“Dancing with the Stars” Amps Up Performance Week with an 80s Theme–Week 5

Last week Chynna Phillips (of the band Wilson Phillips) froze on the dance floor, forgetting her moves, and she subsequently was sent home. Prior to that, she and Tony Dovolani were really turning out the high scores from the judges. But don’t worry Wilson Phillips fans, there is talks of a Wilson Phillips reality show! Can’t wait to see that happen.

For week 5 performances the remaining couples are dancing to classic songs from the 1980s. I was extremely excited to hear The Bangles sing “Eternal Flame,” which is one of the best songs from the entire era. I have always adored this song and after they sang “Walk Like An Egyptian.” The Bangles are promoting their new album, Sweetheart of the Sun, now in stores. Later in the show they returned to sing “Just Another Manic Monday.”

But back to the dancing! Those still in the competition at this point only 8 celebrities remain: Rob Kardashian, Nancy Grace, David Arquette, Hope Solo, Carson Kressley, J.R. Martinez, Ricki Lake, and Chaz Bono.

Hope Solo – The judges have deemed her as “Not afraid to give her all, most athletic, and say that doesn’t make her the most feminine on the dance floor.” They think the tango tonight could be what makes her break out. She and Maksim Chmerkovskiy seem to have a love/hate relationship, but it works to their advantage. They danced the tango to Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer.” They wokred hard and had a ton of steps. Len Goodman said her body was too willowy, but he like the tension. Carrie Ann told her she attacked it, but said she needs to learn less is more. Judges scores: 24 out of 30 (Why were the judges complaining? The scores do not really reflect their complaints, so why do it?)

Carson Kressley – The judges calls him Mr. Personality saying he has given some of the most interesting moments of the season. Bruno says Carson needs to “combine personality with technique.” He and partner Anna Trebunskaya were barely saved from elimination last week. Being the most interesting personality has got him along farther than his dancing has.. Tonight they danced the jive to “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” (by Wham!, but it was comical mostly.) Judges scores: 19 out of 30 with the highest score of 7 coming from Bruno.

Nancy Grace – Len Goodman says that she is a hard-worker, she’s honest, and has the best quickstep. This week is the rumba and she and partner Tristan MacManus really need to step it up. Nancy called the rumba the most challenging dance of all. She admitted in the 80s she was a cheerleader for football and basketball. I have to say during the rumba- Nancy never looked better. She put a lot more effort in tonight and the technique and passion were both there. Judges scores: 22 out of 30

J.R. Martinez – Bruno says J.R. is so consistent and doesn’t do anything wrong. This week he is doing the samba, which Bruno called very difficult. They danced the samba to “Conga” by Gloria Estefan. He was moving and shaking and looked so great on the dance floor! Excellent dance! Judges scores: 28 out of 30 (Bruno gave him and Karina Smirnoff a 10!)

Rob Kardashian – Len says he is growing (down to 3rd place) and that he needs to take command on the dance floor, all the way to the end. Kardashian and Cheryl Burke danced to “Hello,” by Lionel Ritchie. He took control this week and followed Romeo Millers’ advice about being more sensual. I seriously got the chills from the performance. Well done Rob! His family was in the audience: Bruce and Cris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian Odom. Judges scores: 25 out of 30 (his highest score so far!)

Chaz Bono – Carrie Ann Inaba says Chaz is fascinating to watch and able to make the whole room root for him – well said Carrie Ann! She says he needs to push it the limit and dance more and walk less. Chaz and Lacey Schwimmer danced the samba to Cool and the Gang. Lacey brought in her daddy, Buddy Schwimmer, to help Chaz gain his flair and so he could “see big guys can shake it too.” You have to love Chaz, seriously like Carrie Ann said he is so endearing. Carrie Ann said that is the most dancing he has done so far. Len said he got the feel for the dance and really gave it a go. Judges scores: 21 out of 30

David Arquette – He is so strong and vulnerable in his dance and it has been great watching him. Carrie Ann says he thinks too much and doesn’t believe he is sexy- she says he needs to get back into the character of the dance. Tonight they danced the tango to “Tainted Love,” in leather outfits. I noticed his partner Kym Johnson was dancing a lot more than he was. But he still do a good job. Judges scores: 25 out of 30 (9 from Len)

Ricki Lake – She has been doing so great this season and has dominated the leader board for three weeks. She and partner, Derek Hough danced to a song by Phil Collins and Phillip Bailey’s “Easy Lover.” I have to say on the dance floor she is amazing, but in rehearsals she needs to get a grip, seriously. She falls apart so easily. She is one of my favorites this season, but that had to be said. Once on the dance floor she was back to awesome. I felt like Ricki was not as good as last week. Bruno said this week the dance “didn’t gel and even her roger rabbit was off time.” Len said there was no body contact and not her best dance or worse dance, and her footing was off. Judges scores: 24 out 30

I never thought I would say this, but as a fan of the show, I personally felt that Rob Kardashian did the best job tonight and was most improved.

Stay tuned for tomorrow when The Band Perry and Kelly Clarkson perform and one couple is eliminated.


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