Brooke and Derek

This should be an anti-climatic night.

Brooke Burke and her partner Derek Hough have dominated most of the season. And after Monday night’s perfect scores, they are going to be awfully hard to beat.

The drama Tuesday is who comes in second.

The Grand Finale kicked off with Alicia Keys performing.

Then the show welcomed back all the cast members for encore performances. Even Cloris, who we thought would never leave, came back!

Jeffery Ross, the first celebrity elmininated this season had the chance to do a little roasting.

Ross, famous for his Roastmaster duties on Comedy Central, took some zingers at Cloris (“Welcome to your 15 decades of fame”) Lance Bass (“What can be said about Lance Bass that hasn’t already been said about Clay Aiken”) and Warren Sapp (“Hey Warren, how is it you dance for eight hours a day, for months, and you’re still so out of shape?”) 

Funny stuff.

Warren and Kym

After Cody Linley and Julianne returned for their encore, it was time to get down to business.

Warren and Kym started by dancing the Samba. And I didn’t think it was Warren’s best dance. He seemed off the beat and off his game. The judges only get to score this one…

Len said Warren may not be the judge’s champion but you are the people’s champion. Bruno said he was “irresistible.” Carrie Ann said Warren has inspired men all over the country to dance. 9-9-9 I thought the scores generous.

Lance and Lacey’s final dance was the Jitterbug.

Watchin this dance again and I’m thinking they may pull the second slot…but a couple fo missed lifts may hurt them.

Bruno said, no doubt…Lance has become a great showman. Len said they deserved to be in the finals!

The scores: 9-9-10 (Bruno gave them the extra push)

Brooke and Derek go to wrap up the season of dance with a Vienese Waltz. It was a beautiful way to finish

Lance and Lacey

the season. And appropriate it was their dance.

Carrie Ann, teary eyed, called Brooke a star. Len and Bruno poured on the compliments. A quick cut-a-way of Brooke’s significant other caught him emotionally caught up in the moment. 10-10-10

In a slight misstep for a show on until 11pm, Miley Cyrus was announced she would perform in the last 15 minutes of the program. Too bad as a lot of younger fans surely wouldn’t make it this late to see her. Usually they do everything right on this show. But this was surely a mistake.

But before Hanna Montana performs, it was time to get the three down to only two. The first couple eliminated…Lance and Lacey!

That leaves Warren versus Brooke.

Miley did perform her new hit “Fly on the Wall.”

Bergeron had some fun with the eliminated celebrities getting their take on who would win…(and give them a chance to plug whatever they are working on.)

FInally, the announcement:

The winner is…after ten weeks, the judge’s scores combined with the audience scores…

It’s no surprise, it’s Brooke and Derek. They couldn’t believe it. Derek was especially stunned. Bergeron handed off the prized mirror ball trophy to the couple!

A fun season.

See you again in March 09 for Season #8!

Lance and Lacey

The first half hour of the finale allowed the Stars a chance to show off their favorite dances from the season (and to fill the first 30 minutes!)

But the show finally kicked in with a group dance… a Samba Smackdown!

All dressed in yellow, Brooke and Derek got it started, looking smart and sharp.

Then it was Lance and Lacey, peaking at the right time. (They just may be the only couple that could beat Brooke.)

But then Warren and Kym hit the floor and I was just tickled by Warren’s moves. The man has got the moves. They wrapped it up with a fun group twirl ending sprawled on the floor. This is a pretty evenly matched group.

Len thought they all had danced the Samba better than previously on the show. Len noted Lance’s energy. But had issues with Warren’s footwork. Len said he thought Brooke is the one to beat. 

Bruno, in the special way only he can ramble on, agreed about Brooke.

Carrie Ann also loves Lance’s energy. But she thought Warren was most improved. Carrie Ann felt Brooke slightly off for the first dance of the night.

Brooke and Derek’s scores: 9-9-10

Lance and Lacey – 9-8-8

Warren and Kym – 9-7-9 (Ouch, Len REALLY had a problem with Warren’s footwork)

Brooke and Derek

It’s down to the freestyle and Brooke and Derek went first. The freestyle offers a chance to do some special lifts and moves. But Derek’s back was aching…would it be a problem in the dance?

