances ever ever on this show!! Worth every bit of a 30+++++ and then some!! As for their MJ Tango, I loved the spins, the clever choreography and all the passion and power. I didn’t have the awww moment like during their Banghra dance, but, it was still so good! 29!! 59 Total!!
Tony and Melissa – I loved their Caveman Hustle. I couldn’t imagine in the least how they could make it work, but, they did. They made me smile. I loved Melissa’s long legs and how fast she was. So clever and a blast to watch. 28.5 As for their MJ dance! I thought it seemed like Melissa could have been a little more passion and power, but, overall, an excellent dance. 28.5! 57 Total!!
Karina and Apolo – I liked their Big Top Jazz dance ok. I loved the tricks. However, I think they could have done it without so many of them. I agree with Len that there were some uncomfortable parts and they were a little off. Apolo didn’t seem as relaxed as in past dances, but, it was still a creative and entertaining dance. I loved their costumes. 27 As for their MJ Rumba: what they lacked in the first dance, they made up for in the second dance. They KILLED it out there in every way a rumba should be. It was so romantic, passionate, and heartfelt. I loved the way Apolo spinned her and the ending dip. Just beautiful!! Stunning! They are back in the ball game. 30!!! 57 Total!!
Emmitt and Cheryl – First dance: I didn’t think Emmitt could dance that fast. He really turned it up. As always, I enjoyed his fun, charming, and fighting spirit. 28.5 As for their MJ tango, I wasn’t feeling it as much. It didn’t really match the song and they were a little messy in some of their stepping. 27!! 55.5 Total!
Kelly and Val – Surfer Flamingo. Ok, this was so strange…especially the end, but, I’m not sure it’s their fault being this theme was so strange. Even still and without the theme, the steps and dancing were really messy and confusing. Kelly seemed lost at times. 24.5 As for the MJ Rumba, they NAILED it!! So soo much better. It was romantic and full of passion. I loved their fluidity. I felt their hearts during the whole dance. 30!!!! 54.5 total!
As for who is going home: I think it’s going to be Kelly & Val for sure, but, I can’t decide on the second couple between Emmitt & Cheryl, Karina & Apolo, or Melissa & Tony? If it’s fan base who decides, I think it might be Melissa and Tony to go and I hate the thought of it. I’d rather it be Cheryl and Emmitt. Whatever happens, they all should be so proud. They gave it their all and danced so good in their own way all season.
Anna- you, me and judges agree about the quality of their Rumba. They got Encore tomorrow !!! Yay!!!
I agree with Courtney about the loudest fans… I think the largest number of DWTS voters probably fall into a kind of silent majority. I would say that a good deal of the show’s main demographic don’t necessarily take to social media and head to message boards to talk about DWTS, Therefore, if a large portion of the viewers aren’t ranting or otherwise on social media then it may be hard to predict who will make the final, especially this season. Oh, and I don’t put much stock in the number of Twitter followers these days when it comes to anyone on DWTS, pros or otherwise… At the end of October Gilles reached 80K follwers and in a matter of days he added over 35K more. Funny how those additional “fans” didn’t seem to help him.
Totally excellent review of tonight’s dances, Court.
Hope it works out in the order you ranked them.
Wow, whole new respect for Karina. That rumba was amazing. Being a dance fan creates a bias for .. Don’t know how to say this.. An athletic approach and physique. I love Melissa and the A Tango they did… but all I could think about was giving the woman some food. Same with Kelly.
You didn’t even see the half of Val’s reaction to his scores – that guy has a bad bad attitude and I hope karma comes back to bite him.
@Buttercup I can imagine. I had to unfollow Val on twitter only after a week of following. Not my kind of celeb to follow.
I guess Shawn & Derek’s bhangra was the best of the theme dances but I didn’t see much Knight Rider in it. Also it was weird but I felt like they were slightly out of sync with each other for pretty much the entire dance. Haven’t rewatched it to confirm my observations though. I have no desire to rewatch any of the hideous theme dances, really. Bleeeeeeech!
I was worried about big top jazz for Apolo & Karina. IMO they got the toughest assignment out of all the couples yet they still delivered an ambitious routine. Maybe a little TOO ambitious. I wouldn’t call it a problem per say but I think that’s been Karina’s “thing” all season. Sometimes being ambitious works, sometimes it doesn’t. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out this time- poor Apolo never looked comfortable and their whole dance was just too frenetic for me.
They totally redeemed themselves with their amazing Rumba though. Wow!!! For sure my favorite dance of the night and one of my favorite Rumbas of all time as well. So happy they have the encore. Normally getting the encore SHOULD mean they’re safe but I’m not feeling too confident about it… 🙁 I think there was at least one time a couple got the encore but was still eliminated that same night. Any remember who it was?
Neither Melissa or Shawn’s ATs last night wowed me as much as their previous ones. A little surprising because I had such high expectations for both of them.
Emmitt & Kelly? Whatever, I’d rather spend my time & energy on voting for Apolo rather than comment on these two. If their rapid fan bases ends up carrying either one or both of them to the finals then so be it…
Apolo & Karina have the encore dance per his tweet.
Mari, Kelly and Val were trending on twitter and their fans seem to be the only ones up at 5am voting still because no has responded to me about Apolo or Shawn in about 2 hours. 🙁 Maybe they are cat-napping lol.
I don’t think anyone did particularly well in the first round. But the one that stands out to me was the Bhangra and Jazz, probably because it was so very different from the others. My favorite on the second round is Shawn’s bad tango, and Apolo’s rumba is so good, huge contrast to the rumba in his original season.
I think Kelly is a goner, with Emmit joining her. *crosses fingers*
I am sorry I like Melissa but that AT was a hot mess. Yes the lifts were difficult but the actually dancing part was sloppy, her shoulders were in her ears and her kicks and flicks looked frantic. Tony has the same approach that maks and PETA have- they tend to think the dance is about the lifts and it’s not- the lifts don’t flow and when placed with the dancing it just looks like a bunch of steps thrown together. Plus out of the 2 AT tonight she had the better music hands down.
Kicks, flicks- hooks whatever you want to call them just looked sloppy…I actually thought the choreo was quite bad actually. I have a sneaking suspicion it might be a girl power finale tho…who knows tho- the majority of people voting are not from NYC or LA- they live in the states in between..they aren’t blogging on these sites all day and they prob didn’t enjoy Val in his European speedo! Lol. Which- tell us one more time it was cold in there Val! You posted a pic over the summer in your speedo and you had less going on down there when it was hot! I think he got some cushion like the ladies to enhance his parts- LMFAO.
Hahavand karina called him out on his “enhancements” as well….to which he retorted karina has seen everything she knows I don’t need enhancing…I need to find the pic bc him and maks both look like they enhancing!!!!
I want a Melissa Shawn and Apolo final, but I have a bad feeling about it. I really think Kelly will reach the final..
OMG – I’m freaking out if it’s over for Apolo on tuesday ..!?
VOTED for him online (from my country), but I can’t help myself – I’m still concerned ..
LOVED their rumba (liked their song choice and had exactly THAT vision of their dance – WOW, WOW and thousand times WOW!!) It was freaking AWESOME!!!!
Someone said it before – there was something of the Karina/Slavik rumbas in it (btw Apolos general coolness reminds me sometimes of Slaviks cool attitude, though Apolo seems to be a much nicer guy .. with a lot of other sides. Perhaps that’s also a point why Karina seems to feel attracted by him). 😉
I liked their jazz dance too, it was very creative and the choreography and scenery were absolutely amazing!! I didn’t even notice the slip ..!?
Don’t know if it’s a good or bad sign that they got the ENCORE DANCE, I honestly still don’t have the feeling that they get a lot of media support – definitively not the support they deserve and that worries me.
I hope the best and that the fans will carry them through!!!! Vote, vote, vote ..
There is no doubt in my mind who the finalists should be and I agree with the judges. IMO it should be Shawn, Apolo and Melissa.
Emmitt was really good and trying his best but it just isn’t enough at this point.
Kelly had an excellent Rumba but the first dance was a bit of a fiasco, which is on Val much more than on her. The choreography and the (lack of) costumes just gave away a desperate vibe. His attitude in general seemed so lousy that I actually felt sorry for Kelly.
I adore Shawn in high energy, wild dances like the Banghra (and Samba trio). That kind of style, tempo and movement suits her to a tee. I’m still having trouble feeling the emotion in some of the other styles and that AT didn’t help. It was very pretty and strong but I have to agree with CA. I definitely think conveying emotion is Shawn’s problem zone and I am missing that from her performances. But the Banghra rocked, 10.
Apolo and Karina FINALY showed a true connection in their dancing, in a nick of time. The Rumba was beautiful and I’m not usually a fan of the dance. Very expressive and simple in a good way, 10. Their Jazz number was too ambitious for Apolo but I loved how Karina didn’t play it safe and threw just about everything at him.
Melissa’s Hustle was cute. A bit too unpolished but hey, it’s caveman style lol. So that theme worked out quite well for them, 9. I preferred her AT to Shawn’s. Yes, her feet and shoulders should have been stronger but there was drama and intensity and conflict in that dance. I don’t mind that the choreo was very lift heavy because I think it suited such a dramatic and powerful song. I would have given this 9.5 and Shawn’s AT 9.
