Other Great Reality Shows > Other Reality TV Shows & News
Dancing With The Stars Season 8
RealityFreakWill:
Bachelor’s Melissa Rycroft Dazzles in Dancing Debut
If Melissa Rycroft had an inkling of a doubt that she made the wrong decision to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars, it was erased the minute she stepped foot onto the stage Monday night.
“She was radiant. She owned the place,” judge Bruno Tonioli gushed to PEOPLE after the live show. “She embraced the whole feeling of the show.”
The Dallas beauty, whose engagement to The Bachelor’s Jason Mesnick ended unceremoniously on television just a week earlier, was embraced by the supportive crowd as she and partner Tony Dovolani took her mark during the commercial break before she performed.
After she and Dovolani danced an elegant Viennese waltz, the crowd leapt to their feet. The thunderous applause was much deserved, especially considering Rycroft had only two days to rehearse while her other fellow competitors had four weeks. With 48 hours of practice, Rycroft managed to earn one of the highest scores of the night: a 23 out of 30.
The warm response brought tears of joy to Rycroft’s eyes, and made the judges gush.
“You’re just a beautiful dancer,” an awestruck Carrie Ann Inaba said.
Perhaps head judge Len Goodman summed it up best, telling Rycroft, “The Bachelor’s loss is Dancing with the Stars’ gain.”
http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/03/10/bachelors-melissa-rycroft-dazzles-in-dancing-debut/
RealityFreakWill:
Dancing With the Stars Returns: Kim, Gilles & Shawn Sizzle; Holly Madison, Bachelor's Melissa Show Up
Celebrity toes resumed twinkling tonight as Dancing With the Stars kicked off its eighth season and, despite the desperately random assortment of said stars, this has the makings of a good go-around.
This barely begun season has already witnessed the premature exit of two injured stars—Nancy O'Dell and Jewel—and the last-minute arrival of their replacements—Girls Next Door babe Holly Madison and extra-burned Bachelor castoff Melissa Rycroft. Not to mention half the pros are dancing on surgically repaired joints and Hollywood newcomer Gilles Marini has tendinitis in his groin.
The ballroom also welcomed two new pros, the show's youngest-ever contestant, its first already established star-pro couple and a pair of newly engaged DWTS veterans.
As Bruno Tonioli would say... Actually, he'd say something gross, so we're just going to recap tonight's performances:
Lil Kim: The raunchy rapper, who revealed that she first started watching DWTS while in prison, has rhythm and her cha-cha with defending champ Derek Hough got the night off to a very saucy—and technically sound—start. She needs polish but has major potential. "You can work wonders with that tushy!" Bruno offered, while head judge Len Goodman called the performance "first class."
Score: 21
Belinda Carlisle: The former Go-Go's frontwoman looked lovely, but, according to her debut waltz with Jonathan Roberts, she's missing the inherent grace possessed by past elder stateswomen such as Jane Seymour and Priscilla Presley. There certainly weren't any Cloris Leachman moments, as Bruno suggested, but the 50-year-old still needs to get that beat back, pronto.
Score: 17
Lawrence Taylor: He might have been wearing Emmit Smith's cha-cha outfit, but the 50-year-old NFL Hall of Famer isn't quite disco ball material yet. Not that he needed to be, what with Edyta Sliwinska returning in fine scantily clad form after last season's one-and-done appearance with Jeff Ross. But as Len noted, there's a "naturalness" about Taylor.
Score: 16
Steve-O: The former Jackass player didn't exactly stick his foot "up the waltz's butt," but he didn't suck too hard, either. Let's just say Lacey Schwimmer has her work cut out for her, but if anyone can cover up someone's rough edges with edgy choreography, she can.
Score: 17
Gilles Marini: Turns out Sex and the City's Samantha would have done well to visit her naked neighbor. The 33-year-old Frenchman, who quite literally flashed into American theaters last summer, is a frontrunner at this point, as far as raw talent is concerned. He's rough around the edges, but his cha-cha was the best of the bunch. And, for the record, Cheryl Burke looks great.
