DWTS 8 - Week 9

After sadly losing the cutie patootie couple Chuck Wickes and Julianne Hough last week, which is made even worse because Julianne won't be back on DWTS, we move on to even more demanding competition. They have two dances, ballroom and a solo in their Latin round this week!

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas

Dance: Quickstep and Paso Doble (56/60)

Score: 9/9/9 = 27 and 10/9/10 = 29 (last week 27)

Critique: Mark said the week they go from one dance to two is when they separate the winners from the losers. It was hard on Shawn, and she was upset. She rose to the occasion with her Quickstep and was animated, energetic, and controlled. Good job! Len said it was fun, carefree, and joyful and that we saw her personality. Bruno said she came out and danced like Sporty Spice! Carrie Ann thought this week was her best dance ever. They said she broke the rule by having a break in the required hold during the dance. Mark said he broke the rule, which is true since he choreographed it. He said he wanted to entertain the audience and make it fun.

Mark said getting into the attitude for the Paso would be hard for someone as sweet as Shawn and told her to get her Olympic face on. She did and maintained it. Technically it was very good. She danced the dance and made the moves. She's young and sweet, which doesn't lend itself to the intense passion of this dance. The audience loved it. Carrie Ann said she delivered the drama and did it! Len said it was clean and precise but not over exciting. Bruno said she showed them tonight that she had the killer instinct. He also remained standing during his critique which usually means a 10 from him.

Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower

Dance: Argentine Tango and Rumba (46/60)

Score: 8/9/8 = 25 and 7/7/7 = 21 (last week 24)

Critique: Ty said he likes a challenge and didn't win nine world championships by relying on luck and would work 24/7 to get this right. He was intense and had good footwork and did well. He's still a little stiff at times, though. Bruno said it was like watching a Power Ranger dance and that it needed to be smoother. Carrie Ann said he's come so far and has improved but is still a little stiff. Len, on the other hand, said he captured the essence of the dance and produced his best dance.

Ty said not many people expected him to get this far, so he was going to try hard even though the Rumba and bull riding don't go together. Well, he moved his hips and dances more gracefully than he used to. I'm pretty sure this will be his last night. He's made the most improvement but isn't at the level the others are. For his solo, Ty danced over to Jewel, danced around moving his hips, took her hand, pulled her up, and kissed her. It was so sweet. The judges said said it was still a little wooden and that he was so likable but they needed someone who could make it to the finals. Ty said his moves might not have gotten him the best score but that he danced it to his wife and hoped it would pay off for him later.

Lil' Kim & Derek Hough

Dance: Waltz and Salsa (52/60)

Score: 8/9/8 = 25 and 9/9/9 = 27 (last week 28)

Critique: This was so pretty! She was elegant, smooth, and graceful. The judges said there were a few missteps, and Len said he was shocked at the quality of this dance (in a good way). Bruno said she was more comfortable being a tramp than a lady. Then he backtracked and said it got lost in translation because he meant that she didn't seem as comfortable with this dance as she has been during faster ones.

The Salsa is just right for Lil' Kim. It was spirited, hot, and energetic! Bruno said she was in her element. Carrie Ann said she's never in the history of the show seen a booty shake like hers. They call it the bionic booty. Len said Derek was superfluous out there because all eyes were on her.

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke

Dance: Foxtrot and Rumba (56/60)

Score: 10/9/10 = 29 and 9/9/9 = 27 (last week 27)

Critique: Cheryl took Gilles to the Emerald Ball, so he could see the professionals dance the Foxtrot the way it's supposed to be danced. I liked it and thought he was elegant and musical. Len said he didn't straighten his legs when he was supposed to and a few other criticisms, but Bruno and Carrie Ann thought it was sublime and in a category all of its own.

Gilles said he's been waiting to dance the rumba because he wanted to show his Latin Lover side. Carrie Ann said she didn't like his solo at the beginning and didn't understand it. Len said the dancing was very good but agreed with Carrie Ann about the beginning and certainly didn't like that rolling around on the floor. Bruno said it was like ravaged by the savage. It was a bit uneven by his usual standards but very good. I like to watch him do just about anything but agreed that first part was sort of strange.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani

Dance: Viennese Waltz and Samba (57/60)

Score: 9/9/9 = 27 and 10/10/10 = 30 (last week 21)

Critique: It seemed as if Melissa were being careful, which is understandable with her rib injury, but she showed elegance and grace in a pretty dance. Bruno said she was an ethereal being lighter than air. Carrie Ann said the movement of her upper body didn't torque the way she expects from a Viennese Waltz. Len said her arms, posture, and everything was wonderful but that he's still not a fan of her feet because her footwork wasn't what it should be.

Melissa was nervous about doing a solo and said since she wasn't a celebrity, couldn't she get out of it on a technicality. She danced a short solo with a lotta shakin' goin' on! The dance was fun, spirited, and energetic. Len said she should 100% be here next week. Bruno raved about it and said it should make her happy to be alive. Carrie Ann said it was flawless! I see at least one ten on those score paddles.

Tomorrow night the professional competitors vie for a spot on next season's show by teaching a dance to a former celebrity. Genya Mazo was eliminated by the vote last week, so three pros are left. Afton Delgrosso dances with Cody Linley; Mayo Alanen with Lisa Rinna; and Anna Demidova with Maurice Green. This is a good way to do it.

Final Four will be Gilles, Lil' Kim, Melissa, and Shawn. Right? As long as Gilles wins, I'm OK. If not Gilles, then Lil' Kim.