DWTS4 "May 7 Performances"
Host Tom bestows a handle upon each of the five trying for a place in the semi-finals:
Showman: Joey
Fighter: Laila
Perfectionist: Ian
Olympian: Apolo
Crazy Bear: Billy Ray
Did he do this on previous weeks? Is further comment really even needed here? LOL. The Semi-Finals, a fancy term for "four couples left," are next week, with The Finals the following week, when there will remain only three couples to battle for the Crown and the Mirror Ball.
While Tom Bergeron voices-over their names, the five couples head onto the dance floor dressed in their ballroom dancing finery. As always, the dresses look absolutely gorgeous. Samantha is wearing a black sheath, her pregnant tummy just starting to be somewhat noticeable.
Once again there will be Ballroom round followed by a Latin round. Both will be judged by the judges Len, Carrie Ann and Bruno for a total of 60 possible points.
BALLROOM ROUND
IAN & CHERYL.
Foxtrot for Ballroom and Rumba for Latin.
Like last week, there is only the one "rehearsal segment" for each couple, during which we're given the names of both dances they will perform. During rehearsal Ian produces a cake for Cheryl's birthday. Aww, it even has a 10 on it, which is kind of cute if unrealistic. If I liked this couple more I would root for them to get a 10, but I've never warmed up to her and he seems mean. They eat a little of the cake but before too long Ian has smashed the main part of the cake into Cheryl's chest. Hey, how about offering a piece to the camera crew first?
Ian diaries he's glad they're doing a Rumba now, rather than earlier in the competition when they were still feeling their way in their dancing relationship. Now he reckons he & Cheryl are comfortable together. We will see.
For the Foxtrot, her dress is long and white, with a bias-cut hem that whirls and twirls attractively. White faux fur at the cuffs and around the hem add a delightful touch. The dancing is pleasant. Near the end they execute something that looks like can-can steps. Eh? Is that a normal foxtrot maneuver? In the audience, Marilu Henner (thank you, MG!) applauds like a mad fool.
AMAI: "They look like they're having fun, and they have nice synchronicity. Do you know the song, MG?"
MG: "I think it's Baby It's Cold Outside."
AMAI: "Thanks, I'll go with that! I love her dress. It's cuddly."
MG: "The dress fits the song well. It has a Mrs. Clause element to it, but sexy."
Len says he's always thought of Ian as Mr. Consistency, but tonight he thinks Ian took a bit of a dip. Len calls their dancing too "skippy" and "hoppy." Bruno agrees, adding, "It was all in your face, but your body was like a jumping goat." Carrie Ann acknowledges the footwork was off, but what the couple did have was exuberance and charm.
Scores: 8, 7, 7 for a total of 22/30.
AMAI: "22 is no longer good enough."
MG: "No. That's a strong week one score."
AMAI: "The other weeks' scores don't matter, do they?"
MG: "I don't think so."
JOEY & KYM
Waltz and Mambo
Joey plans to pass everyone tonight. Kym says Joey has all the ingredients to win, such as the right attitude and being good at everything. He smirks into the camera and repeats the line about "good at everything," so she adds "modest and humble." Ha! He says he feels confident, not cocky. Rehearsal footage includes Kym riding Joey like a pony. They're feeling punchy, so they take a break and go to the Kentucky Derby, where Joey campaigns for votes like a politician.
MG: "I didn't know people really dressed like that for the Derby."
AMAI: "Isn't the Derby in Kentucky? As in, they needed to take a plane to get there? Seems a waste of much-needed rehearsal time to me. Is it written into the show's contract that each week someone has to take an airplane ride?"
Joey says he knows Len hates razzle-dazzle, so the plan is to execute a straight-up waltz. There is more joking around in rehearsal but I think it's getting late in the season for rehearsal footage to sell the contestants to us. That was worthwhile early on, when we didn't know either the star or the dancer or both, but now? Now is maybe even a good time to do away with the "rehearsal segment" and cut this show down by a half-hour.
For the performance, Joey wears a black tux and white shirt, and Kym is in a pink flouncy prom dress. Their look is rather Ken & Barbie. No, wait, it's like the figurines on a wedding cake have come to life. "I'll be Loving You Always" is the song. I'm rather bored watching them whirl around so I watch Kym's full petticoat skirt whirl out instead.
AMAI: "This dance was really dull."
MG: "Yes. It was the song, I think."
Bruno says it was "stripped down prim and proper." He likes the razzle dazzle and tells them to stick to what they do best. "It looked like a rehearsal. You could be in the final, but this is not good enough." Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno, calling it a "solid technical waltz" but lamenting the missing Joey specialness that she's come to expect from this couple's performances. At least Len sounds pleased: "You didn't over-dance, and you showed a different side to your character. Not the wham bam thank you mam kind of dancing. It was lovely. Don't listen to these two!" Given that commentary, one would expect a 10 from Len, right?
Wrong. The scores are 9, 9, 8 for a total of 26/30. So the proof is there. They might not get a 10 from Len, but they're better off adding the razzle dazzle and taking Len's 9 than losing the possibility of earning 10s from Carrie Ann and Bruno.
AMAI: "I agree with the two judges."
MG: "But not Len?"
AMAI: "No. He's full of it. He demands they cut away the razzle dazzle, but when they do, and he still doesn't give a 10 even though his comments sound like he got what he wanted. So why bother trying to please only him?"
MG: "lol."
BILLY RAY & KARINA
Foxtrot and Rumba.
During rehearsal she hogties him at the knees in an effort to get him to experience having his legs together. He jokes, "You always make me feel special when you do that." There is more half-hearted practicing. Poor Karina looks like she is in pain trying to get Billy Ray to learn the steps.
