Dancing with the Stars Season 28, Week 2 – LIVE BLOG
T-minus 15 minutes to the Eastern/Central time zones live broadcast of DWTS. I did that specially for you western and mountain time zone folks. If you are so inclined, you can start voting when we do based on last weeks dances. Don’t tell me you don’t already have one person you want to see stay. That’s right, you’re not voting for the winner tonight, just people you want to stick around for another week. So put on your big girl and big boy pants and VOTE. 🙂
Here we go…pep talk by Ray to the celebs. Mildly humorous. 🙂
They all look pretty good – don’t see any tragic outfits yet.
Brand new this season is the text voting – text the name to 21523.
They’ll reveal the bottom two at the end of the night, the judges will save one of the bottom two. No dance off. They’re emulating SYTYCD.
James is up first with a Cha Cha. He learned 20 seconds of a cha cha for a show he was on.
Starts off with some time wasting, which I think throws I’m off a tiny bit. He’s back on his game pretty quickly though. Yeah, those balloons aren’t distracting at all. :::snort:::
All in all, pretty good dance. Not as exciting as his tango. 🙂
Len says he has a boyish grin. Says it was solid, with nice crisp footwork – too many gimmicks. (Agreed)
Bruno – James knows how to open big. Thinks he missed a step (he did).
CAI – at the beginning the lines weren’t matching. James agrees, he stepped on the fogginator (tm: James).
Scores: 7, 6, 7 for a total of 20.
Sailor is up next. Note the running order – the earlier you go in the broadcast, the more time people have to vote for you. The pimp spot is probably going first now, except for the fact that the first 4 kinda get hosed in scores.
Sailor is dancing rumba and is all squirmy about her boyfriend. She’s dancing rumba like a model would – lack of hips. Her movements are too sharp in places. She could work it out after a couple weeks. Not horrible.
Bruno – you have everything going for you, and hot. Tough love – made for the dance but the intention has to be much stronger. Made for this dance? Seriously? Did what he taught you, but need to play the part.
CAI- Making your mom proud. Bruno is right. Lacking consistency. Same tone through the dance.
Len – the slowness magnifies everything. Nice performance, but you have to keep feet on the floor. Drive through the ball of your foot.
She seems like a nice girl.
Scores: 6, 6, 6 for a total of 18
Ray and Cheryl are up next with a Foxtrot. This could be tough. If anyone can get him to do it, it’s Cheryl.
Missed an arm movement there at the beginning and he started ot very stiff but he actually started getting into it and smoothed it out a good bit. She choreographed a fun dance with parts he could enjoy. Not bad at all.
Lost all the judges comment when my mac burped. They all said he did a bad job, in a nutshell.
Scores: 5, 5, 5 for a total of 15
Up next – Ally and Sasha. They’re doing a V. Waltz and she’s complaining about her schedule.
Nice opening move. So far so good. Nice and smooth. She exited out of that twirl a bit oddly. Great dance though – she did really well. That suited her, IMO.
Len – very pretty looking dance. The rotation kept stopping and starting. She didn’t know what she was doing with her feet. Technically not great, but pretty dance.
Bruno – You can dance! Very compelling and heartfelt dance. Didn’t sustain it some times, don’t skip. Shoulders down.
CAI – Oh sit down CAI. Geez. Says she’s a dancer. Dance is transformative. Agree with all that, but keep yer seat lady.
Scores: 7, 6, 7 for a total of 20
Mary up next with a Cha Cha. “Miss Mary”. 🙂 Love it. Love her. Mary and Kate are probably two you should vote for if you aren’t a S___ fan.
She’s enjoying herself no question. Big mistake there at the beginning. And little flubs all through it, but I love her.
Bruno – the glamor, simple, nicely presented.
CAI – you own the room and polished, but lots of mis-stepped. Could’t tell in her face.
Len – lively, could straighten legs more.
All the judges were exceedingly kind, but I get what they’re saying because she is a joy.
