Ladies Night…and, honestly, it wasn’t like they had to do much to top the guys, but I was starting to get a little worried there in the beginning…

Debi was so nervous and despite her fly girl background, I think she’s going to struggle. Maks isn’t helping, I don’t think. I thought Melissa was charming and funny, and good partner with Mark, but she was also spotty and stiff. Finally Mya (and Dmitry!!!) came out and looked lovely and graceful and THANK YOU. Whew. She has a way to go, but a wonderful start for them (despite the bombastic singer….) And yikes, Uncle Lenny. Get a grip. First night. Thanks for taking the edge off, Tom!

Tony and Kathy Ireland take on the salsa, and well….add Tony to the list of pros who probably won’t be around long this season. Aww. She was trying so hard, too, but I don’t know that she’s going to get it. A nd what was up with the matronly skirt? She’s still got a great legs, show em off, but that dress did her no favors. And Tony’s pleats were really distracting…

So…what’s up with the judging? I mean, they purposely gave them less training time to avoid the raft of injuries they had last season, and to bring them along at a more sane pace. Good call. So why are the judges hammering them like it’s the week before the finale? I mean, at this stage, a little encouragement couched in some gentle critique that will help guide them would be most welcome. By this viewer at home, too. Carrie Ann was the closest we came to this. But the manufactured drama and slamming of novices is really starting to turn me off. I don’t know if it’s a conscious decision made by the show, or just the way the panel has decided to handle things, but….take a giant step back, you guys. Sheesh.

6 time Olympic medal swimmer Natalie Coughlin and (pause….deep, appreciative sigh) Alec Mazo are up next with salsa. She has a lot to live up to given that Olympians have ruled this contest, but Alec is adorably supportive as her partner (Maks!) - of course, he’s married to Edyta, so the guy knows how to dance with tall, Amazonian women. Not sure the choreo totally worked to her advantage, but she definitely has promise. Easily as much as Louie (Louie!!) did yesterday. And Lenny? Con-struc-tive. Look it up.

(Great Sony ad campaign.)

Macy Gray and Jonathan (who is married to Anna Trebunskaya, who is paired with Chuck - so, yay, pro couples!) and I admit this one had me curious, because I haven’t gotten the energy vibe from Macy. Ever. Like, she’s the antipathy of spunky. So this is going to be interesting. And yeah, five seconds into the training film and whoa. I’m SO sorry, Jonathan! He joins the “pros who are SO screwed” list. Again. Not fair, show. Not fair. However, purely as a viewer? Comedy gold, people. I think I want her on my tv forever. Balances out all the Lenny frustration I’m feeling. But then, the performance. And, wow, okay…so just walking out? I’m already stunned. She looks amazing in that dress. Right there, a miracle, really. (About which I’m sure she’d be the first to agree.) And her joy when the crowd first cheered was palpable. You know that was a lot of work for her. You made your mom proud, Macy. (And thank you Uncle Lenny for not crushing her spirit.)

OMG…what did she just say? Busted her cherry? Carrie Ann squeaked her scores. I’ve never seen everyone lose it like that laughing. See? COMEDY GOLD. I told you. Keep her, America. I beg. Save this season, because so far? Not much to truly adore here. And okay, so I was giggling…but when they panned to Derek and his partner backstage, and the total deer in headlights looks they had? Laughed till I cried.

VOTE MACY.

So, Derek & The Model are going to do well. Again. She’s Cameron Diaz pretty, knock out body, and seems like a sharp cookie, to boot. It’s love/hate people. Love, because we really need dancers. I don’t even care who anymore. Entertain me! Dammit. Good choreo, Derek. Hot enough for ya Lenny? Why yes, indeedy, apparently it is.

Last up is Kelly Osbourne, who I just have no clue about regarding how she’ll do here, but she looks darn cute in her outfit. And I think, better shot as the closer than DeLay last night. But then, who wouldn’t? And? She has the real Louis!! Welcome back, maestro! And you have your work cut out, but if anyone can turn her into a princess, it is surely you. Then look! How charming does she turn out to be? Stunning and lovely. Loved it. Loved Louis. Loved sobbing, Mom. (Crying me.) You go, Kelly. You go.

Now on the relay dances. Dancing fox trot: Kathy, Debi, Joanna, Natalie. Nat/Alec were great, Kathy/Tony did okay, Joanna/Derek had great lines/choreo, Debi struggled, but did better with character. Dancing cha cha relay : Kelly, Macy, Mya and Sabrina. (I officially love Kelly after that clip package and dang, did she luck out getting Louis. Best teaching pro there is.) So, Macy/Jonathan crack me up, but dang she does go for it, in true Macy-style, Mark/Melissa do better than I thought they would, good choreo, Mya/Dmitry bring it - very well done, but Kelly/Louis KILL it, even the stumble at the end was cute. What a pair, those two. Hard not to love them. She’s got my vote. I adore watching her. What a feel good story.

(So, am I the only one who wonders how Marie Osmond would compete now that she is in such smashing shape? I think it would have been hilarious and very entertaining to have both Osmonds on the same season.)

Well, overall, far more entertaining and invigorating night. I think it’s the women’s season to lose. Clearly Joanna, Natalie, and Mya are front runners, but Kelly totally has a big chance if she keeps up the endearing charm. (Loved that both parents were there supporting and seemed so sincerely blown away.) I think Debi is in the most danger of going home, but only because Macy is so unintentionally hilarious, while Melissa and Kathy are somewhere in the middle of the pack, but closer to bottom than top.

What say you? Who do ya love? Who needs to leave? The results show tonight with the Swayze tribute should be dynamite. But right now? DISH!!

Tags: Writing //