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« Dancing With the Stars
May 7, 2007: Daddy's Girl and Jessie's Girl
Emotions ran high on and off the dance floor last night, running the gamut from sentimental dedications to insults taken too personally. Let’s start with the good before we proceed to the bad and ugly. The guest we’ve been waiting for all season was finally in the audience: Muhammad Ali, on hand to support his daughter. Laila dedicated her performances to her mom and dad, and she had an extra sparkle in her eye all night. She began and ended her lovely waltz like Sleeping Beauty, and at one point blew a kiss to her dad. I was reminded of Jerry Springer’s emotional waltz last season — the waltz is fast becoming the father-daughter dance of this show. Carrie Ann commented that she always looks for emotion in dancing, and she felt Laila truly delivered that with this performance. Next up was Laila’s jive, which was fun and lively (Laila confessed she was happy she didn’t have to deliver any extra-sexy performances with daddy in the audience). I did notice that both of her numbers, especially the waltz, seemed very short, and then the judges shed light on this problem when they criticized Maks (thank you, ABC, for finally spelling his nickname on the air) for having intros that were too long, resulting in dances with not enough content. Laila admitted it was her idea to add some theatrics. In addition, just last week the judges commented that this pair needed to add some more tricks. I’m a fan of Laila’s and I want her to go far in this competition, but I think how high she winds up placing will depend a lot on Maks’ choreography. Hopefully he’ll step up to the challenge.
From daddy’s girl we move on to “Jessie’s Girl.” Let me admit up front that I’m a total sucker for this song (and I know I’m not alone on this) — what '80s compilation is complete without it? Normally, I wouldn’t think to pair it with the tango, yet it worked here. The house band was no Rick Springfield, but that didn’t detract from this performance. I loved Apolo and Julianne’s modern, pumped-up tango. Loved it — it was my favorite dance of the night. Cranky Len had to ruin things (this is when it turned bad) and say it “lacked passion” — I have no idea what dance he was watching. His comments got the loudest and longest boos I’ve ever heard on this show. There was much criticism aimed at the choreographers last night, as here Len told Julianne to be “less hectic.” I hope she doesn’t listen to him. At least Carrie Ann and Bruno loved their tango and gave them 10s, so they got a 28. No wait, make that a 27 — hold on, back to 28. (This time we can’t blame Samantha, but instead a computer malfunction that resulted in some uncertain scoring.) Regardless, it should have been a 30. No worries, though, because they did get a perfect score with their paso doble. Apolo was really on fire last night, and this second dance also had a contemporary, energetic flair. It was cool how his cape turned into Julianne’s skirt in the beginning of the performance. If they continue like this, they’re gonna win this thing.
But Apolo will have no time to slack off because always close behind him is Joey. And just as the judges argued intensely about Apolo’s first dance, they bickered about Joey’s first performance as well. Again, it was Carrie Ann and Bruno against Len, only this time Len praised an area the others found lacking: no razzle dazzle. Len liked that Joey’s waltz was proper and elegant. Carrie Ann and Bruno said Joey was holding back. Again I’m going to side against Len — the dance was good, but a little boring. True, Joey can go overboard with things like lightsabers, but when he’s able to simply incorporate his fun-loving personality without excessive props, he gives his performances a welcome flair. By dance No. 2, he was back in top form. Len complimented his solid use of technique and tricks in his series of “clever underarm turns” and Bruno liked how he “pimped the mambo.” Joey also felt the need to explain that he’s “confident, not cocky.” It’s a fine line to walk, and so far he hasn’t crossed it.
Yet Billy Ray felt that Bruno crossed a line when he called his foxtrot “crap.” This is when things got ugly — Billy Ray was really offended by Bruno’s not-exactly-delicate words. On one hand, this was a cold, harsh criticism from Bruno, but on the other hand he says stuff like this all the time. By the time Billy Ray’s second dance was done, he still wasn’t over this, calling Bruno “so rude.” As for Billy Ray’s dancing.... Well, I wouldn’t use Bruno’s term, but he certainly didn’t give the top performances of the night. Carrie Ann looked on the bright side and mentioned how much he’s improved since week one, which is true. Len said his foxtrot had the “most content” of any of his dances, albeit with “all the steps at all the wrong times.” Billy Ray’s dances are always full of ambiguity: He manages to look like he’s both bored and intensely into his performance, like he’s mad and having fun at the same time. It’s perplexing, yet you feel drawn to watch him. I will echo the judges’ sentiments that he’s always enjoyable to watch, as well as their acknowledgment that we’re heading into the finals soon, so it’s time for him to go.