Scores: 5, 5, 5 for a total of 15
Numbers Break: So far, only two of the potential bottom two have danced and both got 15. Same score as last time for Ray and a slight decrease for Mary. If they’re both in the bottom, I suspect the judges chose Mary. There is roughly 10k votes between Mary and the next person, Sailor. That’s me doing math in my head though, so I could be off. Plus these numbers will change as more people dance.
Lauren up next doing a Paso Doble. Oh boy. No giggling, Lauren.
Snake floor? She looks amazing. ice skirt work. She does well out off holdWow, the side by side was great, although she got a tiny bit off time at the end of it. Great ending. That was a really good dance!!
CAI – meow. Looks like it felt amazing. Not conservative today. Extremely flexible. Shoulders came up after the skirt came off.
Len – power, plenty of attack. Lacked shaping once in a while. Would have liked a twist turn. Don’t talk back gleb, you ain’t that great.
Bruno – well, well, well, little Lauren. All Nasty and I liked it. Came out of your shell. Strong and focused performance. Very convincing.
Scores: 6, 6, 7 for a total of 19. She was HOSED. That one pisses me off.
So we’re having S___ going at the mid point of the show gives him an advantage. Fuckin’ producers.
Tango. Stop smiling. Well Lindsay, you did your best. You’re a hell of a choreographer, not your fault your partner can’t really execute. He’s kinda walking through it.
Len – better than last week.
Bruno – have to admit it looked like a tango, I can see the effort. Robotic.
CAI – most surefooted Tango. No mistakes. Great body contact. Much improved.
Scores: 6, 5, 5 for a total of 16. This could get tricky.
Numbers UPDATE: There are 5k votes between Sean and Mary and 10k votes between Sean and Ray. In that those are the votes Sean has to make up to stick over them.
Karamo and Jenna up next with a Quickstep. Fingers crossed he does well. This is a hard dance.
Prince!!But’s out a bit but damn he’s doing pretty well. Lost body contact and Jenna choreographed him out of hold!! Not cool. Other than that, good dance. But Len will hammer them on the hold break and he can’t afford it.
Bruno – panache, flair, really really good dance.
CAI – yes yes yes!! Electrifying. Improve on body contact. I guess we’re not calling out the break in hold.
Len – wasn’t over struck on it. Flying around without body contact. Top line has to stay calm. Little bit on the hectic side.
Scores: 7, 5, 7 for a total of 19, thank god.
Numbers Update: To put James in the bottom, Sean would have to get 32k more votes than him. Ally, Karamo and Sailor are all tied for second place and Sean would need nearly 20k more votes than them for one of them to land in the bottom. He needs 5k and 10k to get past Ray and Mary, respectively.
Kate up next. Getting worried for Hannah going too late in the show. Anyway, Kate is dancing a foxtrot.
Kate doing very well. Pasha is giving her some good stuff. Good rise and fall. You can tell she loves the song. LOVED that dance!! Dang that was good!
CAI – that was amazing. Blown away by technique. Noticably different. Mastering technique.
Len – how refreshing. I liked the music, I liked the routine, better than last week, Pasha dressed more sensibly. Bottom line is yo did a wonderful job.
Bruno – Houston to Kate, we have lift off. Correct orbit. mission accomplished.
Scores: 7, 7, 7 for a total of 21 and she’s in first place for the night and second place for the two weeks.
Kel is up next with a Samba. Talking about his dad who had a brain aneurism and surgery this week.
Dude can dance for sure. Not a lot of bounce, which Len will criticize I’m sure. Weird ending. I loved the dance though.
Len – plenty of rhythm, plenty of content. Nice easy action. One or two bits that were blah, but overall very good job.
Bruno – very cool samba, very natural, very musical. Felt easy. Could push the bounce more. You have talent.
CAI – So smooth. However, the bounces became thrust. Love the lines, really see improvement.
Scores: 7, 6, 7 for a total of 20 – Grand total of 36 and that’s what? Five people tied for second place now?
