Before we get started, let's have a quick word about the scoring last night. I'm not all that fussed about celebrity judges dishing out the 10 paddle. I consider that just a fun byproduct of a fun show. Mel B, Emmitt Smith, Kelly Osborne, Helio Castroneves, Gilles Marini, and Drew Lachey have all been through this show. They weren't likely to be overly critical of the dancing they saw. We were going to see 9 and 10 paddles as long as nobody tripped over their feet.
And nobody tripped over their feet.
I do take exception to Len throwing a 10 on the Foxtrot from Brandy and Maks. As good as that dance was, and as willing as I was to overlook the dress bobble, I would be less than honest if I thought the dance should get a perfect 10 when it wasn't absolutely perfect. The show was competition wrapped in a fun format, and I really enjoyed watching it.
OK?
Now let's have some encores! I've decided again to give you links to each of the dances.
Kyle and Lacey scored 35 on their Paso Doble.
Kurt and Anna scored 34 on their Tango.
Bristol and Mark scored 34 on their Viennese Waltz.
Rick and Cheryl scored 37 on their Quickstep.
Brandy and Maks scored 37 on their Foxtrot.
Jennifer and Derek scored 37 on their Tango.
Good stuff gang.
Here's a reminder of the leader board from Monday's performances:
64 Brandy and Maks
64 Jennifer and Derek
61 Kurt and Anna
61 Rick and Cheryl
59 Kyle and Lacey
57 Bristol and Mark
Our judges select Team Apolo's Cha Cha Cha as the encore...that's Kurt & Anna, Brandy & Maks, and Jennifer & Derek.
First results...Brandy and Maks are safe.
Macy's Stars of Dance features the cast from Mary Poppins, performing Step in Time. I loved this number in the movie!
Taylor Swift is in the ballroom, accompanied by Dmitry, Chelsie, Tony, and Lacey.
More results...Jennifer and Derek are safe.
Rod Stewart is in the ballroom performing I Get A Kick Out of You. My pal Jamie said it best...Rod doesn't have a typical crooner voice. But he is a sincere performer and I enjoy his work with American Classic music. He is accompanied by Damian and Peta.
Ah...Best Judges' Moments. Of course our nominees are Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli. The clips are a hodge podge of some of the finest, silliest, crankiest, and most outrageous comments through the seasons. After watching those clips, I wonder if Bruno finally realizes he needs to sit his backside in his chair and simmer down! And the winner is...there is no winner. They can all be at turns equally cranky, hyperbolic, or generous.
More results...Kurt and Anna are safe.
Taylor Swift returns, performing while we see video clips of some memorable moments from the last 200 shows. That was nice.
Results...Bristol and Mark are safe. Kyle and Lacey are safe.
That means Rick and Cheryl are out.
All this moaning and groaning about the eliminations...somebody has to go home. It's Rick's turn this week.
I say vote for your favorites, enjoy the dancing, and remember...this show is about entertainment and fun.
Well, it's also about this Fabulous Mirror Ball Trophy!
But only one celebrity is going to raise that trophy with his or her pro partner in a couple of weeks. It's going to be either Jennifer, Brandy, Kyle, Kurt, or Bristol. Vote or don't. And if you don't? Well, you know what they say about elections.
Decisions are made by those who show up. No complaining if you don't like the outcome when you didn't pick up the phone, or a ballot.
OK next week we're doing something weird. The pairs perform two dances. But for one of them, they'll get the dance style and have to prepare a routine...however they won't get their music until performance night.
What?
I'll reserve judgment on this one, but I don't see the point of this when we're down to our five remaining couples, each competing for a spot in the Final Four.
Later gang!
