Episode Two Hundred... and One. The DWTS Results.

The nights started out with a repeat performance of Team Apolo's Cha Cha Cha.  Then they got right down to the first set of results with a couple from the top and one from the bottom: Brandy & Maks and Bristol & Mark are up in the spotlights first.  The first couple safe is Brandy & Maks.  They'll definitely be back next Monday night.  Bristol & Mark were left in jeopardy.

In keeping with last night's celebratory theme, Tom announced they would be giving some awards throughout the hour.  In the first awards Segment the award was for the Most Dramatic Moment.
Nominees:
Christian's Arm Injury
Kate & Tony's Fight
Misty May's Achilles Injury
Marie Osmond's Collapse
Kelly's Wardrobe Malfunction
And the award goes to Marie Osmond who fainted after her Samba in season 5.

The Macy's Stars of Dance performance tonight was done by the Broadway cast of Mary Poppins.  First of all I love DWTS.  Second I have loved musicals my entire life.  I'm a sucker for a musical.  And third, Mary Poppins was one of my first favorite musicals growing up!  So I loved it.  Loved loved loved it.  Mary Poppins was great and I absolutely loved her exit out on an umbrella!

I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan but you have to be living under a rock if you haven't heard Mine.  And I loved the glitter guitar!

The next award given was the Best Worst Dancer award.  The nominees...
Kenny Mayne
Master P
Kate Gosselin
Steve Wozniak
Billy Ray Cyrus
And the award went to Kenny Mayne who really sucked it up for a single episode in the second season.

The elimination continued for the other top scoring couple, Jennifer & Derek as well as Rick & Cheryl.  The next couple safe to dance next week is Jennifer & Derek.  I'm glad for that.  I'm still pulling for Jennifer.  And so Rick & Cheryl were put into jeopardy.

The predictable bunch of celebs wishing DWTS a Happy Birthday made me yawn... then they jumped into another award, the Biggest (male) Dancer Transformation.  The nominees were:
Derek Hough (the perfect blond hair)
Tony Dovilani (the blinding white teeth)
Maksim Chmerkovsky (the mullet)
Mark Ballas (showing off the abs)
Louis VanAmstel (the pony tail)
And the Golden Pony Tail Award goes to Louis VanAmstel!

And then Rod Stewart performed I Get A Kick Out Of You.  What a great song that is!  And I've always enjoyed Rod Stewart - he's a great performer.  He even danced a little.  Obviously the shadowdancers did most of the real dancing but Rod can definitely shake it!

The next award was the Best Judges Moments.  This time, rather than announcing nominees and awarding a winner, they chose several winning moments and edited a montage of moments for first Carey Anne, then Len & Bruno. 

The final pre-elimination segment had Kyle & Lacey up in lights next to Kurt & Anna.  The next couple safe to bicker some more, Kurt & Anna.  Which means Kyle & Lacey were in jeopardy.  So the final elimination round was between Kyle & Lacey, Rick & Cheryl and Bristol & Mark.

So remember how I said I'm not a huge Taylor Swift fan?  Well obviously, because I never heard the next song she did.  But I remember some of the classic clips they played on the screen behind her.  As much as I don't like the boring celebrity Happy Birthday tapes, is how much I do like the best-of packets.  Love'em!

And Oh. My. God.  They're doing an "instant dance" next week, where they know the dance style but won't know the song they're dancing to until they go on the air!  Oh wow.  That is gonna be really fun to watch!

At last, the final elimination.  Of the three couples,  Rick & Cheryl were sent home and I'm pretty shocked!  I'm sad because honestly I think both Bristol & Kyle should have gone home before Rick.  I guess he just didn't have the votes.  So sad.