Numbers Update: The margins continue to get a bit smaller between Sean and Ray/Mary – those two are in danger at this moment with Lamar likely to join them. To get James should be out of danger with Sean nearly 32k votes behind him. And the five people in second place (Ally, Kel, Karamo, Sailor and Kate) are 19.5k votes ahead of Sean.
Lamar is up next. He didn’t do drugs that night? Okay. He’s dancing Salsa.
Lamar is a not a dancer at all, but this is an improvement from last week by a good bit. Peta taking some chances there at the end. Yikes. He was actually dancing it though.
Bruno – more relaxed, step int he right direction.
CAI – missed the lift, but more relaxed, not strong enough, good when solo.
Len – difficult for you, since you’re a very tall guy. No mistakes. More confident. What’s not to like. A ways to go but your’e on the right track.
Aww…I feel bad for him.
Scores: 4, 4, 4 for a total of 12. Total for the two weeks is not good. Lamar is likely toast.
Numbers Update: :::sigh::: Lamar is our likely eliminee as he has to get more than 12k to get past Sean. And after that dance even if Sean is in the bottom two with him, they will likely pick Lamar as the one to go. Lamar needs 17k to get past Ray and 24k to get past Mary.
Hannah up last with a V. Waltz. Talking about ballet as a child. Come on, girl, kill it!!
Wow. She’s killing this. Don’t really appreciate the opening, Alan. Excellent job! Only concern is with her going last.
CAI – you whisked me away. Finished every move. Extension was ridiculous. Pretty amazing.
Len – Liked the rotation, lots of VW content. All reverse turns, need more natural turns. Lovely musicality. I must say best dance of the night.
Bruno – now we are in business. Oscar winning performance. Thanks for finishing the lines. Romantic dream. Fantastic.
Scores: 8, 8, 8 for a total of 24 and first place for the night and…the two weeks?
Numbers Update: Nothing much new to say. Bottom four are likely Ray, Mary, Sean and Lamar. Bottom two?? Some combo of Ray, Mary and Lamar. Lamar likely to go home.
THE RESULTS
Len is the deciding vote.
SAFE – Lamar and Peta
SAFE – James and Emma
SAFE – Ally and Sasha
SAFE – Karamo and Jenna
SAFE – Sean and Lindsay
SAFE – Hanna and Alan
SAFE – Sailor and Val
SAFE – Kel and Whitney
SAFE – Lauren and Gleb
SAFE – Kate and Pasha
Bottom Two: Mary and Ray (EEK)
CAI – saves Mary
Bruno – saves Ray
Len – saves…says neither should be there. Very difficult decision. His brain says to save Ray. Damn. No good. Mary gets no good send off.
I may or may not do a numbers retrospective. Mary and Ray were in my likely bottom four so it’s not all that unexpected. We’ll see.
better not vote for Sean spicer
I’m sorry if this got answered last week, but I thought they announced Daniella as a pro? And Keo? I see they’ve both posted danceroom photos, and there’s supposedly no trope, so I’m confused.
James makes me want to go back and watch Dawson’s Creek, he’s just so charming and a good dancer. I know it’s early in the night, and the season, but I’m calling him as the winner. or at least my favorite.
The judges really aren’t messing around this year with constructive criticism. I knew Len wouldn’t like the messing about. Really great effort by James, loved the dance.
Erin looks great tonight…very red carpet ready. James is a great dancer and I loved thatbroutine (get that one ready for the tour if he is on it at any point please). Just a natural at this like a duck water. Underscored in my opinion by Len but he made me laugh with the boyish grin line so I’ll let that one pass lol.
Ah Val….costumes on point but reminded me of a dancing mannequin this week. Did the moves but didn’t seem to have a lot of umph behind them. Last week I thought she was one to watch but this week makes me put her squarely in the contender list for sure if she keeps improving like this. Maybe an acting class wouldn’t be the worst idea tbh.
Crazy camera man back at it. I think Ray’s fun from a personality stand point, but dancing wise I wouldn’t put him up there with some of the other football players that came before him. I think he’ll probably be safe for awhile so we’ll see if he improves.