Score: 24
Chuck Wicks: The 29-year-old country singer is the first star to join the show having already seduced his pro partner. Julianne Hough's easy-on-the-eyes boyfriend showed a lot of potential, waltzing his girlfriend around the ballroom with relative ease, although his desire to impress her—and make her laugh during rehearsals—could make for a rough ride behind the scenes.
Score: 20
Denise Richards: She was the first to cry during rehearsal this season, but the actress rebounded nicely, minus that limp left arm. Going for Richards already are her flexibility, killer bod and fan-favorite partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Not great are those nerves, which she needs to shake. "You've got it all, but you don't know what to do with it!" exclaimed Bruno.
Score: 18
Melissa Rycroft: OK, we'll say it... Suck it, Jason Mesnick. A week after being ceremoniously dumped on national TV (thanks, producers, for replaying the moment tonight), in a snazzy bit of ABC synergy the former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader made a triumphant return to prime time. Her promising waltz, combined with all the good will she's acquired (standing ovation, anyone?), means Tony Dovolani finally has a shot at the title.
Score: 23
Holly Madison: DWTS first-timer Dmitry Chaplin certainly didn't need to whip his Playboy Playmate partner into shape for the challenge. Holly's lovely limbs, spray-tanned to perfection, could serve her well eventually, but tonight's cha-cha proved that a week's practice just ain't enough.
Score: 18
Ty Murray: Well, Jewel wouldn't have had to worry about her hubby wrangling the title away from her. The rodeo cowboy gave his cha-cha a go, and his aw-shucks demeanor is very charming, but newcomer Chelsie Hightower is probably going to have a very short debut season.
Score: 14
Shawn Johnson: Girl knows how to compete. The Olympic gymnast, fresh off a four-medal performance in Beijing and the youngest-ever DWTS competitor at 17, has the potential to add a disco ball to her trophy case. Her waltz was graceful—"surprisingly refined," Bruno called it—and she partners well with the boyishly handsome Mark Ballas (who, after all, is only 22).
Score: 23
Steve Wozniak: It is possible for the billionaire entrepreneur to win this season. It would require free iPods suddenly appearing in mailboxes across the U.S., but still... Anyway, Karina Smirnoff had her man suited up to be the clown, trotting him out for the cha-cha in a pink boa, but unless Wozniak's minions find a way to hack the database, the likable Apple Computer cofounder probably won't last too long.
Score: 13
David Alan Grier: The comedian was likable but forgettable, his waltz—and his face—being neither here nor there. "One character will suffice," Bruno advised, referring to Grier's constantly shifting facial expressions. The In Living Color star couldn't even get a break from former Fly Girl Carrie Ann Inaba, who docked him a point for lifting both of Kym Johnson's feet off the ground.
Score: 19
Wow, so much to think about. The 13 contestants will dance again next Monday and this week's scores and votes will be combined with next week's before the season's first elimination show on Tuesday, March 17.
Here's a rundown of tonight's leaderboard:
Gilles and Cheryl: 24
Shawn and Mark: 23
Melissa and Tony: 23
Lil Kim and Derek: 21
Chuck and Julianne: 20
David and Kym: 19
Denise and Maksim: 18
Holly and Dmitry: 18
Belinda and Jonathan: 17
Steve-O and Lacey: 17
Lawrence and Edyta: 16
Ty and Chelsie: 14
Steve and Karina: 13
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b103568_dancing_with_stars_returns_kim_gilles.html
RealityFreakWill:
Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Monday, March 9, 2009
Has it been three months already? Season 8 of Dancing with the Stars kicks off with some very interesting renditions of the Viennese waltz and the cha-cha, along with two new (but not-so-new) faces.
No, your eyes are not deceiving you: Mickey is no longer around these Dancing parts, and so, I have inherited his quite large shoes to fill. I know, I'm mourning his absence too, but I hope you'll bear with me. My Dancing background: size 7 shoe, rhythmically challenged, and avid Olympic fan — thus, I only started watching when Apolo Anton Ohno killed it (random side note: I screamed his name when I was drunk a few years ago, but that's a story for another time). Kristi Yamaguchi made me squeal, but Misty May-Treanor made me cry. And so, I'm automatically partial to Shawn Johnson this season (join me in convincing her to go to London 2012), now more than ever with Nancy O'Dell out.
