(S04E16) We've reached the (thankfully) Cyrus-free semifinals, and it looks like tomorrow's elimination will be a nail-biter. There was absolutely no dead weight on the dance floor, a fact that made for an exciting evening of performances. There were perfect scores, pelvic thrusts, and the phrase "Yours is bigger." What's not to like?
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Quickstep) - This week the contestants got to pick their favorite Ballroom and Latin dance styles. For the Ballroom round, Apolo and Julianne chose the Quickstep. Revealing his competitive spirit, Apolo set quite a few goals for himself. He wanted tens for his Ballroom round, and he wanted perfect scores for both dances.
The couple did an impeccable Quickstep that included smooth movements, quick footwork, and several crowd-pleasing moments. I couldn't find anything to criticize in their performance, and neither could the judges. Len called Apolo's speedy footwork "fantastic," and Carrie Ann thanked the couple for setting a high standard. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10)
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Tango) - Ian was bummed about being so far behind in last week's scoring, and resolved to bring out the "real Ian" this week. He has a lot of catching up to do since the other couples came into their own a few weeks back. Ian is obviously very popular (I really expected him to be in last week's bottom two), but he hasn't developed as quickly as the other dancers.
In a shout-out to last week's musical guest, Ian and Cheryl performed to Nelly Furtado's "Maneater." The couple was, as always, technically good and very intense. I still think they are missing the ability to have fun and involve the crowd, though. Their second dance showed more of that quality than their Tango did. Bruno loved the performance, but criticized Ian's foot placement, Carrie Ann felt that they fell just short of a 10, and Len thought it was Ian's best dance ever. Do those three ever agree? Carrie Ann also mentioned Ian's "potential," and it seems a little late in the game for Ian not to have realized that potential. Score: 28 (9, 10, 9)
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Quickstep) - I always laugh at Laila and Maksim's training sequences, mostly because of the clash of attitudes. This week, Maksim brought extra drama to rehearsal, and seriously tested Laila's patience. Maksim strikes me as a bit of a diva, and his later behavior definitely reinforced that. He's still hot, though, and it was nice of him to bring Laila flowers the next day.
The couple danced the Quickstep to "Walk Like An Egyptian." What on earth was Laila wearing? I know there was an Egyptian theme to the performance, but her dress wasn't one of my favorites. She's normally the best-dressed woman out there. I'm surprised that she chose the same two dances as Apolo, since that automatically invites a comparison. Laila's dance was fun and technically difficult, but Apolo's Quickstep seemed a bit cleaner and more challenging. Luckily, their performance pleased both the crowd and the judges. Carrie Ann praised Laila for bringing a "unique vibe" to the dance floor, and Len thought the dance was light, but more "basic" than Apolo's. Maksim unwisely talked back to Len, which was a bit ungrateful when you consider their scores. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10)
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Foxtrot) - Joey Fatone, you just landed in the bottom two on Dancing With The Stars--what are you going to do now? Kym and Joey felt that the best place to reconnect with their fans was Disneyland. A bold choice for contestants on an ABC show!
The couple's Foxtrot proved that they did not belong in last week's bottom two. Kym catered to the horny male voters by wearing little more than a transparent gown over a white bathing suit. Whatever works, I guess. Alfonso Ribeiro and Lance Bass were in the audience again, and I would like to see one or both of them compete next season. They can't be that busy if they're spending their free time watching a dance competition. Joey and Kym's performance was classy, smooth, and almost romantic. Bruno compared the couple to old-time movie stars, and Carrie Ann declared them the winners of the Ballroom round. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10)
The show's "intermission" included a review of the leaderboard. Ian was the only celebrity not to receive a 30. Ouch. Len gave the couples the benefit of his expertise in Latin dancing and managed to flirt with every single female he encountered. I had no idea he was such a ladies' man! Did you notice that his limo's license plate read "DANCMSTR"? Len advised Ian and Apolo on their footwork, helped Laila with her arm movements, and dealt with Joey's butt issues. He also proved that he can still cut a rug with the best of them. I liked rehearsal Len way more than studio Len.
Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Cha Cha Cha) - Apolo and Julianne can cut out all the brother-sister talk, because their performance was the hottest I've seen all season. There was bumping, grinding, and hip-swiveling, all set to Salt-N-Pepa's "Push It." It's impossible to look innocent when you're dancing to that song. The audience went crazy for it, but Len was less than pleased. He called the performance "raunchy," and wanted to see more traditional Cha Cha Cha steps. Carrie Ann thought it was the sexiest Cha Cha Cha ever, and Bruno called it a "shot of adrenaline." Score: 29 (10, 9, 10)
Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Jive) - Apparently Karina left all of her hairpieces to Ian, since he was sporting a gigantic Elvis wig for his Jive. Something about that wig and jumpsuit changed Ian, because he actually looked like he was having fun. There were plenty of trademark Elvis moves, and Ian grinned for once, instead of looking like he was concentrating too hard. Carrie Ann was thrilled that Ian finally let go and enjoyed himself, and Bruno asked if the performance was inspired by Sanjaya or Liberace. American Idol isn't even over, and the Sanjaya jokes are already tired. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10). Did anyone else think that Ian looked choked up after getting that 30?
Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Cha Cha Cha) - Laila brought out her signature strut for the Cha Cha Cha. She also managed to work in The Butterfly. This performance featured the Laila that I've come to love, and included plenty of sultry moves and excellent footwork. Len thought that Laila's arm movement had improved, and gave himself a pat on the back. Bruno called the dance "a knockout," and Carrie Ann praised the couple's technique. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10). 60 out of 60!
Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Jive) - I was disappointed that none of the contestants chose my favorite Latin dance styles (Mambo, Samba), but Joey's Jive made me forget all about that. The razzle dazzle was back in full force. Joey and Kym's footwork was sharp, and I continued to be surprised at how graceful Joey is. Carrie Ann was glad that, for once, a man started the performance on the judges' table (she even got a peck on the cheek), and Len love the couple's personality and enthusiasm. Score: 30 (10, 10, 10)
This episode is worthy of a 7 out of 7. For once, I have no idea or preference about who goes home tomorrow. I'd be happy if any combination of the couples advanced to the finals. No couple is singled out on the leaderboard, either. Laila & Maksim and Joey & Kym are tied, with 60 points. Apolo and Julianne are one point behind with 59, and Ian & Cheryl have a 58. Your guess is as good as mine, folks.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
5-15-2007 @ 12:57AM
terine said...
iran your doing great but your not done
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5-15-2007 @ 1:36AM
Barbara said...
Ian has been my favorite because of his intensity and he did a great dance tonight. But I have to say, Joey just blew me away with his jive. I was cheering so loud that my pets ran to another room! The humor, the splits, the steps, 11's across the board! Joey and Ian and maybe Apolo in the final. I just don't see what everyone sees in Laila, especially after her comment to Maxim that "why should you be surprised?" when they were selected -- I think it was last week. Confidence is one thing, but she takes it further.
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5-15-2007 @ 4:37AM
Beth said...
Laila has too much testosterone...she sounds like a man...I have a hard time getting past that ...she's not feminine enough to be so light on her feet dancing...she's good..but she's technically good for me..not the whole package
Ian will go tonight..yes he has alot of fans..but of all , he's the weakest link in the 4some...but they all definately belong in the finals
I think it will be between Apollo and Joey...Joey is awesome..and his personality carries him even further, but Apollo just has the sleekness and makes it just look so easy...he and Julianne just click the best and are my choice to win it...
Len was a hoot watching while he was 'teaching'...it was a great segment as it's important for the audience to see the judges do have the expertise to be sitting in the judges chair and criticizing each week...he still had the moves!
last night's show was fun entertainment ...thru and thru
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5-15-2007 @ 7:27AM
howey said...
