“America’s Favorite Ballroom”
This week started off with an interesting little comment. Len didn’t think any of the couples had broken away from the pack because they were not putting in the extra time and effort in practice each week to really stand out. The dancers and stars seemed a little shocked by this. Tomorrow night at the results show, the coutry singers Big and Rich will be making an appearance along with Jimmy Kimmel as usual and a surprise guest. Tonight, the couples were dancing either the Waltz or the Paso Doble. Here’s how they did:

Laila Ali & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Paso Doble
Maksim started by apologizing for the routine that broke the rules last week. I thought they did fine. The judges were not impressed though. They really didn’t think Laila danced with the fire and aggression that was required for the the Paso Doble.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 7
Len Goodman: 7
Bruno Tonioli: 7
Total: 21

Apolo Ohno & Julianne Hough
Dance: Waltz
Worried that they didn’t have the maturity for the waltz as they were the youngest couple. They were also worried because they had a kind of brother-sister relationship and weren’t sure they could capture the romance required for the waltz. I agreed as they danced well but seemed more cute than romantic to me. The Carrie Ann and Bruno completely disagreed with me they thought they did a great job and totally sold the romance. Len on the other hand, thought the dance was technically awful and sloppy again. Although his score really didn’t reflect this.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 9
Len Goodman: 8
Bruno Tonioli: 9
Total: 26

Leeza Gibbons & Tony Dovolani
Dance: Paso Doble
This couple was almost eliminated last week but, survived being in the bottom two. This they had a martial arts She looked really good for a woman of her age (please don’t flame me) but, she just isn’t a very good dance. She seemed very stiff as usual. Carrie Ann agreed saying she looked awkward and uncomfortable. Len said, “dull, dull dull… your worst dance.” Even Bruno was disappointed. Sounds like we might have a loser for tomorrow night.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 6
Len Goodman: 5
Bruno Tonioli: 5
Total: 16 (Bye-bye.)

Ian Ziering & Cheryl Burke
Dance: Waltz
I’ve always liked Cheryl but, I really like her look tonight with the long hair. Ian was looking to replace class clown with refined gentlemen. I thought their dance was elegant and beautiful but, I like Apolo’s better. The music they picked was awful. Len and Bruno liked it, with some technical criticisms. Carrie Ann thought they could do really well if Ian could just relax and breathe.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 7
Len Goodman: 9 (Wow!)
Bruno Tonioli: 8
Total: 24

John Ratzenberger & Edyta Sliwinska
Dance: Paso Doble
They danced to its a kind of magic. Supposedly John was dressed as a wizard and she was dressed as a witch, although you’d never have figured that out if Edyta hadn’t expalined this. Bruno didn’t like it. Carrie Ann couldn’t tell if they were serious or doing a tongue-in-cheek routine. Len just didn’t think it suited John. Honestly I was too busy watching Edyta to notice the dance. Her outfit was amazing.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 6
Len Goodman: 5
Bruno Tonioli: 5
Total: 16 (Not good.)

Clyde Drexler & Elena Grinenko
Dance: Waltz
Clyde seems to be exactly what Len is talking about not putting in enough effort in practice, showing up late etc. He doesn’t really seem into it. As always CLyde looked extremely awkward out there. Frankly on the dance floor Clyde the Glide can’t glide to save his life. The judges were unimpressed and didn’t think Clyde was even trying. Bruno had the best quote, “There is more romance between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump.” Clyde thought the judges comments on his commitment were pre-rehearsed.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 6
Len Goodman: 4 (ouch.)
Bruno Tonioli: 5
Total: 15 (Obviously we know who the judges want to send home, looks like Leeza could make it.)

Billy Ray Cyrus & Karina Smirnoff
Dance: Paso Doble
Their dance may not have been technically great but, in my opinion this was the most entertaining dance of the evening. Len was impressed with Billy Ray’s effort this week even if he isn’t a great dancer. Bruno and Carrie Ann agreed. He may not be able to dance but, he’s trying.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 7
Len Goodman: 7
Bruno Tonioli: 7
Total: 21

Heather Mills & Jonathan Roberts
Dance: Waltz
Once again they totally plyed up her one-leggedness (yes, I made that word up) which I find really annoying. And since I find her annoying as well, I say that unfortunately they seemed to do well again this week. Bruno and Len really liked it and both gave props to Jonathon for crafting routines around her leg. Carrie Ann didn’t hink she did as well this week.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 7
Len Goodman: 8
Bruno Tonioli: 8
Total: 23

Joey Fatone & Kym Johnson
Dance: Paso Doble
Kym is another one of my favorites, she has that cute little English accent unlike Heather. No gimicks this week, they just danced straight. I really think we have some contenders here. To me the seemed technically acturate and they really had the passion. And Joey kept his butt in. Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno all loved it especially the fire they showed. Len, who was hard on everyone all night, thought it was the best Paso of the night.
Carrie Ann Inaba: 10 (1st 10 of the season!)
Len Goodman: 9
Bruno Tonioli: 9
Total: 28 (Winner!)

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