All in all, a good semifinal show.
Correction: Bhangra not Banghra.
I really don’t care what scores they get and what happens tonight. For me, Shawn and Derek are the winners! I just love these 2! I will always remember their dances! They are great, love it 🙂
Apolo and Karina Dserves to be in The Finals
The first half of the show with the crazy dance styles just left me feeling, Bleh.
The second part was much better, please oh, please, just stick to the regular dance styles.
Melissa and Tony had some incredible lifts in their AT. Were they memorable enough? I don’t know. But they should be one of the 3 couples in the finals.
Apolo and Karina, were stunning in their Rumba… I proclaim that Apolo’s best dance style of the season is the Rumba. Man is he sexy! Whew! Definitely deserves a spot in the finals.
Shawn and Derek, were phenomenal as usual. My only problem with Shawn, is every dance looks too easy for her, it’s like she only has to learn the steps, right along with her pro, Derek. And I thought I was the only one that thought that, however this line was copied from the recap that I read on my homepage.
“Blah, blah, blah as Shawn talked about the challenges of the tango, but I wasn’t buying it after having seen her last dance. I was sure this one would be perfect as well.”…
Could those type of thoughts hurt her with the viewers… I hope not! Shawn definitely deserves her spot in the finals.
Cheryl and Emmitt, Hey, Emmitt seems like a nice enough guy and he tries very hard, and props to Cheryl for being more likeable this season, but Emmitt does not belong in the finals this season. Twinkletoes time card has expired.
Val and Kelly – Please send them home! Val is a putz and Kelly ain’t far behind. WTF, was that surfer dance, and then that “lame” kiss at the end of their rumba. Gawd, if they make the finals, I am gonna puke.
Shawn deserves to win- let alone the finals…i have watched dwts since season 1 and let me tell you- no matter who Derek dances with i always end up watching him because he is just that good- better than all his partners (pro or celeb) and guess what…last night- Shawn danced that first dance better than him. I caught myself drifting to her vs him which is almost unbelievable. She is a true dancer. Granted i think her smaller stature actually helped for that number but still…she was phenominal.
I DEFINATELY say Apolo and Karina deserve to be in the finals!!! I think for sure it’s them with Shawn/Derek and either Emmitt/Cheryl or Melissa/Tony. But I think for sure Val/Kelly are gone and if you ask me they should have been gone. the fake romance is just gross to me Sry Kelly Fans, and the speedo thing? If that is what it takes to get to the finals, dwts has sunk to a new low. So happy Karina and Apolo got the encore. Whoever asked what couple had the encore and then got sent home, I *think* not postive it was Ricki and Derek in Season 13
Shawn and Derek were perfect. They are so both in sync with each other! Give the THE MBT now!
Apolo/Karina – Loved Karina’s dances. Even the big top jazz number. I thought the choreography was supposed to be eclectic and that’s why the movements weren’t perfectly in sync so I had the same reaction Bruno did. That rumba was just beautiful.
Shawn/Derek – amazing as always
Emmitt/Cheryl – nice but not difficult compared to this season’s expectations
Melissa/Tony – Too soft Melissa. But I still want her and Tony in the final 3. She challenges herself and they’re both so darn nice, genuinely nice.
Kelly/Val – What to say…..oh boy. I couldn’t stop laughing when he stripped down to a speedo. Not that he isn’t fit and I think is an amazing dancer but it was so out of place and looked way too desperate. Now if I’m playing devil’s advocate, I think Val had to have the attention on him to deflect the viewer from seeing Kelly couldn’t dance and looked totally lost at times. If you have a partner that can’t perform you have to think of something (there’s only one Derek).
Val’s attitude when he saw the scores; inexcusable, immature, unprofessional and really Val, you acted like you and Kelly just brought the house down with your dancing and got screwed. Note to Val, Kelly wasn’t good. She was better in the Rumba but not 10-worthy, deal with it cause you’re career will be over before it begins with your ungrateful attitude. What happened to your Mr. Humble, I’m Grateful To Be Here routine? Oh, I guess it was just that, an act. Attitude is everything no matter what you do for a living in life and Val’s sucks. He might want to take a chapter from Tony’s book of life, hell read the whole book. Kind, wise, strong character and a good man.
I think it was ‘stupid’ from the judges for not giving Kelly at least one 10. Because now the Kelly and Val fans are really angry and will vote a lot. And they have a lot of fans. That’s why I think they will reach the final. I just hope it’s not instead of Shawn.
@ Joey #63 and #64
Re: Val’s “enhancements”. Ha! I thought the same thing. I remember that picture over the summer of Val in a speedo and I was so perplexed seeing the um…..growth in last night’s show, especially when he kept emphasizing how cold it was in the studio even after the show as if we’re supposed to think it was even bigger. Why do men do these things? Well I guess for the same reason some of us gals wear padded bras. 🙂 But totally unnecessary Valentin. Like I said, attitude is everything. He’s concentrating on the wrong thing to enhance.
I just have to say Courtney, that the Power Rankings are pretty much the only thing that keep me coming back to this website. Fantastic job! I love reading the PRs!! 😀
Melissa & Tony
“Caveman” Hustle: Well it was a good start to the show, I thought. However much I love Melissa’s dancing, I thought the Hustle wasn’t up to par with what we’ve seen from her in the past. Something about this dance didn’t make as big of an impact as I think it could have. That said, I thought they did a good job of incorporating the theme with the dance.
Argentine Tango: Without doubt Melissa’s BEST dance this season. I don’t think it was all lifts as everyone is saying, though I am going to have to watch this one back again. Some of those lifts were damn good. The one where Tony basically flung Melissa around his neck was one of those “Wow” moments for sure. There was something tricky at the end that I thought they had messed up, but didn’t. And I’m sure if they had messed it up it would have been very messy. I hope Melissa makes it to the Finals, because I agree with Court when she said Melissa definitely proved herself worth tonight.
Shawn & Derek
“Knight Rider” Bhangra: I may have loved Melissa’s AT but this dance, out of the 8 seasons I’ve been watching this show and out of the 15 seasons of dances I’ve watched on YouTube this was BY FAR my favorite dance EVER! This dance made me giddy after watching it. I had to keep it cool around my mom, but this dance was freaking amazing! And yes, they DID put Gilles Bollywood number TO SHAME! Fantastic dance!!!
Argentine Tango: Everyone was worried about the song but me, I think. lol They probably should have given it to someone else, but after I thought about it, Derek was the only one that could put good choreography to the song. I thought it was amazing, and I don’t care about the passion. I thought Carrie Ann’s 9 was slightly harsh. I thought she should have given the dance a 9.5 if she wants to be picky about emotions. Shawn for sure is the only pick I know is making the Finals.
Apolo & Karina
“Big Top” Jazz: The moment that initial slip happened literally right as the dance started I knew this dance was going to be not as great as it could have been. I don’t know anything about jazz, but I thought the choreography was really tough and really amazing from Karina. I have to agree with CAI when she said that I think Apolo was a little off his game because of the slip. I think the scores were fair…
Rumba: Wowwie wow wow wow! This dance, I thought, was scorching hot! And I have to point out that during the opening outs Apolo got his hips GOING! I think this is without a doubt the best male rumba I’ve seen. Chemistry by the boat load, technically awesome and a perfect score to boot. Definitely worth of the encore for sure.
Emmitt & Cheryl
“Espionage” Lindy Hop: I liked the story they did, I definitely got the cartoony feel they were going for, but Emmitt’s dancing just isn’t up to snuff. Especially this far into the competition. And the judges are giving him the scores that reflect that. I could have sworn by the way the judges were talking that he was going to have some 9.5s or maybe even a 10. But when he got straight 9s… I’m glad the judges are finally doing what is they’re supposed to be doing.
Tango: I actually really liked the song they got. But as Court said, he stopped having fun in this dance, and you could definitely see it in his face. The whole thing seemed…kind of forced I think is the best way to describe it. As for his scores, I agree with the 54 points he got. Do I think he’ll go home… it’s definitely possible. But we’ve seen people at the bottom of the leader board in the Semi-Finals make it to the Finals… so we’ll see tonight.
Kelly & Val
“Surfer” Flamenco: Yeah, this was just one big frantic paso doble. I like Kelly, I really do, but this dance was not it at all for her. And I really didn’t see any surfer like qualities to the dance either. And no, I would NOT call dancing in a swimsuit “surfer”-y at all. Plus… I have to admit I was a little distracted by Val when the pants came off. I think I found myself looking at him more than I did Kelly… and I’m straight.
Rumba: Out of all of Kelly’s dances, I think this one is my favorite. I haven’t really bought into their showmance, so that’s not the reason I liked this this much. I think it was genuinely Kelly’s best dance, and I even will go as far to say it deserved a 10. Not, two, not three. Just one. Being tied at the bottom, I think everyone knows Emmitt has a bigger fan base than she does. And as much as I like Kelly, in this season, she’s not Finals material to me.
