‘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!

Although I didn’t blog about Survivor Gabon this season much, I did watch it.  I suppose it is like watching a car wreck – you want to look away but you can’t.  I really despised some of these horrible people that were on this season.  In fact, even during last night’s tribal council, the ultimate bitch, Corrine, blasted the 3 finalists with truly horrible comments.  Randy, who was deservedly embarrassed by falling for the fake idol, was literally swearing at the winner over the crowd and had to be muted. 

How pathetic is it that grown adults can’t actually ACT like adults, whether during a game or after.  Randy, when addressing surprise finalist Susie, was particularly nasty.   Then Corrine came up to address the 3 and really showed her true side, which she proudly touted during the live finale.  This is me, people – get over it.

Perhaps she’s trying to rival Johnny Idiot Rotten for nasty – but at least TRY to pretend that you’re not that way… ugh. 

I’m glad that Bob Crowley was voted the Ultimate Survivor.  He really kicked ass, despite his 57 years.

Biography

Robert “Bob” Crowley (58)
Hometown: Portland, Maine
Occupation: Physics Teacher
Robert Crowley considers himself a hybrid of Indiana Jones and Robinson Crusoe. He loves the outdoors and is always ready for his next adventure.
Robert is a high school physics teacher in Gorham, Maine and holds both Associate and Bachelor degrees in forestry from the University of Maine – Orono and a Masters of Education degree from the University of Southern Maine. However, after the school bell rings, Robert becomes an entrepreneur. His wide range of jobs span from being a first mate on a research boat for the Smithsonian Institution in Canada to an entomologist for the USDA, to a skunk relocater, as well as President, Vice President and Chief Negotiator for his local Teacher’s Union.
When not on an adventure, Robert interests include journal writing, story telling, photography, bone collecting, archeology and camping.
This tree climbing scientist, who describes himself as honest, adventurous, resourceful and witty, built his truly "green" summer cabin back when green was only referred to as the color. His "green" cabin was completely built with recycled material and requires a fraction of the energy of the average U.S. home. He’s built numerous structures from recycled material including wharfs, saunas, a chicken house and a hunting cabin.
Robert strategy is to be a provider and to fly under the radar on SURVIVOR. He’s out to prove that nice guys can make it to the end of the game.
Robert and his wife Peggy reside in Portland, Maine. They have two sons, David and John, one daughter, Page, and a high maintenance cat named William. Robert’s birth date is February 25, 1951.

While he wasn’t necessarily the “nice” guy he’d hoped to be, he certainly kicked those rotten people’s Asses.

– but also that Susie got 3 of the 7 votes.  How empowering that must be for her AND her family.   At 47 years of age, she took a time out to go on Survivor, and to make it to the final 3 – really, the final TWO – how awesome is that!? 

So congratulations to the winner – Bob – and Susie, the 2nd place winner.  Sugar, the 3rd place, received no votes, and obviously didn’t expect any.  Still, to survive 39 days “alone” after so recently losing her dad – Excellent!

They’re off to Brazil next year.  Maybe a headhunter will swoop down and grab Corrine.

As long as you’re there Jeffy, I’ll be watching.

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?

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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?

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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.

Short post tonight.  The kid competition was very cool.  The Bryan Setzer Orchestra performing a 20+ yr old song was OK.  The dance thing was ok. More fake posturing from the stars about who is gonna win, etc.

As usual, I was shocked when Cloris & Corky was one of the first couples declared Safe.  At least they don’t draw out the eliminations as much as they used to, and by the end of the hour, we found Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo, and Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani in the bottom 2.  Toni was eliminated, and probably rightfully so, but I still can’t see her going before Cloris!

Next week, they do a group dance, along with another dance. So we’ll see how they can manage with the new pressure.

Everyone went into week 4 with the knowledge that their scores from the previous week would be combined with this week’s scores.  With Misty & Max being unexpectedly removed from competition, it was anyone’s guess who would go this week.  The dances this week, the Tango and the Samba, were so different from star to star!

I also watched Julianne & Cody Linley on Ellen this week and Julianne confided that she thought their biggest competition is probably between them and her brother Derek (& Brooke).  I tend to agree.

As I predict every week, I think Cloris & Corky are to go home this week – however, I’ve been wrong 4 times so far! 

On the results show, the judges requested that Lance & Lacey re-do their tango, and then we were subjected to Flamenco dancers, who even felt it would make their dancing better to remove their shirts.  Whatever.  The ballroom kids competition began again this week, and it’s just too cute to see these 10 & 11 yr olds dancing somewhat better than those of the adults that started the show LOL

Also, because we obviously haven’t had ENOUGH election ads, the stars all ran their own ads exposing the “dirt” on their other rivals.  They were very funny, though -  much more fun to watch than McCain/Obama!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwVG6T81Zfc&hl=en&fs=1]

Finally, the results!  Rocco & Cloris in the bottom 2 – and inexplicably, Rocco goes home.  Well, maybe not inexplicably, but still – really? 

Anyway, Rocco & Karina were voted off, and now we’re down to 8.

Next week, they are introducing FOUR brand new dances to the competition!

Jitterbug
Salsa
West Coast Swing
The Hustle

I can’t wait to see how that turns out!