Hey All! :)
Welcome to week two of Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars. Last week, our season began as thirtness new celebrites took to the ballroom in order to earn votes and high judge scores. It was an interesting premiere with some very good dances for week one and some…weak ones, to say the least. Let’s take a quick look at you guys voted in our polls here at MJ’s.
Over 50% of you graded the premiere with a B, with grades of A and C coming next with much lower percentages. In terms of the couples, Bindi & Derek took the top spot with around 41% of the vote. Next up were Nick & Sharna and Alex & Lindsay. The rest of the couples were in single digits. When it comes to which dances you liked the least, Kim & Tony had 40% of the vote, with Gary & Anna, Paula & Louis, and Chaka & Keo also pulling in double digits in votes. So, what do I predict is going to happen tonight?
Combining the scores from the judges (from last week) and viewer votes (also from last week), I feel pretty confident that Kim & Tony are heading home at the end of tonight’s show. It just feels like an obvious boot. I think everyone else with low scores has either a big enough personality or a bigger base of fans to carry them through. If I had to pick a runner up to go, it would either be Victor & Karina or Paula & Louis. Now, what does the show have in store for us tonight?
This is “Hometown Glory” week and it will be represented on both nights of competition. The couples will dance tonight to a song that commemorates the celebrity’s hometown. Naturally, they must dance to an unlearned style. At the end of tonight’s show, our first elimination will occur. Tomorrow night is the same, with the only change being that the professional dancer’s hometown will be celebrated. By the end of the show, a second couple will be leaving us.
As you can see, a whole lot is at stake this week and the couples nearing the top of the leaderboard will be looking to hold their respective spots while the couples nearing the bottom are hoping for redemption. Let’s see how it all plays out…
Aww. The show opens as we see a video package showing us where each celebrity is from. Nice. And we begin with..
Nick & Sharna – Jive
Nick is from Tampa Florida. We hear about his childhood, a neighborhood that wasn’t so great, and a teacher that really helped him in life. This is a good jive, especially in terms of the choreography. Sharna really went all out with the theme of the dance, which was nice to see. A few odd hand movements from Nick from time to time. Those arms just need to be more on point. Whoops! Nick slipped. And damn- that is affecting him as the dance goes forward. You can tell that the fall is throwing him off a bit but to be fair, he is still keeping up with Sharna as best as possible and giving it his all. His dance last week was definitely stronger but again, this was a good jive for me.
Click to Watch Nick and Sharna’s Jive – VIDEO
Julianne mentions Nick slipping and how it might have got in his head. She mentioned it was a bit messy and not as strong as last week. Bruno felt like Nick was buzzing so much that he forgot some of the footwork. But he liked the confidence. Carrie Ann calls it rough. She felt perhaps nerves got him and felt it was out of sync from the start.
Carrie Ann- 7
Julianne- 7
Bruno- 7
Total: 21/30
You can vote for Nick and Sharna by calling 1-855-234-5610 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Paula & Louis – Rumba
Paula is really hurt about last week. She didn’t think they would be so hard on her. Come on Paula. You don’t want them to judge you on a curve because you are older, right? Anyways, she is from Savannah Georgia and loves her hometown. She wants to redeem herself. Well, I have two positives to say here. The first is that she looks nice. They did her up well with the hair, makeup, and dress. The second is that this is better than last week. It isn’t exactly a great rumba- Louis still holds and moves her for deal life at times and she can get very “tipsy” at moments. But put it this way, she is doing actual rumba steps and making good shapes with her body. The choreography is rather easy but I expect that from Louis considering who he is dancing with.
Click to Watch Paula and Louis’ Rumba
Bruno thought it was a lovely journey. A bit off at times but he liked it. He wants her to be careful because a rumba is supposed to have continuous movement. Carrie Ann was very impressed. She thought Paula needs to work on her turns. Julianne thought Paula showed her true self. She mentions how it was a bit off but she commended Paula on her legs.
Carrie Ann- 7
Julianne- 6
Bruno- 6
Total: 19/30
You can vote for Paula and Louis by calling 1-855-234-5611 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
*Paula talks way too much. Whether it is after the judges speak or backstage after the scores. She just needs to learn when to say less because it isn’t coming off as cute at all. She can actually strike someone as a bit desperate. She doesn’t have Gary Busey’s crazy to fall back on.
Hayes & Emma – Foxtrot
Hayes had so much fun last week. He is from Mooresville North Carolina. His mom talks about the things he used to do at home. Hayes is very much a family guy. His mother is crying in the package and Hayes hugs her. And here comes some votes! Hayes enters the ballroom on a motorbike. This foxtrot has some really good moments but some weak ones as well. The good is that Hayes is doing a nice and proper foxtrot with good hold and some nice gliding on the floor. But some of this is messy. Hayes needs to watch when he finishes one step and works his way into the other because it can look rather awkward. I think practice can fix that. Hayes still has the potential to be a really good dancer.
