(S04E14) Which one of these doesn't belong? As is par for the course on Dancing With The Stars, somebody always gets through on the power of the fan vote, surpassing contestants that are superior dancers. This year, that somebody is Billy Ray Cyrus. We could argue all day about whether or not Billy Ray should still be on the show, but one thing is for sure, while he is here, he makes things interesting. Read on to hear about the latest dustup.
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Foxtrot) - It's been a long time coming, but Ian is finally coming out of his shell. It's a little late in the competition to be getting to that, but better late than never. The new relaxed attitude was evident right from the beginning. They lacked some of the wow factor we have seen with other couples, but it was a very nice performance. Len thought Ian took a bit of a dip, calling the dance a bit skippy. Bruno agreed with him. He compared Ian to a "jumpy goat." Carrie Ann praised him for his exuberance and charm. Score: 22 (8, 7, 7). I thought that was a bit low.
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Waltz) - I have to say, Joey's behind the scenes package summed up what is so great about him. He's such a likable guy, with a great personality. I understand what he was trying to do by going to the more traditional performance, I'm just not sure if that is playing to his strengths. The waltz lacked the show stopper 'razzle dazzle' that has become Joey's trademark in the competition, but it was a beautiful dance, performed well. And Princess Kym was stunning. Bruno thought it looked like a rehearsal and wanted more razzle-dazzle. Carrie Ann agreed, saying it was solid technically but lacked Joey's personality. Len thought it was elegant and beautiful. Score: 26 (9, 9, 8) Not bad.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Foxtrot) - At this point it's almost like someone called ahead and told you the time and place for a train wreck. You just have to see what is going to happen. The performance started out looking more like the foxwalk, but Billy did manage a nice set of steps in the middle. I think the fact that Karina has toned down some of the more vulgar aspects of the character was a nice plus as well. Carrie Ann praised Billy's improvement. Len said it had the most content of any dance Billy Ray has done, but the steps were all wrong. Bruno thought it was the deliciously awful foxtrot on the temple of doom. That's the typical crazy Bruno talk we've become accustomed to, but then he went on to say it was crap. Yikes. Now, I've thought Billy Ray should have been sent home every week, but even I balk at calling it crap. That's not judging, not criticizing, it's just being mean. Score: 18 (7, 6, 5). That's a reasonable score, and it was followed up by Billy Ray making a point that he didn't appreciate Bruno's rudeness. More on that later.
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Waltz) - Laila's dad was in attendance this week and she dedicated her waltz to him. It was another beautiful performance. The waltz lends itself so well to graceful and elegant dancing. Her blowing the kiss to her father was very touching. The only thing I could take away from it was the finish. They just kind of stopped and walked away instead of dancing to a finish. Len called it elegant and classy, but criticized Laila's posture. Bruno thought it was excellent. Carrie Ann praised the emotion that Laila brought to the dance, calling it profound. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9). That's a good score. 
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Tango) - At this stage of the competition, I really believe that Apolo is the hardest working of the dancers. His hard work has paid off as he and Julianne continue to put up one great performance after another. This was a very slick tango, with a lot of credit going to Julianne for the choreography. It had the basic elements of the tango, but with a fresh look that we haven't seen this season. The one problem with it was the music. Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl" for the tango? Seriously? There was some fantastic dancing here, but that song couldn't have been more distracting if they had tried. Bruno called it electric, dynamic, and contemporary. He also praised Julianne's choreography. Carrie Ann said everything was perfect. Len thought it lacked passion and drama, saying it was a cacophony of noise, to which Bruno said he was losing his marbles. I have to agree with Bruno in that regard. Score: 28(10, 8, 10) That's a good score, but what the heck was with the scoring snafu?
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Rumba) - Some of the free spirit Ian disappeared with this performance. There were moments where the uber-focused Ian had returned. Possibly more time was spent practicing the other dance, so he wasn't as comfortable coming into this one. Not that it was bad by any stretch. They had some great moments, but those moments were broken up by Ian thinking his way from move to move. Carrie Ann didn't think Ian's passion was authentic. Len liked Ian's poses, but didn't think he was natural. Bruno said it was a great improvement. Score: 25 (8,8,9) A nice score for that performance.