For the Foxtrot, Karina wears a simple pale pink gown, Billy Ray is in a dark suit. The song, laughably, is "Stand By Your Man." I can't help but recall the Blues Brothers' version. I've either forgotten the lesson for this dance (i.e., its signature points), or nobody ever told us it was supposed to feature leg kicks. For them, it's pretty good. It feels like we have to measure Billy Ray on a different scale.
AMAI: "This is as good as Billy Ray gets. There were actually some nice moments in there."
MG: "Despite the overly-forceful leading, it was pretty good for Billy Ray. 1. Billy Ray 2. Ian."
AMAI: "lol."
MG: "Oh I forgot Joey. Where to put him?"
AMAI: 1. Billy Ray 2. Joey 3. Ian."
MG: "I think so, actually."
Carrie Ann begins by marveling at the fact that Billy Ray is still here. She gives props for the improvement since week 1, when you may recall visible counting the steps on fingers! Len commends them for having the most dancing content of any dance he's seen them do so far. But with that said, "All the right steps but at the wrong time." HA! Still, "Entertaining. Good show." Bruno's babble may be summed up in two of his words, "Deliciously awful."
Scores: 7, 6, 5 for a dismal 18/30. Billy Ray is truly finished, I think. Only a miracle of voting might save him but I know the judges are ready for him to leave. I think he's had enough too. I had the impression he was hoping to be eliminated last week.
MG: "lol Bruno just said it was crap."
AMAI: "The judges used to give overly high scores to Clompy. Why couldn't one of them give him that 8?"
MG: "Because they are tired of him. They were trying to prop Heather up."
AMAI: "ROFL."
MG: "I can't believe I am defending Billy Ray so much."
LAILA & MAKS
Waltz and Jive.
Laila explains it's a special night because her mom and dad are here. It's always an occasion when Mohammed Ali makes an appearance, even though he looks like he's incapable of understanding what is going on around him. Mr. AMAI tells me that his mind is fine, he's just got the shakes. Laila talks about her dad being proud of her, and how much she is proud of both her parents. She signs off, "Daddy, we choreographed this song for you."
To begin, she's laying on the steps of the little stage, her head on a lovely pillow surrounded by roses. Sleeping Beauty. Maks comes towards her and awakens her. She's in a gorgeous sleeveless red dress accessorized with elbow-high red gloves. They whirl around and when they near her father, she blows a slow kiss to him. It's a little cheesy but also kind of cool. They whirl and twirl some more, and when the dance is done Maks escorts Laila back to her pillow. I thought it was quite lovely. Ali is watching with an unreadable (for me) expression on his face.
Len calls it "poignant, elegant, classy." He takes issue again with the posture. But, other than that, "Brilliant."
Bruno: "For me now we are in business." He calls her the lady in red with a look of love. However, he also tells her to watch the posture.
Carrie Ann seems to disagree with both men judges because she doesn't discuss posture. Instead she says, "What you brought to the dance is emotion. That is most important for me anyway. It was true and very profound."
MG: "I love Laila's hair straight."
AMAI: "I can't even remember what her hair looked like before. That was pretty good for such a quiet dance. She is very striking in red."
MG: "Yes, and I love her speaking voice. 1. Laila. 2. Billy Ray. 3. Joey. 4. Ian."
AMAI: "Agreed."
Judges' Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27/30.
Mr. AMAI: "This guy in the blue shirt [Ian] is gonna drag his parents out now."
APOLO & JULIANNE
Tango and Paso Doble
Julianne says Len's comments sucked, but Apolo says the hard words galvanized them to do better. Apolo has no doubt they will be in the finals. They focus on training and developing fabulous routines that will be mind-blowing.
For the Tango, he wears a black tux with a red shirt; she is in a black sparkly backless dress. They come from separate corners and meet in the middle as Jessie's Girl starts up. The movements are stark.
QualityBobby: "Okay, I'm watching. Just for you!"
AMAI: "Hi, QB! Thanks. Apolo & Julianne's Tango is HOT!"
QB: "They are killing Jesse's Girl. Ugh. I loved that song."
MG: "Like the song was any good to begin with."
AMAI: "The band does its best to sing what they're asked to, but that's not the real focus here."
I have the impression that Apolo is playing a role of the stoic, who is actually dancing with the girl in the song, in that she is the woman he loves whom he cannot have because she belongs to another. Either that, or he's concentrating on executing the steps and keeping posture and all the other bits of business. It's very fast-paced, especially given it's a Tango, but it's the most exciting of the ballroom dances so far tonight, perhaps even all season!
AMAI: "OMG - that dance was great!"
QB: "The singing was brutal."
MG: "It's part of the appeal. Actually, it usually is brutal on this show, QB. We are used to it."
AMAI: "Inured is the word."
QB: "Must make the dancing look better by comparison."
MG: "No, better music would make the dancing better."
Bruno: "Electric, dynamic, inventive choreography. Finally I am excited." That's a 10 from him.
Carrie Ann: "Tonight you were fantastic. Completely in sync." She tries to say that in other weeks Apolo has had trouble with either the upper or lower half of his body but tonight..." the crowd booing has to be hushed, so she can explain that this week he didn't have that problem; everything was fabulous.
Len begins, "It lacked passion, drama..."
Tom Bergeron comes over and bops Len with his papers. Bruno exclaims, "You're losing your marbles." The crowd boos loudly and long.
Len is not swayed: "It was far too hectic. A cacophony of noise. The tango is a passionate slow dance."
Tom says to the couple, "Keep it in context, we are well past his bedtime." Haha. Finally Tom earns some kudos from me for his hosting on this show. How many weeks has it taken?
AMAI: "Lacked drama? OMG. Len is missing the point of the dance AND the song they chose."
