DWTS: The Finals part 2

Well, the finals went the way I wanted/predicted since the season begun. A battle between 2 of the best couples Kristi & Mark and Edyta & Jason.

It was also nice to see all of this season's stars on the dance floor again doing their best routines.

As always I particularly enjoyed, Marlee, Marissa and Priscilla. They were all so much fun throughout that I just never get tired of watching them dance.

As their final dance Kristi & Mark did a reprise of their fantastic Jive and again received a perfect score from the judges.

Edyta & Jason on the other hand reprised their Quick Step. Jason out did himself and performed his best dance of the competition.

The judges seemed to agree and give him a perfect score as well. At the end of both dances Kristi lead with a 90/100 overall and Jason 81/100. So it was close.

In the end though, it was the former Olympic Champ who took the trophy becoming only the second woman in the 6 years of the competition to do so.

Despite the somewhat predictable conclusion I have thoroughfully enjoyed the show this year, just as I did the year previous.

In fact I have enjoyed this show much more then American Idol which has become quite boring in recent years IMO.

I will definitely be tuning in come September, to see what other celebs this show will garner for S7.

Though I think the producers will have quite a challenge trying to top this year that's for sure. Nonetheless I am hooked.

DWTS: The Finals pt. 1

Tonight the 3 remaining couples faced-off with the Cha-Cha. Cheryl and Cristian were the first to hit the floor followed by Edyta and Jason and Kristi and Mark.

It was the first time the show had done dancing in this format (where all the couples danced for 1 minute and ended it with a group performance complete with a great air pose/lift by Kristi. I must say it worked quite nicely, excitement wise.

Each couple brought their own flavour and energy to the Cha-Cha. The most energetic being Kristi and Mark of course, who won the first round (and the night but more on that in a bit) with glowing comments and a perfect score of 30/30 from the judges. Can't say I disagree with their assessment Kristi was definitely awesome.

Cheryl and Cristian received a 26/30 and Jason and Edyta the lowest a 24/30.

Next it was time for the Free-Style, Kristi and Mark were first, both wore some very glittery out-fits (looked good though;). And the dance was just as impressive, a perfect execution of lifts, spins and MJ inspired moves.

I particularly loved how they managed to stay in unison through-out despite it being a very fast-paced dance. Even Len was beyond impressed, which not surprisely give them another perfect score, ( 60/60 overall) making them the ones to beat and setting a very high bar for the rest.

Edyta and Jason chose to dance R&B style. Which I think worked quite nicely for a big guy like him.

The dance was filled with lots of lifts through-out. And I'm sure Jason will earn a few extra fans for taking his shirt off at the end lol. With a 6 pack like that he would get my vote for sure!.

The judges thought it was great as well (but not great enough to warrant a perfect score). Still a 27/30 is nothing to sneeze at, it give them an overall score of 57/60 putting them in second place.

Cristian and Cheryl concluded the night with a Free-Style infused with lots of Latin flavour. I gotta hand it to this guy, he's definitely got a hell of a lot of fighting spirit.

Despite only having one useful arm (and despite risking possible re-injury during rehearsal) he still managed an excellent performance. He got a 26/30 and 52/60 overall.

Tomorrow night a champion will finally be crowned, and I have a feeling that for the first time in the competition it'll be a woman. Unless Jason pulls a few more tricks out of his sleeve. Again it's all up to the fans.

Dancing with the Stars: Semi-Finals

Well, we're down to 4 competitors. Edyta and Jason started the semi's off with a very elegant Foxtrot.

I had no idea a Foxtrot could look elegant, but that's exactly what Jason pulled off. And it worked for the judges as well earning him a score of 28/30 for the first round.

I've said this many times in the past 9 weeks, but I absolutely love the way this man dances. He just has this beautiful way of gliding gracefully across the floor making it look almost effortless.

Marissa and Tony were next with their Quick Step and it was almost flawless except for one small slip up on a turn towards the end.

I actually thought the dance was quite well done (especially considering the complexity of the moves involved).