Speaking of, Nancy and Jewel, Season 8's first two casualties (Did I use that correctly, Jewel? Sorry, I don't have my Night Without Armor near to consult) are sporting pouts on the sidelines as we await the first dances of their heretofore unofficially announced replacements. But first — the healthy folks!
Lil Kim & Derek Hough: Cha-Cha
"Black Barbie" Kim tells us about discovering Dancing during her days behind bars and she dedicates her first dance to all the gals at the federal detention center. What up! They cha-cha to "Ms. Jackson" and "Nasty." Anyone else see the irony in Mormon boy getting "Nasty" with an ex-convict? It's fun and sexy, if a little shaky. Tom dedicates his hosting to everyone at Riker's Island. Len thinks it was first-class and a job well done. Bruno says she's nasty but tasty (and you would know?), but Kim needs some precision. Carrie Ann says she has great potential.
Score: 21
Belinda Carlisle & Jonathan Roberts: Viennese Waltz
Belinda told me she was uncomfortable with the waltz and that she was. They kick it off with some pretty spinning... and then it gets not-so pretty. She's a tad slow and tentative, and you can tell she's counting the steps in her head... or maybe just hoping her boobs don't pop out. Did ya see her shaking those things in the clip intro? Bruno says she looks like Julie Andrews, but then turned into Cloris Leachman, which I personally don't think so at all. If she reminded me of anyone, it's Priscilla Presley. Carrie Ann says it wasn't Cloris-esque, but Belinda needs to trust Jonathan. Len says there was grace and elegance. The curmudgeon hasn't reared his ugly head yet.
Score: 17
Lawrence Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska: Cha-Cha
Edyta gets another football giant (no pun intended), and LT wastes no time dissing Jason Taylor. He feels uncoordinated in rehearsal and doesn't wanna look like a fool. He doesn't, but he's no Jason Taylor either (that's a diss) — or any other Dancing football great. Their cha-cha is blah-blah. I'm over it after 15 seconds. Carrie Ann tells him he needs to get on the offense and down and dirty (you're single now, aren't you, CA?). Len says he has a naturalness about him. Bruno says it was very laid-back and LT needs to perform. Duh-duh-dun!
Score: 16
Steve-O & Lacey Schwimmer: Viennese Waltz
Johnny Knoxville and Wee-Man are in da house! Still on the mend, a clean-and-sober Steve-O tells us he's using Dancing to show that he didn't lose his mojo in his darker days. His biggest problem? He's very "Caucasian," but he wants to prove this Jackass can be a gentleman. Watching him waltz is like watching Britney & Kevin: Chaotic. It's weird and uneasy, yet you can't turn away. Unlike B&K, Steve-O is actually interesting and good. Let's face it: There will always be something odd about watching Steve-O do ballroom, but it's also slightly endearing. Now he just needs to get all the moves down pat. He gets a partial standing O. Len admires his commitment, but calls him out on some technicalities. He expected much worse. Bruno echoes the tecnique. Carrie Ann was oddly mesmerized by his beauty and awkwardness. "I wanna put my foot in the waltz's butt," Steve-O says afterwards.
Score: 17
Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke: Cha-Cha
Side note: I met Gilles last year and he is quite dishy and hairless in person. The Sex-y star knows he's a nobody and hopes he doesn't succumb to the "model curse." Well, I think most people have something besides your dancing to remember you by. This is definitely the best dance, let alone cha-cha, by far — fast, sexy, lots and lots of hip action. Gilles is a natural in the vein of Brooke Burke. He looks like he's been there for weeks. Standing O. Samantha would be proud. Carrie Ann says he has great potential (isn't this what you told Albert Reed?). Bruno sounds jealous of Cheryl and expects "explosions." Len thinks it's the best of the night so far. Dirty exchange backstage:
Samantha: How hard was it really getting a sexy dance out of the guy known as the sexy, naked neighbor?
Cheryl: Well, all I can say is look at him! C'mon, it's not that hard!
Gilles: It's hard! Trust me! It was hard. Uh...