MG: "A cacophony of noise lol."
AMAI: "Len is just loopy with these comments."
MG: "Len is so dramatic."
AMAI: "I lost respect for him and his demand that the dance be Pure when he didn't give a 10 to someone who gave him what he said he wanted."
MG: "Yeah I don't care about purity."
Scores: 9 (or was that 10?), 8, 10: 27/30
There is a bit of a mix-up. Carrie-Ann held up a 10, she said, "10," but her computer recorded a 9. The confusion is soon sorted and the scores righted to 10, 8, 10 for a total of 28/30.
MG: "1. Apolo. 2. Laila. 3. Billy Ray. 4. Joey. 5. Ian."
AMAI: "Agreed!"
MG: "I think he's going to win."
AMAI: "I think so too. IF they can keep this up."
MG: "Even his videos beforehand say a lot."
Break.
QB: "I like Apolo and Julianne. I want him or Laila to win. He would be my choice."
MG: "Apolo and Joey are great. But Laila!! <3. It's time for a female winner."
AMAI: "Perhaps, but she & Maks need to step it up. I like Apolo and Laila, but for me, it's whoever brings the best dancing. Apolo looked like a winner tonight, more so than either of Joey or Laila."
QB: "I don't like Joey Fat One."
MG: "I'll tell you who I really don't like: the hosts on this show."
QB: "Me either. The announcer's voice with the dumb accent on this show annoys me. I want to punch that announcer right in his mush mouth."
MG: "Accent?"
QB: "He enunciates oddly."
MG: "Very game show host."
AMAI: "Funnily enough, Tom Bergeron hosts America's Funniest Videos or something. I like him more than the host of that other Home Videos show. I put up with Tom and Samantha. They're not the main focus for me."
QB: "And the little sawed off suck ass judge who screams "TEN! needs to be slapped too."
MG: "Bruno? I like him! He's so animated."
AMAI: "I like him too. He's fabulous with his crazy French analogies. But I have to say Tom is winning me over tonight with his comments. Bruno is OTT, over the top."
QB: "Little fucker."
MG: "Oh Bruno can be mean, QB."
AMAI: "Yes, he can be. When he doesn't like something, you know it."
QB: "That's good. At least he can change it up."
AMAI: "Len needs to be segregated for his own safety. I see what he's saying, but ballroom dancing is dull."
QB: "I have to walk the dog. Be right back."
MG: "Sigh. No John tonight. I think we have a pretty predictable two weeks ahead of us. Billy Ray this week, Ian next week, then a final 3 free-for-all."
AMAI: "Yes. I would be shocked if Billy Ray stayed ahead of any of the others."
LATIN ROUND
IAN & CHERYL
He's in blue top and black pants, she's in a blue sparkly dress with the midriff cut out. They're dancing to John Lennon's Imagine. It looks clumsy and wooden to me.
Mr. AMAI: "He's phony, because he was raised in captivity and as a child his parents dragged him to those auditions. He was always told how to act and he had to act a certain way. He never had the opportunity to grow as a human being. It's almost like a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde thing going on."
AMAI: "Song doesn't go at all with this dance."
MG: "No, but it was ok. It didn't suck for once."
AMAI: "I thought it was worse than the other dance they did."
MG: "Really? I liked this better. His hips were ok. I will be paying attention to hips tonight."
AMAI: "I didn't want to look at his hips. It felt clumsy to me."
Carrie Ann: "You were trying to do the passion. But it wasn't generating from any place of authenticity."
Len: "Poses were good. Great hip action. But it lacked naturalness. Looked like you were thinking too much of what Cheryl taught you."
Bruno: "I thought you were in business. A great improvement from the knock you took last week."
Scores: 8, 8, 9. Total 25/30.
AMAI: "Oh, we should do a separate rating scale, then add them together."
MG: "Ok. 1. Ian"
AMAI: "Lol. Ian, enjoy your one-spot while it lasts. I think he's mean."
MG: "Mean? 'Splain yourself."
AMAI: "Under the veneer of semi-respectability, he looks like he wouldn't hesitate to be mean."
MG: "Yeah he kind of looks like a punk."
AMAI: "Something in his face looks like he would be mean just to be mean, not because he needed to deliver honest truth."
MG: "Wow."
AMAI: "I was watching him as he listened to the comments. I don't think he has a real connection with anyone, except maybe his own reflection."
MG: "Yeah, he's gross."
AMAI: "Ooooo. Yay! You agree."
JOEY & KYM
Mambo
He's in black, she's in champagne. It's back to the tricks as he flips his hat from his foot to his head albeit awkwardly. Kym's dress features a hot pink petticoat that peeks out as she moves. The song is weird. They're moving but it clashes with the music and is unpleasant to watch. Not one of their best performances at all.
Len: "Clever underarm turns. But you seemed to spend a lot of time between each other's legs."
Bruno: "You pimped the mambo and I liked it! You're good at giving people a good time. And Kym too."
Carrie Ann: "You're so at ease on the dance floor. I appreciate you've stepped it up and you're bringing it."
Scores: 10, 9, 10: 29/30.
MG: "That was too much, in my opinion."
AMAI: "I did not like it."
MG: "It wasn't sexy at all and there should be some sexiness to that dance."
AMAI: "Absolutely. It was slutty."
MG: "It looked like N'Synch choreography. Like he should've been dancing with 4 other guys."
AMAI: "Ha! N'Sync on pep pills. Still, they got two 10s. The moves might have worked had they fit the song."
MG: "Better than Ian, tho. 1. Joey. 2. Ian."