I did ifly for my birthday. It’s a blast….and terrifying all at once. Like a dollar coaster ride but without the warning of how quick it goes from zero to 60. Anyways, ray and Cheryl made me smile but I liked him better last week. He has a great personality and attitude towards this show though.
Oh hey Kym (Robert)… I loved Cheryl and Ray’s costume. I love me some EWF — but that songs is more of a cha cha to me (yes I know that BPM dictates it can be a foxtrot) but I think it might have been a little more graceful had it been a smoother song?
I think I have to get used to the new scoring because they do seem to be using more of the 4/5 paddles this season which makes sense and does show progress, especially early on. Even James getting a 6 threw me off a bit. But I do like it because if people who are getting 7/8’s during the first few seasons, it doesn’t show their progress because the scoring was so high off the bat.
Erin is awesome and gorgeous!
Are they afraid Ally might get in the way of their chosen one Hannah or something? They are really nitpicking her, again.
I enjoyed that dance. I don’t follow Fifth Harmony but those other girls must have been spectacular if Ally is considered a bad dancer.
Nice, Len, be really rude to the one who just said she was bullied for her dancing. Like you can give a constructive criticism without being mean… though his score to her wasn’t that bad. Surprised by that
Ally made me very happy. She is just a lot of fun to watch and she seems really relatable….out of the two fifth harmony members to compete on the show I prefer her personality wise already. She sold that dance! Loved it.
Ally and Sasha really impressed me. I wasn’t expecting them to take me away. Yay Loved!!
Not the greatest dancer but I love her and love her partnership with Brandon. Also love the song.
mary…..just a jolt of lightning that makes you smile. Sassy and fun and just having the time of her life. What more can one want :). Score seems right though.
Mary is a hoot, first wanting to whoop Brandon for not knowing Aretha and then thinking Len said to spread her legs, I love her so much. And I really enjoyed her cha cha
Oh Ms. Mary – I believe we have found the ‘heart’ of the season. She’s got so much swag.
There’s just something about Lauren I’m not into. I liked the dance but I still felt underwhelmed.
Lauren and gleb…..meh choreo and gleb dropped the ball in my opinion. She had fun. Saying that, even though I don’t find her to be particularly exciting she did what she was required well. More of a gleb problem this week I’d say. His ego this week….”it’s only week 2″….the maks school of attitude.
Sean annoys me. Last week was a fluke I see in likeability since he seems to have adopted some weird bobby bones political campaign approach to getting votes. Routine was ok. No thanks to him. All props to Lindsay who seems like she is having a good time or faking it really well.
@Vin, I think Gleb does have a certain air of overconfidence, having a partner like Lauren that actually has potential to do well. I still think he’s lacking as a choreographer.
I have to admit, Sean isn’t terrible. But better than Ray? I’d say no.
I enjoyed the dance but do agree with Len that it seemed hectic. I knew he wasn’t going to like it. Karamo is another one that’s a great personality.
Len gave Karamo a 5? What’s his deal tonight???
Karemo!! Yes! That was killer. Not sure what Len’s problem is with him but it’s kinda weird. Loved this would say the 7 was right for score though
How did Karamo get the same score from Len as Lindsay’s partner? They were not on the same level.
The judges made a mistake this week by being afraid to give out scores lower than 5, because now there isn’t much of a difference in scores between good dances and awful dances.
Kate is an amazing surprise. Loved that foxtrot. Who would have thought l?!
I’m giving all my votes to Kate. I’m worried about her going so close to the end. I thought ballroom might be stronger for Kate.
And it can’t be said enough, I love Tom.
I am bias towards Kel because of nostalgic purposes. This guy was my childhood on Saturday nights with All That and Kenan and Kel. Love the song choice, but a little nervous about him going towards the end.
If Kel dances with a giant bottle of orange soda it will be the greatest moment
Kel is a blast to watch. Loved every second of that and I think I would have given him a 7 as well. Also costumes on point and kinda like the movie good burger was an inspiration there (the bad guy had this jacket like that in green or it was carmen Electra or whoever it was in it that was the honey trap that went mini golfing with him ????)