For me, it wasn’t the best night of dancing. I felt very disappointed with a lot of the performances.
1. Shawn and Derek- I was amazed by the Bhangra. Glad they did well, especially with not being able to use the car. Their AT to me was even more incredible. Perfect lines and shapes and she hit it hard which is how the AT should be. Bad is not a passionate song but one where you hit hard and she did just that.
2. Melissa and Tony- liked the caveman hustle and I think they did most of what they could with it. It was a nice fun dance. Not a fan of the AT. Ill admit that it was good, but I don’t think it was great. Too many lifts and the footwork was just sloppy. I couldn’t stop looking at her unpointed feet.
3. Apolo and Karina- just can’t really get into this couple still. Found their big top jazz to be a disaster. Lots if sloppy movements and they seemed to be too challenging for Apolo. Really liked the rumba though. Impressed with how they danced to the song.
4. Kelly and Val- not sure what what the hell that was buy it definitely wasn’t good. Not a fan of the speedos either. Liked their rumba much better. Val needs to stop being so rude though. To complain after you get judges scores is quite rude. Look at Shawn and Derek getting 7’s and 8’s and they’re not saying anything bad. Also over the pimping of this couple by the contestants that have been voted off. Very unprofessional.
5. Emmitt and Cheryl- Really don’t have much to say. Technique wasn’t there, he didn’t seem like he was having fun tonight, not up to the difficulty level that other dances were. Very forgetable.
I think it is really hard to determine how large Kelly’s fan base is. Same goes for Melissa. I do think if there were people sitting on the fence about them, they may have been turned off by their actions tonight. I have been voting for Shawn like mad and I’m still voting online as I am sure alot of her and Derek’s fans are. I think some people are outraged over CA’s score on their AT. It was soo technically perfect and powerful. Bad is not a , sultry AT song.
I honestly feel like I have no clue as to who could be going home. I think it could really be any mix of the 5. This is my first season ever watching DWTS and I decided to watch this season because it’s all stars and the level of dancing would be higher. I originally came in as a Melissa fan, but I eventually found myself mainly rooting for Shawn and Derek because their routines were just outstanding. Definitely rooting for good quality dancing!
I think some of you are (foolishly) falling into the trap of believing that Kelly’s fanbase is huge, just because they like to scream really, really loud. I feel like I repeat this over and over again, and yet some of you chose not to hear it: just because someone is making a lot of noise, doesn’t mean they’re the majority. And if they’re screaming online about how much they’re voting, that doesn’t mean the casual voters at home are also voting in a similar fashion. THE ONLINE VOTER IS THE MINORITY. And I’m still not buying that the soap fanbase is as big as they claim to be, considering soaps are getting cancelled left & right. If there aren’t enough of them watching to even keep their own shows afloat, why would we assume that hoards of them are voting for Kelly? It just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.
And Naomi, no offense, but the whole “the judges were stupid for not giving Kelly a 10, because now her fans are voting harder!!!” argument is just ridiculous. The judges are not THAT calculating, and they also aren’t likely to let themselves be bullied into giving out 10’s by angry fans. The fans are gonna vote, regardless. No sense in giving them a leg up by giving them an undeserved 10.
I tried to post the pic of Val and maks in their speedos from the summer with their lack of junk but i couldn’t get it to post here:) I posted this somewhere else but figured it would probably do better here…but seriously- i can’t take Maks and Val anymore and the whiney, twitter uproar that they constanstly make. And I love vals comment back to mark on twitter “thanks so much- esp coming from you?!”….WTF does that mean???? See the reason why Mark, Derek, etc have won and people like them is they are humble, don’t complain after every score, etc. Val and Maks would NEVER compliment Shawn and her routine…even though they know know she was the best of the night…Val didn’t even realize it but after Shawn’s first dance he was clapping and was in awe of that number too…but do you think he would say it? never. And not for anything…i thought the troupe’s number was rather boring for a number where they got the best song to dance to in smooth criminal…did not enjoy sonny’s choreo…and im over sharna as well. I miss the pro numbers…not a huge fan of the troupe. But i am pretty sure that Henry will be taking Derek’s spot next year…at least that is what it seems…I think Emma or Sharna will battle it out for Cheryl’s quick leave….pretty soon the entire Russian family will play a part- and that is when i never watch again! (sharna is pro C la familia as well- barf!)
I don’t think it’s soap opera fans that could be voting for Kelly, but I do think the power of the showmance is one that can’t be ignored. I do think she and Emmitt will be the most likely to go home tonight, but if she sticks around I think it will be because of the voters hoping to see a little more of the “romance” rather than her soap fans (although I’m sure there is some crossover there). I *hope* that enough people are sick of it but it does make me a bit anxious. Like I said, I don’t THINK she will make it to the finals, but on the off-chance that she does, you can lay that at the feet of the people pulling for her and Val to get married and live happily ever after. /eyeroll @ Kelly/Val/Shippers in general
I really hope Shawn, Apolo, and Melissa make it to the finals. I think these three are the most deserving. I can’t even remember Emmitt’s dances this morning and Kelley’s were memorable, but not in a good way. When they were in the pool of water for some reason it struck me as funny, and I was laughing out loud. I loved Shawn and Derek’s bhangra. Apolo is my favorite this season. I loved his rumba–wow, that was so good! The jazz dance was super difficult. I loved Melissa’s AT even though there were so many lifts, but they were very difficult lifts. I was thinking about this and if Apolo, Shawn, and Melissa do make the finals, each of their pro partners is injured–Derek and Karina have neck issues and now Tony’s back.
Ofcourse you’re right Courtney. I was posting that comment too fast and didn’t thought about it that well 🙂 I just want my perfect final (shawn, melissa and apolo) and I’m not sure that will happen. But you’re right. My comment didn’t made sense but I can’t delete it anymore 🙂 lol.
Ugh, I do not like what I’ve seen of Sharna, or really any of the females in the troupe. But especially her and Oksana. Peta was the only woman that I thought would possibly do good on the show, and although I liked her with Donald I HATED her routines with Gilles. But I do have hope for Henry, and I think Tristan had a successful transition (can’t wait to see what he can do with a real partner). Sonny is such a ham that I have a hard time deciding if I like him or not. But yeah, Sharna annoys the crap out of me and I felt it stronger than ever last night – and I had no idea she was part of the C camp, but it all makes even more sense now (I say that as someone that LIKES Maks even though I realize he’s a complete ass at times).
I loved Kelly & Val rumba, it deserved a 10. I hope to see Shawn, Kelly & Melissa in the finals
@ Buttercup #56
“You didn’t even see the half of Val’s reaction to his scores – that guy has a bad bad attitude and I hope karma comes back to bite him.”
You’re kidding. What else did he say, was he talking directly to the judges and how long did it go on for? Was it after both sets of scores were given out? Oy!
I’m not saying it was easy for them immigrating. And from both C Boys previous statements were not treated very well by some growing up but also appreciate the opportunities they’ve been given. They just have a tendency to exhibit this nasty streak of a chip on their shoulder at times that is very unbecoming.
Guys, please no more YouTube links. I’ve seen about 5 or 6 comments come across the dash with “this is what a real flamenco looks like!” or “Kelly & Val should have done this” and I think it’s just kind of a moot point now. I think we all know that what Kelly & Val did wasn’t a flamenco. I appreciate your trying to help, but if people want to see what flamenco looks like, I’m sure they can find it on YouTube themselves.
Sonny is too tall! he looks lanky and i have yet to see him and think he is a great dancer….Oksana and tha thair has got to go…like does she really think her bleach blonde hair down past her a$$ is attractive? Sharna comes off as unapproachable and thinks who she is (hmmm the company she keeps)….I like Henry…although sometimes he over dances and i guess Sasha is the flipper? None of them really resonate with me to be honest…i can take them or leave them.
FIrst let me just say that every single one of the couples steped there game up last night…I think Val and Kelly will go homw hes taking it overboard with the half nakedness and the kissing as far as i know kelly has a man so i dont know what they are trying to prove…Emmitt and Cheryl did a great job and im hoping his fans pull him through..Tony is the best he ever been in choreographing the dances..Derek and Shawns first dance was good but the second one didnt do it for me…O Apolo i think u may just be going home tonight after being in the bottom 2 like 3 times that mistake will be costly…Going home tonight…Apolo and Kelly..Also we have to remember that Melissa could be in trouble she doesnt really hav a fan base..
Reneetamesha: Court and PH have said this multiple times: Apolo was NOT in the Bottom Two. Tom clearly said BOTH times “While NOT necessarily the bottom two.” Key word “NOT.”