BILLY RAY & KARINA
Mambo
For their Mambo, he's in all black and she is in a hot pink skirt and bikini top. The second time I watch I realize he is doing quite a few steps. Okay, he's not Apolo class, and I'm not even sure if the footwork can technically be called a Mambo but, like we said earlier, there is a charm to Billy Ray.
Mr. AMAI: "He has no grace at all."
AMAI: "He's kind of like the groom at his own wedding. By which I mean, he's dancing like a drunk man. Is it me or is Billy Ray drunk?"
MG: "Sloppy but still an improvement from earlier weeks. I'm happy. If he had to outlast my John, I'd rather he be actually trying."
Once the dance is over, Billy Ray takes a moment to shake Mohammed Ali's hand and make some "shadow boxer" movements. Poor Mohammed looks like he hasn't the faintest idea what Billy Ray is doing.
Bruno: "You're like a wild beast who cannot be tamed. If you remain in the competition, your partner will be in the Betty Ford."
Carrie Ann: "Your ballroom was better, but you make people think that they can do this too."
Len: "You always are entertaining. However, this isn't a competition where you do one and get one free."
Scores: 6, 7, 7. Oh well, no 8s for Billy Ray. 20/30 for this dance.
AMAI: "Yes. He is entertaining. I'm surprised that nobody gave him an 8."
MG: "1. Billy Ray 2. Joey 3. Ian"
AMAI: "Agreed. The judges gave them a total of 38 out of 60. I mean, it's shit, right?"
MG: "Yes, that's awful."
AMAI: "It was a bit sloppy but I think they gave Ian too high of a score."
MG: "I agree. Those two need a shake up."
LAILA & MAKS
Jive.
He's in a white suit with a black shirt; she's in a sparkly black dress with a red belt and a red flower in her hair and thin red hoop earrings. The song is Leroy Brown. The routine has overtones of Wise Guy and his Moll. It is very cute and well executed!
Carrie Ann: "Clever, funky, great footwork. Watch your arms on turns."
Len: "Laila is great, but I have an issue with Maks and the content. You spent 12 bars waving a hanky! No more laying on pillows, enough with the flouncing. More content!"
Bruno: "I agree with Len. Why give appetizer when you can deliver a great dish?"
Len: "It's not like Laila is a bad dancer. This girl can really dance, you don't have to cover it up."
Scores: 9, 8, 9: 26/30 for the Jive. Total of 53/60 for the night.
MG: "We're at the stage of the competition where the dancers are getting critiqued along with the 'stars.'"
AMAI: "Oh yes. Excellent point. If the choreography is sub-par, it's usually the pros' fault. Laila is so cute in her after-dance interview, "We still want the 10s too, I don't know what he's talking about."
MG: "Lol."
AMAI: "Still, she goes into the number 1 spot for the moment."
APOLO & JULIANNE
Paso Doble.
Apolo whips the black skirt lined in yellow/orange from Julianne's body and waves it around like a cape for a moment. Then he replaces it on her body so they may begin the dance proper. The movements are strong and sure. It's the best Paso Doble I've seen this season, I think. There is one point at which he executes a Russian-like move, making his way up the dance floor on bent knees. She runs up, almost like a bull, and does the splits, landing beside him. He hauls her up and they continue. At another point he seems to fling her to the ground and she spins around. It's just an amazing performance with lots of exciting and dramatic moves. I could watch it again easily. I hope they get the Encore this week for this one.
AMAI: "It sounds like a Russian song."
MG: "I was just gonna say the dance had a Russian feel. That knee thing Apolo did…"
AMAI: "Marvelous blend of Spanish & Russian elements. Definitely #1. They worked hard and it shows!"
Len: "Passion, drama, everything. That is a proper dance."
Bruno: "You're a champion looking at the finish line and going for the kill."
Carrie Ann: "I had chills the whole time. You're in it to win it." Oh boy, that sounds like a perfect score. Sure enough, the scores are 10, 10, 10 for the only 30/30 of the night.
Apolo & Julianne threw down the gauntlet tonight with these performances. They jumped out of the "pack of three" with aggressive and powerful dancing and innovative bits of business that grabbed and held one's attention. They went from The Cute Couple to The Couple To Beat.
Our Ratings were the same for both rounds: "1. Apolo. 2. Laila. 3. Billy Ray. 4. Joey. 5. Ian." AMAI + MG: "Wooowww!"
MG: "If Ian goes home tomorrow I will jump up and down."
AMAI: "Me too. Billy Ray is more fun to watch than Ian."
MG: "Absolutely. His energy compensates."
AMAI: "Is that too much to hope for? Maybe the judges' low scores will have caused Billy Ray's fans to vote more than usual. I guess it's unlikely to happen."
MG: "No, I think it's very possible. The demographics for this show would support Billy Ray over Ian."
AMAI: "I would love it. Cheryl has a look of entitlement because she's won before. I've never warmed up to her. Oh my god, remember when?"
MG: "When we hated him? Yes, I recall. That's why earlier I said I couldn't believe I was defending him."
AMAI: "Did I hate him too? Maybe, in week 1 or something. But he's got a charm. Cowboy charm."
MG: "Yes, he does. He has charisma. I think I was biased against Billy Ray because I saw him as John's competition."
AMAI: "Billy Ray seems to be in his skin, whereas Ian does not. It's like Ian is operating himself from a remote control panel. Putting all the right facial expressions on, but not feeling it."
MG: "Ian does seem forced and Billy Ray seems real."
AMAI: "Amazing how far we have come in the competition. Having Billy Ray outlast Ian would be the shock upset this competition needs lol."
Thanks for reading. See you next week for Semi-Finals.
***
SirLinksALot Dancing With The Stars links have more recaps and articles about Season 4 of this show.
