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(S06E16) It was a big night down at DWTS HQ. Not only would the field be set for the big semi-final showdown next week, it was also the show's 100th episode. That milestone meant that many of our favorites from seasons gone by were making their return to the ballroom. In addition, ABC recognized that nothing else they were going to put on tonight was going to measure up to DWTS numbers, so they kicked the whole thing off with a clip-show counting down the judge's ten favorite performances from the first five seasons. That list, and the rest of the results show goings on, after the jump.

Gallery: Dancing With The Stars: Season 6, Week 8

My first reaction to the big top ten clip show was, "Clip show? Come on, you can do better than that." But then I watched it, and I have to say, it was pretty damn good. If you were so inclined, you could make a case for any of these performances as the best of the series. And I'm sure that the list will kick off more than one debate over who really is number one out there in the wilds of the internet. Feel free to sound off with your pick in the comments. For me, after watching them all again, my pick is the Mel & Maks paso, with Joey & Kim's jive a close second. Here is the list, as determined by the judges, or the producers, or Tom's housekeeper, whoever.

10 Kelly & Alec - Season 1, Week 6 Freestyle

9 Sabrina & Mark - Season 5, Week 4 Paso Doble

8 Emmit & Cheryl - Season 3, Week 9 Cha Cha

7 Apollo & Julianne - Season 4, Week 9 Quickstep

6 Joey & Kym - Season 4, Week 7 Jive

5 Helio & Julianne - Season 5, Week 8 Quickstep

4 Drew & Cheryl - Season 2, Week 8 Freestyle 30

3 Stacy & Tony - Season 2, Week 8 Samba

2 Mel & Maks - Season 5, Week 7 Paso Doble

1 Mario & Karina - Season 3, Week 9 Tango


With the first hour out of the way, and some much needed ratings juice gained for the network, Paula Abdul kicked things off by wishing the show happy 100th episode. Tom quickly took over, reminding us all that while this is the big 100th episode celebration, somebody still has to get sent home.

Samantha then threw it to the past and present pro number. It was a great way to kick off the show. The performance is one that needs to be watched a few times to really catch everything. With so many of the pros on the floor at once there was just too much good stuff. Clearly though, the highlight was the big stunt with Karina, Maks, and Jonathan. That was amazing.

Things slowed down a bit as Tom tossed us into the recap of performance night, with reactions from the contestants. Mario confessed that he now loves ballroom dance after his waltz. And he took Len's big ugly feet comment well too. That reaction showed a great maturity for Mario, and I was impressed. Marissa said she really felt the audience and compared the atmosphere to Broadway. She was confused by Len's request for more raunch. Kristi was relieved after her first performance, and relatively unfazed by the harsh comments for her second dance. Jason was happy about his first round scores, but nervous leading up to his samba. Despite taking a hit after that one, he was even-keeled and said he had fun on the floor. Cristián, as you would expect, was thrilled with his results.

As they headed to break, Sabrina Bryan was back to pick her favorite moment. She chose Emmit Smith doing the M.C. Hammer dance. She said she loved seeing him break out of his boundaries.

Samantha was backstage to chat with our five remaining celebrities. Marissa was worried because she's at the bottom of the judges scores. Jason was relaxed, saying being behind now was ok, because you want to be ahead at the end. Mario was hopeful to have a couple more weeks. Kristi promised to get back in the studio and work hard if she stayed in the competition. Cristián thanked Kristi for letting he and Jason each have a week at the top.

Next up, Rascal Flatts came on to perform "Every Day" while Apollo & Julianne danced. When I heard that they were the musical guest for the big 100th episode, I was a little surprised. I don't follow that genre very closely, so I have no idea just what kind of following they have. That said, it was a good song that lent itself well to Apollo & Julianne's performance. They lacked a little of the polish we saw them with at the end of their run on the show, but it was great fun to see them together again.

Our second former contestant to reflect on the series was Lisa Rinna. She chose her most memorable moment as Kelly Monaco's wardrobe malfunction. Great choice! The fact that she just kept right on going was remarkable.