And Courtney you’re also right that we have no idea how big everyone’s fanbase is. We can predict, but we’re not sure. We can only vote a lot for our favorite and hope it’s enough 🙂
@Fig – The impression I’ve gotten from the bulk of the troupe members is that they will latch onto just about ANYONE that they think might be able to help them in their quest to become a full-fledged pro…especially the women. I really liked Peta at first, but now I find her to be very disingenous and only out for herself…and “the family”. I’ve always been a bit suspicious of her motives, especially where Maks is concerned, since she seems to like to remind everyone that Maks is her boyfriend whenever she can – makes me wonder if she is somehow trying to cash in on the shared “family” fanbase. Can’t help but wonder if Sharna is trying to follow suit – trying to somehow glom onto the “fam” in hopes that she’ll be able to benefit from it. Lord knows she spends the bulk of her time on Twitter RT’ing anyone that says she should be a pro. Ditto for Sasha, although he & Emma seem to have aligned themselves with Karina, and I think Sasha has calmed down quite a bit from his first few seasons in the troupe. I don’t know that Oksana is really smart enough to align herself with anyone (sorry, I just find her to be a bit of an airhead), but I guess the brothers Chmerkovskiy would be the most likely choice. Sonny…likes to awkwardly overdance. And he does it off-time. 😛 The only troupe member I actually have a decent amount of respect for is Henry – I don’t think he’s really attempted to form any sort of alliance with any of the pros, and rather than telling us why he should be a pro, he’s showing us – I’ve enjoyed both of the numbers he’s choreographed this season. If only one of the current troupe members gets upgrade to a full-time pro next season – it better be Henry.
Tony, appreciate the backup, but I’ve learned that trying to tell Reneetamesha anything she doesn’t want to hear is just pointless. She loves Emmitt and that’s all that matters to her, so she’s not the best listener…even if you’re trying to correct her incorrect assumptions. 😛
@Court: Henry’s the only troupe member that has experience with training a celebrity as well, after his time on the Australian DWTS. He’s the only Troupe Member worthy of being “upgraded.”
Oh. lol I didn’t know she was a problem before. Haha! No problem. 😛
I loved all the dances last night. Even the surfer thing. And in Val’s defense, he’s European, and they wear those hideous speedos…He probably doesn’t know what board shorts are. Don’t care what kind of body you have, the speedo isn’t flattering. I appreciate a sculpted male body as well as any red-blooded female, but that was a little much. Imho, Since flamenco and paso are similar to the non-dancing public, I wouldn’t know the difference, and I doubt if Carrie Ann does either. Loved their Rumba.
Shawn and Derek’s dances were entertaining, and as good as expected
Glad Tony was able to dance. I enjoyed both dances , but the AT was spectacular to my untrained eyes. I am so happy for him. Poor guy has paid his dues.
I didn’t care for Apolo and Karina’s circus dance. The rumba was much better,but I still don’t care for their dancing. Forgettable.
And who doesn’t like Emmitt Smith. He’s so easy going and for a big man, he’s a good dancer ( again my not dance trained observation)
Have no idea who might be leaving tonight. Just hope it isn’t Tony.
Even if he didn’t have actual pro experience, I’d still say he’s worthy of being upgraded. Henry’s a talented guy. I fear that if Cheryl is indeed taking next season off and they’re down one female pro, then we’re going to get stuck with *groan* Sharna. AKA Australian Lacey. A sick part of me wants to see her relegated to Vegas troupe duty – just so she has to has to take a subordinate role to Lacey, the Queen Bee of the Vegas show. You know there would be stories of catfights backstage, since those Schwimmer kids seem to think that anything that even remotely resembles something they’ve done (i.e. choreography, hair cuts, clothing styles, etc.) is their intellectual property and anyone doing something similar is “copying” or “stealing from them”. Muahahahaha.
Yes, I have a bit of a mean streak this morning 😉
I would love for the finals to be Shawn, Apolo and Melissa. I could live with Emmitt taking out Melissa but I do not want Kelly there. IMO she is the least skilled dancer left and Val has landed in icky territory. His attitude after his scores was really off putting. Why at this stage of the competition do Maks and now apparently Val turn into immature brats. I think actually they are like that most of the time but mask it well. Just my thoughts. I would like a positive happy finale with great dancers.
I’ve seen both Derek and Mark react negatively to scores this season. When Len gave the 7 Derek made a surprised/negative face and when Mark and Shawn were tapped early from the marathon, Mark pitched a mini tantrum right on the floor. All I saw Val do was a “get out of here” hand gesture.. kinda like you’d see from someone from Jersey ( and I know Jersey well)
Thank you so much for confirming that Sonny is regularly off-time. I’ve taken some dance but only recently, so I’m barely more than an informed amateur at this point – however, I couldn’t help but think that about Sonny and I wondered if I just “didn’t get it”.
Yeah Peta leaves a terrible taste in my mouth after this most recent season and I think the interactions with her and Maks are really awkward. Watching them both on Jimmy Kimmel made me cringe. I obviously don’t know their relationship but it does seem to the outside viewer to be a lecherous one. I hope they are happy, but I do despise how self-serving it all seems.
Gosh, who knew that DWTS would turn into a Survivor-esque alliance-ridden US vs. THEM war. It makes me appreciate the drama-less pros even more.
I never watch “After Party” on ABC.com, but someone who watched last night told me Apolo and Karina were on the show and Apolo said there was water on the floor in the area where he slipped. I hate to pass on something I have not personally heard, but I was wondering if anyone could confirm if he said this. It wouldn’t seem completely out of the question that this could happen since the show was dealing with a pool last night for Val and Kelly’s first dance.
RJ (#51)said majority of audience not into social media-that be me, I have proved my vast lack of skill with it, but for first time responder due to appreciation of PH’s very skillful analytical approach to Pure Entertainment DELIGHT, I belly flopped into the opinion pool. The Triumverate, PH, Vogue and Court, know dance, show biz, and current trends as I do not. Just wonder if anyone left out there that remembers JOSE GRECO and his troupe? Heels, Castanets, Eyes, Frame to die for, always on beat, vocal calls telling the story of acceptance/rejection with passion (vs showmance). The men fully clothed with hip hugging flyless pants. I saw it LIVE many times. Derek comes close to telling the story in dance that way. He has a gift for eliciting more than technical skill in his partners. Shawn has had a few flahes of it in the last half of the season but i agree with #58(Mari), #67 (Sasa), #71 (Sandy) and CAI, re Shawn’s emotions. She herself said she was programmed to hide things like that. Shawn’s excellence tempered by Derek but tho she is on the way she is not there yet. Kristi won with her robotic perfection, maybe Shawn will too, but I prefer the warmth and (not same as ‘smile till teeth go dry’) joy of Melissa…and Tony. I agree with Len, Emmitt is smooth, he is understated power, subtle moves and enjoyment, never discouraged in giving his best. He cares about that more than a mere WIN-he has done that! And Apolo! His joy is working through challenges to BEST with his partner in the dance with feeling also. IMHO Derek demonstrates time and again that there is more much more to dance than “Correctness”.
Biiig difference between momentarily looking surprised and repeatedly waving off the judges and going “Psssssh”, Natalie. And Mark admitted that he intentionally stomped off the floor after the marathon to be funny.
And Natalie, just because it’s ok in Jersey, doesn’t mean it’s ok everywhere.
#102- Derek made a negative face? um, he got scores of 7 and 8’s for 3 weeks straight and the worst he did was make a face? He doesn’t get mouthy, complain, take to a twitter tirade like both C brothers…i mean that might be the most laughable comment i saw on her. As for Mark he stomped his feet and laughed off the floor. According to Buttercup he through quite a tirade backstage and Maks went on and on about having the last name Chmerkovskiy- boohoo…everything is self inflicted with them. Honestly they are better off not speaking.
Even though I occasionally find her “weird for the sake of being weird” and a bit annoying, I would take Lacey back in a heartbeat over Sharna. Lacey has done a few spectacular and memorable routines and she keeps things interesting. Both of them on the show would just be too much. Let Sharna handle Vegas duties, bring Lacey and Henry in next year. If Sharna is indeed in the C camp, I don’t think I could tolerate a show so heavily dominated by their egos and segregationist tactics. Plus with Maks I never know if he’s going to be the charming, funny guy like with Kirstie or the overly negative, spiteful Hope Solo Maks, and if it’s possible I think Val may have an even worse attitude. Again, I like Maks, but the boy has a lot of flaws and I think very few of them can be attributed to “translation” issues.
Yeah Fig, Sonny is often pitifully off-time – Heidi & I have both noticed it while doing screencaps for the cheese. Poor guy is just so big…and awkward…and off-time 😛 As for the ladies, Emma & Oksana seem to take turns being the off-time one. I think Oksana’s hair slows her down 😛
Yeah, it really has become a game of Survivor amongst the pros and troupe members these days. Alliances, plotting, ulterior motives – Tom’s gonna have to call Probst for advice before long. But here’s the caveat about The C-boys and their “fam” – the bigger it gets, the more likely some of the fans are to split votes…and the fewer votes each member of the family gets. I daresay we me see the result of that kind of “familial” vote splitting tonight – if somehow both Melissa & Kelly get sent packing.
I’m so done with this family thing, they are all annoying. I really hope Kelly get eliminated tonight, I really can;t stand val anymore.
I just watched Apolo and Karina’s rumba again, Karina dress was pretty much the same dress that Shawn had for her rumba, so similar. But this is probably my favorite dress of the season.