Based on that I thought the scores should have been a tad higher then 26/30 (well ok she did get one point more compared to last week for the same dance so I guess that's a small improvement).

Last week's top scorers Cristian and Cheryl performed a very pretty Viennese Waltz. I seriously have to hand it to this guy, he's done a complete 180 since injuring his arm and is dancing better then ever. The judges give him a decent score of 27/30 for his efforts.

Kristi and Mark Tangoed to try and reclaim the top spot on the judges leader board and managed to do just that with a dance just short of perfection and a score of 29/30.

I disagree with Len on his comment about the Tango being hectic. I thought the change of pace from fast to slow worked really well and made it more interesting then the traditional one.

Next it was time for the Latin Round again. Jason and Edyta begun with the Paso Doble.

And I thought this one was ten times better then his first one earlier in the competition. The choreography was much more interesting and he showed more dominance and power.

An element that I thought was missing the first time he did this dance. The score didn't reflect his level of improvement however and he only got 27/30. Giving them an overall total of 55/60.

Marissa and Tony were next with a very intimate Rumba. It was good but not as good as their previous dances (it could just be the dance style itself) the technicality of it doesn't allow a dancer to show off or do anything fancy. I thought she did well with the technical aspects of it. And it earned her a 26/30 for a total of 52/60.

Cristian was working his Latin charm aka his abs lol with the Samba. Which of course was the dance responsible for his arm injury.

There were no accidents this time however. He did a sizzling Samba which got him an almost perfect score of 29/30. And total of 56/60 making him the second highest score of the night after Kristi and Mark.

Kristi and Mark ended the night with a slightly different rendition of their jive from 2 weeks prior (for which they received a perfect score).

This time they were not so lucky and only managed a 28/30. The dance may not have been as technically sound as the previous one, but it was still just as much fun to watch.

I have not mentioned who I think might stay in the competition, because it is now all up to the fans. So there could be a few surprises. The scores really don't matter. Whoever has the biggest fan-base will be the victor.

If I had to pick I would go with Kristy and Mark, Cristian and Cheryl and Edyta and Jason as the final 3. Though I think Marissa may stick around if the Xena-verse has anything to say about it, but we'll see.

I'm not going to hazard a guess on the winner, because I like all the remaining couples too much and I can't decide who I want to win more lol.

One thing is for sure, tomorrow night is going to be one heck of a nail-biter!.

DWTS: 100th Episode

That was fun!. Great to see all the past winners together again. Although poor Sabrina didn't get to talk much lol.

How great were Mel and Max?. Those two just sizzle with electricity when they dance.

It's the kind of electricity that I think has been sorely missing from this season. But hopefully the remaining four will bring that to the floor in the next two weeks.

Ok, show of hands for those who were disappointed Julianne didn't dance with Helio? *raises hand*.

Don't get me wrong Apollo is a wonderful dancer, but I just love the chemistry between Helio and Julianne.

And I got my wish on the elimination (I should seriously start making bets) I've been right several weeks in a row! lol.

I'm so happy Marissa is sticking around, (never underestimate the power of the Xena-verse I tell ya! ;). I think everyone must have dialed till their fingers bled again.

And Jason and Edyta are in the semi's (woo-hoo!!). They absolutely deserve it. Now the competition is going to be totally ON!.

Mario Lopez is certainly doing well for himself, dancing on Broadway. Who knew?. I've also seen him doing reports for E.T. A man of many talents. Though personally I'm forever going to remember him as Slater from Saved by the Bell.

Here is hoping the next two weeks are as exciting as the competition has been thus far. I'm looking forward to seeing who will come out on top.

Dancing with the Stars (week 7)

Well, as of this week we are down to 5 competing couples (wow, where did the time go?, feels like we just begun). The night started off with the ballroom round and a Quick Step from Kristi and Mark.

This dance seems to fit Kristi perfectly, she looked quite comfortable performing it. The score certainly reflected that and they were back on top with 29/30. Nearly perfect, but Carrie-Ann got nit picky again, she's starting to annoy me.

That's all I have to say about those two for now, sometimes I honestly feel like there's no point in commenting because, it's pretty obvious that Kristi will be in the final without a doubt.