Joey's been working the fans this week. That's for sure. His father was on an Orlando radio talk show, Monsters in the Morning, on Monday, trying to drum up votes.
I can't fault him for this. It is about the vote and what's wrong with going for the vote? Plus he's darn good.
It's going to be an interesting finale.
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5-15-2007 @ 7:29AM
jww32252 said...
Did anyone notice that the call in numbers were flashed only briefly and that it was impossible to get through the phone lines to vote? My computer was blocked from voting as well. A "FIX" is in.
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5-15-2007 @ 8:07AM
Georgia said...
Uh oh, jww, who were you voting for? I voted for Joey and Ian and did not have any trouble, either by phone or online - but I vote early in the show.
I had thought I would use all my votes on Joey, but decided to vote for Ian too. I want Laila gone. I don't like her attitude nor her partner's. I really don't see that she's so fantastic. Both her dances to me were boring.
I, too, thought Apolo's last dance was a bit too hot for this type of competition. But maybe I'm just searching for something to knock him off those 10's!!
Just as a side note, I get the Lance Bass connection, but what's the deal with Alfonso Ribeiro being there?
Can't wait for tonight - I would watch just for Enrique!! Talk about hot!!
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5-15-2007 @ 8:17AM
jessie said...
I had no trouble getting through with either phone or computer.
I got my votes in for Apolo.
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5-15-2007 @ 8:36AM
Sheila said...
It WAS an interesting night to be sure! Apolo's Quickstep was OK. I felt Ian's Tango was stiff and put on. I wasn't that thrilled with Laila's Quickstep either - she was just too bouncy across the floor for my taste - I'd prefer much smoother movements. Joey and Kim - class and elegance. I agree with Carrie Ann - winners of the ballroom round!
I have to also agree with Len for Apolo and Julianne's Cha-Cha. It was an OK technical performance, but too much thrusting and more to be a cha-cha. While everyone loved Ian's Elvis thing - and I do have to agree he finally came out of his shell - I was getting sick watching it. Why can't these dancers (and I mean the professionals choreographing the routines) come up with ways to make the dances work without resorting to so much extraneous stuff? Laila's Cha-Cha was better than her Quickstep and she did move smoother.
For me - the dance of the night was Joey and Kim's Jive! They fully captured the essence of the dance and the flavor of the period with EVERYTING they did. Even though Joey and Laila are tied with perfect scores for the night - I think Joey and Kim won the night hands down!
Going home? For me - it's long overdue that Ian go home. Finals - here we come!!!!!!
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5-15-2007 @ 8:42AM
Karen said...
I have liked Apollo and Julianne from the start and have voted for them but Last night Joey and Kym were fantastic and so entertaining that I finished the night voting for them.
As for Laila, I think she is very good but can't compete with the female dance professionals. I am feeling she will win only because there hasn't been a female winner ever. I think to make it fair, they should have two different competions separating the male from the female competitors.
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5-15-2007 @ 8:47AM
BobbyBuz said...
I couldn't get through on the phone. Where can you vote on the Internet? Someone give me the link, please.
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5-15-2007 @ 8:55AM
Dina said...
Laila is the one to beat. Ian did very well last night; it is going to be a tough decision as to who goes tonight. As far as a woman winner there was Kelly Monaco in season 1. I don't know why everyone doesn't like Laila but she is very good as good as the other semi finalists.
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5-15-2007 @ 9:01AM
Maureen said...
The show last night was a fun one to watch. Clearly, the judges have left the elimination up to the fans. The dance I most enjoyed was Apollo and Julieanne's quickstep although Joey and Kym's jive caught my attention. With so many perfect scores given, I wonder which dance the judge's will ask to see again. I am voting for Apollo and Julieanne all the way.
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5-15-2007 @ 9:35AM
wwnanner said...