In a salute to GREASE, the two did a great rocking routine to “The One That I Want.” It was fantastic and scary. Some of the moves, tosses, lifts were breathtaking.

And the judges LOVED IT!

Bruno shouted “You are the ones that we all want! One of the best freestyles I’ve ever seen!” Carrie Ann agreed saying “they brought it!” Len said he thought it was the best freestyle he’d ever seen! 10-10-10 A perfect score and well deserved.

Lance and Lacey channeled Lance’s N’Sync days with some fun, very unusual choreography….freaky, freaky, freaky. No lifts but plenty of fun moves. (Especially the final shoe coming off as part of the routine, an

Warren and Kym

homage to his own wardrobe malfunction a few weeks ago.)

Carrie Ann thought it fun, but she had an issue with part of the moves in the middle of the routine. Len liked it…he especially liked the Freaky, Freaky, Freaky song! Bruno said it showed wit and energy. He called it “very good!” 9-9-9

The final dance of the night belonged to Warren and Kym.

Warren has the strength and muscles to pull off amazing lifts and moves. And Kym is going to push it to the limit.

They danced to “Proud Mary.” Starting slow with some smooth moves…then transitioning to the

Len said Warren is the star this season…as an entertainer, no one comes close to him. Channeling the Borg, Bruno said “All resistance is futile” when it comes to Warren. Carrie Ann said it was her favorite routine (but noted Warren’s face gave away a mistake) 9-10-9. Len gave them a “10″ for entertainment! 

Brooke is on top of the leaderboard with Lance and Warren tied for second.

On Tuesday night, one more dance.

And musical guests Miley Cyrus and Alicia Keys.

I think Brooke has it sewed up. The big question mark is who comes in second. I would vote for Warren for the runner up slot just because he’s so much fun to watch.

You can watch the two hour Grand Finale TUESDAY NIGHT AT 9PM on ABC!

Lacey gives Lance a leg up!

After Monday night’s dances, the leaderboard was turned upside down.

Brooke and Derek have been on top for most of the season. But after a tough first dance, they were in the basement. (Their second dance put them back into contention.)

And after a couple of terrific dances, Lance and Lacey took over as the team to beat.

The judge’s were tough on Monday so it will be interesting to see how Tuesday night’s Result Show will turn out.

The show kicked off in a different way Tuesday with the great Aretha Franklin singing her hit, “Chain of Fools.” I love how the Tuesday night show has become a showcase for great singers.

Leona Lewis also performed. (Though my wife is so very tired of hearing that song!)

The elimination rounds were waiting tonight since we are down to, as Len calls them, “The Fantastic Four.”

Julianne Hough sang her new hit off her country album. I wondered when they would give Julianne a chance to sing on the show (a great showcase to sell songs!)

Speaking of songs, there is more singing than dancing on this Results Show as John Legend also performed.

Last season champs Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas returned to dance to Aretha Franklin singing “Respect.” And Kristi looked as great as ever.

Cody and Julianne exit

But tonight is all about the elimination. And after all the music, it’s time someone is sent home.

The first couple guaranteed in the finals: Lance and Lacey!

Also moving on, Brooke and Derek!

But in the end Cody is eliminated.

That means it’s Warren, Brooke and Lance in the finals. Should be a great competition.

I think it’s Brooke’s Disco Ball trophy to lose. No matter how well Lance did on Monday, I think Brooke is the one to beat.

See it Monday at 8pm on ABC.

Lance and Lacey take the Lead!

Brooke and Derek got the joint jumping with a Jive that was energetic and fun…but I thought lacked some of the precision we usually see in Brooke. (Also thought Derek was dancing to cover her flaws.) But I guess I was being very generous. The judges were brutal!

Len said Brooke’s dance was a “disaster.” Bruno also said he was “totally shocked” by how bad it was. Carrie Ann also hammered Brooke. It was not the way the week to week winner wanted to start the Semi-Finals. The judges scores…7-7-7.

Julianne is back! I’m thrilled. (Can you tell I have a favorite?) I’m tickled cause I want to see Cody do well.