I'm actually much more interested in watching the other couples and seeing whether they'll pick up their game to match and best Kristi.

I really hope the final won't be one sided and that whoever does make it gives Kristi a run for her money (my money is on Jason and Edyta).

Moving right along, Mario and Karina stepped it up a bit this week, but I still don't think they have what it takes to win.

I usually don't like to repeat myself (at least not too often) but I feel this bares repeating, I love watching Marissa dance!.

She's just so energetic and bubbly it's infectious. And I have to give her extra props this week for all those spins lifts and jumps (I keep forgetting she's pregnant). All power to her.

I thought her Foxtrot tonight was really fun and that she deserved a higher score (at least one or two points more). But instead she got 25/30.

Last week's score board leaders Jason and Edyta Tangoed their way into a tie with Kristi and Mark. Seriously, how sexy was that Tango?.

Cristian and Cheryl soldiered on despite his injury with surprising results. More on that later. Oh, and nice to see Marlee in the audience supporting her friend :).

The Latin round was next, Kristi and Mark and Edyta and Jason battled it out with their Samba's.

Kristi did another solid job and some impressive skating-like spins but still came quite short of perfection with only 26/30.

Personally I thought the dance was awesome, but I had a feeling the judges would once again be especially tough on Kristi.

That's what happens when you start out perfect, judges will have a tendency to want to knock you down a peg or two and the slightest mistake will cost you.

Jason and Edyta didn't fair too well, in the Latin round either and received their lowest score in a while 23/30 for their Samba.

Again I thought the judges were a bit harsh with the scoring, but I guess it's understandable since we're getting to the semi-finals, they expect more from everyone.

Still I thought they were all exceptionally cranky tonight. Especially Len, geez lighten up man! LOL.

Perhaps as a result of the crankiness Marissa didn't wow them with her Mambo and received the same score as in the ball room round.

Giving her a total of 50/60 the lowest of the night. I really hope people vote for both Marissa and Jason, because I really want them to stay to the end. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

As I mentioned earlier in my post the biggest surprise of the night were Cristian and Cheryl, he really went out to prove himself and came out on fire.

Delivering his best dances of the competition. And as a result received the highest scores of the night (becoming the score leader in fact with a total of 57/60).

Who knew he could actually dance better with one arm instead of two lol. All credit to Cheryl for what I'm sure was challenging, but impressive choreography.

As for my predictions I would like it to be Mario and Karina, but I fear it might be Marissa and Tony or possibly Jason and Edyta (although it will definitely be a shocker) and I hope it doesn't happen.

Looking forward to tomorrow's 100th episode special with all the returning faves. It's gonna be fun!. It'll be nice to see Mel B. and Max again:). Wonder if Marlee will participate?. Guess we'll see.

Dancing with the Stars (week 6)

Well, this week was double duty night again for all the celebrity dancers who had to learn two brand new individual routines.

Marissa and Tony started off the night with a really great Samba and received their highest score yet (three 9's).

Their Rumba didn't score quite as high but still very well done, I'm really impressed with Marissa and I'm glad she's still in the competition.

As I said last week she's really working her buns off and it shows. I might even go as far as to say she's turning into a real contender. I thought Marissa looked awesome in her dress too.

Kristi and Mark's winning streak finally broke and they did not receive the highest scores of the night.

I guess the judges have started to expect nothing less then perfection from her and when they didn't get it, the scores went down. Marissa and Tony actually got a higher score, never thought I would see that lol.

It could be that Mark is cracking under the pressure of having to do two dances, or perhaps he's reliving bad memories from losing at this point in the competition last season.

Despite the low scores I don't think they are in any danger. If they do get the boot I will be shocked.

I don't mention Mario and Karina a lot because even though he's good, I don't think he will make it to the end and same goes for Cristian and Cheryl.

I did feel really sorry for Cristian tonight with him injuring his arm during the second dance. Based on the fact that he didn't get to finish his dance the voters might give him another chance.

Derek and Shannon delivered a very aggressive Tango and tied their score with Marissa and Tony at 27. Their second dance was not as effective.

