Yikes, talk about a bloated show. My jeans felt tight just watching. Thirty minutes in and the only dance was a pro latin demonstration. (And I do like the pros dancing on competition night, not just results night, but show of hands on who thought it was odd, given all the pros they could have recruited, for them to use Chelsie, who is still competing and has, you know, other things to do?)

So, each of the four remaining teams has to do both a latin and ballroom round again. I could have done without the entire season-in-review opening of the show, but I did enjoy the “where did they come from” tapes for pretty much all of the contestants. Especially Ty’s. Just when you think you can’t love him any more….aww, sure you can!

Speaking of Ty and Chelsie…I was glad he talked about being kept on the show by fans, over the more skilled dancer, Kim, and how hard he was working to show them he deserved it. A good guy, and classy, too. I think one of the reasons he is still around, is because, despite not being the best dancer, by far, and owning his short comings, they also don’t go the cheap route and play him off as a joke, either. He has his cute moments in a routine, but he’s sincerely trying to do the dance, each and every time.

Kudos to Chelsie’s choreo for making him look as good as possible. Loved her Maid Marian look in their fox trot and she was all kinds of hot tamale in their samba. While I realize that everyone is ready for him to take his bow, it honestly wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he stays over Shawn and makes it to the finals. Never underestimate the power of being a good guy. I think, in part, given the strife we’re all dealing with day to day, we’re a little hungry for a hero, and he’s filling that role quite nicely. Even if it is just on a dancing show.

Melissa and Tony get the first slot in both rounds and I think they were harshed on pretty badly by the judges. Especially given the tongue bath other contestants (Gille) received. Not that those were undeserved, but wow, judges. I liked both of their dances. I found her costume for the second a little distracting, and they gave them a hard time for not “popping” the routine more, but holy moly the music was so slow, I’m not sure what else they could have done? Lighten up, Carrie Ann. And Len. And Bruno. All of them were quite testy last night.

Shawn and Mark were a lot of fun in that Argentine Tango, despite Shawn once again being dressed in a less than flattering costume. She pulled off the mood and Mark did choreo as best as he could around her obvious youth in such a mature dance. I liked the music and the precision, so that was fun for me, despite the distraction with the costume. Their second dance was a little too Marie Osmondy for me and I do agree that Shawn kind of lost energy as it progressed. Opens the door for Ty, I think, despite the still obvious difference in their skill level.

Finally, we have Cheryl and Gilles. Who got a perfect 60 last night. I liked their waltz, liked the simplicity and toned down elegance of it, despite Cheryl being swathed in a sea of ermine-trimmed white that made her look like a matronly snow queen. But, while I thought their latin routine was smoldering, I don’t know that I was as blown away as the judges. Maybe I’m just used to them now and it was more or less expected, but I wasn’t transfixed. Except, possibly, but the worry that Cheryl’s girls were going to make a sudden surprise showing right there on the dance floor. Another less than flattering and very distracting costume. Gille, on the other hand…looked just fiiine.

So, it’s anyone’s game. I think a Gille/Melissa final two would be the most warranted. I’m enjoying Melissa, but mostly I am thrilled to see Tony get some respect on the show (even from me) and want to see him make the final two. I think a lot of long time fans feel the same way. Question is whether we’ll see Shawn or Ty with them.

And yes, Shawn has better skillz, but to be honest with you, for entertainment purposes, for me anyway, she and Ty are about even. I find her kind of samey samey, too. So…what have you done, America? I guess we’ll find out tonight.

Also tonight? American Idol, final three baby. Judges choice, personal choice, and hometown vid packages. Where Adam has an almost-streaker, and Danny forgets the words to his song. For a long…..long time. Will they show it? And why in the world did he pick Billie Jean to sing to the hometown crowd, instead of, oh, I don’t know, ANYthing he actually sung on the show? Who knows. But thank God for gospel backup singers. A lot. Or not, depending on what amuses you.

Have fun….and DISH!

Tags: Writing //