Showman: Joey
Fighter: Laila
Perfectionist: Ian
Olympian: Apolo
Crazy Bear: Billy Ray
Did he do this on previous weeks? Is further comment really even needed here? LOL. The Semi-Finals, a fancy term for "four couples left," are next week, with The Finals the following week, when there will remain only three couples to battle for the Crown and the Mirror Ball.
While Tom Bergeron voices-over their names, the five couples head onto the dance floor dressed in their ballroom dancing finery. As always, the dresses look absolutely gorgeous. Samantha is wearing a black sheath, her pregnant tummy just starting to be somewhat noticeable.
Once again there will be Ballroom round followed by a Latin round. Both will be judged by the judges Len, Carrie Ann and Bruno for a total of 60 possible points.
BALLROOM ROUND
IAN & CHERYL.
Foxtrot for Ballroom and Rumba for Latin.
Like last week, there is only the one "rehearsal segment" for each couple, during which we're given the names of both dances they will perform. During rehearsal Ian produces a cake for Cheryl's birthday. Aww, it even has a 10 on it, which is kind of cute if unrealistic. If I liked this couple more I would root for them to get a 10, but I've never warmed up to her and he seems mean. They eat a little of the cake but before too long Ian has smashed the main part of the cake into Cheryl's chest. Hey, how about offering a piece to the camera crew first?
Ian diaries he's glad they're doing a Rumba now, rather than earlier in the competition when they were still feeling their way in their dancing relationship. Now he reckons he & Cheryl are comfortable together. We will see.
For the Foxtrot, her dress is long and white, with a bias-cut hem that whirls and twirls attractively. White faux fur at the cuffs and around the hem add a delightful touch. The dancing is pleasant. Near the end they execute something that looks like can-can steps. Eh? Is that a normal foxtrot maneuver? In the audience, Marilu Henner (thank you, MG!) applauds like a mad fool.
AMAI: "They look like they're having fun, and they have nice synchronicity. Do you know the song, MG?"
MG: "I think it's Baby It's Cold Outside."
AMAI: "Thanks, I'll go with that! I love her dress. It's cuddly."
MG: "The dress fits the song well. It has a Mrs. Clause element to it, but sexy."
Len says he's always thought of Ian as Mr. Consistency, but tonight he thinks Ian took a bit of a dip. Len calls their dancing too "skippy" and "hoppy." Bruno agrees, adding, "It was all in your face, but your body was like a jumping goat." Carrie Ann acknowledges the footwork was off, but what the couple did have was exuberance and charm.
Scores: 8, 7, 7 for a total of 22/30.
AMAI: "22 is no longer good enough."
MG: "No. That's a strong week one score."
AMAI: "The other weeks' scores don't matter, do they?"
MG: "I don't think so."
JOEY & KYM
Waltz and Mambo
Joey plans to pass everyone tonight. Kym says Joey has all the ingredients to win, such as the right attitude and being good at everything. He smirks into the camera and repeats the line about "good at everything," so she adds "modest and humble." Ha! He says he feels confident, not cocky. Rehearsal footage includes Kym riding Joey like a pony. They're feeling punchy, so they take a break and go to the Kentucky Derby, where Joey campaigns for votes like a politician.
MG: "I didn't know people really dressed like that for the Derby."
AMAI: "Isn't the Derby in Kentucky? As in, they needed to take a plane to get there? Seems a waste of much-needed rehearsal time to me. Is it written into the show's contract that each week someone has to take an airplane ride?"
Joey says he knows Len hates razzle-dazzle, so the plan is to execute a straight-up waltz. There is more joking around in rehearsal but I think it's getting late in the season for rehearsal footage to sell the contestants to us. That was worthwhile early on, when we didn't know either the star or the dancer or both, but now? Now is maybe even a good time to do away with the "rehearsal segment" and cut this show down by a half-hour.
For the performance, Joey wears a black tux and white shirt, and Kym is in a pink flouncy prom dress. Their look is rather Ken & Barbie. No, wait, it's like the figurines on a wedding cake have come to life. "I'll be Loving You Always" is the song. I'm rather bored watching them whirl around so I watch Kym's full petticoat skirt whirl out instead.
AMAI: "This dance was really dull."
MG: "Yes. It was the song, I think."
Bruno says it was "stripped down prim and proper." He likes the razzle dazzle and tells them to stick to what they do best. "It looked like a rehearsal. You could be in the final, but this is not good enough." Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno, calling it a "solid technical waltz" but lamenting the missing Joey specialness that she's come to expect from this couple's performances. At least Len sounds pleased: "You didn't over-dance, and you showed a different side to your character. Not the wham bam thank you mam kind of dancing. It was lovely. Don't listen to these two!" Given that commentary, one would expect a 10 from Len, right?
Wrong. The scores are 9, 9, 8 for a total of 26/30. So the proof is there. They might not get a 10 from Len, but they're better off adding the razzle dazzle and taking Len's 9 than losing the possibility of earning 10s from Carrie Ann and Bruno.
AMAI: "I agree with the two judges."
MG: "But not Len?"
AMAI: "No. He's full of it. He demands they cut away the razzle dazzle, but when they do, and he still doesn't give a 10 even though his comments sound like he got what he wanted. So why bother trying to please only him?"
MG: "lol."
BILLY RAY & KARINA
Foxtrot and Rumba.
During rehearsal she hogties him at the knees in an effort to get him to experience having his legs together. He jokes, "You always make me feel special when you do that." There is more half-hearted practicing. Poor Karina looks like she is in pain trying to get Billy Ray to learn the steps.
