Afterbuzz TV And Cheslie Hightower Review DWTS Season 18 Week 7
Kristyn Burtt and the gang are back with another fun episode of Afterbuzz TV!! This time Chelsie Hightower joins them to break down the dances. Let us know if you or disagree with them. I especially loved what they said about judges and all of their inconsistencies. For example, Suri brings up how Len gave James and Charlie both 8’s and how something is wrong with that. SO TRUE!! And what about the “supersized” dances for what we are seeing now? They don’t like them either. Also, be sure to listen to what they say about Abby Miller judging next week at the end. They are outraged on her being picked as a guest judge like so many of us. Another super show!!
I think it’s hysterical Nene and Tony didn’t think they were going home and they had the fans behind them! This is one time I believe Suri with her info as I remember reading in an article somewhere that Tony had to run home to pack because he “forgot”. I bet they thought Candace was going home. I don’t think the other pairings realize what support she has (I say that now but she could be voted off on Monday for all I know).
Chelsie and Anna have so much knowledge and critique to share, it would be great to have both of them there each week and no Julz (sorry Julz). I just don’t think he adds anything and just distracts the panel.
I LOVE Anna…Chelsie not so much feel like she is trying to be tough to be the shock factor not sure what it is just not feeling her.
I like Julz especially when the rest of the panel gets into their love fest of Maks or lack of praise for Derek he jumps in and takes the opposite side. But yes he does seem to distract the others but sometimes that’s not such a bad thing especially when the love fests start
Kim – I see what you’re saying about Chelsie. She isn’t one of my favorite pros but I think this season of Afterbuzz has been lacking in real critique of the dances and celebs (everyone just seems to be “great”) so I think that’s why I didn’t mind her last night.
I just miss Jake I think.
I loved Chelsie’s opinions just like I do Anna’s because they were both pros on the show for many seasons. That is more credibility for me and I love the insider perspective they bring.
I didn’t know, but not surprised, Candace had to get her kids out of the studio before Peta’s strip show. And Chelsie and Anna had the same opinion about it.
I’m excited they’re having Shirley Ballas on next week because of her expertise and since she’s taught may of the pros.
I miss sweet Jake and I agree Julz can be distracting but I do think he adds something pretty often. I don’t always agree with him but he does point out some things to think about. This week there seemed to be some really good give and take discussion between the 3 dancers.
I want to add that I don’t mind Chelsie saying it as she sees it because I think she’s not going to be a pro again. I can’t stand when people who are working together throw one another under the bus. I wouldn’t want to see Kristyn put down Suri put down Jake, nor do I want to hear Erin and the awesome Tom criticize each other publicly etc. Also, if Mark is your friend, tell him what you said in private not in public, imo. If you’re not friends I guess it doesn’t matter.
I thought this was the best show I had seen in a long time. I love Chelsie because she simply told it the way it was. Things I am over: I am over Julz consistently and continually saying how Derek “covers up” Amy’s inadequacies. Guess what we know that. Still she dances better than some of them, so I have heard enough of that. I am over some of the politically correct behavior. It was refreshing to hear Chelsie lay it on the line. Anna has been trying to do that in previous shows but was in the minority. Even Anna had new life last night flat out saying that Peta’s dress was inappropriate. I don’t see what they did last night as throwing anyone under the bus, but rather doing what the judges should of done; giving the couples actual critiques about what they could work on. I like Julz but he is distracting and his comments are really inconsistent. Sometimes they are right on and other times he just seems to be playing devil’s advocate. I would love to see Chelsie become a full time person on this panel. While I have never thought this until now, I also think she has matured a great deal and would probably be much better prepared to be a pro now.
Just a few stray thoughts…
*I’m getting a little tired of hearing the “well Charlie just needs to get out of his head and not worry about the judges!” line – all the guy wants is to know that he’s doing well, and more often than not when they’re critiquing him, I hear more negativity than praise…and this week was a PRIME example of that. He may not have been perfect, but dammit, it helps to hear that you’re at least on the right track…and the judges won’t even give him that courtesy. I can’t blame the guy for wanting a little validation – if you can’t get at least a little reassurance from the judges, then what’s the point of working your ass off each week and trying to put on a good show? And I still think he’s being judged much more harshly than Meryl, which has to be beyond frustrating as well. Not to mention that I’m still hearing fans saying things like “Well Meryl is killing it – why isn’t Charlie up to her level?” That kind of comparison has to be MADDENING.
*With regards to Val & Maks’ salsas looking similar this past week – just some food for thought: TPTB may have encouraged one of them to use the troupe, when they weren’t originally planning on it, to help play up the Chmerkovskiy vs. Chmerkovskiy rivalry. And one of the brothers in particular was NOT pleased with that storyline they were trying to build…
*I’m glad they brought up the “politics” of picking teams for the team dance, and the alliances/rivalries that come into play amongst the pros when those teams get chosen. I’m sick to death of everyone drinking the “but all the pros get along beautifully and they’re all friends!” nonsense – they don’t have rainbows shooting out of their asses 24/7, people. They may act CORDIAL and PROFESSIONAL with one another, but that doesn’t mean that, given the choice, they would want to all work together. And the only time Anna was in a position to pick team dances was in season 10 – so the partner she was fighting with over team dance picks? TOTALLY EVAN. I have to wonder what picks they were disagreeing on, though…
Much better show this week having a commentator not connected to DWTS payroll. Loved Chelsie’s take and also Anna talking about the Chmerkovskiy’s similar choreography. All in all a great improvement over the last few shows.
