(S05E13) Holy crap! Halfway through the fifth season of Dancing With The Stars, I really shouldn't be surprised by things like this. It's something that we have seen before. Still, the results show tonight caught me totally off guard. In my post yesterday about the performance show I said that I didn't agree with Tom's opening line that anyone could go home. I'll take it back now. Anyone can go home, any week. And apparently, anyone left in the competition could win the whole damn thing.
Things started out normally enough. Samantha got us into a recap of performance night. Mel called her three tens bloody amazing. Jennie said she wasn't really dirty dancing. It was more like frisky and fun. Helio and Julianne revealed that his smile is their secret weapon. Cameron said he was happy about their dance, despite the less than stellar comments from the judges. Sabrina said she didn't know what to make of Len's comments. Marie thought her performance had tons of passion, clearly a little taken aback by Carrie Ann's comments.
Tom announced that Jane wasn't on the stage because of a suspected case of food poisoning. Then it was off to Len to call the encore. He chose the group number from performance night. That was the perfect choice. The sheer volume of dancing going on there makes it very re-watchable. Jane's absence left Tony dancing solo for most of the number, but Julianne stepped in to cover Jane's solo spot rather seamlessly. It was just as much fun the second time around and got the show off to a great start.
Tom paused to give a hand to the L.A. County firefighters. Then Barry Manilow came out to perform while Louis and Cheryl danced. I could have gone for a little more dancing on the screen, and a little less Barry. He still sounds great, but there isn't a lot of excitement in his stage performance. For their part, Louis and Cheryl did just what you would expect. It was a fast and polished performance, proving once again just how valuable the pros are to the results shows.
The fans got their say next. Everyone seemed pretty impressed with the group number, although they disagreed over what Mel's score should have been. As with most fans here and around the internet, Jane and Marie seemed to be the consensus for the bottom two. With that, it was time for some results. Mel & Maks were the first couple put through to next week. That wasn't much of a surprise, given the perfect score. Far more surprising, Jane & Tony were the next pair that were safe. And that is the point where things started to get a little crazy.
Tom announced that January is going to bring the premiere of Dance Wars: Bruno vs Carrie Ann, and then we got a look at the audition process. They are looking for singer/dancers for the show. Carrie Ann said they are putting friendships aside and creating two rival teams to go into battle to become America's premiere singing and dancing group. That was followed up by an example of the choreography we'll be seeing on the show. It was a fun, high energy performance with a whole host of styles thrown in. I don't think Dance Wars is going to be able to maintain the DWTS numbers, because the celebrities are a huge draw, but based on that performance, it does look interesting. Bruno promised that the talent on the show will be incredible.
With that out of the way, Barry came back to sing a new version of "Mandy" from his latest album while Jonathan and Anna danced. They slowed things down for the second go round, which was a nice change. While the tempo was lessened, it was a very similar performance in that there was a little too much focus on Barry when we could have been watching Jonathan and Anna in what was a wonderful performance. It's still a great song, and I really enjoy hearing Barry sing it, but I really don't get anything out of watching him.
Tom tossed it to the backstage confessional segment, but this week, the judges were answering questions from the dancers. Len told Marie that he didn't think she could do the show because of her age, but he has taken it back. Bruno answered Sabrina's question about who the competition was harder for, the men or the women, by saying it depends on the dance. Carrie Ann got another question about lifts, and caused eyes to roll everywhere as she went over it all again. Helio asked what he needs to do to get the lead back. Len made a racing analogy and reminded him that it is only important who gets to the finish line first. Cameron asked if the judges take into consideration the training time when they score. Possibly a dig at Mel & Maks? He said no, but added that higher scores come with the polish that practice provides. Carrie Ann told Jennie that with more passion she could earn more tens.
Next came a taped package on how the stars have bonded. It wasn't amazing, but still one of the better taped pieces they have had this season. You really do get a sense watching the cast interact this year that they get along very well. Jennie asked who would think she would become friends with a spice girl and a race car driver. Sabrina was very sweet talking about Jennie. Mel said she loves Helio, but she has trouble with his thick accent. Sabrina let on about a running gag where the other cast members joke about her going home. Jennie said that she feels like she's the most nervous one, and she's probably right.
Back to the results, Helio & Julianne and Marie & Jonathan were put on the spot. Helio & Julianne were safe, as expected. And then Marie was left hanging as we had to wait through a commercial break to get the rest of the results. Cameron & Edyta were in the bottom two. Jennie & Derek were safe. And in a shocking turn of events, Marie & Jonathan were safe, leaving Sabrina & Mark in the bottom two. What the hell?
The judges were shocked. Carrie Ann said that Cameron has had incredible momentum the last few weeks and she would be disappointed to see either of them leave. Len said that there have been some bizarre twists, but this takes the biscuit. He added that Sabrina should be in the finals. Bruno called it madness, adding that Sabrina is the most consistent performer and Cameron is the most improved.