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Mambo) - The razzle dazzle was back with this performance, and it worked to full effect. I especially liked the section where they mirrored each other. Their synchronization is very impressive. They had very intricate work with their arms as well. That was a fantastic performance. I'm happy for Kym that she got Joey for a partner this season. She had a tough go of it last season with Jerry, so it's nice to see her get an opportunity to shine. Len liked the underarm turns and the fact that they broke it on the second beat. Bruno thought they pimped the mambo. Carrie Ann appreciates that Joey has stepped it up and is working hard. Score: 29 (10, 9, 10). One of the best of the night.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Mambo) - They were unfortunate to be following Joey and Kym while doing the same dance. It really exaggerated just how far apart these two are when it comes to dancing. For the first half of the dance Billy Ray had something going on. He was actually doing the dance. It all kind of fell apart in the middle when he knelt on the floor and just watched Karina dance. Bruno called Billy Ray a wild beast that can't be tamed. Carrie Ann offered the backhanded compliment that Billy Ray makes people think they can do this as well. Len thought it was entertaining, but not nearly as good as the first performance. Before the scores could be revealed, Billy nearly gave Samantha a heart attack as he tried to wrestle away the microphone to speak his peace about Bruno's rudeness. He might have gone too far with it, but he has a point. Bruno was in the wrong. Score: 20 (6, 7, 7)
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Jive) - They took a little long to get into their dance, but once they did it was really good. The moves they did in sequence were really together and they had a cute finish. With the scores so close for the top four couples, it is going to come down to a fan vote. It will be interesting to see if Laila has been able to win over enough of the fans. As far as the dancing is concerned, she has certainly done enough to put herself in the running. Carrie Ann called it clever and spunky. Len praised Laila, but didn't like the opening. Bruno agreed with Len. Score: 26 (9, 8, 9)
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Paso Doble) - Holy smokes. The dance of the night. Julianne made a small bobble on her big slide in their opening sequence, but other than that this was a perfect performance. It was theatrical, well choreographed, danced wonderfully, and had the fire and passion required for the paso. At this point I'm ready to give Julianne the MVP (Most Valuable Professional). I think she is getting more out of her partner than anyone else. Len thought it had everything he wanted to see. Bruno said that was a champion looking at the finish line. Carrie Ann had chills. Score 30 (10, 10. 10) A perfect score to cap off a great night.
So, that leaves us with one big question. Does Billy Ray have enough of a fan base to put him through for another week? I think it's probably his time to go, but I don't think Ian is safe by any stretch. We've seen it before with Jerry Rice edging out Stacy Kiebler. It should make the results show very interesting. It was a great night of dancing, worthy of a 6, out of 7.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
5-08-2007 @ 4:23AM
James B said...
Billy Ray's a good guy, and Bruno was totally wrong to call Billy Ray "crap". ABC should fire Bruno. This is one of my favorite programs, and Bruno's made it one of the worse. ABC, listen to the people, and make him apologize, or fire him. Kuddos to Billy Ray for being a gentleman, and speaking up about this. Boo Bruno, you're the jerk now.
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5-08-2007 @ 7:35AM
Brent McKee said...
Bruno didn't call Billy Ray crap he called their Foxtrot crap and I'm inclined to agree. Rude, maybe but hardly grounds for firing.
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5-08-2007 @ 7:50AM
Sharon said...
I do not think that Bruno called Billy Ray crap either, but the word should not have even been said. Why not just say, you have improved, and I appreciate that and let it go. Just give them the scores they deserve. You don't have to be ugly about it. He has improved greatly from the first show. All of us are not dancers, just as all of us are not writers, but it takes all kinds to make up the world. With that said, I still think that the less said the better.
Sharon
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5-08-2007 @ 7:50AM
SYLVIA TALIAFERRO said...
Billy Ray is an entertainer and I agree with the judges - he does come out with surprises every week. His dancing skills show that he's not a potential professional ballroom dancer. He has tried so hard to master the steps under Karina's wings but he did not deserve the criticism he got from Bruno. That last remark was totally out of character and non-forgiving. I agree with Billy Ray on the second dance....It's hard to come back and score more points after the judge's harsh remarks from the first dance. Billy Ray may not have dancing abilities but he does have feelings. I did not vote for him because I vote based on performances but I really felt bad about the cruel remarks from the judges. I think he wants out of the competition to pursue his personal life and other venues. I wish him the best of everything when he leaves DWTS.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:15AM
Dave said...
Bruno was way out of line calling Billy Ray's dance crap. He'd better apologize tonight. But what in the world crawled up Len's arse last night? He scored Apolo 2 points lower than the other two judges did? We don't usually have that kind of disparity. What a cranky old man.
I agree that Julianne is the best professional on the program. Her choreography is always fantastic. She showcases her partner's skills and complements Apolo's performance perfectly.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:17AM
carole said...
whether bruno called billy or the dance crap is not the real issue..he is beyond being rude, he is downright nasty.
these dancers aren't suppose to be pros..i love billy and admire him so much..my husband met him once and says he is one of the nicest people he has met and is a religious man and a gentleman..it has to hurt him..
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5-08-2007 @ 8:25AM
Theresa said...
While I don't exactly condone Bruno's use of the word "crap" on the show, I did observe two things. First, he did not call Billy Ray crap. He said the dance was. I know people pour their hearts and souls into the dances, so some might not know the difference. Second, even Bruno seemed to be taken aback when the word came out of his mouth. Right after he said it, he has his hand over his mouth and this "ooops" look in his eyes. It even made him gasp. I think he was trying to get his point across and simply let it go too far, and that was out before he even realized it. I don't agree with Bruno's assertion, but I'm not going to do the same thing to him that he did to Billy, because that's just not fair.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:30AM
Jack H said...
Let's face it - IT WAS CRAP. He is just not in the same league. This is what happens when a far less talented dancer is left in the competition too long. Several other dancers deserved that spot - Heather Mills for one. Its the "Sanjaya factor".
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5-08-2007 @ 8:32AM
Dina said...
