With it’s biggest cast of 16, DWTS premiered this week with a huge amount of time on ABC.  2 hours on Monday – with a fabulous opening number by the male pros.  Monday the men danced – it was funny to see Tom Delay dance to “Wild Thing”.   Donny Osmond was awesome, though.  I’m hoping to see him stay.

I think the first few to go will be Chuck (a UFC fighter)  & Tom (politician) & Ashley (George Hamilton’s son).

Tuesday night, I think the biggest surprise was Kelli Osbourne.  She did  a beautiful job with partner Louis Van Amstel.

Wednesday night, results night, brought a tribute to Patrick Swayze.  Several of the pros danced routines to songs from Patrick’s movies, and it was quite touching.  He’ll be missed terribly.

Ashley Hamilton & Edyta Slywinska were eliminated.  Poor Jonathan Roberts  got an  early vacation again this season, as he was teamed with Macy Gray, who was eliminated as well.

It should be interesting to see how far Kelli will go.  She showed great promise in both ballroom and Latin dances, though, which is good!

What do you think?

Much like American Idol, the first few weeks of most any reality show is painful to watch as the weak are eliminated and the strong break away.  This is true for Dancing with the Stars as well.  Last week, David Alan Grier & Kym Johnson were eliminated.  This week, we said bye bye to the jackass, Steve-O & Lacey Schwimmer.  I think he came alot further than anyone would have ever imagined, and I think he really did try hard.

I have the feeling that the next to go will be Ty Murray.  It’s time. Seriously.

Over on AI, we were finally rewarded for our patience and Megan was sent back home to go back to screech at the cats or whatever it is she does.  Last week, Scott was sent packing, and we thank the voting public for that.   This week’s theme of movie songs was completely underwhelming, and the only real stand out was 16 year old Allison.  Although I’d like to see her win, I doubt that she will – not with the flash and glitz that is Adam.  Meh. Whatever.

I also started watching a new reality show on Discovery called “Out of the Wild:  The Alaska Experiment“.  If you haven’t heard of it, think of it like this.  If you’ve ever said “why don’t they send the Survivors to some place cold?” – there you go.    Nine people are dropped off deep in the heart of Central Alaska with only essential items in their backpacks and they must find their own food, etc.  Any time someone wants to quit, they can push a button on their GPS beacons and be rescued.  They have all taken a survival training class.

On this first episode, they spend 3 days looking for food – unsuccessfully.  They have fishing nets, line, and even fashion a mouse trap with a bucket of water and some wire.  However, they catch NOTHING.  They even have a hunting rifle – they catch/kill NOTHING.  Finally, one of the guys spies a mouse running through a field that they’re in and THROWS HIS SHOE at it and stuns it long enough for him to grab it.  Then he bonks it with a stick and kills it.  Another member volunteers to “field dress” is – which includes RIPPING IT’S HEAD OFF, skinning it, gutting it – and then COOKING IT.  There are 8 people in the camp at that point, and they each have a bite of roasted mouse.  When the 9th member of the party returns to camp, having been unsuccessful in shooting something, she becomes incensed at the fact that NO ONE SAVED HER ANY MOUSE!

Strangely enough, on the next day when they have to head out to their next check point, Ms. Mouseless decides she’s had enough, and pushes her button.  The 45 year old “body piercer/landlord” from Kentucky decided she’d rather leave now, instead of finding out 20 days from now that she can’t hack it.

So we’ll see where that goes.  It doesn’t really say on the website if there’s some sort of prize to be won, and they’re called volunteers – so they may just being doing this to see if they can.

Finally, one of my favorite shows, Deadliest Catch, began last night.  While it IS a reality show, there’s really no one in particular to root for, but that’s ok – as long as they all come home safely, all is good.