In the end, Sabrina & Mark are going home. I have no idea how that happened. The crowd showered boos throughout the studio. Tom dropped his guard for a moment and told Sabrina that he had her pegged for the finale. You could tell that Sabrina was caught completely off guard, but she handled it well. She said it was an amazing opportunity and that she has grown as a performer on the stage.
Good heavens, I just don't get it. I know, the fan vote is part of the game, but I think this goes down as the most ridiculous elimination in the history of the show. The only positive I can take from this wacky results show is that it was a second week with no Jimmy and Guillermo. Here's hoping that's a trend that continues.
Erin will be back next week for whatever craziness comes next. Until then, check out AOL's extensive Dancing With The Stars coverage, which includes photo galleries, a live chat (Mondays & Tuesdays, 7:30pm ET), and the chance to support your favorite couple by voting in AOL's poll!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
10-31-2007 @ 1:52AM
Rick said...
Funny Story: Monday Night, my mother and I were fighting about watching HIMYM or Dancing with The Stars in HD when Sabrina was about to perform first. I quickly said this, and I quote:
"It doesn't matter if we watch her or not. She is easily one of the top three dancers, PLUS she has the Disney vote which means that even if she does suck, the teens will easily make up for it."
As soon the results were over, she quickly rubbed it in my face that I was wrong.
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10-31-2007 @ 2:02AM
Steph said...
I am officially not watching this show anymore! This is ridiculous! Sabrina by far is the best dancer out of all of them. I honestly thought she was going to win it. Now I know its not about the dancing, but the popularity contest. I certainly voted for her!!!! She should have won it and it pisses me off that Marie is still in it. She should have gone. The only consolation is that either Maks/Mel or Helio/Julianne win. I bet this was a set up so that Sabrina didn't win. Let me know who ends up winning, because ABC has lost a fan of this show!
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10-31-2007 @ 1:59AM
Sandra said...
For weeks now, DWS has helped me keep my gambling problem under control. No need for casinos on Monday or Tuesday... there's been plenty of fun and excitement right on the old TV.
But after Sabrina's shocking and crazy elimination, the show has lost me for good. Slot machines, here I come!
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10-31-2007 @ 2:06AM
mamadoe said...
I was definitely in shock. I cannot imagine how that happened, but I have a couple of scenarios. There has been a lot of talk about Sabrina being used to performing and dancing and how she has an advantage and it's not fair to the other performers. So, maybe more votes went the way of Jane and Marie because everyone felt they needed the votes. Also, obviously, most voters think Sabrina doesn't need their votes. I know I felt the same way. Every week, I would vote and say, "Sabrina has plenty of votes" and I never voted for her. I am sure Bruno was very right in saying you absolutely have to vote, and this proves it. That must be the major reason she was sent packing. Unless there was some sort of Internet hate campaign going on. I've seen some mean and nasty comments here and there, but nothing huge.
Anyway, it will be strange next week not seeing her bubbly performances. Everyone else is really going to have to kick it into high gear. I have high hopes for Helio now. He's been a favorite from the beginning. As for the women, I really think that as Jennie continues to improve and gets more confidence, she really has a chance to go far.
And, yes, I agree, I would much rather have watched Cheryl and Louis (it was nice to see him back!) and Johnathan and Anna dance than have to watch Barry Manilow's pulled-back, bland face. This was the first musical guest I actually took a bathroom break during. It just wasn't...spicy!
Next week should be verrrrrrrrrrrrry interesting!
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10-31-2007 @ 2:09AM
Nabby said...
A really dumb outcome. Dumb, dumb dumb.
Now things are going to get pretty boring. This makes Helio a sure bet. There's no more suspense left, really, just the question of which other contestant will last long enough to get knocked off by him in the finals.
I'm not sure I'll even keep watching.
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10-31-2007 @ 2:54AM
Stacie said...
The only thing I can compare this elimination with is American Idol Season 5. Chris Daughtry was easily pegged as the front runner, and making it to at least to the finals...he was voted out at number 4. Sabrina was by far the best or one of the best dancers on the show. Marie and Jane do not deserve to be there over Sabrina. I get that they are more well known and all but c'mon. Last week didn't they get a perfect score?
No matter what, in the many seasons that have come before there has been no performer that has scored a perfect 30 and then the following week be voted off. This was a real shame. I hope if they ever do a Dancing with the Stars All Star cast, Sabrina is on it, because this girl deserved to make it at least to the last show, if not win the whole thing.
They need to make the judges scores count more for the outcome. The public shouldn't have just as much say as professional judges. At least make it 60-40, 70-30. Sabrina's worst dance is still 10X better than what we have seen from Marie, Jane and at most times Cameron.
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10-31-2007 @ 3:24AM
D Colin said...