For the Foxtrot, Karina wears a simple pale pink gown, Billy Ray is in a dark suit. The song, laughably, is "Stand By Your Man." I can't help but recall the Blues Brothers' version. I've either forgotten the lesson for this dance (i.e., its signature points), or nobody ever told us it was supposed to feature leg kicks. For them, it's pretty good. It feels like we have to measure Billy Ray on a different scale.
AMAI: "This is as good as Billy Ray gets. There were actually some nice moments in there."
MG: "Despite the overly-forceful leading, it was pretty good for Billy Ray. 1. Billy Ray 2. Ian."
AMAI: "lol."
MG: "Oh I forgot Joey. Where to put him?"
AMAI: 1. Billy Ray 2. Joey 3. Ian."
MG: "I think so, actually."
Carrie Ann begins by marveling at the fact that Billy Ray is still here. She gives props for the improvement since week 1, when you may recall visible counting the steps on fingers! Len commends them for having the most dancing content of any dance he's seen them do so far. But with that said, "All the right steps but at the wrong time." HA! Still, "Entertaining. Good show." Bruno's babble may be summed up in two of his words, "Deliciously awful."
Scores: 7, 6, 5 for a dismal 18/30. Billy Ray is truly finished, I think. Only a miracle of voting might save him but I know the judges are ready for him to leave. I think he's had enough too. I had the impression he was hoping to be eliminated last week.
MG: "lol Bruno just said it was crap."
AMAI: "The judges used to give overly high scores to Clompy. Why couldn't one of them give him that 8?"
MG: "Because they are tired of him. They were trying to prop Heather up."
AMAI: "ROFL."
MG: "I can't believe I am defending Billy Ray so much."
LAILA & MAKS
Waltz and Jive.
Laila explains it's a special night because her mom and dad are here. It's always an occasion when Mohammed Ali makes an appearance, even though he looks like he's incapable of understanding what is going on around him. Mr. AMAI tells me that his mind is fine, he's just got the shakes. Laila talks about her dad being proud of her, and how much she is proud of both her parents. She signs off, "Daddy, we choreographed this song for you."
To begin, she's laying on the steps of the little stage, her head on a lovely pillow surrounded by roses. Sleeping Beauty. Maks comes towards her and awakens her. She's in a gorgeous sleeveless red dress accessorized with elbow-high red gloves. They whirl around and when they near her father, she blows a slow kiss to him. It's a little cheesy but also kind of cool. They whirl and twirl some more, and when the dance is done Maks escorts Laila back to her pillow. I thought it was quite lovely. Ali is watching with an unreadable (for me) expression on his face.
Len calls it "poignant, elegant, classy." He takes issue again with the posture. But, other than that, "Brilliant."
Bruno: "For me now we are in business." He calls her the lady in red with a look of love. However, he also tells her to watch the posture.
Carrie Ann seems to disagree with both men judges because she doesn't discuss posture. Instead she says, "What you brought to the dance is emotion. That is most important for me anyway. It was true and very profound."
MG: "I love Laila's hair straight."
AMAI: "I can't even remember what her hair looked like before. That was pretty good for such a quiet dance. She is very striking in red."
MG: "Yes, and I love her speaking voice. 1. Laila. 2. Billy Ray. 3. Joey. 4. Ian."
AMAI: "Agreed."
Judges' Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27/30.
Mr. AMAI: "This guy in the blue shirt [Ian] is gonna drag his parents out now."
APOLO & JULIANNE
Tango and Paso Doble
Julianne says Len's comments sucked, but Apolo says the hard words galvanized them to do better. Apolo has no doubt they will be in the finals. They focus on training and developing fabulous routines that will be mind-blowing.
For the Tango, he wears a black tux with a red shirt; she is in a black sparkly backless dress. They come from separate corners and meet in the middle as Jessie's Girl starts up. The movements are stark.
QualityBobby: "Okay, I'm watching. Just for you!"
AMAI: "Hi, QB! Thanks. Apolo & Julianne's Tango is HOT!"
QB: "They are killing Jesse's Girl. Ugh. I loved that song."
MG: "Like the song was any good to begin with."
AMAI: "The band does its best to sing what they're asked to, but that's not the real focus here."
I have the impression that Apolo is playing a role of the stoic, who is actually dancing with the girl in the song, in that she is the woman he loves whom he cannot have because she belongs to another. Either that, or he's concentrating on executing the steps and keeping posture and all the other bits of business. It's very fast-paced, especially given it's a Tango, but it's the most exciting of the ballroom dances so far tonight, perhaps even all season!
AMAI: "OMG - that dance was great!"
QB: "The singing was brutal."
MG: "It's part of the appeal. Actually, it usually is brutal on this show, QB. We are used to it."
AMAI: "Inured is the word."
QB: "Must make the dancing look better by comparison."
MG: "No, better music would make the dancing better."
Bruno: "Electric, dynamic, inventive choreography. Finally I am excited." That's a 10 from him.
Carrie Ann: "Tonight you were fantastic. Completely in sync." She tries to say that in other weeks Apolo has had trouble with either the upper or lower half of his body but tonight..." the crowd booing has to be hushed, so she can explain that this week he didn't have that problem; everything was fabulous.
Len begins, "It lacked passion, drama..."
Tom Bergeron comes over and bops Len with his papers. Bruno exclaims, "You're losing your marbles." The crowd boos loudly and long.
Len is not swayed: "It was far too hectic. A cacophony of noise. The tango is a passionate slow dance."
Tom says to the couple, "Keep it in context, we are well past his bedtime." Haha. Finally Tom earns some kudos from me for his hosting on this show. How many weeks has it taken?
AMAI: "Lacked drama? OMG. Len is missing the point of the dance AND the song they chose."
MG: "A cacophony of noise lol."
AMAI: "Len is just loopy with these comments."