I had no problem getting in either, my fav is Joey, and thinking that Lalia really won't make it. I feel Ian will be the one to go, but who knows. Was a VERY GOOD night for dancing!
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5-15-2007 @ 9:51AM
Stormy said...
Well it happened again. Last night I tried to vote by e-mail and kept getting a "503 error System unavailable". Then I tried by phone and kept getting a busy signal and when I finally got through the recording I got said I had used all my votes. So none of my votes got through.
I still believe that Fatone should not be in this competition because he has dance esperience from being on stage with his band and that he has an unfair advantage over the other contestants because of it.
After all, unlike the other contestants, he is used to dancing and performing in front of an audience which gave him an advantage. Further, in the beginning, he was scored way too high and it has continued so if he wins it will be no surprise.
This season was ruined by the Mills thing and now the voting problems which have been around for a couple of weeks, so what the audience wants doesn't seem to matter and the judges seem to have picked Fatone to win from the beginning so I won't be surprised when I hear he has won. Don't think I will be watching any more.
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5-15-2007 @ 10:11AM
BobbyBuz said...
@14 I totally disagree that they (the judges) are leaning towards Fatone. IMO, it seems they are pushing Laila Ali. However, because of all the 10's last night the judges have sort of negated themselves and left the outcome in the hands of the viewers.
That being said, I think Apolo Ono will win.
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5-15-2007 @ 10:15AM
freddie said...
Apolo and Julianne are by far the ones who deserve to win. Apolo is exceptional, especially considering he has no show biz experience.
Joey is convinced he is a shoe-in. He is irritating. His dancing is good but the superior attitude needs to go.
Laila is lackluster. Ho hum. She has no personality. Maksim is the one with the great moves that mask Laila's mediocre dancing skills.
Ian is the comeback kid, but is far behind Apolo and Joey in technique and showmanship.
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5-15-2007 @ 10:38AM
fitnesinst said...
Ian needs to go. He is clearly not up to the level as the other three dancers. While his jive wasn't AS stiff as his previous dances, I still don't see much improvement or enjoy watching him. Cheryl doesn't seem to use the catchy choreography with him as she did with her previous partners. Julianne is the Cheryl in this seasons competition. Joey & Kim were AWESOME. Apolo & Julianne were great, as always. Len's comment of raunchy - well, when you get a song like "Push It" what does he expect??? Laila & Maxim - I really enjoy watching them. Cut her some slack - she is just as good as the Apolo & Julianne. Last season Emmett talked a lot smack and he won.
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5-15-2007 @ 10:59AM
jww32252 said...
Yep the 503 error got me over and over too. I appreciate Joey's dancing BUT he is a pro and deserves to go for that and for his arrogant attitude. Last night he acted better, but if he sticks his tongue out one more time I will cut it off. I tried to vote for Ian and got through only once. But from the input here Laila might go, but would ABC let a black woman go no mattar what the vote count is. I don't think so
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5-15-2007 @ 11:17AM
Dolores Gabay said...
last nights show was the greatest. All those tens was exciting. I feel Apolo and Julianne were cheated of a perfect 30 by Len. Raunchy?? As Bruno said this is not the priesthood. They were great and their footwork is just fantastic. they can both move mountains and they deserve the top honors as they have been great since the beginning.
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5-15-2007 @ 11:41AM
Pat said...
I had problems with votes past 2 weeks, no on-line and always a busy on the phone. If Fatone wins it's my last season watching. They should select non-dancers for this . A woman won the first competitiion and second place challenged her to a dance off which was held later. Our votes are still firmly on Apolo when we can get thru. Joey's too cocky, Laila thinks her ------- doesn't smell and she's not that great of a dancer. She learns the steps but her body is too 'bouncy' so she always looks tentative. I like Ian, he really tries hard. Probably too hard, doesn't relax. Wish Laila would go home tonite!
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