Jason and Edyta really bounced back from last week's disappointing performance with 29/30 for their quick step. I thought Jason was superb and I loved the hand stand at the end.

Glad Len agrees with me about Jason being in the final I knew I wasn't the only one:D. Their Paso Doble give them a 55/60 in total for both dances making them the score leaders for the first time in weeks beating Kristi and Mark (yay!).

As I've been saying all season long, if there were 2 people who could take the mirror ball trophy away from Kristi and Mark those two would be it and I believe that even more after tonight.

Oh, and just one more comment on Jason's Paso Doble, though it was very good it once again could not rival Mel and Max's.

My predictions for who will be leaving tomorrow either Derek and Shannon or Mario and Karina despite their improvement this week.

And it could be Cheryl and Cristian but as I've said I think the viewers might do a sympathy vote.

Dancing with the Stars (week 5)

We got a double dose of dancing this week with all the couples doing a group number at the end. Jason and Edyta started off with the cha cha. Only one word comes to mind, sexy.

Yeah, he may not have looked like he knew what to do with his arms (picky picky Carie-Ann). Honestly, who cares?. That guy can dance and as I've said many times now I want these 2 to make it to the end. 24/30 is not their best score but hopefully it won't mean an exit.

There's no doubt in my mind now something is totally going on between Derek and Shannon, that beach montage certainly didn't add anything to the contrary.

Marlee and Fabian were next with the Rumba, again I really have to command Marlee for soldiering on.

Regardless of the mistakes and what happens after this week she really should be absolutely proud of being on the show, because she keeps bringing so much to it in terms of inspiration as well as pure simple entertainement and enjoyment.

I was so happy with Marrissa's performance of the viennese waltz, she really looked like a dancer this week and I give her huge props.

It was also nice to see her looking more confident. She's another person that's just so much fun to watch whether she's dancing or not she brings great energy to the show this year, so I hope she moves on to next week.

Loved Tom Bergeron's "cheer up comment in regards to Marissa lol, this guy is comedy gold and it's all in the timing.

I don't think Kristi and Mark will be anymore liked by their peers if they keep kicking every one's butt LOL. I must say that their jive was one of this season's best.

As Len said it was a smorgusbord of dance and superb choreography. The perfect score was well deserved. Oh, and I loved the nerd get-up on Mark LOL. Is it wrong that he still looked totally hot?. LOL

After finding out Kristi had a disability growing up my respect for her has increased ten fold, becoming an Olympic champion is one way to rise above that's for sure.

The country group number was very well done, as Marissa said it could have gone either way, but I thought it worked great. You can definitely tell the group has gotten very close.

As for my prediction for tomorrow night, it'll either be Shannon and Derek or as much as I don't want it to happen Marlee and Fabian, but I really hope I'm wrong.

Dancing with the Stars

Tonight was my fave night of the competition, latin night. Although it wasn't as sizzling and electrifying as last year it was still very enjoyable. The scores didn't seem to reflect that though and went down dramatically from last week.

Well, except for the leaders of the pack Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark, who scored 29/30 again. No surprise there. At this point it would take a mistake of colossal proportions for her not to make it all the way to the end.

Edyta and Jason may not have caught up to Kristi this week but still got a pretty good score of 27/30 making them the second highest score of the night.

I've mentioned this before but that man is just awesome to watch. His posture and lines when he dances are always so clean, some of that undoubtedly comes from his football training.

The fact that he's very good looking and has undeniable chemistry with Edyta doesn't hurt either;). As I've said last week I want these 2 in the finale or at least in the semis.

Marlee had a tougher week, but still did an incredible job. 22/30 is not a bad score. This week was the first time we saw a little bit of tension between her and her partner, but understandably so.

Personally I'm still in awe every time I watch her on the dance floor, for someone who can't hear the music she sure makes it look otherwise. I love her determination and I hope she continues to stick around.

Precilla had a rough night as well, I disagree with the judges comments I think they were a little too harsh, but I don't necessarily disagree with the score. Though at 19/30 her fans have their work cut out for them.