Yeah, I’d take Lacey over Sharna anyday, too, Fig, but I get the impression that Lacey’s actually really happy in the Vegas show – she gets a lot more creative freedom, a lot more attention, and I believe being in Vegas also allows her to be closer to her boyfriend, who I believe is in one of the Cirque shows. She also seems to be enjoying taking a jump across the pond every now & then to choreograph for SCD. I’m not sure her goal is to return to the tv show – she seemed pretty lackadaisical about the all-star season over the summer, even though she likely would have been the one to return to partner Kyle or Carson, had either of them won the fan vote contest. I just get the impression that she’s moved onto bigger & better things for herself.
As for Val’s backstage antics last night – a little birdie told me he may or may not have been jiggling his junk in front of one of the cameras. 😯 Hope that doesn’t make the edits tonight. If I want to see junk being jiggled, I’ll call my boyfriend…
Well, Maks, I had to explain to MY grandmother why Val was dancing around on TV in his speedo to distract from his partner’s poor flamenco moves. THAT was hard too! 😉
I don’t mind the C camp friends and family supporting Val on twitter. I mean if it were my friend or sibling, I would show mine but it’s the tone, at times, that illicits negative reactions from people. I did read what Val said, in the press line afterwards, about respecting the judges but he wishes they would be more consistent in their scoring. Ok, fair enough but everyone know the judges are inconsistent. What I can’t figure out and Maks admittedly just got recently, after how many years, is it’s a tv show, show business. It’s not designed to be fair like a real competition. Duh! Once Val figures that out he can use his head how to play the game or if it’s that distasteful to him, leave and do something else.
I did see Maks’ twitter comment where he was shocked at Val’s low scores.
“Maksim Chmerkovskiy @MaksimC
WTH ARE THOSE SCORES!?!?!?!? I’m almost sorry that Val’s last name is #Chmerkovskiy !”
I don’t think there’s a cure for narcissism but really? Maks is so self-obsessed that he thinks the judges scored Kelly, it’s not about Val’s dancing Maks, because they hate Maks and will score his brother poorly because of it!
Yes Maks, you’ve got it all figured out! The judges have nothing else to think about in their lives, no other jobs, lives, family and friends to occupy their mind except how to hurt you and anyone related to you. What a freak. And Maks is the reason I began watching the show. He was my favorite until he proved repeatedly what an ugly human being he likes to be.
That’s the thing – supporting your family and friends is awesome. I’m glad that Maks and his brother are so close, and that they extend their “circle” out to Tony and Peta or whomever else they choose. But when it’s so obvious that they have nothing nice to say about anyone else, that’s when it becomes petty. Like Maks giving a heartfelt plea for support for the Sandy victims – good job. His mention of other people on the show not doing enough? Completely unnecessary. Every time I start feeling high about Maks again he tempers my warm and fuzzies with an asinine comment.
I daresay that Tony has removed himself from the C circle more since Val’s arrival. I like him a lot more this season, of course it helps that he and Melissa have a lot of non-icky, unforced chemistry.
Shame about Lacey, my daughter really likes her “edge” even if it’s a bit forced at times. It’ll be really interesting to see next season’s dynamic with Derek and Cheryl both gone.
1. Melissa “had me at HELLO”. She gets all my votes.
2. Apolo is great. I enjoy watching him & Karina.
3. Kelly isn’t the best, but I love watching her.
4. Emmitt is forgettable & fading at this level of competition.
5. Shawn. Ugh. I *hated* the Banghra.
@Courtney – That poor birdie.. LOL
Courtney I agree with your rankings and so hope they turn out to be right.
Regarding the dances:
Loved Shawn and Derek’s Bhangra as well as their AT. Can’t add anymore than has already been said. They should have received a perfect score.
Apollo and Karina’s Jazz routine had me worried when Apollo slipped, but I was happy to see that out of the judges Bruno recognized it for what it was. CA totally annoyed me with her comments. I absolutely loved their rumba. I guess I am in the minority as I have seen chemistry between this couple all along, but feel ever since CA made that comment it has followed them as far as how some other people feel.
Melissa and Tony’s caveman hustle was fun and their AT I enjoyed as well. I just think Melissa has proven why she deserves to be in the finals and it is so nice to see Tony so happy.
For me Emmitt is just not the same as he was during his season. Not one of his dances this whole season has been memorable to me. That includes both dances last night. I know he has the football fans and that worries me.
Kelly and Val like many of you just needs to go. I agree that the way Val acted was poor sportmanship and a way to get their fans riled up to vote. I just hope it didn’t work. I can’t help, but think about all the times that the judges were downright mean to Shawn and Apollo, but I never heard them complain. Val acts like a big baby and I am so over their showmance and feel it has been used to death. The spedo thing reminded me of what Gilles did when he ended up in his underwear. Again, Kelly has a huge fan base, but if she gets to the finals I will be so disappointed.
I think everyone has pretty much said what I feel. I want Shawn, Apollo and Melissa to be in the finals because they deserve to be there based on their dancing. Not only last night, but the whole season.
Just want to add that this whole season the judging and their comments have been worse than ever. I think Bruno – even if over the top most of the time has been the only fair one. I swear Len and CA take turns playing the role of being grumpy and have forgotten to take their happy pill.
I am so nervous as I have no idea what will happen. I am the most nervous for Apollo and Melissa. I think without a doubt Shawn will be there. I just think all 3 deserve to be there.
well we can say with certainty that none of the Russian fam with give twitter accolades to Derek, Allison, etc for their performance tonight…they never do. I am glad Derek is moving on from DWTS- he has grown so much and it was a great platform for him to showcase his talent but at this point he is well above the rest of them. Next season they can have the Russian mob take over…Maks, Val, Peta, Sharna, guilty by association Tony….and we can look at one boring routine after another and them complaining about the scores all night long after:) Mark was interviewed by Wetpaint (they are annoying) but he said it best…DWTS will go off the air if they don’t start pushing the boundaries and making dances exciting…i mean seriously how many corny sambas can one fan take???
So I finally got to watch the rest of the dances – one of my sisters (whom I hadn’t talked to in forever) called in the middle of the show, so I missed pretty much the entire second half. Now that I’ve caught up, my thoughts on the dancing…
Shawn and Derek definitely take the top. Both of their dances were amazing. The AT may not have been as smoldering as CAI would have liked, but, like Courtney and others, I think it’s the fault of the music. My guess is that if someone watched that dance with real AT music playing, the emotion may come across better. I don’t think it was lacking connection and intimacy; I just think that what was there was overridden by the feel of the music. Music makes a *huge* difference. The Bhangra was wonderfully fun and fantastic. Loved watching it, and thought that it more than erases the Bollywood disaster from Gilles.
Apolo and Karina – finally!!! They got a perfect score for the rumba, and totally deserved it. It was a great dance. I think the jazz piece wasn’t too bad. I *really* dislike the song they danced to, but I think what they did was pretty good, given that neither are trained jazz dancers, and Apolo’s not a trained dancer (other than what he’s gotten on the show) at all. Compared to K&V’s contemporary piece, it was miles better. K&V’s piece was just a mess – it was so bad, that you wouldn’t see it on SYTYCD at all (except for maybe a bad audition). However, I thought the jazz number by A&K was good enough to compare to some of the jazz dancing on SYTYCD – of course, not as good as the *amazing* jazz pieces (Sonya’s The Garden piece, Wade’s hummingbird piece), but definitely some of the lesser ones. It didn’t make me cringe, or think “they’re calling *that* jazz?” like Kelly’s piece did. I think if Apolo had had another day to work on it, it would have gelled.
Melissa and Tony come in third for me. Both their dances were really good, and I think she definitely deserves the third spot in the finals. The Caveman Hustle wasn’t particularly pretty – but I don’t think they were going for that. I think it was supposed to look a little “flaily” and I think Meliss’a feet were flexed throughout on purpose. It was all part of the caveman theme. Her AT was spectacular to watch – the emotion was great, and while the technique wasn’t perfect, I’m okay with it getting a 30. They’ve given many 30’s on this show for dancing that isn’t flawless, and I think Melissa’s dance deserved it. I just wish Shawn had also gotten a 30 for her AT, because I think she deserved it as well.
Emmitt and Cheryl were fine. The lindy hop was good – until I compared it mentally to Melissa’s lindy hop from season 8, or her jitterbug from this season, or Derek and Brooke’s and Cody and Julianne’s lindy hops (or jitterbugs – forget which) from season 7 – it felt a little clunky, a little slow, and not anywhere near as much fun as some of the ones I’ve mentioned. The tango was better than his season 3 tango, but the fun and charisma wasn’t really there for him this week.
Kally and Val – ugh. A frantic and desperate paso (because that wasn’t flamenco), that was made worse by Val’s speedo. Really? Val said in one of the interviews (maybe OTRC) that he’s just giving the viewers what they want by dancing in a speedo (and shirtless and clothes-less in general) – and all I have to say is,”No, you’re not. I am a viewer, and I *don’t* want to see that.” The rumba was decent. One of her better dances. The package beforehand was a little ugh. Val’s attitude is even more ugh. He’s managed to convince me that I will be just fine if he’s eliminated early every season – and I was enjoying him and Kelly the first few weeks, but it’s just gone downhill. He’s also made it much less likely I will *ever* vote for any couple he’s a part of in the future. I hope that’s what he was going for, because it’s what he got.