I still think Laila is the ine to beat. Apolo was great and Joey was good. I think Ian is going next. For some reason I don't think the fans and the judges really like Ian. I thought the performance from laila was a unique waltz and it was great ot see her father there.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:35AM
Cathy said...
My favorites are Julianne and Apolo but I thoroughly enjoy watching Joey and Kym....however, I don't understand why Joey's score was a bit lower than Laila's in the waltz...she didn't do as well...she really didn't finish the dance at the end...yet they praised her again and again....I realize that her dad was in the audience but that's not enough for me....don't get me wrong, I like the way she dances but I don't feel she's as "great" as they profess!
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5-08-2007 @ 8:36AM
Louie said...
Billy Ray is not a dancer, nor a gentleman. He is rude, arrogant and surley. Have you watched his face when he is being critiqued. He was rude last night when after his dance, and instead of returning to face the judges, he stopped to tell a guest how great he is and left his dancing partner standing. Then he hot-dogged it across the floor. He has no class. He does not accept constructive criticism and should have been cut a several weeks ago. The judges are tough on all the dancers, he, as it appears he believes, has not been singled out.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:36AM
The Drs. and the professor said...
Isn't Billy Ray a big boy? His dancing is crap. Alright, Bruno could have been more diplomatic. But, the fact remains that Biily Ray should not be in the competition. He can't dance -- at all! And, he looks ridiculous. Also, he shouldn't be having temper tantrums on national television. I am sure that he has gotten worse criticism with his music and acting career.
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5-08-2007 @ 8:48AM
Susie said...
I totally agree with Cathy...Laila danced exactly like Joey yet he was lambasted and she was praised...hummm...cause her father was there who didn't know where he was or who is.....ve read he talks to her...I seriously doubt that...or could it be she is the only woman... not fair...you go Joey....
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5-08-2007 @ 9:19AM
Nita said...
I love Dancing with the stars,its a great show. I think they could find a better system of scoring tho.The show is in fact about dancing and as much as I like Billy Ray as a singer and actor he is definately not a dancer.I don't think he should be kept on just because of fans (who are not evan voting for his ability to dance), over someone with more talent. I think John was a much better dancer than Billy Ray and deserved the chance to go a little further and so did Heather. I don't think fan base should have as much count as it does. The ability to learn and do the dances should count more.
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5-08-2007 @ 9:35AM
carole said...
billy is a gentleman! and as for temper tantrums ..bruno is the worst..
(this is to "classy" louie and the "big boy" dr's..) i think your comments are also rude and show no class either..
i think apolo will win..laila is good altho i like joey better..ian can't believe it when the judges critize him and as for billy.."keep on hot-dogging" honey!
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5-08-2007 @ 9:51AM
sgsaur said...
I agree with the people who say that Bruno's comment was out of line. However, I think that Billy Ray could have handled it better. He was nowhere to be found in any of the back-stage interview segments after his first dance, other than his own. And speaking of his own, his interview after his second dance was pathetic. Trying to grab the microphone and rant was over the line. He's lucky he doesn't have Simon from AI judging him - he'd go postal. All my votes last night went to Ian. I have felt all season that he and Cheryl were getting lower scores than they deserved because the judges want to prevent a Cheryl "three-peat". In my opinion, Ian is a better dancer than Ms. Ali, but he is always given harsher critisism and lower scores on equal or better dances. On a final note, it was sad to see "The Greatest of All Time" looking so out of it. Although I was never a fan of his, I acknowledge that he really was the best Heavyweight Champ ever. Age, disease and the ravages of all those fights have certainly taken their toll.
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5-08-2007 @ 9:59AM
Renate said...
No doubt about it. Apolo and Julianne are the best. Joey gets my vote for second place and Laila third. Ian is good but just a little "off." Billy Ray is trying but doesn't belong there now. I agree that John and Heather shouldn't have been given the boot before Billy Ray. I think the judges should be much more careful in choosing their words. These people are not pros and are working hard to please.
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5-08-2007 @ 10:01AM
Georgia said...
I bet all the stars wish they had a father like Ali they could pull into the audience. I'm sure it helps with the votes.
After Billy's comment, I was halfway looking on him quitting then and there, but he stuck it out. He's been looking to be sent home for weeks now. People should stop voting for him. He's not interested in winning this competition. He's only saying all the appropriate things about trying hard because that's what he's supposed to say.
If we should feel sorry for anyone, it's Ian. It just seems like he cannot get a break with the judges.
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5-08-2007 @ 10:32AM
Derek said...
The word "crap" might not have been appropriate, but Billy Ray grabbing the mike from Samantha and throwing a temper tantrum about it was even worse. Two wrongs don't make a right. Billy Ray should have taken the high road, and proved that he was a "southern gentleman". All of the other dancers have faced harsh criticism, too. Grow up.
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5-08-2007 @ 10:39AM
jalfinal3 said...
I'm tired of people feeling sorry for Ian I'm not saying he is a bad dancer but he doesn't bring the same pizazz to the dance floor as apolo or joey or even laila. Yes he dances better than brc but then who didn't.
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