“Dancing with the Stars” 2011 lost another celebrity hopeful at the close of the latest results show. But it wasn’t all about the big booting, as musical guests Kristin Chenoweth and Martina McBride showed off their vocal stylings. Here’s a full recap.
Co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet opened the “DWTS” October 25 results show by asking head judge Len Goodman for his impressions of the Broadway week competition. Len said that though the routines were a mix of frights and delights, he and co-judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli wanted to see J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff’s “fantastic” Quickstep as the week’s encore dance. And of course, the war veteran and his partner complied.
Quite appropriately, the dynamic Quicksteppers and co-leaderboard toppers were the first couple to learn their week 6 fate: Safe! Well duh! That would’ve been an injustice of epic proportions.
After a break, Brooke congratulated J.R. and Karina for making it to next week’s Halloween special and urged the duo to reveal a tidbit about their special number for the show. Karina teased that she’d be portraying a ghost. How spooooky. Brooke moved on to chat with TV host Nancy Grace, who said she was pleased to just be in the competition. And then she asked talk show host Ricki Lake what she’d do to stay on top if she and Derek Hough make it through. (Ricki said “whatever” Derek says! Probably a wise move. He’s an oracle of “Dancing” greatness.)
Up next, special musical guest Kristin Chenoweth did her thingy thang in the ballroom, singing “Lessons Learned” from her new CD. “DWTS” pro Tony Dovolani, who was paired with previously dismissed season 13 contestant Chynna Phillips, and troupe member Dascha hoofed it in accompaniment. Afterward, Kristin said she was thrilled to be sharing the stage with the pros, and called the show “old school” entertainment. She admitted that she loved J.R., but counted others of the hopefuls as friends.
And then… more eliminations! Ricki and Derek and Nancy and Tristan MacManus took to the stage to find out whether or not they’d been saved to dance again. Ricki and Derek were proclaimed safe, as were Nancy and Tristan.
A “wow, we’re halfway through the season, I’m freaking out” pre-taped segment aired up next. I didn’t really need to know that Ricki left rehearsals covered in her own sweat. And in Derek’s. Grossness. Rob Kardashian called the live shows “a rush”, while Chaz Bono admitted to having a “love-hate relationship” with showtime. And there were more deep reflections.
With that out of the way, the Macy*s Stars of Dance routine followed, featuring Corbin Blue singing and hoofing it alongside a troop of L.A. based dancers to the tune of 42nd Street. And then they medly-ized it. It was cool. Yeah. But I want more results now.
But no, it was time for more music, this time from country songstress Martina McBride, who offered up her latest single “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”. “Dancing with the Stars” pros Chelsie Hightower and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a poignant dance in accompaniment. Man, I’m just so bummed that Chelsie didn’t get a partner this season. She’s so darn good!
But anyway, more results! David Arquette and Kym Johnson, and Chaz and Lacey Schwimmer stepped up to hear whether or not the public cast enough votes in their respective favors. Wow, Chaz really took offense at Bruno’s comments about him being like a “cute little pengiun” and an “Ewok”. Oye. Anyway, David and Kym were proclaimed safe to dance during Halloween Week, but Chaz and Lacey found themselves under the glare of the red lights. That’s fair.
In what they termed a preview of sorts for next week’s Halloween “DWTS”, Brooke and Tom introduced “Dancing” pros Mark Ballas and Lacey dancing alongside a troop of talented costumed youngsters. Aw.
Up in the skybox, Brooke chatted up Rob and Cheryl Burke, and Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the last two pairs awaiting news. Hope called Maks “my teammate through and through” and appreciated his willingness to state his opinions, referencing his explosive remarks from last night. Maks defended his controversial comments to the judges, but apologized for calling “DWTS” his show. Soon thereafter, Rob and Cheryl were declared safe to dance again, leaving Hope and Maks in peril.
With five couples safe, the last two standing stood atop the staircase awaiting their fates. So who got the boot: Chaz Bono or Hope Solo? Following the requisite dramatic music, Chaz Bono was dismissed from “Dancing with the Stars” 2011. Finally.
Chaz called “DWTS” an “amazing journey” and Tom praised his gains in confidence and charisma. He said he “came on the show to show America a different kind of man” and hoped he’d been an inspiration to kids like himself.
So that’s it for the “Dancing with the Stars” October 25 results show. There’s not much to say; the result was fair, and the show moves on next Monday with some Halloweenie action. Tune in! Or you can just check in with me. You know I’ll be watching.