I thought it was great to see them dancing again, doing the Paso Doble. Bruno didn’t feel it lived up to its potential. Carrie Ann said it deserved a “10″ for determination…but was critical of the execution. Len was very tough and just dismissive. OUCH! too. 8-7-7

Darn, I didn’t get to see Warren and Kym’s first dance. (I was putting my six year old to bed…Hey, I’ve got my priorities straight!) But I picked back up as the judges were complimenting Warren for his personality and efforts. And saw the judges award the duo a trio of 8’s!

Lance and Lacey were up next. Could they beat the semi-final curse hurting the other dancers? They came out with a Mambo that I thought was stylized, great fun! And it rocked the house down! I think Lance is peaking at the right time.

Len said he had been tough on Lance…but it’s not where you start but where you finish and then he declared “this was his best dance so far!” Bruno said it was terrific. Carrie Ann called it quite simply a show-stopper!

The scores: 10-9-9! Well deserved numbers!

Len’s Master Class was an entertaining and humorous take as Len taught the four semi-finalists key points to help them make it to the finals.

Brooke and Derek did a Salsa as their second dance of the night. I thought this one was more like

Warren and Kym stay in the hunt

it…impressive moves and difficult lifts. Bruno said it best…”Brooke is back!” Carrie Ann said it was a difficult dance and she really rose to the occasion. Len said work to your strengths in the finals! 9-10-9 (The ten was from Len)

Cody and Julianne also performed a Salsa for their second dance. While fun, I feel it showed that Cody is ready to go home. He’s such a good kidCarrie Ann thought it was only okay. Len was impressed. Bruno thought some of the technical areas were off but he gave it a thumbs up. 8-8-8

Warren and Kym did a Jitterbug with lots of interesting moves and personality. Warren did well and the audience loves him! Len said he gave 100% and well done. Carrie Ann said it simply “I liked it!”

The scores: 9-8-8

The final dance of the night belonged to Lance and Lacey. Dressed as sailors, they hit the floor with a Jitterbug that had lots of energy (so much that Lance lost his shoe!) But I thought, while filled with energy, it seemed a little rough. (And I thought Lance seemed to fall back on his boy band moves.)

But what do I know?

 Bruno thought it was “brilliant, a real joy.” Carrie Ann agreed, it was magic on the dance floor. Len saluted Lance for doing two great dances tonight. 10-9-10!

That’s it. On top of the Leaderboard: Lance and Lacey, followed by Brooke and Derek tied with Warren and Kym. At the bottom, Cody and Julianne.

I think the scores were right. Cody should be sent home on Tuesday. That leaves Brooke, Warren and Lance in the finals. And Brooke is the woman to beat.

We’ll find out for sure who is in the finals on Tuesday night’s two hour edition of the Results show beginning at 8pm on ABC.

Warren and Kym get an encore!

Tuesday night, Julianne Hough returned to DANCING WITH THE STARS after surgery just a couple of weeks ago. But was it too late for Cody?

In a change of pace the judges, sitting in the Red Room, did a review of the dances from Monday night.

The encore dance went to Warren and Kym’s Tango.

In a nice touch of synergy with the ABC line-up, country star Brad Paisley performed. Paisley will co-host the 42nd Annual CMA Awards from Nashville on Wednesday night on ABC. Lacey and her brother danced to his music.

Finally, the first couples were announced safe: Warren and Kym were safe. Then Lance and Lacey!

Dr. Drew stopped by to analyze the celebrities and their dance partners. I thought they might play it for laughs, but surprisingly, it was led to pretty serious conversations.

In a very fun Stars of the Dance segment this week, a fan designed outfits and viewers voted the two favortite dancers perform…and they picked brother and sister Derek and Julianne!

Their ambitious dance was a total crowd pleaser! (Did Julianne really have surgery two weeks ago?) I was stunned at how athletic and impressive the dance was. It was truly the highlight of the evening. (I’m really hoping Cody gets through to next week so Julianne gets back into the competition.)

But finally, it is time to announce another couple safe: Brooke and Derek (no surprise there.)

Maurice goes home

Cody and Edyta. Or Maurice and Cheryl. One couple is done. And the couple going home is…

Maurice and Cheryl.