Speaking of the finals, with the semifinals next week, it looks like the finals will be a three-contestant race, similar to the way things were done in Season 2. Will Ian be one of those three? I’m gonna guess no, with the way he regressed slightly last night. I liked his foxtrot a lot — he seemed looser, with some old-school classiness. But Len and Bruno had problems with it, describing him as a “jumping goat” who was too “skippy and hoppy.” Next was his rumba, which was really just OK. Carrie Ann pointed out that she saw passion, but “it was not authentic passion.” Len summed up Ian’s main problem: his dancing “lacks naturalness.” Then there’s Samantha backstage, who’s never one to miss beating a point to death: “Cheryl’s never been in the bottom two!” I’ll chalk it up to her just trying to prepare Cheryl, as she most likely will find herself in that position for the first time Tuesday night. Alongside Ian and Cheryl will probably be Billy Ray and Karina, with Billy Ray bidding us adieu.
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May 8, 2007 12:04 AM
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I loved Apollos Paso, by far my favorite dance of the night, but I felt sorry for Ian. He's turned into the Harry Hamlin of this season. Tries really hard, but seems remarkably stiff.
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May 8, 2007 12:32 AM
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I have no problem saying it: Billy Ray's dancing is CRAP. Bruno was not calling BR crap...he was characterizing his dancing which has been, since day one, crap. He should have been gone weeks ago, at least before John Ratzenberger. The fact that Billy Ray is still there has more to do with a fan base than dancing talent. I also don't appreciate Billy Ray's temper tantrum about what Bruno said...what a big baby. Bruno has said far worse to others and to Billy Ray himself in the past. I think Billy Ray's overeaction is due to the fact that he KNOWS he is WAY out of his depth and shouldn't be there.
Still loving Joey and Apolo...they rock my socks in a box. I like Laila a lot as well and found her waltz very lovely. However, I agree with Len, both her dances lacked content.
Poor Ian. He tries so hard and Cheryl really works with the dude, but he is lacking that somethin' somethin' that Joey, Apolo and Laila have. I still really like the guy though. If he goes before Billy Ray, I will be seriously bummed.
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May 8, 2007 2:18 AM
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I totally agree with everything with almost everything that Jennifer said about last night's show. Prior to this week, I definitely was pulling more for Laila and Joey. However, that all changed after seeing Apolo and Julianne performances last night. They totally delivered two spectacular performances and I think that they are the best dancers this season. I was/am huge fan of Rick Springfield and "Jesse's Girl." I watched the Tango that Apolo and Julianne at least a dozen times and felt it was the best dance of the season. I feel like Joey and Laila have there work cut out for them and need to really bring it next week.
Here's what I thought of each couple:
Ian and Cheryl: I was so happy with last week's performance that I actually thought they had turned a corner. However, tonight was was disappointed by their performance. I thought their dances were good, but not at the same level as Apolo, Joey, or Laila. I hope that their are here next week, but I do not see them making it to the finals. He should watch Apolo and Julianne's performances last night and maybe they may have a better shot at making it farther.
Joey and Kym: I enjoyed both of their performances last night. I liked their Jive more than their Foxtrot. I thought their dances last week were better than this week's dances. They need to pull out all the stops next week in order to have chance against Apolo and Julianne.
Billy Ray and Karina: I think their performances last night were far below the other dancers and feel they should be going home tonight. Billy Ray has definitely improved since the first week of competition, but I do not think he wants to be in the competition any longer.
Laila and Maksim: I enjoyed their performances last night, but felt they did better last week. I was moved by their Waltz and felt Laila showed a more tender and gentler side of her. I think they are neck and neck with Joey as far as this week goes.
Apolo and Julianne: As I have already stated they were by far the best dancers last night. If last night had been the finals, then they would have won. I think that their Tango was the BEST Tango ever!!! I watched both of their dances repeatedly because they were so wonderful.
