Topic: Dancing With The Stars Season 8

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘It’s so much easier than it was nine weeks ago’



I'm checking back in with all the soldiers, infantries, paratroopers, commandos and the Special Forces.

Chelsie and I had another good day. We spent the whole time working on the Rumba and we haven't even started the Argentine Tango yet, but we'll work on that tomorrow.

First thing today we got up and went over to "Good Day L.A." – both Chelsie and I and Jewel was even in on it a little bit too – and did a live interview. After that Jewel and I went and ate and then Chelsie and I put in about a six and a half hour day at the practice studio.

We pretty much have the Rumba down to music.

It's not real polished yet, but Chelsie wanted to carryover the focus we had from yesterday when we were working on it and didn't want to go from the Rumba to the Argentine Tango and then back to the Rumba.

It feels like it's coming along pretty good. Like I've said before, that darn sure is a Latin dance but we're feeling pretty good about it.

It's still pretty hard for me, but it's so much easier than it was nine weeks ago just because I know the process so much better now. I know what has to happen, what takes place and so I'm able to learn things a little bit faster because I'm familiar with that process.

Right now Jewel and I are going to grab some Indian food. Then I'm going to get to bed as early as I can because we have a really long day tomorrow.

I start off early in the morning with radio phoners, where I call in live to stations all across the country, and then Chelsie and I are going to visit some local stations here in Los Angeles. Then we're going to rehearse all day long because we have to get the choreography set, but she feels more of a sense of urgency with the Rumba than she does the Argentine Tango.

So that's the plan: get some food in me and get a good night's sleep followed by another long, hard day of work tomorrow.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/30/Its-so-much-easier-than-it-was-nine-weeks-ago#more

[RealityFreakWill]

Jewel posted this blog on her website:

Setting the record straight

Wow! I can't believe my comment on Ty's website got so mangled- and now gossip columns hijacked it and put words in my mouth! Go back to my original blog- I like Melissa and think she's gifted (and a real Texas sweetheart), and I adore Steve-O. My comment had nothing to do with either of them. My comment was on a sports website about a rule I have never seen in any type of competition before. Name another sport where if you can’t compete, they use your score from practice. Can you imagine an Olympic diver who can’t compete for any reason, and so they let them use their practice dives from that day? Or a chess match, for that matter. If Ty were in the same position, I'd still ask the same thing. I am not a mean-spirited person, and I think all my fans know that. Ty and I have fallen in love with all the contestants, and are in awe of how hard they all work. I can tell you that whoever wins this competition will have earned it, as I see firsthand how incredibly hard they all work. So please don't believe what the gossip columns are trying to turn this into. This isn't a catty girl versus girl thing they are trying to make it into- neither I nor Melissa are like that.

http://www.jeweljk.com/?em1=900_-1__0_~0_-1_5_2009_0_0&content=jewels_blog

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing's Cheryl Burke: Gilles Will Stay Clothed... For Now

With Julianne Hough out of the picture, Cheryl Burke now has a better chance of making Dancing with the Stars history as the first pro to win three Mirrorball trophies. But don't think she was excited to see her fellow two-time winner eliminated. "We're all really close and we're sad to see her leave," Burke tells TVGuide.com. Spoken like a true champ. See what else Burke, who will dance the foxtrot and rumba Monday with Gilles Marini, has to say about her competition, her new projects and when Marini will strip down again.

TVGuide.com: Is it harder preparing for two individual dances than it is preparing for an individual dance and a group number, like you did for the past two weeks?
Burke: Oh yeah, absolutely! It's a lot harder because the songs are longer and you have to focus on two complete ones — as opposed to part of a second one — and you have to learn the steps faster. I have to start with steps first and get his technique right. Gilles has problems memorizing stuff so it's a really slow process to get the steps. [Laughs] But when he gets it, he gets it.

TVGuide.com: How's his shoulder?
Burke: He says it's fine and he had his cortisone shot. He's going to need surgery after the show, but the cortisone shot is really helping him for now. I'm really trying to choreograph around it. I don't want him to injure it and not be able to continue. Like last week with the Lindy Hop, I made sure the lifts were around his shoulder and doesn't cause too much strain on it.

TVGuide.com: You remain the only couple to have received a perfect 30. What does that say about you guys and/or the season that no one else has done it yet?
Burke: I think this season's tough because there's no clear front-runner. It's exciting because it can be anyone's game and we're all putting in a lot of work. At the end, I think it'll really be a true victory for any of these celebrities. He and I work a lot of hours during the day, so we're trying our hardest to come out there and do the best we can.

TVGuide.com: You said Gilles will be in less clothing as the season goes on, to elicit votes. He's been topless twice. How much more is he going to strip down? We know he doesn't have a problem with nudity.
Burke: [Laughs] I think we're going to cool it for a little bit. If we make it to the finale, then maybe we'll do it one more time. But I think it's working so far!

TVGuide.com: Which celebrity has impressed you the most this season?
Burke: Ty. He has improved so much since the season started. Every week, Ty just shocks me. I'm rooting for him. I was so excited when I found out were going to be on the same team [for the team dance].

TVGuide.com: You have a lot going on — you're opening your third dance studio next week.
Burke: Yup, in Orange County in Laguna Niguel. My second one opened in February and my first one opened last April. I'm opening them slowly but surely. My goal is obviously to make it nationwide. I want to make sure I spend enough time there as well. Having three right now is enough on my plate. I teach a lot of master classes. As soon as I'm done with the show, I'm going to take a week vacation and then go right back to my studio.

TVGuide.com: And you have a clothing line.
Burke: Yeah, it's called Cheryl Burke by Fit Couture. It's all the stuff you see in my packages and it's all about comfort for me. I love looking cute and my clothes are really fit and I like jackets and layering. I've always wanted to start a line. The last few seasons, everyone's asking about what I wear, so I thought why not try something new and create something for everyone.