Dancing With The Stars - Week 1 Results Show

The results show started out with a one hour show that recapped last night by showing each dance and the judges comments.Then the live results hour began with a quick montage of pro's, hosts, judges & guests all getting ready for air.  Carlos Santana played Oye Como Va while Maks & Cheryl, Tony & Kym and Corky & Anna danced a lively Cha-cha-cha.  My mom comments "Wow, for an old guy Corky can really move!"  She's allowed to say this because she's older than Corky (I actually have no idea if this is true).
For the results, the contestants are split into 3 groups of 4 and first they showed us two safe couples from the 4 at the bottom of the leader board: Michael, The Hoff, The Situation and Margaret.
Michael & Chelsie are safe.
Margaret & Louis are safe.
Next there was a little bit with Adam Carolla (a season 6 contestant), Adam Carolla's Tour de Dance, where he took us on a world tour of dance styles... on a unicycle.
We start in NYC w/the Jive and a very unconvincing ride on a unicycle.  Next stop, Cuba for The Rumba which has been described as making love on the dance floor.  On to Brazil where they dance the Samba. Crossing the Atlantic on his unicycle, Carolla lands next in Vienna where we find the Waltz dating back to the 16th century, and over to England which gave us the Quickstep - a combination of The  Charleston & The Foxtrot.  Finally we finish the Tour de Dance in Southern France from whence came the Paso Doble, a dance heavily influenced by Flamenco.  Intersting...  I assumed the Paso was Spanish or Italian.  Not that I know anything more than what I've heard the judges say for the last several seasons. 
Next, Daughtry performed September while 2 couples danced a little number.  At this point I decided I'd keep track of how many dances the various Pro's have to learn while still in competition.  It's got to be hard to be dancing, choreographing, teaching, learning new numbers...  what an intense job!
After the Daughtry number, Brook went backstage to chat with the 4 contestants who will next learn their fate - the 4 at the top of the leader board.  She morbidly points out to Brandy that two contestants at the bottom are both safe, which means anything can happen!  So next up, Brandy, Kyle, Rick & Jennifer are sent to find out who are safe and who are sill in jeopardy.
Jeniffer & Derek are safe.
Rick & Cheryl are safe.
Next, India Arie sang While My Guitar Gently Weeps, accompanied by Carlos Santana.  It was truly beautiful. Louis & Karina did a Rumba maybe?  I really enjoy the growth, change, risk and suspense, when watching the contestants.  But there's also something so captivating about watching the perfection of the pros.
The last group of 4 was the middle of the pack: Audrina, Kurt, Bristol and Florence.
Audrina & Tony are safe.
Florence & Corky are safe.
At this point in the show we knew of six safe couples and were still waiting to hear the fate of the other six. Brandy, Kyle, Kurt,  Bristol, The Hoff & The Situation were still waiting to hear.
Daughtry sang Photograph (yes, a cover of the Def Leppard song), accompanied by Santana while Derek & Lacey and Marc & Chelsie danced a rocking Cha-cha-cha (I think).
Tom Bergeron spoke with Daughtry & Santana for a minute after their song and asked who they're rooting for.  Daughtry is a Michael Bolton fan because last night he danced to a Daughtry song "I never saw that in my future." Daughtry said. LOL  And Santana told us he's rooting for Kurt Warner.
For another time-filler, they played a little video montage of the Pros talking about how it feels to be the first couple eliminated.  I'm sure that's got to be hard getting sent home right away.
Brook had The Hoff, Brandy & Bristol, on one side and The Situation, Kurt and Kyle on the other side of her, in the celebraquarium, talking about how they felt going into the final minutes of the first results show.  Everyone has enjoyed themselves & hopes to stay.  And so off they go to hear who is safe and who is going home.
Brandy & Maks are safe.
Bristol & Mark are safe.
And of course Tom had to go to commercial before telling us any more.
Kurt & Anne are safe.
The Situation & Karina are safe.
Wow - I'm kind of surprised that they still have Kyle up there on the chopping block!  Either way, I'm surprised at who will go home.  Kyle danced a great dance and The Hoff I thought would have a better voting fan base.
So who's going home?  The Hoff!