MG: "Len is so dramatic."
AMAI: "I lost respect for him and his demand that the dance be Pure when he didn't give a 10 to someone who gave him what he said he wanted."
MG: "Yeah I don't care about purity."
Scores: 9 (or was that 10?), 8, 10: 27/30
There is a bit of a mix-up. Carrie-Ann held up a 10, she said, "10," but her computer recorded a 9. The confusion is soon sorted and the scores righted to 10, 8, 10 for a total of 28/30.
MG: "1. Apolo. 2. Laila. 3. Billy Ray. 4. Joey. 5. Ian."
AMAI: "Agreed!"
MG: "I think he's going to win."
AMAI: "I think so too. IF they can keep this up."
MG: "Even his videos beforehand say a lot."
Break.
QB: "I like Apolo and Julianne. I want him or Laila to win. He would be my choice."
MG: "Apolo and Joey are great. But Laila!! <3. It's time for a female winner."
AMAI: "Perhaps, but she & Maks need to step it up. I like Apolo and Laila, but for me, it's whoever brings the best dancing. Apolo looked like a winner tonight, more so than either of Joey or Laila."
QB: "I don't like Joey Fat One."
MG: "I'll tell you who I really don't like: the hosts on this show."
QB: "Me either. The announcer's voice with the dumb accent on this show annoys me. I want to punch that announcer right in his mush mouth."
MG: "Accent?"
QB: "He enunciates oddly."
MG: "Very game show host."
AMAI: "Funnily enough, Tom Bergeron hosts America's Funniest Videos or something. I like him more than the host of that other Home Videos show. I put up with Tom and Samantha. They're not the main focus for me."
QB: "And the little sawed off suck ass judge who screams "TEN! needs to be slapped too."
MG: "Bruno? I like him! He's so animated."
AMAI: "I like him too. He's fabulous with his crazy French analogies. But I have to say Tom is winning me over tonight with his comments. Bruno is OTT, over the top."
QB: "Little fucker."
MG: "Oh Bruno can be mean, QB."
AMAI: "Yes, he can be. When he doesn't like something, you know it."
QB: "That's good. At least he can change it up."
AMAI: "Len needs to be segregated for his own safety. I see what he's saying, but ballroom dancing is dull."
QB: "I have to walk the dog. Be right back."
MG: "Sigh. No John tonight. I think we have a pretty predictable two weeks ahead of us. Billy Ray this week, Ian next week, then a final 3 free-for-all."
AMAI: "Yes. I would be shocked if Billy Ray stayed ahead of any of the others."
LATIN ROUND
IAN & CHERYL
He's in blue top and black pants, she's in a blue sparkly dress with the midriff cut out. They're dancing to John Lennon's Imagine. It looks clumsy and wooden to me.
Mr. AMAI: "He's phony, because he was raised in captivity and as a child his parents dragged him to those auditions. He was always told how to act and he had to act a certain way. He never had the opportunity to grow as a human being. It's almost like a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde thing going on."
AMAI: "Song doesn't go at all with this dance."
MG: "No, but it was ok. It didn't suck for once."
AMAI: "I thought it was worse than the other dance they did."
MG: "Really? I liked this better. His hips were ok. I will be paying attention to hips tonight."
AMAI: "I didn't want to look at his hips. It felt clumsy to me."
Carrie Ann: "You were trying to do the passion. But it wasn't generating from any place of authenticity."
Len: "Poses were good. Great hip action. But it lacked naturalness. Looked like you were thinking too much of what Cheryl taught you."
Bruno: "I thought you were in business. A great improvement from the knock you took last week."
Scores: 8, 8, 9. Total 25/30.
AMAI: "Oh, we should do a separate rating scale, then add them together."
MG: "Ok. 1. Ian"
AMAI: "Lol. Ian, enjoy your one-spot while it lasts. I think he's mean."
MG: "Mean? 'Splain yourself."
AMAI: "Under the veneer of semi-respectability, he looks like he wouldn't hesitate to be mean."
MG: "Yeah he kind of looks like a punk."
AMAI: "Something in his face looks like he would be mean just to be mean, not because he needed to deliver honest truth."
MG: "Wow."
AMAI: "I was watching him as he listened to the comments. I don't think he has a real connection with anyone, except maybe his own reflection."
MG: "Yeah, he's gross."
AMAI: "Ooooo. Yay! You agree."
JOEY & KYM
Mambo
He's in black, she's in champagne. It's back to the tricks as he flips his hat from his foot to his head albeit awkwardly. Kym's dress features a hot pink petticoat that peeks out as she moves. The song is weird. They're moving but it clashes with the music and is unpleasant to watch. Not one of their best performances at all.
Len: "Clever underarm turns. But you seemed to spend a lot of time between each other's legs."
Bruno: "You pimped the mambo and I liked it! You're good at giving people a good time. And Kym too."
Carrie Ann: "You're so at ease on the dance floor. I appreciate you've stepped it up and you're bringing it."
Scores: 10, 9, 10: 29/30.
MG: "That was too much, in my opinion."
AMAI: "I did not like it."
MG: "It wasn't sexy at all and there should be some sexiness to that dance."
AMAI: "Absolutely. It was slutty."
MG: "It looked like N'Synch choreography. Like he should've been dancing with 4 other guys."
AMAI: "Ha! N'Sync on pep pills. Still, they got two 10s. The moves might have worked had they fit the song."
MG: "Better than Ian, tho. 1. Joey. 2. Ian."
BILLY RAY & KARINA
Mambo
For their Mambo, he's in all black and she is in a hot pink skirt and bikini top. The second time I watch I realize he is doing quite a few steps. Okay, he's not Apolo class, and I'm not even sure if the footwork can technically be called a Mambo but, like we said earlier, there is a charm to Billy Ray.