[polldaddy poll=1541242]

With just THREE days to go until the premiere of the 8th season of Dancing with the Stars, TWO of this season’s female dancers have withdrawn from the show due to injuries.  I’m sure this has left producers scrambling to fill their places, but imagine the pros!  They’ll have just a day or two to get their new stars up and running?  If they don’t dance on the first week’s show, will that automatically give them an advantage to getting to next week’s elimination? 

In any case, singer & songwriter Jewel (whose hubby, Ty, will also be competing) has dropped out due to fracturing BOTH tibias, and tv personality Nancy O’Dell has also dropped out because of problems with her legs.  Joining a lengthening list of side-lined celebs, I can only imagine what the rest of the season will bring.

We shall see!  Just 27 hours until tomorrow night’s 2 hour premiere!

Wow – I don’t think ABC could have found any more disturbing photographs of the Season 8 stars.  They are:

• Shawn Johnson – Olympic gymnast (youngest competitor on DWTS)
• Lil’ Kim- rapper/singer
• Steve-O – reality star(?)
• Nancy O’Dell – Access Hollywood alumni/tv anchor
• Lawrence Taylor – football player
• Chuck Wicks – country singer
• Gilles Marini – actor
• Denise Richards – caricature actress
• Steve Wozniak – Apple co-founder
• Belinda Carlisle – singer (apparently another victim of botox)
• David Alan Grier – actor
• Ty Murray – Rodeo athlete
• Jewel – singer

The new season begins March 9th. I can’t say that this list has me too excited, but we’ll see!  I’m disappointed that Donny Osmond isn’t on there.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ 2009 Premiere Set; Rumors About ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Cast All Over Internet
The ‘Dancing With the Stars’ lineup might now include Donny Osmond among its contestants in the 2009 Season.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1424669/dancing_with_the_stars_2009_premiere.html

I love Donny Osmond, so I’d love to see him on there.  In keeping with the unofficial theme that DWTS seems to have adopted, I wonder who the older celeb might be? How about the athlete (or 3)?  The model? 

In any case, I can’t wait for March 9th and the 2 hour premiere!  What a fun way to start my birthday week!

Sadly, we’re already to the season finale of Dancing with the Stars! The dancers that have survived – Lance Bass, Warren Sapp & Brooke Burke – in a complete time-filler segment, were shown doing their best ballroom and Latin dances. 

Then the 3 couples shared the dance floor for the samba. 

They then each did their own freestyle dances, and unsurprisingly, Brooke & Derek BLEW THE DOORS OFF that place, and were rewarded with 3 10’s. 

Warren & Kym did a fun rumba-esque type of dance.  Lance & Lacey did a hip-hop thing that, while cute, just wasn’t a 10 performance.  Both Warren & Kym and Lance & Lacey tied with 26. 

Then tonight, we were treated to almost the full cast dancing 1 of their dances.  Misty & Toni didn’t dance, due to surgeries, but everyone else did – and it was still obvious for most of them as to why they were not still around  

Warren & Kym did the hustle tonight and it just didn’t seem to be worthy of a FINALE.

Lance & Lacey did the jive again tonight and it was full of energy and personality.  9-9-10

Finally, Brooke & Derek took the floor and recreated their Viennese Waltz that they’d done so beautifully before and were excellent once again. They simply glideTheir dance brought tears to Carrie Ann’s and Brooke’s husband’s eyes.  It was so emotional. It was perfect, and they scored another perfect score – 30.

With a total combined score for the 3 dances of 88 out of a possible 90, at this point, I’m feeling like it’s pretty obvious who will win.

After the commercial break, Lance & Lacey were eliminated…. which really was surprising to me because I just felt like they deserved further than Warren & Kym.

FINALLY, after suffering through a Milie Cyrus performance, it was finally time to announce the winner. 

Brooke

& Derek!!!

Really, not surprisingly, and most definitely DESERVING!

Woohoo – final three!  Cody Linley & Julianne Hough were voted off this week, resulting in the final 3 being:

• Brooke Burke & Derek Hough
• Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson
• Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer (not bad for a freshman dancer!)