Stunning-- Sabrina was really good and I so enjoyed watching her. Cameron has the soap fan vote -- and they are both in the bottom two with Sabrina going home. What?????
Jane didn't have a good performance on Monday. Marie- well I'm just tired of her. Actually maybe I'm more tired of Donny who is on "ET" everytime I turn on the TV to fix dinner. Either of them should of left before Sabrina.
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10-31-2007 @ 4:00AM
lucyfan62 said...
It's happened before. The fans think that because someone is doing exceptionally well that they have the votes to get through. Problem is, everyone thinks everyone else is voting for that person yet no one is and that's why they go home. I actually didn't cast a vote for Sabrina this week because I knew she had the Disney/Cheeta Girls fan votes...guess I was wrong. Plus you have to look at the median age of the viewer. I'm sure there are more people over 40 (or 50) watching the show who know Jane and Marie better than Sabrina, so they'll cast their votes for the people in their age range, stars that they know and, let's face it, who can be more beloved by that age group than Jane Seymour and Marie Osmond? I like them both, but should they make it to the finals? No. I was sure it would be Sabrina and Helio, so now I have to revise that and say probably Helio and Mel. This all goes to show that you have to vote. Don't try to chalk it up to a conspiracy. I'm sure the Disney/ABC brass would have preferred Sabrina in the finals - keepin' it in the family (although maybe they didn't want another Kelly Monaco fiasco on their hands...hmmmmm)!
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10-31-2007 @ 4:08AM
alishepwil said...
Unbelievable! Un-freaking-believable! I loved every time Sabrina got up there to perform. Every dance was a burst of energy and a ray of light. I don't even know if I can continue to watch the show anymore because everyone else bores me to tears! All I can say is this week had to be rigged. It makes NO sense. Another things is Len has always been way too hard on Sabrina when she by far is a better dancer than anyone there, while poopy-pants marie, jane and cameron all stay?!?! WTF?!? The show will be a snooze-fest now, no doubt!
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10-31-2007 @ 4:17AM
carterman said...
Dear Brett Love:
This is a review of a DANCING WITH THE STARS FREAKING RESULT SHOW, not War and Peace. Pare down the word count, buddy.
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10-31-2007 @ 4:15AM
Tammy said...
I must've watched a different show than a lot of people who've commented about Sabrina on various sites ... Maybe it's because I'm getting the West Coast delayed feed as opposed to the East Coast live feed & Disney has time to edit the footage ...
The reaction that I watched looked more like one of "relief" that she was goin' home as opposed to one of "shock" that she was goin' home ... I'm tempted to think that she asked the producers to let her off the show as pre-production on "Cheetah Girls 3" is ramping up (singing, dancing, acting rehearsals) as filming starts most likely in January ...
I actually thought Cameron should've gotten the boot after the supermodels ... I'm surprised that Floyd left so early as he probably could've improved the most ...
I have to wonder if they pair the celeb with a certain dancer for a specific reason other than what's already been aluded to ...
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10-31-2007 @ 6:14AM
darlin said...
No Way am I watching Dancing any longer! Sabrina was the best dancer on the show and a shoo in to win...What the heck happened! She added so much excitement and fun....No more!
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10-31-2007 @ 8:02AM
j&r said...
NOW I KNOW THIS IS A FIX JOB ON DANCING.. THIS IS A PERSONALITY CONTEST NOT A DANCING CONTEST.. MARIE SHOULD GO GO GO.. SHE IS VERY BAD.. I QUIT THE SHOW............THEY KNOW HOW TO WORK THE TELEPHONE LINES.. IF THIS KEEPS UP THE SHOW WILL GO.....
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10-31-2007 @ 6:16AM
Ken C said...
This show lost an incredible amount of respectability last night when dancers like Marie, and Jane remain "safe", and a dancer with the talent of a Sabrina gets the boot. Why have knowlegable judges when a situation like this can happen.
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10-31-2007 @ 6:19AM
mynameistaken said...
I agree with the vote...Sabrina IS a dancer and shouldn't have been picked for the show to begin with!!!!
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10-31-2007 @ 6:24AM
sal1970 said...
sabrina is a professional dancer and shouldn't
have been on the show in the first place.
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10-31-2007 @ 6:54AM
TERRIJO777 said...
just like American Idol the judging CAN NOT be solely the viewers.. It is pathetic because all it comes down to is a popularity vote. The judges have to have more of a say as to who stays and who goes.
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10-31-2007 @ 6:31AM
DonR said...
Total fiasco! Won't watch this show again!
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10-31-2007 @ 6:40AM
Paul2222 said...
I completely blame the judges for this one. They should have scored them higher for their performance the other night. They are in a different league then the rest of the dancers. I will never watch this show again.
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10-31-2007 @ 6:46AM
Charlie Williams said...
The results this week were enough for me to just write this show off as a big nothing. Time for Dancing With the Stars to end.
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