This is always an interesting week of the competition. Since the stars have already done all the dances, they get to choose which dances they want to do again. Do they do a dance they did really well on? Or do they choose a dance they didn’t score super well on to show the judges just how much they’ve improved? Either way, they are coming up with a new routine. I can’t image making those decisions. All I know is I am looking forward to tonight’s Ballroom and Latin rounds.
So let’s get to the ballroom round.
Marie Osmond & Jonathan Roberts – Quickstep – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Quickstep that starts with the couple asleep, but considering the songs, it was appropriate. I would say the dance had more steps then either of their dances last week. But I still don’t think it was finals worthy. We’ve seen better Quicksteps over the course of the season. The judges liked it, so maybe I was looking for too much.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 9 Total – 29 I know it’s early, but I’d say it is safe to say that if Marie is still in the bottom, it won’t be by much. She’s set the bar high for the other three couples.
Mel B. & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Viennese Waltz – I think it’s been obvious I have a love/hate relationship with Mel B. I’m not crazy about her Latin dances, but I love her ballroom dances. And I certainly loved this one. It was classy and smooth and still fun. And those splits across the floor? Absolutely stunning. And the judges agreed.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30 The first perfect score of the night. Well deserved. I’ll say it now, this could be a very close night.
Jennie Garth & Derek Hough – Tango – I’ve said in the past that I’m not a fan of the techno rock Tangos. As much as I love Jennie, I would have to say this one left me cold. It just isn’t what I enjoy in a Tango. But the judges seem to like it, and that doesn’t surprise me. I do agree with Bruno that it was technically difficult and technically perfect.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 9 Len – 10 Bruno – 9 Total – 28 Actually that surprised me. I was expecting a 10 from Bruno which would have given her a 29. But she’s still in the thick of things.
Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough – Fox Trot – There’s a reason Helio is the last guy standing. That Fox Trot was absolutely wonderful. Smooth, classy, and fun. The judges had nothing but praise. In fact, Bruno said if Helio didn’t make the finals, he’d eat his hat. Bruno, I’m thinking of voting for everyone else just to see you eat your hat. Okay, so I really won’t do that. But you shouldn’t tempt me.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30 Not a surprise, and perfectly deserved.
Time to move on to the Latin round.
Marie Osmond & Jonathan Roberts – Mambo – When I heard that they were doing the Mambo for the Latin round, I was disappointed because I remember not liking their first one. Either I was wrong or they really improved because this was great. Lots of fun. In fact, it make me laugh at times. And Len seemed happy with her hips, which I thought were slightly lacking. In stead, the judges said she missed a few steps along the way. I’m sure that will hurt her score, but it should still be a high one.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 9 Len – 9 Bruno – 9 Total – 27 That was the best I was expecting after the judges’ comments. So far the lowest of the night, but not a bad score.
Mel B. & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Paso Doble – I know I said earlier that I’m not normally a fan of Mel’s Latin dances, but this one was quite enjoyable. Once they got past the whip opening which went on a little too long. It didn’t seem to have quite the drama that the Paso normally has, but I’m nit picking at this point. It was great, and the judges seem to agree.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30 Another perfect score. I would have been surprised with anything else.
Jennie Garth & Derek Hough – Cha Cha – Wow! When Jennie wants to, she can do a great dance. That was hot and fun and absolutely wonderful. The judges loved it, too. And I always appreciate it when I agree with the judges.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30 Everything did come together for her with this dance. The way the judges were talking, I didn’t expect anything less.
Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough – Cha Cha – You know, any other week I’d probably be praising that dance. It was fun and energetic and I could tell they were having fun. However, I really enjoyed Jennie’s dance better. I can understand what the judges said. It was fine. But it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10 Len – 10 Bruno – 10 Total – 30 No surprise. While I liked Jennie’s dance better, it was a perfect Cha Cha.
Before the night started, I was expecting a tight finish. But I didn’t think it would be this tight.
Here are the standings.
1. Mel B. – 60 – (tie)
1. Helio – 60 – (tie)
3. Jennie – 58
4. Marie – 56
With 5 perfect dances tonight, there is no way I can predict an encore with any certainty. My normal method is to pick the high score as the encore. I would love to see Jennie’s Cha Cha again because it was my favorite. But we’ll just have to see what the judges do.
While no one is safe, I am going to say that Mel and Helio will be back next week. They certainly deserve to be. So it’s Marie and Jennie who are in danger. While I think Jennie deserves to be in the final, I think Marie has more fans. And with the scores this close, I think she’ll make the cut. So, I am trying to prepare myself for Jennie to leave tomorrow night.
Yes, I am picking Jennie for both the good and the bad. Should make for an interesting night.