TVGuide.com: Your birthday is on Sunday. Do you have any plans?
Burke: I'll be rehearsing probably. No party. I'll celebrate it after.

TVGuide.com: After you win?
Burke: [Laughs] Hopefully!

http://www.tvguide.com/Dancing-Stars/Dancings-Cheryl-Burke-1005663.aspx

[RealityFreakWill]

click on link below to view video

'DWTS'' Gilles Marini Gets Grilled by Cheryl Burke

"Dancing with the Stars"' hunky contestant and top contender Gilles Marini and his pro "Dancing" partner Cheryl Burke get a chance to interview each other on the ET stage - and they're asking the tough questions! Find out what Gilles' most annoying habit is and what he says is his most guilty pleasure!

"You're always very supportive no matter what people think...," Gilles compliments Cheryl. "You're an angel to me."

But after the compliments, the answers get juicy!

Watch the video to hear Gilles and Cheryl's candid answers, including what Cheryl wants from Gilles for her birthday, what annoys her most about him, and what qualities he likes most about her.

The next installment of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" airs Monday night at 8 p.m.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/73465/

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘Today was like boot camp’

At ease troops, today was like boot camp--

We had a good day again, but it's been another long day. I got up and started doing phone interviews at 6 o'clock this morning. I did that for two hours and then, at 8 o'clock, Chelsie and I had to drive from Hollywood to Burbank to visit a couple of radio stations. We did those interviews from 9 to 10 and then we went to practice at 10:30.

Chelsie got our entire Argentine Tango choreographed and we got through it pretty decent for one day's worth of practice.

We worked on that until 3 o'clock and then Jewel, Chelsie and I did an interview with "Extra." That took about an hour and after "Extra" left Chelsie and I shot our wides for the Rumba. When got down with the wides we went back to working on our routine for the Argentine Tango.

The song we're using this week for that dance is a Spanish song and, unfortunately, I don't recall the name of it, but for the Rumba we're using "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty.

We worked on the Argentine Tango until after 6 and we put some lifts in it so we were just working on the timing of the lifts. We were also working on some of the harder steps because there's that whole thing where you intermingle your legs and the timing of that is kind of crucial, so you don't end up kicking each other or get your legs all tangled up.

It's coming along.

Now that there are only five couples left on the show the media requests for all the press coverage is really starting to double up too so it's getting to be a lot longer days--like tomorrow, we're doing a long photo shoot with "TV Guide." I think that might be for a cover.

It just makes it tough. You're trying to work every minute you can work, but you're still trying to get all the press stuff done because that's important for the success of the show. Not only that, but because it's a show that America plays a part in – with all the voting – it's pretty important for me to get all the interviews done too.

I'm just now leaving practice and I'm headed to a wardrobe fitting.

When I get done with that I have to go to my apartment because the producers of the show want to film some stuff for Monday night's package. After that I'm meeting a friend of Chelsie's who is a big bull riding fan. Then I'm going to finally eat something and go straight to bed.

It was a long day, but it was a good day.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/5/1/Today-was-like-boot-camp#more

[RealityFreakWill]

ABC Press Release...

NINTH COUPLE ELIMINATED ON
"DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW,"
TUESDAY, MAY 5 ON ABC


Jamie Cullum Performs

Macy's Stars of Dance Brings Choreographers
Marty Kudelka & Dee Caspary to the Stage

DanceCenter Returns with Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice

Professional Dancer Competition Continues with the Return of
Three Former "Dancing with the Stars" Celebrity Competitors

"Episode 809A" - After tallying the judges' and viewer votes, the ninth couple to be eliminated from the competition is revealed on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show," TUESDAY, MAY 5 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Jamie Cullum performs the Cole Porter classic "I Get a Kick Out of You," joined on the "Dancing with the Stars" stage by International Grand Ball Champions Agnieszka Kazmierczak and Urs Gaisenhainer. Cullum is a worldwide star noted for his raw energy, insatiable musical creativity and fearlessly engaging live performances. He's been called a "one man British invasion" and, with sales of over 5 million albums worldwide, has been hailed as the UK's most successful jazz artist. Most recently Cullum was nominated along with Clint Eastwood for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for their composition, "Gran Torino," to go along with Cullum's previous Grammy and Golden Globe nominations.

Macy's Stars of Dance brings a special collaboration between hip hop choreographer Marty Kudelka and contemporary choreographer Dee Caspary to the "Dancing with the Stars" stage in a fusion of styles that transform the dance floor with one of the largest set pieces ever brought to the stage - in the shape of a star.

Former "Dancing with the Stars" celebrities Kenny Mane and Jerry Rice return to the ballroom with head judge Len Goodman for another critical analysis of the remaining competitors in a special edition of DanceCenter.

The first "Dancing with the Stars" professional dancer competition continues with three dancers remaining. After one more of the six professional dancers is eliminated based on last week's viewer votes, the three remaining dancers are paired with former "Dancing with the Stars" celebrity competitors from previous seasons. By the end of this season, one lucky dancer, determined by viewers' votes, will be selected as a member of next season's "Dancing with the Stars" cast to be paired with a celebrity. Full details and bios are available at www.abc.com.

By evening's end one couple will be eliminated. Who among the following five teams will leave the ballroom floor?

Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnastics medalist) and partner Mark Ballas
Lil' Kim (Grammy Award-winning rapper) and partner, reigning champion Derek Hough
Gilles Marini (model and actor) and partner Cheryl Burke
Ty Murray ("King of Cowboys") and partner, newcomer Chelsie Hightower
Melissa Rycroft (from "The Bachelor") and partner Tony Dovolani

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. AT&T subscribers may also text message their votes by texting the word "VOTE" and entering the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (standard text message rates apply). Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast and until 12:00 Noon, ET the following day.

Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Samantha Harris ("The Insider"), the celebrities will perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=050109_03

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘We have both dances going pretty good’



Well troops, it's right at nine o'clock and I just got done. We had a really long day because right in the middle of the day we had a four-hour photo shoot for "TV Guide."

That kind of broke the practice up.

We have both dances going pretty good to the songs. We got our wides shot for the Rumba yesterday and today we shot the wides for the Argentine Tango.

I really like the Argentine Tango. Right now it's probably my favorite dance so far, but the Rumba, well, that's a different story. That's a tough one for me.

We have it coming along pretty good, but it's hard to find the groove in the Rumba because it speeds up then slows down, some parts are quick then slow and some parts are quick and slow--it's just tough and there are a lot of hips and all that.

Every week the first thing that has to happen is that I have to get to where I know the steps so I don't have to think about them anymore. That's the first thing I have to get down.

Once I get to that point then it's easier to start cleaning up the technique and the clumpiness.

Even with the two dances I feel like we're right on track and even with the busier schedule we're equivalent to where we've been with the other dances on Saturday night.

Well, all right, I'm drenched in sweat so it'll feel good to take a nice hot shower and then I'm going to get in bed.

Tomorrow we have some camera blocking and I'll let you all know how that goes.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/5/3/We-have-both-dances-going-pretty-good#more

[RealityFreakWill]

FYI....

It was posted on another forum that Derek tweeted on his twitter yesterday that he injured his knee so bad and he could barely walk....

No other information was given but I will be following up on it. Keep checking for any updates I post on him.

[RealityFreakWill]

I've signed up on twitter...it's pretty cool.

Derek just tweeted that his knee is pretty swollen and injured it practicing the salsa yesterday. I guess he's still good to go for tomorrow. Probably just badly bruised knee would be my guess. Will follow up if there's any new updates on him.

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘I have to do a 15 second solo during the Rumba’



Hello troops,

It's about 5 o'clock here and I just got back to the apartment. We had a good day that started off with Chelsie and me practicing for three hours and then we went to camera blocking, which went well.

So far, out of all the dances I've learned, the Argentine Tango is my favorite, but they both went pretty good during the camera blocking.

I really like both of our songs. The Argentine Tango is a really traditional song and then "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty, I really like that too. So everything is coming along pretty good.

I have to do a 15 second solo during the Rumba and we've been working on that and it's coming right along as well.

We do have quite a few lifts in the Argentine Tango, so I'm pretty sore with having had both my shoulders operated on and a plate put in my neck. I get a little sore up in the shoulder area from doing all the lifts. It's no big deal and they're just knots, so I have a sports therapist coming over in about 30 minutes to work on that.

I'll be feeling good by tomorrow and we'll be ready to go.

I just want to say that I have first class fans, who don't get into all the hog wash and garbage slinging or trash talking. It's nice to see that my fans have enough class and dignity to remember that it's just television show.

Everybody's trying their hardest and bearing-down and trying to do a good job of entertaining the viewers.

Keep up the good work and I will talk to you tomorrow, bye.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/5/3/I-have-to-do-a-15-second-solo-during-the-Rumba#more

[RealityFreakWill]

'Dancing''s Melissa Rycroft 'Working Through the Pain'

click on link below to view video

Melissa Rycroft exclusively gives ET the latest update on her injured ribs, and she reveals her secrets to working through the pain while rehearsing not one, but two dances for tonight's "DWTS"!

As Melissa and pro partner Tony Dovolani practice their two new routines, the Viennese waltz and the samba, Melissa admits to ET that she's still hurting from the hairline fractures to her ribs. But, she says, nothing is cracked or broken and the fractures will gradually heal on their own.

"This week, the difference with practice is that we can do things, and if it hurts a little bit, it's okay," Melissa says. "I mean, it's fine -- grit your teeth and move on."

Aside from her determined mindset, the former "Bachelor" contestant has a second ace up her sleeve: a numbing patch that takes the edge off the pain. "It makes it tolerable, manageable," she says.

"The cool thing is that we haven't had to shorten any of our rehearsal," Tony adds, noting that Melissa is handling the workouts and pressure "like a trooper. She's really given me more than I expected this week."

But Tony confesses that they both feared they would get ousted from the competition last Tuesday. "We were looking at each other going, 'Oh no, we don't want to leave like this.'"

"I was in tears," Melissa says of her disappointment over not being able to compete last week. When she and Tony take the dancefloor tonight, though, "we'll be able to do everything," she says.

Catch Melissa and Tony performing two new dances on "DWTS," tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC!

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/73483/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

Shawn Johnson Ready to Be Aggressive, Says Bruno Will Never Sniff Her Clothes

She's guest-starred on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, but Shawn Johnson's acting skills will really be put to the test on Dancing with the Stars Monday when she tackles the intense paso doble. "I'm a little nervous because I'm not a very angry person," Johnson tells TVGuide.com. Her work doesn't stop there as she also has the perky quickstep on her plate. See what else the Olympic champ has to say about her progress, who she's in a Twitter war with and what she thinks about injured stars getting judged on their rehearsals.

TVGuide.com: We have to talk about Tuesday night because you looked completely petrified.
Shawn Johnson: I was so nervous! Nobody knew what was going to happen. They said it was going to be the "most shocking elimination of the season," so everybody thought it could've been them. I wasn't ready to go yet, and I was scared. I've never felt that way before. But something about standing up there and waiting for your name to be called is scary. We were all standing up there practicing our goodbye speeches.