In general, a good night. I hope Shawn, Apolo and Melissa make it to the finals, and Emmitt and Kelly go home.
On a side note, how bizarre was it that Tony, CAI and Cheryl were all talking about the themes as if they were another dance style (vs a theme)? Cheryl said something about melding dances together, almost as if “Epionage” was a dance, and lindy hop was a dance, and they had to fuse them. They’re *themes*, people!
My impressions after the show:
– Loved Derek and Shawn. I thought the Bhangra was absolutely sick and I liked their AT much more than Melissa’s
– Melissa and Tony – the caveman hustle was cute and fun, she did get off time a couple of times, but overall was underscored on it. AT – although there were a lot of difficult lifts, she is just as always to balletic/cheerleadery – did not deserve those scores IMO.
– Apolo and Karina – I loved both dances. The jazz was super creative and difficult. The slip did not matter the slightest bit. The rumba was amazing – yes, Apolo was chanelling Slavik and was a good imitation of him! The chemistry was awesome.
– Emmitt and Cheryl – forgettable.
– Kelly and Val – where do I start? I absolutely did not like their flamenco. Like CA said, it was a paso and a bad one at that, plus the last part when they ripped off their clothes – totally disgusting and uncalled for. In the interview Kelly said that it was her idea to put him in speedos and she wanted to wear a bikini but couldn’t (I did not get why), so “he took one for the team”. Totally needy and gross. And the rumba – sorry, Kelly is just an awkward dancer. There is no hip action, no fluidity, nothing except overblown acting out of their showmance. And that kiss (that she said in the interview was scripted and initiated by her) is a new all time low. The C. brothers are at it again. They are ballroom dancers and teachers and yet they shamelessly praise Kelly’s technique where it is far from stellar and try to get votes any way they can. Maks tweeting that he should hire Kelly at his ballroom studios- they should have a little bit more integrity than that! And Val’s reaction to the judges is totally unacceptable. Grow up! I am from the same country as they are and we do not all parade around in speedos and talk back when it’s not needed. When you come to a different country you learn to respect it and live by its rules. Sorry it was so long, but I’ve had it with the C. Brothers.
In response to #97….Sasha also partnered a celebrity on DWTS Australia. I don’t remember her name, but she was young and she’s a singer. I saw some clips on youtube and I thought he choreographed some good dances.
I’ve watched Apolo’s jazz with and without the music, and I like it much better without the music. It didn’t seem so frantic.
His rumba was spectacular…one of the best of all time and the best by a male celebrity.
#112 Meggie
Hahahaha!
I almost hope they do show in the edit tonight of Val “jiggling his junk” in front of the camera from last night and then get voted off. Maybe over the holidays he could be trained to be housebroken before he returns, if he returns, next season. Let me check my junk drawer for a coupon from a dog trainer.
The semi-finals were more enjoyable than I expected. While I didn’t care for all the routines everyone danced well. I was relieved there were no serious mishaps.
For me Shawn, Apolo, and Melissa proved they are the three who should be in the finals. Wish I was confident they’ll be there, but no such luck. It’s gonna be a nail-biter for me tonight.
CAI is a total idiot who doesn’t deserve to be called a “judge”. Len is still working his agenda. Bruno was the only responsible one on the panel. He impressed me with his judging last night. For the most part, he seemed to base his scores on the dancing.
Shawn and Derek’s Bhangra was the best dance of the night for me. Simply amazing. Loved their AT as well. Shawn’s dancing was superb in both routines. She proved she doesn’t have to rely on tricks. Case in point, her ganchos were miles better than Melissa’s.
Apolo’s rumba was the best I’ve seen from a male celeb. I’m no dancer, but I thought his side to side hip action was very smooth. The tone of the dance was perfect for “Man in the Mirror”, and Apolo’s arm & core strengh to pull off that end move was impressive. Their Big Top Jazz was ambitious. With a couple more days to clean it up, it could have been fantastic. Given time constraints, less would have been better.
Melissa and Tony coped better with the Caveman Hustle than I thought they would. I thought it was cute and Melissa wasn’t as soft as she normally is. The lifts in their AT were pretty spectacular, but they did get a bit carried away with them and she went back to soft and pretty for the dancing. Overall, it was well done. So glad Tony was able to dance last night!
Emmitt’s range is very limited, which is one reason I don’t think he should have a place in the finals this season. I liked the concept behind Emmitt and Cheryl’s Lindy. Wish Emmitt had been able to let go and enjoy it. Loved their costumes for the Tango; Cheryl looked lovely. The dance was OK, I thought Emmitt was a bit stompy.
Kelly and Val’s Surfer (Paso)Flamenco was going OK for me until Val broke out the speedo. C’mon Val, you don’t need that. If you absolutely felt you had to have a bathing suit for the theme, at least get the surfer costume right (and for heaven’s sake don’t make veiled references to the size of your package; your insecurity is showing)! The rumba was what I thought it would be, a herky-jerky make-out session on the dance floor.
I just wanted to echo the sentiments about Bruno – he has always had such funny commentary, but I think he has emerged as the most consistent and reputable judge on the panel. I have come to appreciate his judgments more than Len, which I never would have thought possible. I do think that all three work together well, and I understand that much of the scoring is storyboarding, but I think if viewed over the season his comments are the most uncolored by drama (though not totally so, of course).
#121 – I’ll have to watch Apolo’s number without the music (or with different music) and see what I think. I just did that with Shawn’s AT to see how it felt emotionally with real AT music (because CAI thought the emotion was missing) and it was there with different music, even though the music didn’t match everything in the choreo. I can’t imagine how amazing it would have been if Derek had been able to choreograph that routine to AT music vs Bad. Don’t get me wrong – I loved the routine. I just think I would have loved it more with different music. 🙂
First off I hope in future seasons they just do normal dances, because im not so sure that I can handle the mixed dances. Or whatever they are.
I absolutely loved Melissa’s and really hope she’s in the finals. I just feel like maybe she doesn’t have the fan base especially with two couples going tonight.
I definitely think Kelly. And if not Melissa (and I hope its not) I say Emmit or Apolo. Shawn in my mind already has this won.
#95 Courtney Oksana tweeted a few weeks back that Peta is her roommate. So I guess that automatically aligns her with the C clan.
And Henry seems to have also aligned himself with them. Based on his tweets he seems to spend a lot of time socializing with them outside the studio.
I finally rewatched Melissa AT, I counted 10 lifts, 10. I’m sorry but the actual dance was not good, if you watch close, she was unsure of some of the moves, her legs were not only soft but slow. The overall dance was great but it was not executed that well, even some of the lifts, especially that one coming down the stars.
May as well not waste your time, childish Kelly & Val fans…you’re just gonna get deleted, if that’s how you’re gonna play.
@Overseas #66.
Me, too. That’s why I found this forum and am posting.
For a favorite dance to repeat, I’d say Big Top Jazz. Except for the mishap hip hop in week 5, they were pretty satisfied with their other dances, even though they didn’t get scores they deserved. Since they probably cannot beat Shawn & Derek, they can give Karina’s excellent, difficult choreography a good performance and leave the competition with no regrets.
BTW, I loved the Big Top Jazz, even with imperfections: eclectic, arty, classy, witty, great costumes, set, makeup… The tricks fit the theme, yet still seemed “ballroom dance.” The irony of Apolo slipping during a skating move still kills me. Bruno’s compliment to Karina on the creativity of the choreography was mostly drowned out by the crowd, but you can see her saying thank you. [/spiel]
Ashley #113, I could have written that, LOL! Agree 100% (Although Maks wasn’t the reason I started watching, I did REALLY like him several seasons ago. Now his ego is repulsive, IMO).
I want Shawn, Apolo, Melissa in finals. I’d love for Apolo to win, but completely expecting Shawn to. I’ll be fine if any of those 3 win, to be honest.
Melissa and Emmitt are not on same technical level as the other 3. And yes, although it is also important to entertain, all 5 people are good entertainers now. Stepping it up for All-Stars means entertaining WHILE being technically proficient. Emmitt just doesn’t have it, and I think Kally had it when she was on vacation from GH and could literallt practice all day. So if she wasn’t doing show, and just rehearsed for finals, I’d think she’d do well. But the time commitment is I think what’s doing her in.
@ Betty
Bitter about what?
I’m going to politely ask that no one feeds the trolls 🙂 They don’t understand normal adult interactions…
…and apparently they have an unhealthy fixation with ejaculation. 😯
I loved six dances last night and felt the others were good but didn’t blow my mind.
1)Mellissa and Tony: The Caveman dance was a blast and that aregentine tango was emmy worthy. Definately should be in the finale.
2)Shawn and Derek: Two emmy worthy dances that were awesome. Definately in the finale.
3)Kelly and Val: The first dance was cheesy but so much fun to watch. That rumba though………..thay was their “get a room dance” but it was perfect. I hope she is in the finale.