So once again, I will re-state my guess that Brooke & Derek will win, and deservedly so!

But wow, what a great run for Warren & Kym!  She’s an incredible dancer and choreographer and deserved a GOOD partner finally!

By the way, what an awesome results night. With so many entertainers, Julianne finally got to sing AND dance, and was wonderful.

Oh man – my internet connection sucks big time tonight, with so much lag! I had to rewind and rewatch the first performance because I thought the errors were because of the lag and skipping … but nope

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough danced a jive for their first dance tonight, and they had so many problems, it was just sad!   They only scored a 7-7-7 for their first dance, which is their worst score all SEASON!  Brooke’s posture was off, she was too stiff, and just wasn’t on her a-game tonight. At all. I was saddened by this because I really think they deserve to win the Disco ball trophy!  Carrie Ann even went so far as to criticize them for doing an illegal lift flagrantly, and told them it was an insult.

Cody Linley & Julianne Hough were next and due to do the Paso doble’ – it looked like a teenaged boy’s dream. Gorgeous blonde drill sergeant, poor, innocent g.i.  It was so harsh, there really didn’t seem to be much content … the judges felt the same way and skewered them as well. 8-7-7!

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson did the mambo.  (It’s amazing to see the weight that Warren’s lost, btw!)  I think they did a really good job -  Warren didn’t look nearly as nervous as he has in week’s past and actually appeared to be having fun again.  The judges wanted more advanced moves and less flat-footedness.  They scored  8-8-8.

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer did the mambo for their first dance.  and really brought it this week.  Lance finally got to MOVING.  He untied those feed and kept up with Lacey.  It was good to see, although it got me worried about my favorites (Brooke & Derek)!  The judges were extremely complimentary (surprisingly) and scored them 10 – 9 – 10!  By FAR, their highest marks of the season.

Midway through, Len Goodman had this whole dream sequence of dancing with the pro women – and this led into his “Master Dance Class”.   First up was Lance, and Len showed up barefooted LOL  He worked on Lance’s pigeon toes.  Then he went to work with Cody.  He worked with him and his hips.  With Brooke, he worked with her straightening her legs out.  For Warren, he worked on his feet action.

For the second set of dances, they were to do the new dances that were introduced this season – the Salsa, the Jitterbug,

Brooke & Derek did the Salsa.  Brooke was still keeping her legs bent (in my opinion) and it just really takes away from the dance.  As for the dance – there was more content – more advanced.  Bruno called her a diva bitch (in a good way) lol.  (Obviously, my opinions weren’t shared LOL) They scored 9-10-9 (LEN actually gave them a 10. Amazing!)

Cody & Julianne also did the Salsa and although it was fun to watch, Cody still doesn’t move his hips like he should be.  Julianne, though, is amazing to watch under any circumstances, but this soon after having surgery? Wow. They scored 8-8-8.

Before the next set of dances, they brought out professionals to show how the Jitterbug is supposed to look – and it was crazy fast.  CRAZY!

Warren & Kym did the Jitterbug.  While it was entertaining, to me it just looked like he was jumping around a lot but without any real direction or reason.  The judges, though – were happy. LOL  Shows I was off my game tonight. Oh well lol.  They scored 9-8-8.

Lance & Lacey also did the Jitterbug.  Lance, complete in sailor suit, and about a third of a way through, lost one of his shoes LOL  They continued on and did a pretty nice job –full of energy.  The judges really enjoyed it as well and the scores reflected it: 10- 9-10.

Tonight was a tough one to try and figure out who will go this week.  Brooke & Derek, who had been so strong all season, floundered – and Lance & Lacey, who had floundered all season, finished strong.  I’d ahte to see Brooke & Derek leave this far into the competition.  I’m hoping it’ll be Cody & Julianne, as much as I like Julianne.  Cody just doesn’t *have* it!