TVGuide.com: You have the quickstep and the paso doble next, which are polar opposites. Will it be a good showcase for you to be happy in one and dramatic in the other?
Johnson: I think so. I've never had the opportunity to be angry and aggressive, so hopefully I'll be able to pull that off. But getting into character is always fun. Mark is thinking of different ways to help me. He's still acting like a girl! [Laughs] I think the quickstep will be fine since it's just smiley and happy and lighthearted. The samba last week felt a little weird. They say it's kind of an awkward dance to begin with because of the movement and stuff — I didn't know how to act.

TVGuide.com: You said you have to work fewer hours because you're a minor. Were you worried about how that was going to affect you learning two dances?
Johnson: Yeah, I was. We're goofballs in the studio, but we use our time well, and we're really productive in practice. We don't really have a choice. I think we're good under pressure, and I don't think we're going to let it affect us. [Rehearsals] are good. We started with the paso and got most of that down before moving to the quickstep. Sunday is when we try to make everything perfect.

TVGuide.com: What do you think you still have to work on?
Johnson: I say the personality is the most important. It's hard for me to show the personality in every dance. I'm usually such a smiley and bubbly person, so I feel like if I can get through this week, I can overcome it all. We're working really hard and trying to make things perfect with the overall impression of the dance. We're working on getting three 10s and hopefully that'll come soon.

TVGuide.com: Last week was also tough because you lost Melissa in your team dance. Jewel said she thinks injured contestants should dance or pull out completely instead of being judged on a rehearsal. What do you think?
Johnson: It was such a last-minute thing. Melissa was fine up until right before we went on. Of course, it's not something you want to see happen, but if you're trying to compete the next week, I see it as being fair to give them a second chance. We're just glad Melissa's back and feeling better.

TVGuide.com: Whose idea was it to put the guys in leotards in your team dance?
Johnson: Everyone keeps blaming Mark, but it wasn't him! [Laughs] It was more something everybody wanted to do. We were throwing out ideas. I think it was actually Julianne who came up with it. I thought our team dance was amazing. Even though we didn't get the best scores for it, the crowd loved it and we just wanted to go out there and entertain them. That's what the whole competition is about.

TVGuide.com: I don't know if you saw or not, but during the team tango, Bruno sniffed Ty's sleeve that he threw on the judges' table.
Johnson: [Laughs] I saw it! Bruno's just a goofball and he does strange things, so you just have to laugh. I'm never going to be taking my outfits off, so I don't think it'll ever be an issue that he tries to smell something of mine!

TVGuide.com: I hear you're in a Twitter war with Chuck to get the most followers. Do you know you're losing by, like, a thousand right now?
Johnson: Oh yeah, he's beating me pretty good! [Laughs] It's a lighthearted thing we've got going on. Nothing real serious. You never know, hopefully I'll get to beat him. I'll get bragging rights — and that's it!

http://www.tvguide.com/Dancing-Stars/Dancing-Shawn-Johnson-1005705.aspx

[TARAsia Fan]

Bruno is creepy. No two words about it.

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing Score Results

ROUND ONE: (Ballroom)

Shawn/Mark   Quickstep           9        9        9         27

Ty/Chelsie  Argentine Tango      8        9        8        25

Lil' Kim/Derek     Waltz              9        8        9        25   

Gilles/Cheryl      Foxtrot           10       9        10       29   

Melissa/Tony Viennese Waltz    9         9        9        27

ROUND TWO: (Latin)

Shawn/Mark    Paso Doble        10       9        10       29

Ty/Chelsie          Rumba           7        7         7       21   

Lil' Kim/Derek        Salsa           9        9         9       27     

Gilles/Cheryl         Rumba         9        9          9       27 
   
Melissa/Tony        Samba        10      10         10      30

COMBINED SCORES:

Shawn/Mark         56

Ty/Chelsie           46

Lil' Kim/Derek        52

Gilles/Cheryl         56   

Melissa/Tony        57

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Monday, May 4, 2009

The fab five double up on dances this week on Dancing with the Stars as they vie for a semifinal spot. Who excelled at both and who came up short? Find out below!

This episode is going to be amazing. How do I know that? The Powers That Be felt it incumbent to replay Chuck's vomit-tocious line, "It feels good to be your man" in the opening seconds. A show after my own heart, I mean, snark. But then they go blow the wind out of my sails with some filler dance. No offense to the pros, but let's get this show on the road.

BALLROOM
The Ballroom Round will kick things off, but not before the three stooges give their two cents. Melissa needs to work on her feet. Gilles needs to be a wave in the foxtrot. Lil' Kim needs to be soft. Shawn can't hunch over and Ty needs some flair. Can he borrow some from Jennifer Aniston?

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas: Quickstep
Mark borrowed Matt Giraud's headgear this week. And he's still dancing like a girl. Shawn's stressing out in rehearsals, but I think she'll be fine. I don't think I've ever seen her move around so quickly before. This is so jovial and Shawn's moving through the choreography with such ease — and most importantly, synchronicity. There's the extra pep in her step (as there should be) that was conspicuously MIA in her samba last week. Plus, they're dancing to the Aladdin song, which gives them an automatic thumbs up ("Friend Like Me" trumps "A Whole New World" any day of the week.) Len thinks we've seen her personality for the first time, but calls them out for breaking hold in the middle of the routine. Bruno says she's Sporty Spice, but notes the rule-breaking as well. Carrie Ann calls it her best dance ever and also jumps on the party line. Get with it, Mark!
Score: 27

Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower: Argentine Tango
What animal did Ty kill to get that robe? To get this routine down pat, the cowboy's been studying video instead of sleeping with Jewel in his downtime. Can't say I would choose differently. Ty's got the brute strength to capture the feel of the Argentine Tango, but perhaps too much. Some of those kicks look overly aggressive and impetuous. It also looks like he messes up one of them. Other than that, it was a good showing, but I don't think Ty will ever be as suave as he needs to be. Bruno calls him a Power Ranger as a compliment, but wishes he were smoother. Carrie Ann thinks he needs some breadth in his motions. Len loves it and thinks it's his best yet. Officially on the bandwagon, huh?
Score: 25

Lil' Kim & Derek Hough: Waltz
Ballroom's too slow and quiet for the Queen Bee, but she knows she needs to bang this out. The dance is delicate and quaint, but definitely not one of Kim's best. She looks hesitant at some parts and something was off with that one-footed twirl (sorry, I don't know these terms). It's OK, Kim. The salsa's next. Carrie Ann found some stumbles and wants her to extend her hands. Len agrees with the errors, but was shocked by the quality of the dance. Uh, what happened to my crusty curmudgeon? Bruno knows Kim's a tramp and not a lady.
Score: 25

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke: Foxtrot
Gilles is determined to reclaim the top spot this week... and he brings a hat with him. The sexy, smoldering Gilles is back, and this routine is sexy and smoldering. I don't know if I've ever said that about a foxtrot, but this one is. It's so titillating that I'm not really paying attention to his steps. Oops. But I guess that's the point, right? There's nothing egregiously wrong (where is there ever with him?) and this will easily launch him back to the top. Len loves the feel and interpretation, but wants him to stretch his legs. Bruno loves the sophistication of the performance. Carrie Ann says he's heading straight for the semis.
Score: 29

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: Viennese Waltz
Melissa's on a new treatment and is ready to dance. And to make sure we know she's injured, we get a shot of her rib getting taped. Does the costume department know that Melissa's skirt is totally see-through? It's majorly distracting. And this is a week after her gravity-defying, seemingly painted-on jeans. That said, she does look angelic, as she asked in rehearsal. If she has issues with her feet, then her strengths are definitely her arms. She knows how to extend those bad boys like crazy. Her footwork is off a little bit, like she was catching herself, trying to go on her heels. It's still a decent number, if slightly underwhelming. Bruno calls her lighter than air, but very balletic. Carrie Ann agrees, but wants her to stop dancing up and down. Len likes everything but her feet.
Score: 27

Pick a Pro
Genya Mazo was eliminated, leaving three pros left, who will be paired with a Dancing alum to perform Tuesday. Afton DelGrosso gets Cody Linley. Anna Demidova is paired with Maurice Greene. Mayo Alanen has the one, the only... Lisa Rinna. A Dancing spot is just as good as a gig on Melrose 2.0, if not better.

LATIN
After another introductory pro dance (because we've never seen these dances before), it's time to get down to the booty-shaking. What's more: The stars must perform a 15-second solo in the routines, too. Melissa needs to work her booty. Gilles needs to stop being hectic. Shawn can't be cute. Len has a conniption over the words "Ty" and "Latin," but gets some hot flashes with "Lil' Kim" and "salsa." Down, boy.

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas: Paso Doble
I'm glad Shawn's getting a solo here because if she pulls the whole thing off, it'll be the breakthrough dance for her. She told me she's trying to be aggressive... which apparently calls for pursed, Renee Zellweger lips. Hey, the girl is trying. Shawn's definitely attacking the dance, and her angles and technique look sharp. It's not as intense as past Pasos, but still dramatic and bold, which is a nice change in demeanor for her. Carrie Ann says she nailed it. Len loves the solo and her twists, but says it wasn't exciting for him. Bruno calls her a missile and gets a hug and a kiss.
Score: 29

Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower: Rumba
Watching Ty trying to unscrew his hips is the cutest thing ever. If it were anyone else, I'd be laughing my ass off. He has a few stumbles right off the bat and there's a (gasp!) lift. The hips? They're unscrewed, a notch or so. He's trying and it's adorable, but adorable's not enough -- not even if you finish the dance by kissing your wife. Besides, the rumba's not supposed to be adorable. Len loves the ending with Jewel, but calls Ty a feather-duster. Bruno calls him Kenny Mayne. So does that mean Ty will join DanceCenter one day? Carrie Ann agrees with the boys and calls out the lift. Ty doesn't care because he hopes his hip solo for Jewel will pay dividends later. So no more video camera? Oh, wait...
Score: 21

Lil' Kim & Derek Hough: Salsa
Kim's pumped to bring back the bionic booty... like, way pumped. Derek wants to raise the bar, so he's adding some tricks. Kim's shakin' it alright, so much so that things are flying off her dress. I think she needs to take heed to some of those "hectic" comments Gilles has been getting because this thing is completely out of control, in more ways than one. Part of it is probably adrenaline, but girl needs to dial it back just a touch. She was flailing wildly at certain parts. Kim needs to find a happy medium here. She's too hesitant in the standards, but too crazy in the Latin ones. Bruno serenades her with "You Spin Me Round," but calls her out on a misstep. Kim curses. Carrie Ann thinks she lost control at some points, and Len agrees, but not without calling her a Spotted Dick. It's a dessert. Crazy Brits!
Score: 27

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke: Rumba
Gilles once thought the rumba was big, fast and fun. Can you blame him? He also wanted Kim Cattrall to be there, but something tells me she's not. She can come for the finale, right? They're dancing to "Sexual Healing," and there are no words. Nevermind the fact that he is wearing a see-through shirt and did some sort of sideways moonwalk in his solo. Only Mark can be MJ, Gilles! This is steamy and almost a bit carnal, but I don't think it's totally impressive on the whole. It seems like it's more for show than for dance. The floor-roll at the end cements that. He's trying way too hard here, a la Kim before him. Carrie Ann loved it, but didn't like the "self-indulgent" solo. Len didn't like the solo either and rolling across the floor. Of course you didn't. Bruno references Showgirls, but finds it uneven.
Score: 27