Now were are down to the final four. Brooke, Lance, Warren and Cody. (I think Julianne’s popularity has something to do with Cody edging past Maurice.)

It’s a good competitive line-up that I think will ultimately leave Brooke versus Warren. 

The competition continues Monday at 8PM on ABC!

Cody with Edyta

Big night…not only do the five remaining stars have to do two dances…they have to do a solo in their Latin dances.

Cody, who had a rough week last week without a recovering Julianne, was nervous this week. So in this week’s rehearsals, Cody’s buddies dropped by the rehearsal hall to give him some support. It was funny as they were practically drooling over Edyta.  

Cody did a Foxtrot with Edyta. The dance was smooth, entertaining and terrific. (Though I felt Cody just a bit reserved) but overall, he did a decent job. 

But what did the judge’s think?

Len was “blessedly surprised” at how well Cody did. (The look on Cody’s face was priceless) Bruno said Cody was sophisticated and elegant. Carrie Ann was impressed with Cody as well but docked Edyta for her foot coming off the ground. 8-8-8 from the judges.

Last week, Brooke and Derek scored perfect 10’s! So this week, Derek really pushed her, the only woman left in the competition.

They danced a tango that was precise, hot and totally in character!

Bruno said it was more than a tango! Stunning! Carrie Ann said “That is why you are the last woman standing.” Len said they are the dream team…but Len said it was riddled with mistakes. Ouch! He surprised by his sharp critical statements about Brooke. The scores: 10-8-10 (Len, REALLY had a problem with it.)

Maurice and Cheryl were up for a quickstep. From the start, I thought Maurice a little out of his element with the preciseness required for this dance. He worked it…but this could send him home. But what did the judges think? 

Carrie Ann loved it. Len said he had good footwork. Even Bruno liked it. 8-8-8 (so what do I know?)

Lance and Lacey decided to go “by the book” this week. NO gimmicks they said.

Their Foxtrot was fun, polished and well done. Len said “Extreme Makeover” was last night…but he was tickled how well Lance did! Bruno called it a classic dance in a classic style. Carrie Ann said Lance was a truly bright light! 9-8-9 (Bergeron’s best quip of the night…an 8 from Len is like an 11 from Michael Flatley!)

Warren and Kym had the last ballroom dance of the evening…a Tango. And they did a great job! How Warren moves that big body around so gracefully…and he is so likeable, too!

Bruno said “watch out James Bond!” Carrie Ann said Warren really connects with the audience. Len said last week on the bottom…this week, back on top! Their scores: 10-9-9!

A night of great scores all around. But now, its time for Round Two.

Brooke dazzles again!

Cody and Edyta….with the hot and spicy Latin round. And Cody had a great time, particularly with his solo ending up on the judge’s table! Carrie Ann gave him an A for effort, and A for energy…but she felt it was a little too herky jerky. Len thought Cody did two great dances. Bruno said it was a little spastic, that maybe he was maybe giving a little too much. 8-8-8

Brooke and Derek did a very hot mambo (notice I can’t help but say “hot” about Brooke) Len said overall a fantastic job…he was particularly impressed by her hip action. Bruno said she really is a great dancer! Carrie Ann pointed out a couple of posture issues, but thought she did great. 9-9-9

Maurice and Cheryl did a Paso Doble with great energy and intensity (particularly his solo with a cape that was impressive.) 

Bruno said it was strong and imposing…you did very well tonight. Carrie Ann loved the intensity. Len, not usually a big fan of vape work, but thought it worked for Maurice congratulating him on a good job. 8-8-8

Lance and Lacey performed a Samba, with Lance starting out with the solo almost off the top of the dance. (I thought Lance and Cody did true solos compared to the others)

Carrie Ann started out saying the Samba is a hard dance (this doesn’t seem a good start) Len would have liked to have seen a more Samba-like dance. Bruno was most positive of any of the judges, saying he felt Lance did well. 8-7-9 (The scores were all over on this one.)

FInal dance of the night belonged to Warren and Kym.

They performed a Jive…and it rocked. Carrie Ann is right…he is great!