I would like to make the following suggestion to producers of the show: Have viewer choice dance for one of the dances during the finals. I think it would be great for the viewers to feel a small part of the finals. Here are what dance I would like to see the each couple perform:
Joey & Kim- Jive
Laila & Maksim- Mambo
Apolo & Julianne- Tango
Ian & Cheryl- Samba
Finally, this is how I would rate the dancers after last night's show:
1. Apolo & Julianne
2. Joey & Kim
3. Laila & Maksim
4. Ian & Cheryl
5. Billy Ray & Karina
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May 8, 2007 2:29 AM
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I sang "Jesse's Girl" in my sixth grade talent show.  I would not have thought about doing the tango to that song, but I think Apolo and Julianne did a very good tango, and their paso blew me away. Joey is still my favorite, though.
I have to say, I have never felt drawn to watch Billy Ray's performance, and actually cringe when I see he and Karina take their places before each dance. John may not have been as good as the remaining celebrity dancers, but at least he tried to do the proper steps at the proper times. Billy Ray is stiff and not fun to watch at all. And after Karina's whining baby act after not winning last year, I still am not a fan of hers, and I won't mind seeing them go home tonight.
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May 8, 2007 7:42 AM
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I think Apolo and Julianne are the best dancers in the history of this competition. They are very strong on technique. They make it look easy but their routines are very complex. I think last night's Tango was probably as technically complex as most professional competition tangoes. Plus, they are just so dang cute while they are dancing. They really have it all.
I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict that Ian, not Billy Ray will go home tonight. I HOPE I'm wrong but I'm very much afraid that the "crap" remark will incite enough anger that he'll get enough votes to keep him in for another week. I think it would be devastating to Ian, who has tried so hard , to be sent home before BR. But, I have a bad feeling that BR is going to be around for at least one more week.
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May 8, 2007 7:47 AM
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As much as I find DWTS to be the most entertaining show on the boobtoob last night's show knocked it down a wee notch for me. For one thing the judges were ridiculous. Okay yes.. they disagree & its usually very amusing but after watching their performance when judging Apolo & Julianne's first dance I thought I'd tuned into the Jerry Springer show for a sec.
IMHO regardless of what anybody else thinks of Billy Ray's ability he did not deserve that crap remark. Bruno could have been a little more tactful. People do have feelings & I think BR happens to be sensitive about his two left feet Props to him for even agreeing to appear on this program and at least trying. I'm so sick of people dissing him! Shut up or put up. I'd personally like to see all his detractors get out there with their own two left feet and experience just how easy they think it is. I was never a Billy Ray fan but like Kelly Monaco - when she spoke up to Carrie Ann on her judging - there wasn't a thing wrong with BR giving it back to Bruno. This wasn't a temper tantrum & I never took it that way. If one person can be outspoken then why can't another? Bruno usually makes me laugh but that was very unclassy of him and even he realized what he had uttered and just how it sounded with an oops and a hand over his mouth. Boo Bruno Boo.
As usual my votes were split between Apolo & Laila. I'd like to witness a woman to man showdown at the finale once again.
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May 8, 2007 7:58 AM
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Obviously Bruno crossed the line with Billy Ray when he called his dance "crap." I would've liked BR to be a little more classy in defending himself. He has gone further in this competition than anyone ever would have dreamed. Now he's in danger of looking like a bad sport. If he doesn't know he is the weakest dancer left in the field, he needs to go before he embarrasses himself any more.
I thought Apolo and Julianne's tango was clever and exciting. However Len, the ballroom expert, said it lacked passion, and I guess he is right. However, they redeemed themselves with the paso. Not my favorite dance, but absolutely riveting when they did it.
Call me a cynic, but Muhammad Ali in the audience seemed a tiny bit manipulative. You knew he was going to be there eventually. I think Laila and Maks needed the extra boost this week. I agree their dances were short on content. I don't think of red dresses when I think of waltzes. I really preferred Jerry Springer's waltz last season. (Loved Laila's hair though!) Also I think they missed the distinction between tricks and gimmicks. Heather doing a back walkover is a trick. Laila sleeping on the stairs is a gimmick, and it's hokey, and it didn't work for me.