Agreed totally Courtney. I think Charlie’s lack of constructive criticism is ridiculous. But I also think the Meryl lack of criticism in general is ridiculous also. I wish the panel had been somre critical of the trioupe involvement. In a lot of ways it givescan advantage to the celeb. Lots of great pro dancing distracts from the celebs flaws and makes the number look so much more substantial imo. At least it seemed to work that way this week imo.
I loved most of Chelsie’s comments. Especially the one about Sharna’s choreographies and how intricate and maybe sometimes a little too complex they are for Charlie to deliver a 100%. And I think she wanted to say that he’s not quite at Meryl’s level because Sharna’s choreography is at a much higher level than Maks’. And imo she is right about that.
And yes, Len was a total ass when giving Charlie and Sharna his critique. I totally thought WTF and I could see this in Charlie’s face, too. Poor them. That was not polite at all, much less constructive.
I think I need help. I know it is just a TV show but I am so frustrated.
Me to Iana! At this point, every Monday night he must be waiting for some stamp of approval. And it must feel awful to be singled out all the time when Meryl and Maks never are. But when her routines have 6 extra people in them, or whatever it was, it is easy to make the simpler choreography look like a spectacle. Sharna gives Charlie no place to hide and every week he is exposed out there. I feel for the guy and I would love to see him win. Or Amy actually.
I totally agree with Courtney’s comments!! Thank you!!! I wish Len and Conrad read this blog.
I am so frustrated this season! I can’t seem to enjoy the show. I wonder if it’s because I know too much about the manipulation. Maybe I would’ve enjoyed it more if I knew nothing! Ignorance is bliss? Lol
As to the troupe performing-if they are tools that are available to all pros, I don’t see what the big deal is. If a pro decides to use them as part of their vision for the song, they had better bring the choreography so that their celebrity doesn’t look swarmed and eclipsed. If judges are worth anything, they can see what is going on. I might not be able to, but that is their job.
I personally rather liked Maks and Meryl’s dance, as I enjoyed watching the troupe performers and their crazy good dancing. OK, I did think that at times everyone looked like they were forming a flying wedge, but I still found it entertaining. I also thought that Derek and Amy’s piece was really lovely and intimate, so a troupe would have looked really, really odd. But I would enjoy seeing a Derek and Amy piece with a troupe if the song is the right kind. I think I’m more amenable because I am a child of the 80’s- when MTV actually had music videos, and many were dance productions-Pat Benatar, Janet or Michael Jackson, Wham, Cindi Lauper, Madonna… and some were downright cheesy.
Chelsie was fantastic and loved she was honest and good criticism. I agree about Julz. He is annoying and does seem to just take other opinions just to do that because he contradicts himself a lot. Also I am tired of him saying Amy should have done this or that. Loved Chelsie quickly saying she can’t but she pretty much did everything, tons of content and good leg action. Julz just saying Derek is clever doesn’t seem to be giving him or Amy enough credit for dancing. He is like that guy in buddytv who seems to think she has an easier time or not dancing when she is. Just not like they way you were trained and learning new technique.
Anna and evan, IMO were never this amazing pairing that some anti-Nicole people them out to be. Evan has a reputation of arrogance and of course Anna is talking about him. Her other partner Jerry who went to the finals was so easy going and no team dances then. Just curious who because Evan chose Erin. Nicole had Pam and Chad. Can’t see Anna wanting Chad except maybe to have Cheryl as a pro.
Much improved show IMO maybe because of Chelsie. Honestly, show would have been great if Julz did just get stuck in traffic and missed it. His constant interrupting was annoying and talking like he is the expert when two former pros are there.
I have to agree with Melissa and others. I am not a fan of Julz for all the reasons mentioned above. He adds nothing to the show for me. His constant interrupting of others and changing the subject makes me think he should cut back on his coffee input on AfterBuzz day!
Perhaps next week the girls could hide a few Benedryl in a coney dog and feed it Julz about an hour before airtime. Dude needs to bring it down several notches. I have respect for Suri in particular for keeping calm while Julz was spazzing out right next to her.
I liked Chelsie a lot on the show. She appeared to give a lot of thought to her critiques. Love the glasses.
Before he shoots off his mouth again, Julz should watch Access Hollywood Live and listen to Derek talk about how exhausting the rumba was because of what they had to do to make it look like it was supposed to look. His smugness about what “he knows” Derek is doing is obnoxious.
Smug is a good word to describe Julz. He seems to not appreciate the challenge and no, Julz. She just can’t do more like you want. Yet he acts like what Maks or Val do with Danica or
Meryl as the big challenge. I liked how Anna said she has to get the technique differently like using hip flexor for jive instead of knees and legs. I wish Chelsie was a permanent host over Julz. Look forward to Shirley next week. Julz will hopefully behave with Shirley in the room.