4)Apollo and Karina: The jazz one was just blah to me. nothing stood out from it at the end of the night in my opinion. The rumba was great but I liked Kelly’s rumba better.
5)Emmitt and Cheryl: I didn’t like his dances. The first could have been better and the second one was just weak compared to the other dances in my opinion.
Sorry Courtney. 🙂
Kelly has a boyfriend and is just making herself look bad, in my opinion, with this Val romance or whatever it is. If I were her boyfriend, I would have said, “Cool it or we’re through.” Getting votes to stay on a reality show isn’t worth it.
If you are actually going to try to equate Derek’s *classy* reactions to actually ridiculous scores, to Val’s OTT reaction (and we didn’t see the worst of it) for scores that were GOOD considering the dance, you have ZERO credibility here. Mark has misbehaved in the past, but he seems to learn from his mistakes and doing it during one season I can forgive – that thing with Shawn was a *joke*. Derek has reacted badly ONCE, back in season 6 and hasn’t done it again. When he did it, he not only apologized several times ON the air, he also wrote a note to everyone in the cast apologizing for his rant with Shannon. Maks and Val continue to behave like assholes for no good reason season after season. They surround themselves with a sycophantic entourage that feeds them all this bull about how wonderful they are and how everyone else is sooo mean to them. And they believe it wholeheartedly.
I think the friendships between the Chmerkovsky’s, Karina and various troupe members dates back to when Burn the Floor was on Broadway. Last season, Val was asked who, other than Maks, were his closest friends on the show, and he wrote that Tony and Kiki were family, and that “Peta is someone that I like and trust. Sharna & Henry are good people’s. I extend an invite to all but I’ll accept an invite from few, and these are those people.” I thought it was interesting that he mentioned troupe members, but then remembered the BTF connection.
FWIW, Sasha seems very popular among the established pros, imho. Tony has said nice things, Karina, Chelsie and Anna have openly championed him, and he and Tristan are bff’s. Henry seems the more likely to replace Derek (and I personally prefer Henry), but Sasha may have broader inside support. Also, I like Sharna enough to want to see what the “Australian Lacey” might do as a pro. But then, I’ve never cared for Peta, even when she was in the troupe, so my expectations of female troupe members are low. I might like Sharna better than Peta, at least.
PH – I could only imagine Val reaction if he had a 7, or a 8, 8.5 . And if len was fair on his scores that is what kelly and val deserved for not only doing a paso instead of a flamenco, but doing a bad/sloppy paso in a speedo. If derek or mark had done that, len would give then a 4. Val should be thankful with his scores and just shut up.
Best of luck with your promising career in bukkake, Betty. 🙂
And I’m going to take back what I just wrote about Sasha maybe having broader inside support than Henry, because it occurs to me that Henry has broad inside support as well. I’ll be curious to see if either or both gets promoted next year.
I like when I’m able to actually see the trolls in action. I almost always only see the response hahaha.
@Laila, #128. Ten lifts is ridiculous. I also felt the stair one was awkward. The last one was a little weird for me as well, and took me out of the dance. I know there’s no set number, but remove those two, add a little bit more dance and power/conviction in the steps and that would have been up there with the best AT’s ever on the show.
Well, well….one little troll blocked today. Anyone else?? I’d like to have lunch at some point. 🙂
Yeah alot of the troupe hangs with them…because they are going to be the only people left on the show! LOL Plus ever hear the saying misery loves company?? The troupe are always annoyed because they want to be a pro, the C clan are always miserable because they think they get slighted every week when in fact they seldom make memorable dances and have still not learned that the point is to make your partner look good. Giving your partner with dancing limits tough ballroom choreography defeats the purpose. Maks and Val have always looked at it like they are doing amazing technical steps- however if they haven’t noticed their partners looked like sh!t while doing it. Kelly has improved tremendously but her dancing is not fluid and at times looks rushed, frantic, and like Val through 100 steps in and they are trying to beat the clock to get them all in by the time the music stops. Plus they all lack other genres of dancing…its great that they can Paso with the best in the world…but i would love if they could bring a little 21st century, creative, fun vibe along with it as well.
Court, #140 post of the day. I now have tea all over my desk.
and can we talk about Tom’s tweet….”just watched rehearsal of @derekhough and 4 partners in a number that made my jaw drop. Brilliant!”…lets see if any of his other pros give a proper shout out:)
I would love to see Dmitry come back and take Dereks place, he is a great dancer and hot……
Joye – I can’t wait for this one, I’m sure is going to be epic, I don’t know one of the girls, but Melanie, Allison and Kathryn are three of the best contemporary girls ever on sytycd, just to get this three in just one piece is crazy awesome.
I’d love to see Tony openly distance himself from the C-clan, but with their business ties and Tony’s “good guy” nature, I don’t see it happening. I always got the feeling Maks was just using Tony as a surrogate bro on the show (because he always needs “family” to cover his back). As soon as he got his real bro signed up, Tony became expendable. Maybe if Tony’s lucky, the C’s will throw *him* out of their sandbox.
I just want to say that I loved the jazz last night. The concept, the choreo, pretty much everything, although I do think Karina could have made it a bit(a lot actually) easier, it would be as good and would look much better.
Shawn did much, much better with the AT than I expected, AT is a dance of passion, and she in 20 years old, and has a sunny, happy personality, but she did very well. And the dress was great too.
Overall I think Melissa, Shawn and Apolo did a great job last night, too bad Emmit will probably make it to the finals instead of one of them.
It will be amusing to see Kelly and Val in the finals. All the comments on here actually make me want to see them in the finals.
I was watching GMA and Paula Abdul said Kelly and Val were underscored on their Rumba. As I search google. It seems a lot of articles agree with her.
Clearly, support from Maks means little to nothing in terms of whether you get on the show or not. Tristan wasn’t an insider in that group when he got on the show and a couple of the troupe who didn’t get asked back WERE part of the entourage. So, there you go.
Joey, did you see where Tom responded to a Derek fan who said that Derek deserved an Emmy like his?? He said he agreed completely. Tom is my man. 🙂
Sure they do, David – they saw Val throw a tantrum and assumed he had cause. The media aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed.
Tantrums/reaction sells papers and the equivalent of that on the stations. Doesn’t mean the tantrum was called for.
A big thank you to the mods for the super work they do for the fans here. DWTS would not be the same for me without PureDWTS and all the power rankings, numbers, cheesecake, dancing line-up posts, interview posts, music posts, troll-catching, etc. Thanks a bunch!
I can tell you one thing, If my son acted like the C-brothers do on National TV I would be mortified. But then again, My son’s mama (ME) raised him better than that.
Fingerscrossed that the right 3 make it into the finals… Apolo, Shawn, and Melissa.
Has anyone heard any snippets on twitter? From Tom?
I finally saw Sharmas tweet. “There was more ACCURATE technique in that rumba than anyone else tonight”. is she serious, just stop kissing the C brothers a** please, it is just lame.
I agree that being connected to the Chmerkovsky’s doesn’t help the troupe’s chances, but some of what we’re seeing from Sharna could stem from genuine friendship that dates back years, as opposed to ass-kissing. That’s to say, she may be sincerely biased, as opposed to opportunistically biased. 😀
Yes!! Apolo and Karina have the encore tonight!
@ApoloOhno
Oh man! What a night! Honored to dance again tonight for the encore. #rumba #maninthemirror #MJ #dwts #teamapolo #teamOhYes #zeroregrets
I was hoping for the Bhangra, actually – but then I realized Derek is already dancing in tonight’s show.
Heidi…did you see where he responded back and said that he “profoundly impressed”…Tom is the man…and i am literally counting down the minutes until i can watch Derek perform an emmy awarding dance! so question- if he was nominated…is it just him? all of them? he and allison? the ABC website said it was what Derek created…i haven’t seen any tweets saying otherwise but i am not 100% sure.
Derek deserves at least a nomination for his dances with Shawn this season – I’m not sure how to pick only three though. So many of them would be worthy: Quickstep, Rumba, Mambo, Tango/Paso Fusion, Samba, Bhangra, AT
I”m fairly sure it’s both Derek and Allison on the choreography, joey. If it’s the one they’ve been working on for a while, anyway. They say it’s “from Derek” because he’s the one associated with the show. Last time he danced with Allison they worded it very carefully – said that Derek brought the dance to the show, and that it was a routine he created WITH Allison. I imagine that’s how they’ll word it again. If I remember correctly, I don’t think you can have more than two people on a choreo team for an Emmy nomination, but I could be mis-remembering that.
The show was so-so for me last night. I really enjoyed some of the dances, and didn’t care at all for some others. My TV blacked out twice during Kelly and Val’s rumba, though. I haven’t seen any other mention of this so I think it was my cable company’s fault.
My personal rankings:
1) Melissa and Tony. They are my favorites, but in my opinion, they also did the best last night. I think Melissa had so much fun in that caveman hustle. She looked a bit uncertain a couple of moments, but I thought it was the most adorable dance, and she had some great hair flipping going on, too! I thought Tony did an awesome job with the choreo. Same with their AT. I love it. The music, the routine, Melissa’s connection with Tony and the dance. I thought she nailed it, and I thought the lifts were superb.