I have a good feeling that Lamar is going home tonight. Not only cause of his scores last week, but for dancing late in tonight’s show. That being said, I know anything is possible. So far, none of these dances have wowed me, but I really enjoyed Pasha and Kate’s foxtrot.
I really hope it’s Sean tonight. I love everyone left, and I don’t say that often about these casts. And everyone just seems to be enjoying themselves. Lamar seems more nervous than anything, but I really enjoyed this dance. I have a soft spot for the guy, I hope he makes it. If Sean winds up in the bottom 2, I don’t see how the judges can justify saving him.
Did I watch a different dance than the judges? Peta/Lamar was painful to watch for me. Like worst of the night.
Kate was lovely; really surprised me.
Lamar still seems nervous but that was a blast and he really got into it. I mean yeah he had it a bit tough to say the least in the ballroom so far but he seems to take it more personally than the others when he gets a bad score. Kinda surprising
Karina had the same “short term” memory thing with Victor Espinoza (and the height thing… although the other way around. When you have that type of brain it is hard to get past anything else. Victor is a trained brain – it’s something that comes along with being a jockey. Lamar with it being induced medically is so hard. Because you remember what you once were. And some short term things don’t stick long enough to become long term.
Hannah came to wow tonight. That was gorgeous. I’d give that an 8 tbh
I knew Kate wasn’t staying the high scorer after those comments.
Hannah isn’t in danger of leaving, so her going last probably won’t matter.
I’m glad to actually be getting the real bottom 2 back. I always hated the ‘may or may not be’.
Yes Lamar is safe!
Omg I wasn’t expecting Lamar and Peta to be safe
So glad Kate and Pasha are safe.
Guess Mary is going home.
I loved the look on Lamar’s face when he was announced as safe. I don’t think he’s long for the show, but it was nice to see him look happy and surprised.
I was so sure it would be Lamar but when it came down to ray and Mary I was hoping it would be ray safe but I love Mary too. A no win situation there.
I thought Len was going to say neither should be saved lol. I was really rooting for Mary to stay, though I knew she wouldn’t last long, and I doubt Ray will either.
Lindsay’s partner is so lucky to be with her and that people will vote for them to keep her around.
This is probably the most invested in an entire cast but a few. I was a tad disappointed yo see Mary go, but her talent will be missed. I’m so happy for Lamar, I really think the man needed that boost, and to be called safe first must’ve felt like heaven. I do wonder how Sailor is doing in votes as I’m certain she could be a potential early elimination. Kate, I’m hoping was a fluke and they just wanted to keep her in suspense since she scored admirably, and Pasha is so astoundingly good with her. I hope it was a true bottom two and not a fake bottom two.
Looking back on the dances from the perspective of seeing Kate and Hannah dance – Sailor shouldn’t have been up there with Kate. Much more model-y in retrospect.
Peta’s face when they were called safe was pretty incredible. I thought for sure they were goners (and I think she did as well lol) I wish Mary had stayed another week. I liked her spirit. Not that I dislike Ray, but I’m just not connecting as much with him.
This is a True Bottom 2. In the past it was either a true bottom 2 or they were “in jeopardy” or “while not necessarily the bottom 2, one of them did have the lowest combined total of Judges scores and viewer votes and therefore will be leaving tonight”. In Jeopardy and Bottom 2 are VERY different
I’m actually liking this new voting process. I feel like now we know who is getting votes and who isn’t. Mary and Ray were a bottom 2 that I got and felt weren’t necessarily there for shock value, although it kinda sucks that Brandon is taking Keo’s place as production’s punching bag.