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: Samba
Melissa wants out of the solo on a technicality because she's not a celebrity. Oh, self-deprecation! Melissa has the perfect personality for this dance — bubbly, flirty and total party girl. She shimmies like it's her job (because it actually is... for now) and can rival Kim in the booty-shakin' department. Her samba rolls look great, but I think there's still something shaky with her footwork. They end up on the judges' table and Melissa's boob pops out. Just trying to be like Kim every way tonight, huh? Butt last week (almost), boobs this week. What's going to happen next week? Len thinks she deserves to be in the semis. Bruno thinks it's beautifully executed. Carrie Ann wants to point out the flaws, but it's flawless.
Score: 30

What did you think? Did the strain of two dances show? Was Kim too wild in her samba, Gilles too desperate in his rumba? Did Mark cost Shawn a perfect 30? Did Melissa deserve her perfect 30? Who will get the heave-ho Tuesday?

http://www.tvguide.com/Episode-Recaps/dancing-stars/Dancing-Stars-Episode-1005735.aspx

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘We’ll just have to wait and see how it goes tomorrow night’



Hey troops, we just got done eating after the show. Me, Jewel and Chelsie went and had a nice dinner together.

I'm just checking in with you.

We got some good comments from Len, which was nice. That's really the first time we got a good comment from him along with a nine, so that wasn't too bad and we tied our highest score with a 25 in the Argentine Tango.

And our Rumba, although it wasn't great, maybe it wasn't as bad as they were expecting. After all, I know Jewel like my Rumba, especially the solo!

I was really glad to have my sisters – Kimber and Kerri – there supporting me tonight.

We'll just have to wait and see how it goes tomorrow night, but I feel like we have the biggest army going behind us and that's really going to help. Chelsie and I both appreciate all the support and I hope everyone caught the salute tonight.

I'll check back in with you tomorrow.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/5/5/Well-just-have-to-wait-and-see-how-it-goes-tomorrow-night#more

[RealityFreakWill]

click on link below to view video

'Dancing' Stars Get Candid with Maksim

Maksim Chmerkovskiy is back as ET's "Dancing with the Stars" special correspondent, and he's getting the dish from all of the "Dancing" contestants -- plus Jewel opens up about the injury comment she made that caused controversy last week!

"In my blog I was talking about the [rodeo] rule," Jewel says. "It was not about Melissa at all."

"I read the comment and we talked, and I never took it as a dig on me or anything like that," Melissa Rycroft says. "I understand when you say something and it gets misconstrued. I get that, I didn't take offense to it, I get her point."

The contestants also opened up about the mounting pressure they are feeling as the numbers get smaller and the competition gets more intense.

"You can't play it safe anymore," Derek Hough tells ET. "You can do that in the earlier stages but now you've got to go all out and take the risks."

Watch the video for more backstage action with the "Dancing" stars -- and don't miss tonight's "Dancing with the Stars" results show at 9 p.m. on ABC.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/73581/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

Monday’s Dancing: What You Didn’t See

Lap Dance: Every week, Jewel can usually be spotted on the same side of the stage cheering on husband Ty Murray. But on Monday night, the singer was seen scurrying to the other side of the stage and taking a seat there before Murray’s performance. Turns out, she needed to sit there so Murray could direct his swiveling hips toward her. “Jewel knew she needed to be in that seat for the rumba,” Murray told PEOPLE about the seating switcheroo, but she had no idea what was in store for her. “I kind of made the solo up as I went.”

Finder’s Keepers: Last week, the women squealed when Gilles Marini shed his shirt and threw it into the audience during the Team Tango dance. Monday night was no different when Marini threw his hat at the start of his foxtrot. “I like throwing things,” he said afterward. Oh yeah? Well, the ladies like catching them, too. In fact, the woman who caught the hat didn’t want to give it up when a crew member stopped by afterward and asked for it. It took some polite words, but she finally gave it up.

The Calgon Fix: Lil’ Kim, who was at the top of the leader board last week, took a few barbs from the judges Monday evening. So how does she deal with the criticism? “I take baths on Monday nights,” said Kim, whose usual bubbly attitude was more subdued. “I love candles. And I just relax.”

Olympic-Sized Hugs: After the judges gushed over Shawn Johnson’s paso doble, the pint-sized Olympic gymnast could hardly contain herself. She rushed to the judges’ table and gave the three judges hugs and kisses, to the crowd’s delight. But this isn’t exactly in character for her. “I never would’ve even approached a judge at the Olympics,” she said after the show. “I just loved their comments. I worked so hard. I struggled so hard on that dance, I felt they deserved it.”

Crowded House: With the semi-finals a week away, an interesting assortment of celebrity audience members cropped up to watch the show. Singer Tyrese sat ringside and clapped thunderously for pal Lil’ Kim. Even Gilles Marini couldn’t resist the opportunity to stop by and shake his hand at the start of the show. Also in attendance: Joe Piscopo and DWTS alum Marlee Matlin.

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/05/05/mondays-dancing-what-you-didnt-see-25/

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing Elimination Results

First to be announced safe were:

Gilles & Cheryl

Second safe were:

Melissa & Tony

Third safe were:

Shawn & Mark

Bottom Two are:

Lil' Kim & Derek
Ty & Chelsie

Eliminated from the competition and finishing at 5th place are:

LIL' KIM & DEREK HOUGH

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Four couples lock up spots in the semifinals as one more celebrity is eliminated on Dancing with the Stars. Think you know who it is? Find out below!