Len felt he danced with joy…but his feet were terrible (getting boos from the crowd) Bruno said Kym choreographed to his strengths. Carrie Ann said  he kept his feet moving, moving, moving! The scores: 9-8-9.

This is tough to have to eliminate someone from the competition when everyone is doing so well. I think the judges feel Cody is the next to go. But I think viewers will want to see the young Cody and Julianne back together on the floor. So that would mean Maurice may have to go.

We’ll find out who is sent home Tuesday night at 9pm on ABC!

Maurice makes it!

After an exciting Election night, the voting continued on Wednesday night with the Dancing with the Stars Results Show.

Remember the Team competition? Team Paso Doble (Warren, Maurice and Brooke) performed an encore edition of their terrific dance.

Lionel Ritchie was back performing in the Ballroom tonight. Good to see him still performing. (I can still remember when he was with The Commodores!)

First couple announced safe: A renenergized Maurice and Cheryl.

I love Kenny Mayne and DanceCenter (the show within the show featuring Kenny, Jerry Rice and Len Goodman) These guys are great, reviewing the dancers.

It was especially funny to hear Jerry Rice tell everyone he is still afraid of Warren Sapp (since they played against each other in the NFL) And speaking of Warren, using a telestrater, Mayne pointed out Warren’s tic/habit/bit of winking at the camera…all the time! Very funny stuff.

Brooke and Derek are announced safe. And Warren and Kym are safe. That leaves the three couples from Team Cha Cha Cha left.

Lionel Ritchie came back and had the audience on their feet and the professional dancers movng when he performed  ”Dancing on the Ceiling,” one of his biggest hits.

Susan is splitting!

Fun thing about Dancing with the Stars, many of the celebrities from previous seasons come back and you’ll see them in the audience. Wednesday, Marlee Matlin and Kim Kardashian were spotted in the audience.

So who is going home?

On Monday, I was picking Susan Lucci. Still holding out for that. But Soap Fans are extremely dedicated to their favorite stars and may keep Susan in it.

Lance and Lacey are safe. (good call.)

Cody and Edyta? Susan and Tony?

Guess what? My Monday guess was right. Susan Lucci is sent home!

Be sure to check it on Monday as the stars will do a regular dance…and then, for the first time ever, a solo dance! Monday night at 8pm on ABC.

Back on top with a perfect score!

It promised to be a different kind of night for the six finalists.

First, Julianne is recovering from surgery so Edyta is filling in to dance with Cody. Then the six dancers, after their regular dances, will dance as two teams against each other.

But the night started out with Warren and Kym. And they started out the night with a Foxtrot.

I thought it elegant especially for a guy Warren’s size. But the judges felt it wasn’t Warren’s best dance. Carrie Ann was forthright asking Warren what was wrong? (He said the shoes didn’t feel right) She agreed it was off. So were their scores 7-7-7

Boy, the previews of the behind the scenes with the various teams seems to show a lot of tension and arguing going on within the dancing duos.

The emotional night continued. Tony pushed Susan Lucci in rehearsals. He pushed her so hard that she cried. Tony explained he really wants her to open up…and their dance needed to push them forward.

Tony’s efforts seemed to work…Susan had a great night. (Though I still think she holds it back too much.)Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann made Susan have a Tony Robbins moment to tell the audience “I’m doing good!” Len felt it one of Susan’s best dances ever. 8-8-8

Should Susan go home?

Maurice and Cheryl needed a strong night as they were vulnerable after last week’s dance. After a leg injury and some tension during rehearsals, they delivered a great Cha Cha Cha.

Carrie Ann thought it a perfect mix of form and style. Len said it was his best dance yet. Bruno said happy days are here again! Good for Maurice! The scores reflected it: 8-9-8

Cody and Edyta visited Julianne resting in bed. Viennse Waltz, a romantic dance…and she and Cody had to find a groove and fast. That’s very tough as the youngster had to learn from a brand new partner. Unfortunately, I thought it was only okay.