I think that's the right choice.  While The situation & Margaret Cho were pretty bad, this gives them a little time to show us if they can do better.  The Hoff was eliminated and his daughter said she was so proud of him for dancing with his bad knees.  He wouldn't have made it much longer anyway.  It was a good elimination.
See you next week!

Dancing With The Stars season 11 - First Night!

The glitter is flying, the mirror balls are spinning & the lights are flashing! Dancing With The Stars Season 11 is finally here! Last night was a great premier show. I thought everyone did pretty well, and while there were some dancers that clearly need to go home, there were none as bad as some of the stinkers in seasons past. All said, an entertaining night.

I think my favorites were Jennifer Grey and Kyle Massey.





And as far as who should go home, I think it's Margaret Cho and Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino.  But I think The Situation has a better chance at getting the votes than Margaret Cho.


Audrina Patridge & Tony Dovolani were up first, dancing the Cha-cha-cha to Katy Perry's California Girls. Audrina was all smiles, cute, has a great body and decent form. She's a little awkward at times but very capable looking. All the judges were impressed and Len was even nice! Tom commented that the judges are always more pleasant when they return from summer break. They earned a vote from me.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 6-7-6
Call 1-800-868-3401 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Audrina and Tony.

Kurt Warner & Anna Trebunskaya danced second. Holy SEVEN kids?! Wow, is Kurt a Mormon (It's okay for me to ask in such a bold manner because I used to be one)? They're dancing the Viennese Waltz. Kurt wasn't too bad. He was graceful and not too wooden. He crouched a little and clenched his fists but I think this is common for football stars - they hunch & huddle a lot at first because that's what they're used to. Len wasn't happy with the performance and thought Kurt lacked grace. But we know Len is the toughest critic.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 7-5-7
Call 1-800-868-3408 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Kurt and Anna.

Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer were up next and Lacey's hair was looking a little better for the show, but I'm still not a fan of the blond. They were dancing the Cha-cha-cha and I wasn't too sure Kyle would manage. Wow. Maybe I was wrong about him because he can actually move! That wasn't at all awkward & his footwork was great! I'm impressed and he might even get some votes from me. The judges liked it - of course Len hated the at-the-lockers gimmick at the beginning but he never does like that stuff. And Bruno enjoyed it - called him an entertainer. I ended up giving him 3 votes & thought he was the best of the men.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 8-7-8
Call 1-800-868-3403 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Kyle and Lacey.

Rick Fox & Cheryl Burke went fourth dancing the Viennese Waltz. Wow he's really tall! They danced to Aerosmith's Crazy - a favorite of mine - and it wasn't bad! I think Cheryl was right to set the precedent right off by telling him not to dance down to her - she would come up to him. That was the problem with Chad Ochocinco I think. Len said Rick was smooth & postured. Bruno pointed out the NFL/NBA face-off going on this season, and Carrie Anne called him a fox! That's right girl. Love the cream suit Rick. I'll give you a vote.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 8-7-7
Call 1-800-868-3404 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Rick and Cheryl.

Margaret Cho & Louis Van Amstel danced the Viennese Waltz to Queen's We Are the Champions but I don't think it was a champion-worthy performance unfortunately. They choreographed some mis-steps & spills into the dance and it was a risky move I think didn't pay off. The comedic element was fun & their flamboyant costumes fit, but I don't know if it can make up for the awkward waltz she gave us. Len thought the comedic element was inappropriate and Carrie Anne felt it was a brave move to purposely fall on the first night.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 5-5-5 Ouch...
Call 1-800-868-3405 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Margaret and Louis.

Brandy & Maksim Chmerkovskiy danced the Viennese Waltz and it was pretty good! She had grace & ease. She smiled and looked comfortable in the ballroom. All three judges loved her and she's off to a great start. I gave her a vote.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 7-8-8
Call 1-800-868-3406 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Brandy and Maks.

Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas started their season with the Cha-cha-cha. Len said for week 1 it was good. He pointed out that the steps were there, made no mistakes, had good hip action, etc. He's right, it was okay. And she did do a little hip shaking. Bruno pointed out some small details she did well. Carrie Anne said Bristol surprised her & had great legs. I thought she did well but in a lot of parts, it was uncomfortable to watch Marc literally dance circles around her. I guess that's typical for the first week, I just hate to see the dance/walking they do when they can't really do the steps.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 6-6-6
Call 1-800-868-3407 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Bristol and Marc.

Florence Henderson & Corky Ballas were next, dancing the Cha-cha-cha. And I just have to say I love Flo's dirty mouth! I think she dropped the F-bomb in rehearsals. Finally I can relate to the woman! It was a fun performance, she had the steps, she didn't stumble and she even had some hip action... Bruno called her a spunky lady & says he can see plenty of it! Ha! Carrie Anne was happy to see her enjoying the dance and Len said it was great entertainment. I still thought it was stiffer than it should be.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 6-6-6
Call 1-800-868-3409 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Florence and Corky.

Michael Bolton & Chelsie Hightower were up next with the Viennese Waltz. Michael has a winning smile but he was hunching his shoulders. He had all the steps but it was a little stiff. Carrie Anne wants him to smile more, Len wasn't happy with his posture and Bruno wants him to relax & take it easy. Despite the lack of polish, I gave him a vote. I'd like to see him back for a few weeks at least. I think he can improve.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 6-5-5
Call 1-800-868-3402 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Michael and Chelsie.

Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino & Karina Smirnoff danced the Cha-cha-cha and I thought his footwork was only gonna break-break the, break-break the judges hearts. He was pretty awkward and wooden on the dance floor. Of course this is partly because of his limited practice time, but the judges can't take that into account when scoring their dance. Len said he was under-rehearsed & had the guns but lacked the ammunition! I love it when Len gets laughs. Bruno said there was a spark of what may or may not be talent. Carrie Anne pointed out that they can't be nicer to him in consideration of his limited practice time, but she hopes to see him back next week.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 5-5-5
Call 1-800-868-3410 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Mike and Karina.

Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough danced the Viennese Walts to These Arms of Mine from Dirty Dancing. Watching their rehearsal was a little sad because she was remembering Patrick Swayze. But once they got past the emotion, the dance was great! Bruno said Baby is back where she belongs! Carrie Anne said it was profound and Jennifer only gets better with age. Len said the dance suited her but he was waiting for her Jive next week. I thought Jennifer was the best of the women, or as good as Brandy. I think she has great possibility, and she's still my favorite so I gave her 5 votes. I called once right after their Waltz & then spent the rest of my remaining votes after the show was over: 4 more for Jennifer and 2 more for Kyle.

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 8-8-8
Call 1-800-868-3411 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for Jennifer and Derek.

David Hassehoff & Kym Johnson danced the Cha-cha-cha to Sex Bomb! Maybe 10 years ago he would've torn it up but last night he was pretty stiff and had absolutely no hip action. Carrie Anne called him a mix of Donny Osmond & Jerry Springer! Len said it's never too early to panic, but he also called it entertaining. He's more worried about the Quickstep next week. Bruno assured him we do love The Hoff but said it was all madness and no dancing. He called it a Poo-Pouri of insanity. Poo-pouri Bruno?

Scores from Carey Anne, Len & Bruno: 5-5-5
Call 1-800-868-3412 during the show or go to abc.com to vote for David & Kym.

So here are the standings and scores:
Jennifer - 24
Kyle - 23
Brandy - 23
Rick - 22
Audrina - 19
Kurt - 19
Bristol - 18
Florence - 18
Michael Bolton - 16
The Hoff - 15
The Situation - 15
Margaret - 15

It was a great show and I can't wait for the rest of the season!  Tonight is the results show and we'll see Santana and Daughtry perform.

They're doing another Macey's Design-A-Dance this season and the dance styles are open for voting at abc.com.

Voting takes place by phone from the start of the show until 30 minutes after it's over (7pm till 9:30pm here in the Mountain time zone). Online voting  is open till 11am Eastern time the next morning (9am here in the mountains).