I don't know about you, but I've been looking forward to this episode all season. Why? DanceCenter is back! I'll admit I haven't seen all of them, but the ones I have seen have microscopically enriched my life in a way I didn't know I needed. Can we just have an all DanceCenter episode? Because I can do without the guests and encore. Speaking of encore, the streak is broken! Melissa gets the encore slot with her samba. She's stocked up on the double-sided tape this time. No more under-boob.

Recap time: Oh, Ty! I'm going to miss you when you're gone. "I could tell by the look on her face mommy like," he snickers of his hip-swiveling solo for Jewel. Get him on DanceCenter. Seriously. Lil' Kim say she's happy with her performances, but Derek looks completely peeved. If the bubbly Houghs are deflated, you know it ain't good. Melissa doesn't think there's a dance out there that wasn't flawless? You're too kind. No wonder you weren't a good match for Jason.

DanceCenter
It's back! Seriously, how amazing would it be if Ty joined the panel? Anyhow, he's first up:

Ty, who's apparently made of wood and nearly eight feet tall on a bull, is defying mathematical odds by committing more than 100 percent. Bedazzled and dipped in pink, Kenny appreciates that the show is rewarding poor dancing, which Len calls robotic. Cue Terminator-esque bot.

Next is Kim, she of the lil' height, weight and shoe size and owner of 800 wigs. She does have one huge asset, Kenny points out, as opposed to college-aged Lil' Jerry Rice. Ouch. (By the way, "rear" is not appropriate for this family show, in Kenny's eyes, but Jaime Cullum crooning about cocaine is.)

"Lil'"-er than Lil' Kim is, of course, Shawn, who's beyond adorable as we all know, but is stuck with nutso Mark. They're nuts for each other, of course, like chipmunks! Shawn actually does look like a chipmunk. Her voice is also, like, a nozzle of helium away from chipmunk-nese.

Melissa, at pretty height and weight, has endured so much pain and mistreatment on TV... from Tony. Bastard laughed at her injury! But who cares when she put on, clearly, the best performance yet with her jive. "Excellent use of denim," Jerry says. You mean, lack thereof. There was a missed opportunity here not to call out the Crest Whitestrips twins out on their resemblance.

Last but not least, Gilles, who will get naked at the drop of a hat, gets grilled. Kenny hates the French and the fact that Gilles is prostituting himself, you know, flaunting what he doesn't have. Which is pasty, ghost-white skin and/or a cobra chest tattoo. We all can't be perfect.

First safe couple:
Gilles & Cheryl (He shrieks... and the hairs on Mark's head stand up.)

Pick a Pro
Afton DelGrosso & Cody Linley: Samba
Cody says Afton is like Julianne. (You mean you wish she was Julianne!) I don't really remember much of Cody from last season, but he's looking pretty awesome here. There's still something not-a boy, not-yet-a-man about him, but he's no longer looking like a teen Ellen DeGeneres, so that's a good thing, right? He's rocking the moves and has energy to spare. Surprise, surprise. The choreography is also pretty awesome and Afton's definitely not like Julianne. Why? She's not doing all the dancing. Len thinks she's a good teacher. Bruno likes that she made Cody sell himself. Carrie Ann loves her youthful energy.

Mayo Alanen & Lisa Rinna: Quickstep
Mayo's never worked with a celebrity before, while Lisa's got to get used to Mayo's tall body. I've never seen Lisa dance before, but she looks somewhat decent here, especially for someone who hasn't been on the show for a few years. Mayo's definitely showcasing her, uh, assets. Raise your hand if you haven't picked up Playboy. They seem off in a couple of places, but it's a fun little number. Bruno likes that he made the most out of what he had in Lisa. No comment. Carrie Ann thinks they got out of control a little. Len loves the ambition.

Anna Demidova & Maurice Greene: Tango
Maurice picked a dance he'd never done before to see how Anna would teach someone who's never been exposed to it. I like the way he thinks. That's why he's an Olympic champ. Maurice looks pretty good here and maybe even better than when he was with Cheryl. I remember him being inconsistent last season, never quite getting there. (Obviously, since he was eliminated.) But now he looks really suave and the moves are nice and crisp. She definitely accomplished what Maurice challenged her to do and for that, I think she should get the pro spot. Carrie Ann loves the beautiful lines. Len thinks she was the best of the night. Bruno calls her a miracle worker. I would say Cheryl's offended, but Gilles has already taken her somewhere Maurice never did. Backstage, Sam asks the million-dollar question: "What did you find it went with — how'd you find it went with your first chance?" Say wha?!?

Next two safe couples:
Melissa & Tony
Shawn & Mark

That leaves Lil' Kim and Derek, and Ty and Chelsie, who are in fact the bottom two. The obvious choice is Ty, but I'm kind of holding out hope his fan base pulls him through — only because we haven't had a shock elimination yet this season... And we do! Lil' Kim and Derek are out! She's shocked, the audience is shocked. Who isn't, really? Kim should be in the semis because let's face it, Ty has no business being there on dance ability — and he knew it. I think the people most shocked were Ty and Chelsie. She was near tears and Ty looks like he just realized he's still in this thing. And cowboys will inherit the earth.

Kim says she loved the experience and thinks that she brought in different viewers. Derek says he loves the girl and Tom loved watching her dance. Bye, bye, bionic booty!

What did you think? Was Kim robbed? Who can stop Ty? Can he actually make it to the finals? Did DanceCenter live up to those in the past? Which pro did you like? Were you relieved the house band wasn't tasked with butchering Coldplay for the Macy's Stars of Dance performance? Who's your current pick to win?

http://www.tvguide.com/Episode-Recaps/dancing-stars/Dancing-Stars-Episode-1005791.aspx

[RealityFreakWill]

I am quickly becoming addicted to twitter, lol

Chuck posted this tweet and included a picture....