Score: 24
Chuck Wicks & Julianne Hough: Viennese Waltz
I can honestly say I had absolutely no idea who Chuck Wicks was until he hooked up with Julianne... and I still don't quite know who he is. They "baby" each other in rehearsal, reminiscent of Michael and Jan "babe"-ing each other. The grapefruit growing out of Julianne's ass is mildly distracting. The lovebirds ebb and flow. It looks like their first dance at their wedding — you know they rehearsed for it, but it's not without flaws. Bruno feels Chuck was chasing Julianne at times (aren't we all?). Len concurs and says he needs to refine his dancing (um, could you be more general?). Carrie Ann says he's one of the most graceful men, but she spotted an inadvertent lift. Ruh-oh.
Score: 20
Injury break! Jewel says she'll be back to sing for her hubby (next week!) since she can't dance. Nancy has matched her knee brace to her dress and she's jealous of Tony's new partner. She's disappointed — but the folks at Entertainment Tonight are happy, Tom says. Oh snap! And now for our first replacement...
Holly Madison & Dmitry Chaplin: Cha-Cha
They have one week to prepare, and so Dmitry has no time to teach her technique. And apparently no time to teach her words either. "Cha-cha-cha, walk, walk?" Holly's nervous about winging it in front of America. She's no worse than some of her predecessors tonight and is definitely more "offensive" than LT. But then again, is it surprising Holly has no problem shaking it? Tom prefaces the judges scores by telling us the trio isn't going to take the duo's lack of prep time into consideration. And so naturally, what's the first thing out of Len's mouth? It's not bad considering she had one week. Le sigh. Carrie Ann says she has charisma. Bruno says she's easy on the eyes (Jewel isn't?) and notes that there's hope for her. By the way, lay off the spray-tan, Holly.
Score: 18
Back from commercial, Tom tells us it is, indeed, Bachelor's No. 1 woman scorned, Melissa Rycroft, who has replaced Nancy. She will have 48 hours of rehearsal under her belt — the shortest in show history.
Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower: Cha-Cha
Time to do Jewel proud. Ty looks like an older and taller Kevin Connolly. He's approaching the whole thing like bull-riding: You're never quite ready and then it's just your turn. And Ty is way more than not-quite ready. He's awkward and stiffer than my drink right now (Kidding! I haven't drunk... yet), which was exactly what I expect of a cowboy dancing. Bruno says it looks more like an army drill. Len likes that he tried... and then gives him a 4. Carrie Ann's hitting on Ty, too.
Score: 14
Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas: Viennese Waltz
Glittering balance beam! Mark's got some sort of 5 o'clock shadow. Trying to be a man? Mark tells her to show emotion, which she is struggling with because it's a sign of weakness in gymnastics. Their waltz is sweet and graceful, a far cry from her powerful gymnastics self. It's definitely the best female dance of the night so far. Carrie Ann is truly moved and says Shawn has "dyna-na-namism." Bruno says it's surprisingly refined for someone so young and warns her of "gymnastics arms." Len finds it all very appealing and fantastic.
Score: 23
Steve Wozniak & Karina Smirnoff: Cha-Cha
Woz! Am I the only one who finds it amusing that the Woz is healthy in this, while Jewel and Nancy are not? Woz overthinks it in rehearsals (left-brained, analog, thinking breaks). He wants to prove nerds can dance. Pink boa! Who-a! Woz can move, y'all! But not exactly in step. He looks like he's half-seizing in places, but I give him props for shaking all his junk that's not just in his trunk. How adorkable is he?! Len likes that it held his attention and enjoyed the knee spin, but says overall it was a disaster. Bruno says it was a teletubbie gone mad. Carrie Ann likes that he makes us cheer for him. Karina calls him the nicest man alive. But what about Maks? Sexiest Man Alive?
Score: 13
David Alan Grier & Kym Johnson: Viennese Waltz
David's hoping to get sexual favors outta this. About time someone says it! Awkward first meeting between the two. Guess the humor was lost Down Under. Har har. Their waltz is controlled, light and there's not much to laugh about. He fudges the final extension a little. Bruno wants him to choose one character per dance. Fly Girl Carrie Ann warns him about his face, too. Len says his "bun" is sticking out because he's not doing something or other.
