Caught up on Dancing With the Stars. I think this is one of the most fun groups yet. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, liked how every couple didn’t a completely different dance, and I thought the group swing was a total hoot! We are definitely beginning to see the separation between the great, the good, and the just having fun dancers.

I’ll agree that Laila, Apolo, and Joey are the targeted final three for me. Ian is right behind them, but does lack that critical something to get him in the top. Don’t think he’ll get that in time. Heather wasn’t as good this week and I felt for her difficulties with all the travel, but fear she’ll be in the bottom. Though, technically, for me, those two spots should go to John and Billy Ray. They both work so hard, and they do look like they’re having fun, which I think is what makes this season stand out. I enjoy watching every single couple for their own reasons, and that’s not usually the case for me.

My favorite performance was a tie between my tv boyfriend Apolo and his very lovely partner Julianne (who, to no ones surprise has an equally cute patootie brother) and Joey and Kym’s dance. Both were great, although I give the edge to Julianne for that phenomenal choreo (and that split move. Wow!) Laila is a very, very close third (although a bare-chested Maks is always first in my, uh, heart. Yeah, there.) I had such a good time watching all of them, the rehearsal footage were so much fun, both the individual and the group. It’s fun seeing how close they all become as the season goes on.

I even thought the judges were fun. Uncle Lenny was actually somewhat affectionately amusing to me in his crankiness, because it was so clearly off set by Carrie Ann and Bruno, and Tom does such a great job of skewering him, to which it’s clear Lenny takes the ribbing with great good charm. I even thought Samantha looked somewhat glowing and basically competant. I know. Just a miracle night all around.

So my pick for the bottom two? Should be Billy Ray and John. But because of his shameless milking of the audience, it will more likely be Heather and John. I’m thinking John is the one exiting. (Oh, and how hilarious was Joey getting “Springer Steps?” Ha!) But it reminded me that while I like John and truly appreciate his efforts, how much more I enjoyed Jerry in the “old guy” role last season. So, should be John’s turn.

With that, I am off to watch the exit show and will report back here shortly. You know, watching it a day late has its advantages. I don’t have to wait a nail biting day to see who goes home! Maybe I’ll do the same with Idol (which is like a million hours long this week, of all weeks. But next week is Bon Jovi, so I forgive!)

I’m back! And I just have to say, a big show of hands from everyone who wants Julianne’s brother Derek as a pro instructor on the next season? MEEE!!! (Though he needs to lose the ballroom hair.) And it would add a cool dynamic, too, brother competing against sister. Another note - my enjoyment of Elena is like a million percent improved. She’s a great pro and seems to elevate the game of any partner she’s paired with, though I think putting Elena and Maks together is the best duo out there. So, golf clap to Elena for brining the love back. She’s so much more fun now (which just proves it was all Mario’s fault, which has been my default position where he is concerned since day one anyway.) And, hi, Tony!! We miss you!

Oh yeah. Joss Stone? She can sang. And the Dreamgirls performance was a great taste of Broadway. Loved that energy. Fun!

Announced safe was Apolo & Julianne, Laila & Maks (so glad we get to keep his shirtless self longer this season than ever before!), and Joey & Kym. No surprise there. Ian & Cheryl and Billy Ray & Elena are also safe. Leaving my predictions on target as John & Edyta and Heather & Jonathan hit the Bottom Two.

Heading home? A wee bit surprising, but not much, it’s Heather & Jonathan. How quickly they turn! I thought she’d keep the vote going longer, but clearly not the case. Definitely much props to her for all she’s done with her turn on the dance floor. John? I fear your days are now numbered.

Next week each couple performs two dances - one ballroom, one latin. I wish they’d keep it as one solo dance and the group dance. Those are a lot of fun.

Okay…discuss!

Tune in tomorrow for some possible Idol Mac…or not.

Tags: Writing //