Melissa and I are still friends! I promise! Haha...backstage at DWTS!

[RealityFreakWill]

'Dancing' Shocker: Lil' Kim Voted Off!

In the first major surprise elimination of the season, rapper Lil' Kim was ousted from "Dancing with the Stars" one week shy of the semi-finals.

Lil' Kim gracefully said her goodbyes to a standing ovation, after her name was announced to a smattering of boos from the crowd. Rodeo cowboy Ty Murray, who scored the least on Monday night's performance show, joined her in the bottom two.

"I think this is one of the greatest experiences I've ever [had] in my life," she said upon hearing the news.

"I think I've brought a different audience [to the show]," she pointed out. "I know people who've never watched the show and they watch the show [now]."

Throughout the season, mild-mannered Lil' Kim consistently ranked among the top scorers, and when it was announced that she would be going home, even host Tom Bergeron called it a "shock." He also told her, "I love to watch you dance."

Her professional partner, last season's champion Derek Hough, said of his partner, "I love this girl so much, and she has been one of my favorites." He also called her "an amazing soul."

The night also included numbers by three pro dancer hopefuls who are auditioning for a spot on next season's roster. In a twist, this week they took the floor with celeb competitors from past seasons. Afton DelGrosso danced a samba with former contestant Cody Linley, Mayo Alanen joined Lisa Rinna for a quickstep, and Anna Demidova performed an Argentine tango with Maurice Greene.

Other highlights of the evening included a performance by British singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum, as well as a number by the Macy's Stars of Dance.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/05/73631/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘We’ll bear-down and see how far this goes’


Woo-hoo troops, we're in the semi-finals!

What's amazing with this show is that all the couples have a team behind them in America and nobody knows how big their team is or where they stand, but obviously the cowboy army must be pretty big because it's pretty obvious that I'm not the best dancer.

Chelsie and I were behind pretty far in the scores from the judges, but I think people have underestimated the cowboy nation.

It was a bummer to see Lil' Kim eliminated. She's a great dancer, worked hard every week and I would watch her in dress rehearsal before the shows and she and Derek would be working on moves that could be a disaster.

They would be working on some gutsy moves that wouldn't even be that smooth, but on Monday night she would go out there with all the confidence in the world and that gave me a lot of respect for her to see how gutsy she was and how tough she was and what a performer she was.

But, at this point, it's a bummer to see anybody go.

We've all become friends and everybody on the show – celebrities and pros – have all worked so hard and put so much time and effort into it. But people need to remember it's not just a dancing contest or else they wouldn't have America vote on it – they'd just have the judges decide it.

I feel like I have a great team in Chelsie and in the cowboy army. Everybody's behind us and everyone is trying their hardest, and that's me included.

We have two more dances to learn this week – Viennese Waltz and Samba – which, again, are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Chelsie and I know the process inside and out. I just have to try and get my nerves under control Monday night. It's just so hard because none of it comes natural. I can't rely on anything to be natural because my brain still has to tell me every move for every part of my body to make.

It's hard because when one little extra thought creeps into your brain you're going to miss something.

I know we can get it during the week, but I have to try and work on my focus and see if I can get that under control so that hopefully I'll be more relaxed on Monday night.

It's 10,000 times tougher than I thought it would be. When I took on this show I thought if I really put my mind to it I could do this. It can be really frustrating when you're giving everything you have and you're not getting that great at it, but Chelsie and I are never going to weaken.

Not only have we put a lot of work into this, but I think the cowboy army has put a lot of work into it too so we'll bear-down and see how far this goes.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/5/6/Well-beardown-and-see-how-far-this-goes#more

[RealityFreakWill]

Lil' Kim & Derek on Jimmy Kimmel Show


credit to jimmykimmellive

[RealityFreakWill]

Tuesday’s Dancing: What You Didn’t See

May I Have This Dance: The friendship between Lil’ Kim and Derek Hough was obvious to everyone in the ballroom. During the show’s first commercial break on Tuesday’s results show, the pair shared a slow dance off to the side while the other couples chatted. Hough called Kim one of his favorite partners. “I’m going to miss her everything,” he said to PEOPLE after their elimination. “She’s so beautiful, so special and she really is a ball of light. Whenever she walks into a room, everybody feels her energy.”

Say Twitter Opp!: Jewel, who is always taking pictures from her seat, found the perfect photo subject Tuesday night: Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who was seated next to her in the ballroom. She took a picture using her iPhone of the computer whiz, who was eliminated earlier this season, and quickly posted it to her Twitter page at @jeweljk. “I twittered a picture of Woz,” she said, “and I was showing him the picture and the responses from all the fans.”

Lisa’s Bikini Throwdown: Lisa Rinna showed off her ballroom goods when she returned to DWTS and performed the quickstep with new pro dancer Mayo Alanen, who is vying for a spot in next season’s lineup. But she didn’t want to talk dancing, she wanted to talk bikini bods. “Kathy Griffin, game on!” Rinna said in response to a recent PEOPLE poll, which the D-List star won handily for having the hottest celebrity bikini body. “Kathy Griffin beat me and it really pissed me off,” said Rinna. “And I say, ‘Kathy Griffin, game on.’”

Len Goes Topless: Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba covered their eyes when their fellow judge, the straight-laced Len Goodman, appeared shirtless at the the end of a pre-taped segment with alum and NFL star Jerry Rice and ESPN Sport Center’s Kenny Mayne. Goodman wasn’t at the judges’ table when the package aired, but as soon as he walked back to his seat, Inaba was quick to give Goodman a high-five.

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/05/06/tuesdays-dancing-what-you-didnt-see-22/