Score: 19
Denise Richards & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Cha-Cha
I must preface this performance with this tidbit, only because I tell everyone this and I have an obsession with birthdays: Monday was Denise's daughter Sam's 5th birthday, as well as my dad's birthday. Dancing first premiered on June 1, 2005 — the day her second daughter, Lola, was born. June 1 is my birthday, though I'm not 3. OK, just had to get that off my chest. Denise was excited to get Maks because she loves bad boys (we know), but like all bad boys do, he's reduced her to tears. Why does Maks always make his partners cry (OK, not literally, but you know)? Denise is clearly nervous and seems to be rushing through everything. She's way too emotional for this. Don't worry, Denise: You're gonna beat Charlie in the ratings. Carrie Ann says she looks terrified and wants less shoulder action. Len says she needs to tone up. Bruno says she's got it, but she doesn't know what to do with it. It's like acting — you can't drop something after you commit. Can she really relate, Bruno?
Score: 18
Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: Viennese Waltz
It's America's Sweetheart! I know they use the term "stars" loosely on this, but really? Yeah, yeah, Trista Sutter was on it (though I know many want to forget that), but that was the first season with, like, half ABC vets. Her 11th-hour casting means another reason to show "Jason is a Douchebag" again. "Boo!" the crowd hisses. "People skills," Tom tells Jason. Melissa and Tony don't even have an intro piece. Well, who needs one when you're the most famous person in America not named Octo-Mom? Their waltz is fluid and serene. It's obvious her ballet background (and probably her cheerleading one too) has helped. Time for more Jason-hatin'. Len says Jason's loss is Dancing's gain. Bruno calls Jason a loser, hand-L and all. Carrie Ann says she's a beautiful dancer. She's overwhelmed... or maybe scared she'll get dumped again somehow.
Score: 23
And that's that! Gilles and Cheryl lead the pack with Woz and Karina bringing up the rear. What did you think? Which dance was your favorite? Are Holly and Melissa worthy replacements? Did Bruno wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Was Len actually nice? Can the Woz make a comeback?
http://www.tvguide.com/Episode-Recaps/Dancing-Stars/Dancing-Stars-Episode-1003853.aspx
RealityFreakWill:
'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Steppin' Out
Welcome to season 8 of Dancing with the Stars, the Little Reality Show That Could...add a Playboy Bunny and a Bachelor Dumpee at the very last minute and somehow play out rather normally. The Girls Next Door's Holly Madison and recent ABC darling Melissa Rycroft replaced former contestants Jewel and Nancy O'Dell, both of whom withdrew last week due to injuries. Apparently, Dancing With the Stars' primary goal for season 8 is to support the flailing industry of general surgery. All Cheryl has to do is fling Gilles Marini and his troubled groin into a spin fast enough, and she'll keep the dream alive! Don't you dare do it, Cheryl. Here's how the 13 couples — let's call 'em The Top 13, for Steve Wozniak's sake — ranked after either the waltz or the cha cha cha….
Gilles Marini and Cheryl: 24/30 Might as well face it: I'm addicted to Gilles' early adoption of DWTS' famed ''buttons ruin a shirt'' policy. Who cares if this guy was in Sex and the City? I'd be rooting for him if he was just some vagrant Cheryl found sleeping under the bleachers at her favorite theme park, Sea World. Usually the not-so-famous model type gets sent home first, but Gilles and Cheryl should clearly stick around after that bangin' red and black cha cha cha. Their shared slow, full-body wave was as sexy as an oversize dollop of Nutella smeared over the tip of a giant baguette. Plus, Gilles is already comfortable enough with his partner to not only grope her face, but trace one finger downward from her clavicle…and if you know anything about Dancing With the Stars, you know that's final-three material right there. Let's hope Gilles' bizarre rosary tee makes another appearance during rehearsals, and that he and Cheryl engage in more masculinity jokes, because it's annoying when the men in this competish get all hung up on how manly they look. Get a clue: We want you to dress like Gilles and the smarmy Russians who are hot, know it, and clap their hands. Embrace the character, y'all!