Marissa and Tony came out smokin' again tonight and shook their groove thing. The scores may have been the same as last week, but the dance was great.

I think Marissa is starting to get a little more comfortable now and unlike Priscilla is not over thinking her steps as much. I think she'll be safe this week.

Shannon and Derek did a good job, but I thought it wasn't as good as last week. And what the heck is it with Derek?, last week it was his neck, this week it was food poisoning.

Poor Shannon can't catch a break when it comes to reducing the stress. With 21/30 I hope the votes will save them. I would like to see them continue on as well.

As for who I think will go this week, it could be Priscilla or one of the two couples I didn't write about.

Dancing with the Stars (week 4)

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark started things off with their paso doble and got a high score as per usual. But unlike all the previous weeks one couple was able to equal their score of 29/30 which was nice to see.

I have to say although I thought Mark and Kristi paso doble was very good, I'm always going to compare it to last year's raw dominance that was Mel and Max. I don't think any of the couples managed to get it up to the same level as those two.

Up to this point I have been saying that Kristi and Mark are the ones to beat, after tonight I'm adding Jason and Edyta to that list.

I still can't believe that guy plays football. Man, is he awesome on the dance floor. Now I give a lot of credit to Edyta of course, but I think he's also got a lot of natural talent.

Marlee and Fabian were fabulous as always, so fab in fact that they brought Carrie-Ann to tears. Marlee danced a very elegant Viennese Waltz.

I was quite impressed with how she handled it, especially considering the fact all those spins and turns were no doubt 10 times as difficult due to her deafness. It was a really pretty dance so good going Marlee!.

She received a score of 24/30 (2 points higher than last week). I actually thought she deserved one more, but I'm sure she'll do even better in the latin round next week.

I would really love to see Marlee and Jason make it all the way up to the semi-finals and take the trophy from Kristi (I don't think I'm being too presumtious with that unless she really screws up or people stop liking her she's in the final).

Precila and Louis did another very pretty Viennese Waltz. And ok, hands up those who didn't see the Carrie-Ann lift comment coming from a mile away? lol. 22/30 is not bad not as good as in the past but still nothing to cry about I don't think I'm sure she'll make it through.

Adam and Julianne, ok let me start off by saying I don't like the guy and the Zorro unicycle routine was really weird, but at the same time I couldn't stop watching LOL. On some twisted level it was entertaining.

I think it's safe to say that Julianne's chances of winning this year are next to nil. But at least she's enjoying herself, or as much as one can with an unpredictable comedian for a partner (half the time she looks like she wants to punch him LOL). With a score of 19/30 I think they'll be the ones to go tonight.

Mario and Karina, although I'm not really a fan of this guy either I have to give him credit for a much better effort compared to last week.

Derek and Shannon, she's definitely another person with natural talent for dancing. A well deserved 28/30. I think she'll be sticking around too.

And last but not least Marissa and Tony, finally! she showed those judges off. Nice going. She worked her butt off in the paso doble and it showed.

I actually thought they deserved at least one 9. But, hey 24/30 their highest score yet. Here's hoping they continue to climb up.

Dancing with the Stars (week 3)

Well, it was a night of jive and tango. We started things off with Marlee Matlin who I thought was very impressive once again.

And I'm not sure what I like watching more at the moment, her dancing or the behind the scenes training banter with her partner. Loved her "you have to please me" comment LOL. She just cracks me up.

Carrie Ann is starting to be very nit-picky now, but I have a feeling that as the weeks go on if Marlee continues to move along in the competition she will blow them all out of the water.

Her scores were one point lower then last week, but 21/30 is still very good. I really want her to stay, she brings such great energy to the competition.

Just like Mel. B. did last season. Actually i should add Marissa Winokur to that as well.

Speaking of, I'm actually gonna have to agree with the judges on their assessment this week. It wasn't as good, but I wouldn't say it was boring. I think Xena fans are gonna have to get crackin'.

I haven't mentioned Steve Gutenberg up to this point but I give him props for his dance tonight I thought he did quite well.