2) TIE: Shawn and Derek and Apolo and Karina. For both of these couples, I loved one of their dances and really disliked the other one. It was the themed dances I disliked, and I know that isn’t a popular opinion, especially for the Bhangra (sp?) But I just hated that one. And it wasn’t really specific to it being Shawn and Derek dancing to it, I’m pretty certain that it was the actual style of dance I disliked. All the flailing about…not my cup of tea. Their AT though, I thought was fantastic. I did find Melissa’s to be better, because I thought Shawn looked like she was just hitting the steps a lot of the time. This is often my problem with Shawn…in my opinion, she doesn’t have a lot of emotional connection with her dancing. It’s a bit robotic and stiff for me.
As for Apolo, I really didn’t like the jazz dance. I love Karina, but I thought there was really too much jammed into that dance, and I just couldn’t keep up with what they were trying to do. Maybe it was because I was unfamiliar, like with the Bhangra. I don’t know. I loved their rumba. I didn’t think it was finally their “WOW” moment, though, like CAI said, because I thought they had just as much emotional connection as they have pretty much all season! I don’t know why she couldn’t see it before tonight.
3) Emmitt and Cheryl. Emmitt was fun, as always, but he is just not as good as the rest of them. The short wig on Cheryl did make me miss her short hair 🙁 And I thought the burgundy color on her in the second dance was absolutely stunning. She should wear that shade more often.
4) Kelly and Val. Kelly just looked lost to me a lot in the flamenco. It did remind me of paso, but I don’t know enough about the technicalities to judge that. The swimsuit Val put her in was atrocious to me. Like I said, I didn’t see their rumba, so I can’t judge that. Val’s reaction on camera did put me off, but I was so surprised to see all of the cast gather around them at the end to console them I guess? I thought Kelly was not liked very much, so I was kind of confused.
Anyway, I’m hoping Kelly and Emmitt go tonight. Any of the other three and I would be so sad.
Melissa and Tony’s dinosaur set overkill. If the judges were going to call out Shawn & Derek for the tractor and cow from country week, they should have said something about that.
Agree with you there, Alice. Same goes for the little platform with the water for Kelly and Val. But I do think your name has to be Derek this season to get nitpicked to that level.
Well Brooke tweeted Derek Choreographed….hmmmm we shall see! Allison tweeted that she will be showcasing a special piece…i would love for Derek to take all the credit but I like Allison so its cool:) LOL
What/where is bukkake?
@ Jay
Hint: It’s not a dance. You’ll have to look it up now. You’re on your own.
NOOOOOO!!! Nobody answer that. Go Google…if you’re over the age of 18 and not on a public computer 😛
Oh, and make sure you’re not at work when you google that…
I would so love to be a fly on the wall when folks google that. 🙂
HAHHAHHAHHAHHHHAHAHAHAHAA okay now I’ve had my laugh for the day.
On most forums, my user name is “smegma” (yes, I like toilet humor) but I decided against using that here since there are likely a lot of people that aren’t familiar with it – and I didn’t want to be the one responsible when people googled it to figure out what it was.
Heidi, I totally agree with you about the encore! I was hoping for the Bhangra encore, but then realized that they probably didn’t because Derek is already doing a dance.
And they can have multiple choreographers nominated for an Emmy. This past year Travis Wall, Nick Lazarrini, and Teddy Forance were all nominated together for the routine they did for Macy’s stars of dance.
I forget what year it was, but Derek was nominated forthe routine he did with Chelsie and by himself for his own work. Can definitely see a nomination for all his work with Shawn.
@Heidi (and the rest of the mods, if pertinent):
I’ve been wondering something for a time now, and I’d like to have your informed opinion on the matter, as I sometimes don’t follow every result show. Feel free to answer here or between the seasons if more detailed research is necessary.
Has it ever happened that the couple selected for an encore was eliminated on that same night? If so, is it reasonably frequent or a rarity? I’m asking because I wonder if it may be an indication of how the votes went (and why it’s so important, apart from publicity concerns). If there is a certain “immunity” associated with it, or at least a trend towards that, it could be interesting to know.
(laughing) So it depends on where you come from (no pun intended) to know the slang. I’d love to know what Betty said to stimulate such a shot.
Yes, it has happened – Derek danced an encore the day he got eliminated, I think with Jenny but I would have to look it up. And I’m sure it’s happened at least one other time – one of them was recently.
They pick the encore dance, if there’s going to be one, immediately following the show, before the votes have been counted. Hell, well before the voting is even closed.
Joey, I know Derek has been working with Allison for a while – he likes collaborating with her. There’s no harm in that.
Didn’t Brandy and Maks have the encore when they were eliminated in the semi finals?
@Jay – Without getting into detail, let’s just say that Betty was attempting to insult me by making repeated references to a certain bodily fluid…but it was really less of an insult to me, and more indicative of her own preoccupation 😛
Poor John’s PG-rated brain is probable spinning right now 😛
Gitte: you’re right. Brandy/Maks finally got an encore, and then the boot.
Yes, Gitte. They danced the Argentine Tango.
Just took a look back to the earlier seasons and there are a few that had the encore and were eliminated on the same night:
Season 5: Jennie and Derek in the semi finals
Season 6: Steve and Anna/Jonathan in week 2 and Adam and Julianne in week 3
Everyone think positive! Apolo won’t be eliminated tonight. 🙂
I hope not Sandy 😉 I would really like Shawn, Apolo and Melissa in the final! #TeamCMM
Ok.just a thought but if the votes are as close as everyone says they are,why not have ABC change their minds,and a four person finale with Apollo,Shawn,Melissa and Kelly,they are all very good and deserving,the only one that really needs to go is Emmitt!
@Princess Heidi, I’m just relating what I’m seen around the web. There seems to be a majority of news outlets that thought Kelly and Val are getting underscored by the judges. I know the view had a hot topic discussion about it.
David, I see a lot of the media too and I saw some commenting on that, I saw just as many or more who didn’t. In any case, that has no impact on the results.
Hmm, why would The View, which stars Sherri Shepard, somehow be in Val’s corner? Puzzling!
But really, it’s fine that they think that there and to show support for your former partner. I just don’t think it’s a widespread sentiment.
Also, my cable just went out so I guess I’ll be finding out the results on this site!
“Ok.just a thought but if the votes are as close as everyone says they are,why not have ABC change their minds,and a four person finale with Apollo,Shawn,Melissa and Kelly,they are all very good and deserving,the only one that really needs to go is Emmitt!”
Jeffrey, because the performance show is only an hour next week.
And, Jeffrey, we don’t really know if the votes are close or not.
And David,
I don’t think, at least I wasn’t against Kelly/Val getting a 10 for any of their dances. Because the voting is never fair for any couple you like or not like all the time whether they are overscored or underscored. I thought Melissa had been overscored a few times but I’m still pulling for her. And that’s why Val is getting the backlash. EVERYONE doesn’t get a fair score, not just Kelly and Val so for him to react like he was robbed and cop an attitude like he’s the only one, get a grip. He clearly hasn’t grasped how this show operates and always will, it’s not something Val can control but he can control his bad attitude. Or not.
David,
btw – I meant Get a grip, Valentin. Not you. 🙂
Maybe my expectation was just too high or those bizarre dance combos, the ill-fitting music or fact that my fav pair was missing, but I was rather underwhelmed with last night myself. Anyway…
Melissa looked so willowy in both dances and very cautious as if she were bracing herself should Tony’s back give way. But we’ve seen them get sloppy when lift crazy before though I do applaud their ambition, but it makes for too busy a presentation for my tastes.
Shawn was by far performed the best though first dance wasn’t my favorite style. Her AT was the strongest of the night. I do agree a bit that the intimacy of the performance was a bit lacking, but not bad effort from a young, introverted girl dancing AT to that song with her big bro. FWIW, also felt Melissa’s AT was lacking in intimacy and some technique.
I don’t think lifting is Apolo’s forte so that Jazz hybrid was a tough go despite an ambitious one. I feel the chemistry in this pair is a bit fabricated (though not like Kelly & Val standards), but he was hot as Hates in that Rumba.
Emmitt prob two dance styles not well suited to his strengths. He seemed flat in personality and feet. Sorta basic & unforgettable.
As the Paso is the only dance of Kelly’s that I particularly liked, thought she might have got a good bit of fortune with the Flamenco. Alas, we got Bambi legs (note to Chmerkovskiy bros: your dance partners would be greatly served by 1)SHOES with 2) HEELS in these particular dances). Rumba was clipped and I still don’t feel a whole lot of this hailed sexual chemistry here. I thought they were overscored not underscored, but it’s just a ploy to garner more votes to get them through.
See.. I don’t want to say I told you guys. The viewers are just more into Kelly and Val. The judges also underscoring them doesn’t help. They always root for the underdogs.
David, just cool it.
The lesser dancer made it David – happens all the time. But there’s no way she wins.
If you say so. I wouldn’t surprised if she does. *Ye’ shrugs*