Ian exhausts me. He is WAY too intense. I'm starting to worry that vein in his forehead is going to burst open right there on the stage. Whoever suggested Cheryl's choreography is part of the problem - right on. Whoever compared Ian to Harry Hamlin - a little mean, but good point. Ian certainly puts himself out there more than Harry ever did, but he has only given himself up to the dance once - last week in his samba. The rest of the time he is doing the moves, making the right faces, as Carrie Ann astutely pointed out, but not feeling it.
I find Joey a little off-putting sometimes. He has talent, no doubt, but too much of a clown for my taste. I agree their waltz was boring. I know it's really hard to please all the judges, but people do it. Joey and Kym have done it themselves. Last night their mambo was OK, but again a little light on content.
This week and next are a slam-dunk - Billy Ray gone tonight, Ian gone next week. Then it gets interesting. Apolo and Julianne represent the most talented dancer and the best choreographer in the competition. Joey and Laila both need to step it up.
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May 8, 2007 7:59 AM
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rushmore, I have to agree about the "it gets interesting" when it gets down to the final three. I think Apolo and Julianne will ultimately win but I'm not sure who is going to be in the finals with them, Laila or Joey.
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May 8, 2007 8:10 AM
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My only complaint with DWTS is the music! From Julianne's comments last night it's not the dancers who pick the songs, and they're obviously frustrated by it, too. How can you do a sexy latin dance to John Lennon's Imagine? or a fox trot to Jessie's Girl. Kudos to JH and AO for making it work, but that was too fast a tempo for the fox trot. I even cringed at the paso doble to Star Wars...ick.
I think Bruno and BR should have both lightened up. This isn't like AI where you are trying to toughen up a bunch kids to make it into showbiz; these are for the most part veteran entertainers who do this for fun and publicity, and I think Bruno and Len could ease up just a little bit - not in their criticism, but in the way they say it. BR shouldn't have taken it so hard to the point where he let it admittedly affect his performance.
Laila just beamed last night. Trust me, little girls never outgrow trying to impress daddy, no matter how old they are, and I agree that that was THE moment this season.
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May 8, 2007 9:01 AM
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I absolutely can't stand Billy Ray and feel bad for Karina. He has said and looked surprised to still be there, which looks to me like he wants to go. All he can ever dance to is country songs -can we branch out a little here? His movements and comments are so very hick-ish. He would be at good country line dancing and that's it. I was glad Bruno said that and wonder why the other judges constantly say he's trying. It's a dance competition and he can't dance, so send him home!
I like all the other dancers so it's a tough call regarding the top 3. Love Ian, but if he doesn't improve soon, I'm afraid he might go next. LOVED Julianne and Apollo's paso last night -that was incredible!
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May 8, 2007 9:26 AM
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Again, the dancers don't get to pick their music.
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May 8, 2007 9:38 AM
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I enjoyed last night show but I think Len is being a little to hard on everyone. This is not the same competition as ballroom dancing. If you watch the ballroom dancing shows they are great but the dancing is to me not quite as entertaining. The hair is very stiff and their head and upper body are a lot stiffer then what out celebs are doing and that takes years of dancing to accomplish so it is plan silly for him to keep expecting the same type of dancing. I would really love to see a woman do better in the dancing but as much as I like Laila her dancing is no where as good as the others. If you go back and watch her first dance right at the beginning she has some kind of misstep because her head kind of jumps or something like she stumbled..I was on the phone with my friend and we both notice this. Also her dances and steps are no where near what the men are doing. Her arms in her second dance were once again very loose and she look elegant and is a pretty woman but Harry Hamlin wife (cannot think of her name) was so much of a better dancer. Also the Blonde wrestler and the soap opera dancer. I do not know if it is Lalia partner who is making the dances to boring compared to the others or if he feels Lalia cannot do the dances. I thought it was sweet she blew her father a kiss. I loved Apolo dances. But was really confused how Len gave Lalia a 9 in her first dance and give Apolo an 8 his dance was very good and very enjoyable and a lot harder. I have problems with Joey - I think he dances good but he just seems cocky to me..I just cannot get into him. I really like Ian and would like to see him get more credit for his dancing. He works hard and his steps are great. He is really trying and I think they are a little to hard on him. His dancing has more steps and more difficulties then Lalia's does. I agree that Bruno remark to Billy Ray was wrong. Not everyone has natural dancing abilities. When I took dance lesson a friend of mine took them with me as my partner - he wanted to learn to dance so he could dance with his 7 daughters - he had two left feet but he really tried and worked hard at it. Billy Rae did not as to be on the show they asked him and he is doing the best he can. When he danced in his video's you could tell he did not have a natural rythmn but I think he works hard and goes out there and does his best. I think to go out in front of all the people and try and then have someone tell you that it is crap is wrong. It takes a lot of courage to do something like that week after week knowing you are not good at it. He has admitted time after time that he belongs in the bottom and he is probably embrassed enough. But he still does not quit. So Bruno should not judge him so harassly. I would have a hard time having someone say that to me if I was trying and could not just quit but had to continue each week because of a committment, then I would expect the judge to show me respect for at least working at it and not doing as some pass contestants have done and just sit there.