Len thought they looked comfortable together but didn’t think Cody was comfortable doing the waltz. (He was right!) Bruno thought Cody was clumsy. But Carrie Ann was kind and said she thought they did great. 8-7-7 

Lance and Lacey had a tough week in rehearsals…sounding like a couple that had been around each other way too long. She was frustrated with his negative attitude. She walked out of rehearsal leaving him dumbfounded. She returned the next day apologizing.

But guess what? When they went on the floor to do a romantic rumba, they seemed a perfect couple. I thought it good. Bruno thought they were great. Carrie Ann thought it fantastic. But Len was very angry and frustrated…he wanted a traditional rumba! He told them to cut it out with the antics (barefoot is not the way to go.) The scores: 9-7-9 (guess which one was Len…)

Brooke and Derek, after leading since the beginning, wanted their Foxtrot to take them back to the top.And watching it, It was beautiful. Remarkably romantic and so well choreographed. Derek really knows how to make Brooke look great.

Carrie Ann said WOW! Len said it was truly “fantastic.” Bruno said it was a thrilling performance from start to finish! And for the first time this season, it was a perfect dance! 10-10-10

This week, for the first time ever, three couples each would make up a separate team. And those team scores will count. They need to dance together cause the scores are going to count. First up, Team Cha Cha with Cody, Susan and Lance.

Coming out, Susan was behind and off. Cody and Edyta then danced, but I thought they were a little off too. The only ones of this group that hit it right were Lance and Lacey.

Len thought the same thing, Lance and Lacey saved the day. Bruno said the dance was teetering on the brink of disaster. Carrie Ann said the unison portion of the dance was brutal to watch. Ouch!  

The score: 6-7-7

Team Paso Doble of Warren, Brooke and Maurice will win this competition, hands down. Their team rehearsal was so much betterk, too.

ANd they blew em away! To a person, they blew the others away! No question! Bruno said the team looked invincible. They looked like a team. Carrie Ann agreed. Great teamwork! But Len was a little more measured in his praise. Paso Doble’s marching is easier than the Cha Cha Cha. The score: 10-9-10!

WOW!

So who should go? I’m thinking Susan Lucci. I’d keep Cody (even though he had the lowest score) because I want him to be around to take another turn with his real partner Julianne.

Because of the Election night returns on Tuesday, the Results show will air one night later, on Wednesday at 8pm. Lionel Ritchie will perform and my faves Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice will be back with “DanceCenter.”

Look for it on a special night, Wednesday at 8PM on ABC.

The group Hip Hop Dance

Big night for the Dancing with the Stars Results show…The Pussycat Dolls AND The Lord of the Dance dances in fire!

But the real reason we tune in is to find out who is going to go home this week?

But not right away…

They kicked off the night with an encore of the Group hip Hop number from Monday night.

Second observations on this dance…Susan Lucci and Brooke Burke looked very much out of place on the floor for this one.

Lance looked like he was back with N’Sync; and Cody and Warren looked like they were having the most fun. And Cloris…oh well.

First couples safe: Lance and Lacey. Then they announced Cody would return (without the absent Julianne as she had her apendix removed on Tuesday.) But good for Cody, he’ll be with the very talented Edyta next week.

The kids were back on the floor dancing…always cute. I’ll leave it at that.

The Pussycat Dolls performed. This is one of those musical non-groups that seem to be famous for being famous. The Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Nicole Ritchie of the music world. And I don’t mean that as a compliment.

Cloris and Corky

The next couple safe, in no particular order…Warren and Kym!

Michael Flatley performed as “Capone” with an energetic tap dance routine in the gangster garb. Very cool. I love tap dancing.

The next couples safe: Brooke and Derek. And Maurice and Cheryl.

The couple going home…(humorously saying she’s not leaving)…Cloris and Corky.

Cloris was sweet in thanking the judges for the experience.

Monday night the competition continues with a new TEAM DANCE element. And Len Goodman will return at the judge’s podium. The final six dancers will compete Monday night at 8PM on ABC.

The Lord of the Dance as Judge!

Sitting in as guest judge is Michael Flatley, the Lord of the Dance, himself! As Bergeron quipped, “With Len gone this week, no old man jokes.”

Maurice and Cheryl kicked off the night with Vienense Waltz. And Maurice was worried as he did not do well the last time he had to do a ballroom dance (a Foxtrot in week one.) But, you know what, he didn’t do too badly.