Shawn Johnson and Mark: 23/30 I was an Olympics fanatic this summer, so hearing Shawn's adorably squeaky, optimistic rambling on a reality show about ballroom dancing was a bit surreal after that voice had been etched into my brain from Shawn's post-gold medal-winning sofa chat in Beijing. (Was Samantha the Béla Károlyi or the Bob Costas in this analogy? Totes Béla.) Shawn surprised the judges with an elegant waltz — the only complaint Bruno and DANCMSTR had was with her gymnastics-esque arm extensions. It's true, I thought she was saluting for her second vault as she and Mark drifted into one corner. Carrie Ann was so moved by Shawn's dynamism that she teared up a little. She is so the Denise Richards of the judging panel. Side note: Scruffy rehearsal Mark was super hot. Who knew? I hereby restrict Mark Ballas' shaving privileges to once per week. He's definitely reading this and will eagerly obey.
Melissa Rycroft and Tony: 23/30 We missed out on this couple's rehearsal package, while Melissa and Tony missed out on, oh, multiple weeks of intense training. Turns out they didn't need it! Conveniently, Melissa's so good at dancing already that Tony just had to take ballet and ''throw some waltz around it.'' That was funny, and so were Tom and Bruno as they ruthlessly ripped on Bachelor star/highly functioning chimpanzee Jason Mesnick for dumping Melissa on national TV. (Hooray! ABC! You can't fight synergy, Lemon; it's bigger than all of us.) But I think my favorite part of this entire slapped-together segment was the ridiculous turquoise-spangled decal used to cover up Melissa's classy lower back tattoo. Keep that creativity up, for real, costume designers. I want flames for the samba, a curlicue mustache for the tango, and a giant bull's head for the paso doble. Fringe = optional.
Lil' Kim and Derek: 21/30 Sure, discussing one's jail time in the first episode seems a bit shocking, but Dancing with the Stars is ultimately a better television program for having featured Lil' Kim dedicating a cha cha cha set to Janet Jackson's ''Nasty Girls'' to all her girls in the Federal Detention Center. It simply does not get better than this. Actually, it did a little when Kim artfully and somewhat seductively brushed a sticky strand of hair from her mouth, mid-arm move. Bruno's right; she can ''work wonders with that tooshie,'' especially when it's swathed in silver fringe. I liked how Lil' Kim blatantly acknowledged her increasingly plasticine appearance with that ''I'm gonna look like Black Barbie and this is my Ken'' remark. Someone had to say it. Loved her. She better not go home soon.
Chuck Wicks and Julianne: 20/30 I wouldn't mind if this guy left, though. I barely remember him except that he was cheesily attractive and a perfect visual complement to Julianne. Oh, and I wanted them to stop arguing during rehearsals, whether it was for the cameras or in spite of them. That's going to get old pretty fast. DANCMSTR called their waltz ''a bit hectic,'' and Bruno claimed ''At times it felt to me like you were chasing a whirlwind...then you were going to strangle her.'' A logical progression; thanks, Bruno. It's hard to tell whether Chuck's fan base watches this show, whether Julianne's fans will keep them safe, or whether enough unaffiliated voters will keep the couple in because they happen to be exceedingly attractive and currently dating. Actually, if the judges keep scoring Chuck highly, the voting element might not matter for a while. Hmmm. Just realized the whole time I was writing that paragraph, I was picturing Jonathan Roberts instead of Chuck. Close enough.
David Alan Grier and Kym: 19/30 I'm not sure DAG's highly evolved sense of humor went over too well with the audience, but it didn't seem to go over smoothly with Kym. (That ''I came on the show for the free dance shoes and sexual favors'' line he delivered last night won't help.) The judges really scrutinized the technical parts of his performance, which to me suggests that it was generally pretty good. Bruno's relatively uncharacteristic snippiness (usually DANCMSTR's the crankier one) shone through in his critique of DAG's various performance faces: ''I know you're a multifaceted character. One will suffice.'' Like he should talk! The biggest takeaway from the judges' critique: Kym needs to rein in her partner's errant ass.