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May 8, 2007 9:44 AM
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I guess I am in the minority, but I would much rather watch Billy Ray dance than Ian. I know that Billy Ray is not as good a dancer as the others, even Ian, but he is always entertaining to watch, and other than his ballroom dance last week when he was trying to highlight his partner, he is definately trying (unlike that rap dude Master P from season 2).
I think that Bruno's crap line was WAAAAAAY too harsh, and obviosuly he thought so too, as he immediatly said oops and covered his mouth. Yes, admitadly, BR isn't the best dancer, but at least he is trying. And what is the point in being cruel to the dancers - is that supposed to make them better? Giving him suggestions on how to improve is one thing, but the crap line was really below the belt. Yes, it is the coming up to the finals, and yes, it is a dance competition, but come on people, it is also a popularity contest and the stars know this going into it. Billy Ray obviously knows how popular he is and can't be totally surprised that his is still there. And I don't think he was throwing a temper tantrum - I think he genuinely had his feelings hurt and was obviously upset and that was the only way he could vent.
Here's something that should make him feel better though. Has anyone seen any of the Australian version of the DWTS? I was watching some stuff on YouTube and this past season they had a guy on who was famous for being on the Austrailian Big Brother. He, like BR, wasn't the best dancer and stayed longer than some better dancers due to his fan base. But on the night he did his Paso, he got the lowest score ever. They have four judges and he got a total score of 4! (Each judge only gave him 1 point - and one judge said he wanted to give him a zero but the paddle didn't go that low!). And at least BR hasn't gotten as low scores as Master P.
To be perfectly honest, I hope Billy Ray stays one more week and Ian goes home - even though Ian is TECHNICALLY a better dancer, Billy Ray is WAY more FUN to watch!
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May 8, 2007 9:48 AM
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It is not so much the music that is picked but why does it have to be done live? I never want to hear another Musak version of a Black Eyed Pea's song again!!
I think it will be interesting to see who the final two are going to be. Joey, Apolo, and Laila are all talented and all have good points and bad. My gut says it will get down to Joey and Apolo. I agree that Laila's dances are suddenly getting a bit to "gimicky" and short on content. If she steps it up I could easily see her in the finals against either Joey or Apolo but if she doesn't, I can see her as in third place. If it was indeed her idea with the pillow and the handkerchief, then Maks as the professional should reign her in.
I loved the previous comment about Ian's vein, cause I've thought the same thing. So intense but not quite there. Of course I've never really liked him so it would be hard to me to warm up to him.
I was putting my kids to bed so I missed some of the interviews and didn't see BR comment on what Bruno said, though while it was harsh, it was not untrue, really. As soon as Bruno said it, you could tell he didn't mean it to come out that way. I think they have been tip toeing around BR and it was time to be honest. yes, he has improved, yes, he has tried, but he's just not good.
It should be BR who goes tonight, Ian next week and then a free for all to see who can win it. Of course that doesn't mean it's going to go that way...I mentioned early on if BR country fan base was going to carry him like it did Sara Evan's last year and I got shot down but now that he has made it this far, far beyond some better dancers(like Heather Mills), maybe I wasn't so wrong after all.
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May 8, 2007 9:55 AM
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