I thought the best jive of the night was Derek (or as a friend of mine calls him Leonardo Dicaprio look-a-like) and Shannon.

In a jive it's all about choreography and Derek and his sister (Julianne) always do the most complicated stuff.

That seems to pay off and most importantly it's really fun to watch;). No wonder they keep those 2 around.

Best tango definitely goes to Priscilla, since it's all about precision and Priscilla is a perfectionist it was perfect for her, the acting was not half bad either.

And I really liked the dress she was wearing, I thought it looked very flattering on her.

My second favourite jive of the night was Edyta and Jason. I'm still in awe of how gracefully this guy moves.

And actually I should rephrase my earlier statement and say that aside from Derek and Julianne, Edyta has some of the best choreography on the show.

Kristi Yamaguchi kicked butt again with 27/30 for her tango. I'll honestly be surprised if she doesn't make it to the finale.

My predictions for who will go this week, either Mario or Adam.

Dancing with the Stars (week 2)

Tonight was another awesome night of dance, quick step turned out great for some not so great for others.

Poor Monica Seles still couldn't find her groove, and I think unless her fan-base goes dial crazy she will unfortunately be the first one to go tomorrow.

Marlee Matlin was amazing once again, btw. it was nice to see Jennifer Beals in the audience supporting her. I was wondering when she would show up.

Kristi Yamaguchi continues to forge ahead of the pack, quickly becoming the one to beat. I actually think Marlee will be able to give her a run for her money, along with Priscilla Presley who keeps surprising me.

My favourite male celebrity dancer by far is Edyta Sliwinska's partner Jason Taylor, I don't think I've ever seen a football star more graceful then this guy. He's definitely got the potential to go far in the competition.

Even Marissa Jared Winokur, improved this week. I'm not sure whether she's got the potential to win the whole she-bang. But one thing is for sure with the force of the Xena-verse (Xena fans) behind her she will be in for the long haul.

My predictions for who will go home tomorrow Penn Jillette and probably Monica Seles.

Dancing with the Stars: Ladies night off with a bang!

Last night was the first night of dancing for the ladies and I have to say the majority of them were quite impressive. Particularly former Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi, and Priscilla Prestley.

The dance of the night though went to Marlee Matlin, I think along with everyone in the audience I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out how she did all those moves to the music perfectly and looked better doing them then all the other couples who can actually hear.

I'm not sure why but I knew she would be a good dancer, I just wasn't sure how her partner would get around the logistics.

All credit to both him and Marlee for pulling it off, it was inspiring. I want Marlee to stick around for the long haul. So please people vote for her;).

The only person who seemed to really be struggling was poor Monica Seles. Which was surprising I actually thought she would do well, being an athlete.

Strange as this may sound I'm actually hoping she sticks around longer. I think she could get better as the weeks go on, but I'm probably the only one, and she'll be the first one off the show lol.

The most enthusiastic performance I think in all 6 years of the show had to be Marissa Jared Winokur. She was like a kid in a candy store, so bubbly and full of energy. She could barely contain herself it was so fun to watch.

Just as I do with American Idol I'm always scouring the audience to see if there are any other famous celebs sitting on the sidelines.

As I was hoping Lucy Lawless came to cheer her best friend (Marissa) on, along with her daughter Daisy. They were both sitting next to last year's winner (and my fave) Helio Castroneves.

Hope this appearance means Lucy will be a regular (in the audience that is;). I am already eagerly anticipating next week.

"Dancing With the Stars" announces exciting lineup

I checked this show out last year and decided I might give it a shot again depending on whether or not it had a good mix of celebrities. Well, having taken a look at the lineup for this year I am definitely tuning in!.

With names like Priscilla Presley, Marlee Matlin and tennis champ Monica Seles, I would be a fool not to watch. It will be really interesting to see how Seles does in the dancing arena, although as a former athlete I have a feeling she could out-dance them all.

Marissa Jaret Winokur is another surprise, the only thing I know about her aside from the fact that she's an actress/broadway singer is that she's Lucy Lawless's best friend. Hope that means we'll get to see her in the audience:).

Is it March yet?.