What will you be watching once DWTS goes off for the season?  I’m thinking of checking out The Bachelor for the very first time in January – we’ll see, I guess.

So – who do you think goes this week?

[polldaddy poll=1117125]

With just 6 couples left in the competition going into this week’s dances, I think the competitors are finally getting the idea that they’re getting close to the end. I would have thought, though, that with that looming, they’d have stepped up to the plate more than they did.

Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson danced the Foxtrot.  You could tell that Warren did not have his head into this dance.  He looked uneasy, and didn’t look like he was having much fun at all.   The judges picked up on that as well.  They scored 7-7-7.

Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani danced the Paso Doble’ and to me, it seemed  as thought they were still trying to be gentle with her leg or ankles or something – but she certainly didn’t dance with the kind of passion that I’ve seen others dance that dance to.  I was disappointed, as if she’s gotten this far, she should be better by now.   But she’s just not. Yes, I know she’s 62, but still.  I don’t see how she’s still here.  The judges, though? LOVED it.   They scored 8-8-8.

Maurice Green & Cheryl Burke danced the Cha-cha-cha.   They did pretty well – although Maurice still doesn’t extend like he should – but I think that has to do with their lack of communication and chemistry.   In the beginning interviews, he showed a lot of anxiety for this week, but they did pretty well anyway.  The judges thought so too.  They scored 8-9-8.   (Len actually gave them a 9 – was surprising)

Cody Lindley and Edyta Slywinska danced the Viennese Waltz, as Julianne is still recovering from her surgery.  They danced pretty well together, although I think the choreography could have really used some work.   They scored 8-7-7.

Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer danced a rather unconventional rumba barefoot.  I really liked it – although it was a little repetitive, it was good. They DO have a lot of chemistry together, and it shows on the dance floor.  Carrie Ann & Bruno loved it – Len, not so much (not surprisingly).  They scored 9-7-9.

Brooke Burke & Derek Hough danced the foxtrot too,  and it was truly elegant.  They’re so good together, and of course, Derek’s choreography is always so good (must run in the family).  Brooke needs to give Susan lessons on moving.   They got the season’s first perfect score – 30!  They truly deserved it, too.

So then, after everyone was done with their individual dances, they teamed up to do a team dance.  3 couples did a team cha-cha-cha and 3 couples did the paso doble.

Team Cha-Cha-Cha consisted of Susan/Tony, Cody/Edyta & Lance/Lacey.  Of the 3, Susan/Tony were definitely the weak links.  Theirs was stiff and uncoordinated.  Lance/Lacey and Cody/Edyta were good – MUCH better than Susan/Tony.  As a group dance, they all would get the score added to their individual scores.

Carrie Ann, specifically, was very disappointed – told them their unison was gruesome to watch.  They scored a total of 6-7-7.  So they each got 20 added to their other scores.

Team Paso consisted of Warren/Kym, Brooke/Derek & Maurice/Cheryl and was 1000% better than Team Cha-Cha-Cha.  They all were excellent, and their score reflected it.  10-9-10.  So they got 29 added to their other scores.  It was well deserved

For the elimination night’s show, they had Lionel Richie sing, as well as a rather odd dance performance turned magic show.   When they finally got to the elimination, it was obvious that Brooke & Derek would be safe.  I was kind of surprised to see Maurice & Cheryl were also safe early.  Then the last of Team Paso was safe, and it came down to Team Cha-Cha.  Truly, not surprisingly, Susan & Tony were (finally – mercifully) eliminated.  I think she did fantastic to make it 7weeks, especially with her very busy schedule.  She’s a beautiful woman, in wonderful shape – and was so grateful.  It was a very classy exit.

Next week, I’m expecting Maurice & Cheryl to hit the bottom 2.   I see Brooke & Derek, Warren & Kym and Cody & Edyta/Julianne as the final 3!

Who do you think?

[polldaddy poll=1083225]

This week, Len Goodman was absent and Michael Flatley, better known as Lord of the Dance, filled in for him.