All I have to say about Julz is this: he was in the TROUPE for ONE SEASON, and he’s been an Afterbuzz cohost for one season. Derek has been a full-blown PRO for THIRTEEN SEASONS and has 5 MBT’s and an Emmy award under his belt. Does Julz really have any room to be throwing shade Derek’s way? 😉
I’m sure Chelsie’s working dance card is packed. But I would love to see her as a permanent guest-host of this Afterbuzz show because she has nothing to lose by saying how she feels as does Anna.
Not that they wouldn’t if they were on the ABC payroll (doubt it because how could you), but it’s different because they are former DWTS pros. I’m sure Julz is a good person but he doesn’t contribute anything to the show that I give much weight to over Chelsie and Anna. Would love to have Chelsie permanently, and if she’s traveling or working by Skype or voice only.
Well stated, Courtney. Funny how he and others even throw shade, or attempt, when you see all Derek has done. Also between the tour and Blackpool ( not sure if it is still in development or where in Starz plan but still) these are chances to work. I know realistically Chelsie cannot be permanent but great addition. Also from the show when it wasn’t all packed with the troupes in every dance. They have great insight on the shows changes. Unlike even Henry who also has smugness, IMO.
Hi Everyone! Thanks for your comments on Chelsie. We loved having her and appreciated her honesty. As for her joining our panel permanently:
1. It took us 4!! seasons to get her on the show with her busy schedule.
2. She doesn’t live in CA anymore.
Thanks for watching.
xo kb
Courtney, I was just about to say the same thing. Julz was on DWTS for a nano-second; and now he is an expert on everything. Plus, he’s always late. One gripe about ABTV is that they never start on time. Don’t think my bosses would appreciate showing up for meetings 15 minutes late and unprepared.
#8 Courtney, I always thought Team Madonna blew the Season 10 team dance by picking Niecy over Chad because Evan and Erin had this little family thing going with her.
Drats!
Thanks Kristyn Burtt re: Chelsie. It was worth a try. I thought she was great in her articulation and analysis.
Len gave Charlie the kind (tone and content) of comments that he usually gives Derek when Derek has a WINNER on his hands. Just sayin’ it’s a possibility. It’s unheard of, in my recollection, that a massive ringer gets through a season without getting totally hosed by Len and still ends up winning. Can anyone think of a time??
Julz is an idiot – that much is clear. It’s very nice of him to continue proving THAT point week after week. Watch out for the Shirley smack down, Julz. Maybe you should stay home….
How old is Julz?? I’m wondering if he’s Derek’s age and Derek whupped his ass soundly in his competitive days. That’s what it sounds like.
I really like this show and appreciate listening to the comments. However, I find Jules really immature, and I think that is what is the distracting element that people have been referring to. That’s just my two cents. Immature and distracting, adding very little of any value.
@PH (#29)
I think he did say in one of the ABTV interviews last season that he used to compete against Val a lot, so I would guess that he is somewhere around that age.
I get an off “Derek hate” feeling from Julz too. It’s almost like he’s afraid to say anything nice.
And Kristyn, thanks for popping in!! 😉 xx
What Courtney said(#8)! Loved having Chelsie on the show. 🙂
I’ve been loving After Buzz this season! I actually agree and probably liked candace the best that night and didn’t think Meryl’s salsa was that good. I think Anna probably got into trouble because she blurted out Niecy and Louis to perhaps get Louis help choreograph the group dance, but Evan was really good friends with Cheryl so he probably wanted Chad and Cheryl instead.
I loved Chelsie! I really miss her and Anna on DWTS , they were both very insightful on AfterBuzz, I thought it was funny how when the others were talking about the all star season Chelsie and Anna didn’t say much, that’s what bothers me about Julz he’s too opinionated and like y’all said he was on the TROUPE for ONE season! Sure he’s a great dancer, but he’s not as “great” as Chelsie and Anna! I’m looking forward to having Jake back next season!
I think Val is closer to Mark’s age, so then Julz probably wouldn’t have competed against Derek that much either.
I like Julz. Seems to say what he believes and backs up his reasoning.
I generally find that the Aussie ballroom dancers tend to stick to dancing in Australia – with the exception of Toni Redpath, I’m having a hard time remembering any Aussies that really made a splash on the international ballroom circuit. I doubt Julz ever crossed paths with Derek, Mark, Val, Julianne, etc.
While I agree Chelsea brought very much needed technical critiques, I was a bit miffed when she was defending the poor scores Charlie received. She said, how are they (the judges) supposed to judge him… Well, the same as the others would be a good start. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but I just don’t see how they can judge these couples in any way except against/compared to one another. Otherwise, how do you place a value on an 8 or a 9. Giving NeNe an 8, then giving Charlie an 8. That indicates the dances were equal in value. How can anyone defend that?
First time i’ve ever watched this show – Julz is freaking annoying. Like really. Loved Chelsie – I’ve always loved Chelsie. She doesnt bring in unnecessary bullcrap and just gets to the important stuff.