Mr. AMAI: "He has no grace at all."
AMAI: "He's kind of like the groom at his own wedding. By which I mean, he's dancing like a drunk man. Is it me or is Billy Ray drunk?"
MG: "Sloppy but still an improvement from earlier weeks. I'm happy. If he had to outlast my John, I'd rather he be actually trying."
Once the dance is over, Billy Ray takes a moment to shake Mohammed Ali's hand and make some "shadow boxer" movements. Poor Mohammed looks like he hasn't the faintest idea what Billy Ray is doing.
Bruno: "You're like a wild beast who cannot be tamed. If you remain in the competition, your partner will be in the Betty Ford."
Carrie Ann: "Your ballroom was better, but you make people think that they can do this too."
Len: "You always are entertaining. However, this isn't a competition where you do one and get one free."
Scores: 6, 7, 7. Oh well, no 8s for Billy Ray. 20/30 for this dance.
AMAI: "Yes. He is entertaining. I'm surprised that nobody gave him an 8."
MG: "1. Billy Ray 2. Joey 3. Ian"
AMAI: "Agreed. The judges gave them a total of 38 out of 60. I mean, it's shit, right?"
MG: "Yes, that's awful."
AMAI: "It was a bit sloppy but I think they gave Ian too high of a score."
MG: "I agree. Those two need a shake up."
LAILA & MAKS
Jive.
He's in a white suit with a black shirt; she's in a sparkly black dress with a red belt and a red flower in her hair and thin red hoop earrings. The song is Leroy Brown. The routine has overtones of Wise Guy and his Moll. It is very cute and well executed!
Carrie Ann: "Clever, funky, great footwork. Watch your arms on turns."
Len: "Laila is great, but I have an issue with Maks and the content. You spent 12 bars waving a hanky! No more laying on pillows, enough with the flouncing. More content!"
Bruno: "I agree with Len. Why give appetizer when you can deliver a great dish?"
Len: "It's not like Laila is a bad dancer. This girl can really dance, you don't have to cover it up."
Scores: 9, 8, 9: 26/30 for the Jive. Total of 53/60 for the night.
MG: "We're at the stage of the competition where the dancers are getting critiqued along with the 'stars.'"
AMAI: "Oh yes. Excellent point. If the choreography is sub-par, it's usually the pros' fault. Laila is so cute in her after-dance interview, "We still want the 10s too, I don't know what he's talking about."
MG: "Lol."
AMAI: "Still, she goes into the number 1 spot for the moment."
APOLO & JULIANNE
Paso Doble.
Apolo whips the black skirt lined in yellow/orange from Julianne's body and waves it around like a cape for a moment. Then he replaces it on her body so they may begin the dance proper. The movements are strong and sure. It's the best Paso Doble I've seen this season, I think. There is one point at which he executes a Russian-like move, making his way up the dance floor on bent knees. She runs up, almost like a bull, and does the splits, landing beside him. He hauls her up and they continue. At another point he seems to fling her to the ground and she spins around. It's just an amazing performance with lots of exciting and dramatic moves. I could watch it again easily. I hope they get the Encore this week for this one.
AMAI: "It sounds like a Russian song."
MG: "I was just gonna say the dance had a Russian feel. That knee thing Apolo did…"
AMAI: "Marvelous blend of Spanish & Russian elements. Definitely #1. They worked hard and it shows!"
Len: "Passion, drama, everything. That is a proper dance."
Bruno: "You're a champion looking at the finish line and going for the kill."
Carrie Ann: "I had chills the whole time. You're in it to win it." Oh boy, that sounds like a perfect score. Sure enough, the scores are 10, 10, 10 for the only 30/30 of the night.
Apolo & Julianne threw down the gauntlet tonight with these performances. They jumped out of the "pack of three" with aggressive and powerful dancing and innovative bits of business that grabbed and held one's attention. They went from The Cute Couple to The Couple To Beat.
Our Ratings were the same for both rounds: "1. Apolo. 2. Laila. 3. Billy Ray. 4. Joey. 5. Ian." AMAI + MG: "Wooowww!"
MG: "If Ian goes home tomorrow I will jump up and down."
AMAI: "Me too. Billy Ray is more fun to watch than Ian."
MG: "Absolutely. His energy compensates."
AMAI: "Is that too much to hope for? Maybe the judges' low scores will have caused Billy Ray's fans to vote more than usual. I guess it's unlikely to happen."
MG: "No, I think it's very possible. The demographics for this show would support Billy Ray over Ian."
AMAI: "I would love it. Cheryl has a look of entitlement because she's won before. I've never warmed up to her. Oh my god, remember when?"
MG: "When we hated him? Yes, I recall. That's why earlier I said I couldn't believe I was defending him."
AMAI: "Did I hate him too? Maybe, in week 1 or something. But he's got a charm. Cowboy charm."
MG: "Yes, he does. He has charisma. I think I was biased against Billy Ray because I saw him as John's competition."
AMAI: "Billy Ray seems to be in his skin, whereas Ian does not. It's like Ian is operating himself from a remote control panel. Putting all the right facial expressions on, but not feeling it."
MG: "Ian does seem forced and Billy Ray seems real."
AMAI: "Amazing how far we have come in the competition. Having Billy Ray outlast Ian would be the shock upset this competition needs lol."
Thanks for reading. See you next week for Semi-Finals.
***
SirLinksALot Dancing With The Stars links have more recaps and articles about Season 4 of this show.
posted by AMAI at 5/08/2007 02:11:00 PM
1 Comments:
That was fun AMAI. I enjoy watching with you! Here's hoping for a big upset tonight!
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