Maurice & Cheryl danced the Vienese Waltz this week – and while this is typically one of my favorite dancers, when the dancers have absolutely ZERO chemistry, it just doesn’t translate.   These two just don’t work well together. I think he doesn’t respond well to her criticisms – and of course, the editors show a LOT of Cheryl’s bitchiness, but it shows that they don’t really connect.  Carrie Ann said as such.   Of course, Cheryl’s been having alot of talk about her and her weight gain (which she says was 5 lbs) – and I think that pressure is getting to her – she just doesn’t LOOK happy.

Ok, enough of that rant.  They scored 21.

Lance & Lacey danced the Jive this week, which was fun.  They DO have chemistry so that helps.  The dancing, that was pretty good.   During their behind-the-scenes interviews, they showed Joey Fatone (ex-bandmate from N’Sync and former DWTS semi-finalist) and Chris Fitzpatrick (also from N’Sync) come in and Joey tried to help him get his confidence back.  They scored 27, which is their highest score ever.  I do believe that if Len had been there, though, it would have been lower.

Susan & Tony danced the mambo. I like Susan Lucci but this woman simply doesn’t *HAVE* it.   She simply cannot move her hips.  She can’t move her legs fast.  No amount of fringe, glitter or hairspray is going to help.   She did pretty good, but if you pay attention to the details, like extended arms, legs, and expression, nah – it just doesn’t translate.  Carrie Ann loved it. Bruno brought up the fact that their timing was off several times.  Michael just drooled LOL  He was very complimentary with them too.  They scored 21.

After last week’s performance, Brooke Burke realized she’d injured her foot, and even with all sorts of treatments, it was obvious that she was still injured.  They danced beautifully, and she and Derek really work so well together. However, you could tell she was still in pain – and it was also obvious that Derek had choreographed the dance so that she wouldn’t have to move too much.  It showed and the judges said as much.  Well, except for Michael Flatley, who drooled. LOL  He gave them a 10. Carrie & Bruno gave them an 8.  As a side note – I had to rewind to the beginning to see what the dance was – I was surprised that this was (supposed to be) a rumba. LOL

Cloris & Corky did the cha cha cha.  Well, sorta.  As always, they clowned and yeah – swinging this 82 yr old woman around by her arm and leg? Come on.  Give me a break.    Carrie Ann says “you know, we lost Toni Braxton for this and that kind of makes me sad”.  Pointed but true.  They tied their lowest score with a 15.

Cody and Julianne did the samba this week, and I have to say, Cody has REALLY turned into a great dancer – I think they really have a good shot of getting to the finals.    Julianne has some health issues, though, so on Tuesday she had to have surgery – next week, Cody will be partnered with Edyta Slywinska .  As for their samba – it was very intense.   Bruno didn’t like it at all – complained about there being no bounce and no fun.  They scored 23.

Warren & Kym also did the rumba.  These two also have great chemistry, and it’s just amazing how lightly Warren can get around the dance floor, considering his size.  I think they really have a good chance to get to the semi-finals, at least.  Apparently, the judges weren’t too thrilled, though.  Still, they scored 25.

This week, all the remaining dancers also had to learn a group routine – HIP HOP.  Seriously, haaaated it.  I don’t think it showcased ANYONE and it just really showed people’s weaknesses more than anything.

On Tuesday night’s results show, they redid the group routine (blah) and then the Pussycat Dolls performed.  Yeah, they just mesh with a ballroom dance competition, don’t they?

In any case, they also had more kid performers, who were amazing.  It’s pretty bad when an 11 yr old can dance better than some of the stars LOL

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwIcncHwnI4&hl=en&fs=1]

Michael Flatley also performed and then (finally), we got down to the elimination.  FINALLY – after 9 weeks, Cloris and Corky were voted off.  Susan and Tony were also in the red light and I can definitely see her going home next.