Holly Madison and Dmitry: 18/30 The Bunny whose nervous giggles haunt my nightmares danced a barely competent cha cha cha. Granted, after Holly stepped in for Jewel on Tuesday, she and So You Think You Can Dance alum Dmitry had less than a week to prepare to follow the orders of their song and ''Just Dance,'' so maybe I should cut them some slack. Nah. I got a Kim Kardashian vibe from Holly — not the porn star kind, just the going-through-the-motions, thinking-about-the-dance-too-hard kind. Holly does seem more jazzed in general than Kim was, so that might buy sheer-shirted Dmitry a few more weeks. Shame spiral time: Holly's orange fringed dress was easily my favorite of the night. I'd love to wear that frock while typing these recaps, if only because it'd be so uncomfortable that I'd finish way, way sooner. Speaking of Holly and fashion, those ratty tee/satin mesh shorts/high socks getups she sported during rehearsals reminded me of my own fashion sense during high school. No, I was not on crack during high school.
Denise Richards and Maks: 18/30 Well, that rehearsal segment was pretty brutal — the most endearing part about it was Maks imploring Denise to give him a ''high ten,'' while the worst of it involved Denise crying and apologizing for annoying Maks, which obviously is only going to annoy him further. Duh. This does not bode well. Denise exhibited an...interesting sense of rhythm during their cha cha cha, and only fully relaxed during the half second she was resting in a full splits, because damn, that s---'s impressive and she knew it. Bruno counseled Denise to think of dancing like acting: ''Once you get on top of a performance, you have to stay on it.'' Denise certainly followed that philosophy during that brief shot of her slyly turning around to the camera while clutching a disco ball. Channel the disco ball. It could be that simple.
Belinda Carlisle and Jonathan: 17/30 With her constant threat of "needing a bucket," Belinda seemed to be channeling her own inimitable 1988 single, ''I Get Weak.'' (How come she didn't mention her solo career instead of just The Go-Go's? That Heaven Is A Place On Earth cassette tape changed my life, man.) Backstage before taking her turn, Belinda looked like a cross between Jennie Garth — due to extreme nerves — and Priscilla Presley — due to the fact that she looks almost exactly like Priscilla Presley. DANCMSTR called Belinda and Jonathan's waltz performance ''an overall good job on an elegant dance,'' but crotchety Bruno had to go and compare Belinda to Cloris Leachman. Actually, I'm surprised Cloris wasn't planted in the audience along with Brooke, Maurice, and the other esteemed alums. Cloris and Marlee's combined enthusiasm would make a tremendous SuperFans section.
Steve-O and Lacey: 17/30 ''I've got disadvantages for days,'' warned the former Jackass star. ''I'm very Caucasian.'' Like Lil' Kim, Steve-O laid his past indiscretions on the line for America to harshly judge: He was out of control, using drugs and alcohol, and recently landed in rehab. The showrunners may wish to incorporate one of Steve-O's direct quotes into their next promotional campaign for luring in prospective ''high''-profile talent. ''Dancing with the Stars: A way to prove that even though you're sober, you haven't lost your mojo.'' Steve-O's waltz was a lot better than his and Lacey's scores would suggest — the orchestral Godfather theme sounded perfect, Steve-O grinned devilishly in character as he kissed Lacey's hand, the audience seemed consumed in a massive giggle fit...they even incorporated a handstand/walkover at the beginning. I'd say that qualifies as ''putting his foot in the waltz's butt,'' wouldn't you?
Lawrence Taylor and Edyta: 16/30 This could be the first season in which the football player doesn't make it to the finals, and don't think the intense pressure of living up to this proud football-playing tradition has escaped Mr. L.T. The two-time Super Bowl champion's cha cha cha was ''a little too small'' (said Carrie Ann), lacking in crispness (said DANCMSTR), and, according to Bruno, ''so bad that if you threw it away, I couldn't find it.'' Watch your back, you simile-loving Italian pipsqueak. At least Edyta did her part to help the couple's cause, by convulsing around LT while tangled in beige netting, and by feeling up her own breasts in the alluring visual for her mini-bio. ''I always bring seduction to the dance floor.'' We believe you. Come on, Lady Legwarmer, whip your latest hulk into shape!