Tom talked with past cast members next. He asked Stacy if the restraining order against George Hamilton was still in effect, and followed it up saying that he's in the building, just staying the required 100 yards away. He asked Lisa if she was still dancing. She said she has a cardio ballroom class she started with Louis. Jerry Springer said his hip still hurts since he left the ballroom. Vivica A. Fox plugged Curb Your Enthusiasm and said she has retired her stilettos. Joey Fatone was happy that he got jobs out of the show. Kenny Mayne plugged his new book.

Helio was up next to choose his most memorable moment. He chose Apollo & Julianne's paso doble. He said that dance is what made him want to be on the show, and he's glad that he did it.

The stars of dance segment this week featured Mario Lopez with the cast of A Chorus Line. It was just what you would expect, leading right up to the classic kick line. I'm not really sure what to say about that segment. It was nice to see Mario back in the ballroom, but ultimately it felt like a step down for the stars of dance segment. There just wasn't anything about it that made it stand out as something special.

Rascal Flatts came back to perform "Life Is A Highway." This time they were joined by Mel & Maks. That is a great song, but for me nobody will ever match the Tom Cochrane version. For their part, Mel & Maks were great. If I hadn't already decided on their paso as my favorite clip show, seeing them here would have tipped the scales. They might be the best matched couple that has ever been on the show.

Backstage, Samantha had former champs Kelly, Apollo, and Drew cornered and was trying to get some picks for the finals. Kelly was rooting for Kristi, because she wants a woman to win again. Apollo was biased toward the two athletes, so picked Jason and Kristi, with the possible edge going to Kristi because of their skating connection. Drew said everyone has the skill to win, but his money is on Cristián. He noted that he taught Cheryl everything she knows, so Cristián has a great partner.

Drew got to follow that up by picking the most dramatic moment from the show. As most of us would, he chose the night that Marie fainted. Of course, they couldn't resist the opportunity to show it yet again. It's still a little creepy to see.

Then it was time for a taped package as the remaining celebrities were looking back on the past competitors for inspiration. Kristi said she could learn a lot from Joey Fatone, because he is a master showman. Marissa chose Mel B. as her inspiration because she was confident and owned the stage. Mario relates to Mario Lopez because he danced with Karina. Jason said when he looks at past seasons, he only wants to look at guys who won. Guys like Emmit. He thinks he needs to find his style like Emmit did. Cristián said he has the Latin American connection with Helio. He also praised the way that every week Helio brought something to the dance floor.

Finally, it was time for some results. The first couple moving on to the semi-finals was Marissa & Tony. Well now, how about that? The little firecracker has quite a fan base backing her. They were quickly joined by Kristi & Mark. The results were then paused to get a few words from Marissa and Kristi. A very loud and very animated Marissa thanked the fans for voting for her. Kristi said the other couples need to hope for the best, and that she was very relieved to be safe.

With one last look back Kelly Monaco picked the elimination of Sabrina as the most shocking moment of the show, saying it just goes to show that this is one of the most unpredictable shows on TV. Another choice that I completely agree with. I was shocked when Sabrina left the show.

Back to it for the big reveal, Cristián & Cheryl were safe, leaving Jason & Edyta and Mario & Karina in the bottom two. Although, it should be noted that we are back to the "not necessarily" bottom two, so just who was in the next to last position remains a mystery. In the end Jason & Edyta were safe, with Mario & Karina being sent home. Mario said that he had a great time performing on the show and thanked Len for all of his comments. He also took time to praise the troops.

Now, I came into this season knowing absolutely nothing about Mario. His career and my musical tastes have just never crossed paths. After watching him for the last two weeks though, I come away from it very impressed with both how he performed on the dance floor, and how he came across as a person. He did very well for himself here.

So, that sets the stage for a big semi-final week. Things have really been thrown up in the air. With Cristián taking over the top spot in the judges scoring and Marissa overcoming last place with her fan vote, it really is anybody's game to win. I'm still picking Kristi, but my confidence in that pick is wavering.

Our pal Erin will be back next week to cover all of the semi-final performances. Until then, check out AOL's extensive Dancing With The Stars coverage, which includes photo galleries, polls, and a live chat.