Michael Flatley said it was nice to see the “fastest man on earth do something slow and elegant like that.” Carrie Ann said Maurice and Cheryl need to work on their chemistry. Bruno agreed making an analogy to surfing. It was a mixed bag of reviews but the scores were consistent: 7-7-7

Lance and Lacey got dinged last week in the scores. He was down, not having any confidence.

But he got a visit from old N’Sync bandmates including former “Dancing” star Joey Fatone. Joey, who almost won the competition gave some great advice to his old friend. ANd it must have helped. Lance and Lacey danced a very fun Jive.

Lance and Lacey at the top of the Leaderboard

Last week, Lance didn’t have enough to do and the judges were particularly critical. This week, Lacey let him start out the dance and let LANCE take center stage. And he did great! It was a real crowd pleaser. Bruno said “Lance is back on target!” Michael said he didn’t want to hear any more talk of lack of self confidence…Lance did well! And Carrie Ann summed it up with a “Whooo-hooo!” 9-9-9!

Susan Lucci has fought through an ankle injury. Tony’s goal is to get her to loosen up on the floor. So they met up with castmate (and another Dancing star) Cameron Mathison for a night on the town!

Susan and Tony had to do a Mambo. And I thought it was only okay…nothing terribly great. But Carrie Ann loved it. She said Susan broke through the box she’s been dancing in. But Bruno felt the timing was off citing several points in the routine on the dance (causing some fun friction between he and Carrie Ann.) Michael felt Susan was elegant and great. 8-8-7 

Brooke injured her foot after last week’s dance. So she and Derek had a much shorter week since she had to rest her foot at least one day. The pressure is on (but hopefully not on her hurt foot!)

Brooke and Derek did a romantic, sensual Rumba. (Anything Brooke does is going to be sensual) Michael Flatley loved it. He felt she was absolutely focused on Derek…she became the dance. But Carrie Ann and Bruno did not feel it was Brooke’s best due to her injury. But when it came to the scores, Michael ruled giving Brooke a perfect score! 8-10-8

Cloris Leachman is doing a Cha Cha Cha this week. And she was fighting with Corky all through the rehearsals. I think it’s time for Cloris to go.

The routine was simple, not really deserving of the competition. But the crowd jumped to their feet. Bruno said “she was the only person in the world to sell such dancing nonsense…and people BUY IT!” Michael was kind…and complimented Corky. Carrie Ann was more pointed, disappointed that Toni Braxton was kicked off last week “for this.” Ouch! Very direct. So were the scores: 5-5-5 (I think the judges are ready to move the competition forward.)

A surprise surgery for Julianne

Cody and Julianne had a Samba. Poor Julianne had a tough week since she was ill last week. But the dance went well. I thought Cody was good…(my wife thought Cody was a little stiff.) Carrie Ann said it was intense and she loved it. Bruno thought he had the wrong attitude in the dance. Michael was mixed but he said he thinks “the best is yet to come from you.” 8-8-7

The surprise announcement is that Julianne is going to have to have surgery on Tuesday, getting her appendix out! (Those stomach pains from last week were part of a bigger problem.) So Cody will have to go on with another dancer (at least for next week.) Julianne said she hopes to be back next week.

Warren and Kym brought on the Rumba. Michael would like to have seen more dancing but he thought Warren did so well. Carrie Ann thought it was sexy. She likes his emotional ability. Bruno said he gets the character right…but he did make some footwork mistakes tonight (Warren’s face showed it.) The scores: 8-9-8

They wrapped up the night with a Hip Hop routine. Best line in the behind the scenes video: Brooke mentioning how the dance reminded her of high school in the 80s…and Derek looking at her non-plussed, asking “You were in high school in the 80s?” Ouch. I’d hit him if I were her.

The actual group dance was silly fun…was that a mullet on Lance? Maybe they should take points away for the hairstyle?

Tuesday night, Cloris should be sent home. She is fun, but the competition needs to get serious. (Susan is also on the bubble in my book.)

The Lord of the Dance will dance himself on Tuesday night’s Results show beginning at 9pm on ABC.