Ty Murray and Chelsie: 14/30 The two contestants with the lowest scores last night were the ones I found most endearing, possibly because they were just so out of their elements. And in ''King of the Cowboys'' Ty Murray's case, I happen to be terribly amused that joining the cast was probably his wife Jewel's idea, and now she's not even a part of it. So there he is, just so cowboyish, quiet and alone. (And yes, Carrie Ann, CUTE!) Ty joined his partner, So You Think You Can Dance's Chelsie Hightower, for a cha cha cha appropriately set to ''Train In Vain'' by The Clash. Ty could have some potential; the most glaring problem with his performance to me was that he refused to stop looking at Chelsie for a second, even when they were supposed to be doing solo work. I loved Ty's unintentionally brilliant comparison of ballroom dancing to his own area of expertise, bull riding: ''You're never completely ready. It just becomes your turn.'' I'd like to see this cowboy do some cape work.
Steve Wozniak and Karina: 13/30 These two are so ridiculous together that they're kind of my favorite couple so far. Come on, Woz has to stick around until week 3, if only so that Karina can incorporate his Segway into a paso doble à la Adam Corolla on his unicycle. The Apple co-founder is an all-out geek, and if his shirts weren't all soaked in sweat in the exact same ''problem patches,'' I'd want to hug him for it. Karina's general impatience and ''WTF is this guy on about?'' face while Woz talked about how ''dancing is sort of analog'' were priceless, as was her delightfully awful Male Pattern Body Hair-themed cha cha cha costume. Plus, Woz kept speaking out of turn, eventually letting it slip to Tom (and the nation) that he was ''having so much fun they're testing me for drugs tomorrow.'' I love this man. His dance wasn't great, but the guy did knee spins! And Tom's clearly not out of Apple-centric jokes yet. I advise the viewing public to take a ''five-minute thinking break'' and mull this one over.
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20264441_4,00.html
RealityFreakWill:
Melissa Rycroft on 'Dancing With the Stars': 'It'll show everybody I'm okay'
Wearing a sequined turquoise dress and dancing to a song that only days earlier was meant for Nancy O'Dell, Melissa Rycroft -- a.k.a. The Bachelor's most famous reject ever -- closed out the premiere of Dancing With the Stars Monday with a waltz to "show everybody I'm good, that I'm okay." Rycroft stepped in for O'Dell on the morning of March 7 after a knee injury forced the Access Hollywood host to quit the competition. Rycroft, who was dumped on national TV March 2 by Jason Mesnick, had already returned to Texas to resume her career as an event planner when she got the call about DWTS on the morning of March 6.
"I thought, 'What is going on now, I thought it was over!'" Rycroft told EW. She didn't appear frightened at the prospect of performing complicated steps on the ABC reality show, since she studied ballet in grade school before becoming a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. "They said they had a dropout and they would love for me to come and be the replacement. I sat there going, 'What?' Did they know who they just asked?'"
It took about an hour for Rycroft to say yes. Twenty-four hours later, she began rehearsals in Los Angeles with Tony Dovolani. Rycroft spent all weekend learning O'Dell's routine to "Moon River"; costumers even had to fit Rycroft with O'Dell's floor-length dress while she was learning the steps. "I thought, you know what? Here I go again! Why not?" said Rycroft, who harbors no ill-will toward ABC. "I signed up for The Bachelor, and while it didn’t go quite as I had hoped, everything worked out. I'm fine, and this is definitely helping me to move on from everything."
After Monday's premiere, Rycroft got a hug (and a microphone in her face) from O'Dell, who was doing post-show interviews while sporting a blue-toned knee brace that matched her strapless mini-dress (O'Dell's injury, a torn meniscus, will require surgery). O'Dell described her decision to drop out as "traumatic" and said it's even been hard to hear the strains of her waltzing song. "I was here when they were doing camera blocking and when I heard "Moon River," I called up my ortho doctor and said, 'Are you sure I can't do this?' I'm like, 'I can run really quick and get the cortisone shot and get my knee drained!'"
O'Dell, 43, also joked that it took Rycroft, 25, only two days to learn what she toiled over for a good two weeks. Melissa and Tony waltzed off with a score of 23.
http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/03/melissa-rycroft.html?iid=top25-Melissa+Rycroft+on+%27Dancing+With+the+Stars%27%3A+%27It%27ll+show+everybody+I%27m+okay%27
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version