[…] week of great dances!! If you missed Miss Heidi’s Live Blog, be sure to see it here. I am loving all the “numbers” updates to it last night. You can also discuss the night […]
How come James and Emma gets hosed by Len for messing about at the start of a pure Cha Cha yet Kel and Witney do a quarter of their Samba as hip hop and nobody mentions a word? They should either be strict on style or not
Happy Lamar isn’t going home yet. He looks so defeated and needs that confidence boost for life beyond DWTS. I didn’t want Mary to go yet but I saw her as an early out regardless. Len is being more cantankerous than usual this season with some of the critiques or maybe that’s just me. My husband thinks he was told to us the “Simon Cowell” factor this season. I’m really enjoying Pasha and Kate. He’s just so unassuming and gets it done. The other male pros need to up their game. Love Lauren but I don’t think Gleb has the choreo chops. Sailor seems like a nice girl but needs to work on getting into the dance. I see a few who have great potential to go all the way.
It feels like for all of the mucking around with new producers, new complicated voting rules and a judges save, many things that I didn’t like are still there! I’ll admit to not paying full attention to all of the packages but even with that, I noticed producer interference. SS’s “voting” skit was obviously scripted as was Brandon not knowing who Aretha Franklin is. I also found it very interesting that Hannah and Ally had extensive, onscreen discussion of their previous dance experience. Even Lauren mentioned a childhood dance class yet Sailor has never danced in her life before.
While in theory, I understand why the judges need to have a bigger input now but I’m not sure that I like it. Something about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks? Len seems to be under the impression that syllabus is much more important now, it feels like that is open for interpretation, as usual! Grumpy wants HIS favorite official moves incorporated probably in the way he remembers from long ago styles. Bruno still appreciates creativity and freshness even if he’s looking for proper technique. Dopey is still looking for “mistakes” as if to prove that she’s qualified to be there. And as with other seasons, they already seem to be judging some contestants strictly while overlooking the same flaws in others.
@colleen. Bang on. Completely agree
Sad to see Mary go. I hate the new voting, I am just going to let the season play out without my assistance.
I don’t like all this pimping of Hannah. I get that she is family as part of the Bachelorette franchise. She’s a good dancer. I just don’t like that franchise AT ALL.
Hannah was all over the tabloids this summer, including the cover of People magazine. I knew FAR too much about her, stuff that I didn’t need to know or care to know. I’ll never watch any season of The Bachelor or Bachelorette. Never have.
And if they keep up this harsh critiquing of the contestants to the point of downright meanness (I’m lookin at you Len G!)? I won’t watch at all! EVER!
I wish they’d have dumped Ray. Lamar and Spicer need to go next.
Haven’t watch all dances but, so far, from what I’ve seen… Thank you Pasha for existing. That’s what I want (and think a lot of long term fans too). What a good foxtrot!
I don’t know what was val thinking about that dance… I know the song wasn’t good – too fast tempo – and the band murdered it too, but that “rumba” was very uncomfort to watch.
I liked Kel. Just a little concernt about Sasha and Ally… seems like he’s trying to hard to put everything on a dance. This is not necessary.
Didn’t watch Spicer, but Mary and Ray weren’t good… Thanks god they are useing the SCD elimination. Hope they use the longer dances as well.
Quick tip: please watch Kevin and (Keo’s former partner) Oti doing a samba on SCD week one. Just fabulous.
#Kelly….I agree about Hannah. I don’t like when they push any contestant too hard. I didn’t like the Ally story with CA hugging her. I have full sympathy for bullying, but it is week 2. I think that should be for later. Right now, I just want them to dance and let me vote for who I like. I as a viewer need to warm up to the contestants. The more the show pushes someone, the less likely I am to vote no matter how good they are.
I don’t see how Hannah is being pimped. Certainly not by the show – she’s not getting any better treatment than anyone else. I don’t think they’ve really started pimping anyone just yet. Although I imagine it will start with Sailor before too long.
Quite liked Hannah’s dance but it wasn’t the best for me. Like I’ve said earlier it doesn’t matter a jot how she dances there is nobody to stop her winning. Her social media numbers on the same platform as the voting system is so massive she could turn up and riverdance each week and still win. This makes this season largely going through the motions.
Quite often, the size of one’s social media profile doesn’t coincide with how well they do on the show. In Hannah’s case, it might work out that way, but in no way is is a sure thing.