Click to Watch Hayes and Emma’s Foxtro VIDEO
Carrie Ann didn’t like the bike. She thinks Hayes can dance and doesn’t need gimmicks. Julianne couldn’t stop smiling. She loves the connection. She does want Hayes to work on dropping and his lack on being constant in a dance. Bruno loves Hayes potential. He reminds him of Tom Cruise in Risky Business. He loved the lines. He does mention the bum being out too much, needing a better hold, and more rise and all.
Carrie Ann- 8
Julianne- 7
Bruno- 7
Total: 22/30
You can vote for Hayes and Emma by calling 1-855-234-5608 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
*Hayes thanks his mother and starts crying. Well, if this doesn’t rack in a nice amount of votes, nothing will. Not saying it isn’t genuine because it definitely is but this is for sure going to earn votes from the audience.
Chaka & Keo – Foxtrot
Chaka isn’t going to let one night get her down. She feels her first week is to show the fans her improvement. Chaka is from Chicago and she mentions her dad. She feels she is lucky to be from Chicago. Damn. Chaka is pretty lost for a second week in a row. There are so many moments throughout the routine where she doesn’t seem to know what she is supposed to do next. Lots of messing up. Keo tries to keep her in check and I do commend her for keeping that smile going but she really does need to practice more. I mean, I think that’s what she needs. She keeps insisting that she is a good dancer and the good is coming but these two dances so far make me question that.
Click to Watch Chaka and Keo’s Foxtrot VIDEO
Julianne thought it took a bit to actually get to dancing. She is glad that Chaka stretched her lines. Bruno felt it was a step forward. Julianne loves Chaka’s warmth and smile even when she messes up. She wants to see Chaka when she doesn’t forget the choreography.
Carrie Ann- 5
Julianne- 5
Bruno-5
Total: 15/30
You can vote for Chaka and Keo by calling 1-855-234-5606 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Andy & Allison – Jive
Andy loves this show and thinking about his mom. Andy is from Upstate New York and is talking about being a hard working musician who was on a subway platform and had to keep pushing for success. LOL at Andy’s crazy faces during this. A bit distracting. Some really nice kicks and flicks in this jive and a nice bit of choreography from Allison. The problem? Andy needs to practice, practice, practice. You can tell he has so much potential and the moves are there but it needs to be perfected. If he can somehow nail the steps while keeping up his performance quality, he will do something special out there.
Click to watch Andy and Allison’s Jive VIDEO
Bruno loved the attack. But Andy went off so many times. He wants him to be more precise. Carrie Ann wants him to stay with the music. He is a musician after all. Julianne thought it started strong but then got off. The performance somewhat outweighs the technique.
Carrie Ann- 7
Julianne- 7
Bruno- 7
Total: 21/30
You can vote for Andy and Allison by calling 1-855-234-5603 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Kim & Tony – Quickstep
Kim is from Atlanta. She was disappointed last week. She gets calls during rehearsal and Tony gets a bit frustrated. She feels a lot of pressure. This is so much better than last week! Kim is actually moving at the pace the dance requires. She is doing actual quickstep moves and breezing along the floor nicely. Okay, so a few missteps from time to time but her frame is decent, her performance quality is there, and when you look at what she did last week, this is night and day. I’m keeping my prediction that last week did her in but she should feel good about tonight’s dance if she goes. If she sticks around, she may have bought herself a week. We shall see.
Click to Watch Kim and Tony’s Quickstep VIDEO
Carrie Ann says Kim showed she is in the game. Julianne thought it was so much better and wants Tony to push her. Bruno says it was an unexpected comeback. A bit top heavy at times but he is all smiles about her improvement.
Carrie Ann- 7
Julianne- 6
Bruno- 6
Total: 19/30
You can vote for Kim and Tony by calling 1-855-234-5609 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
*Hmm. I thought that dance should have received 3 7’s but alright.
Alek & Lindsay – Jazz
Alek is from Sacramento. He was so nervous last week. He is a big believer in sound effects in rehearsal. Funny. Cute dance. Wow at the lifts. Some incredible strength in this. If I am being totally honest, this is more of a showcase for Lindsay than it is for Alek. She has a lot of great stuff to do in this. Alek is a great partner for her in this though. He is totally there for her. I just wish she put a bit more jazz stuff in this for Alek. But this is the second week in a row that Alek has definitely exceeded my expectations. If anything, I was a bit hard on this dance because I wanted to see Alek do more. He can. And I want to see it. Good for him.
Click to Watch Alek and Lindsay’s Jazz VIDEO
Julianne thought Alek was equal to Lindsay. She just wants him to work on his hands a bit. Bruno thinks Alek can do many things and combines power and grace. Carrie Ann was intoxicated. She is really impressed.
Carrie Ann- 8
Julianne- 7
Bruno- 8
Total: 23/30
You can vote for Alek and Lindsay by calling 1-855-234-5601 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
*Alek is so delightfully awkward in talking. It is actually very endearing and cute. Alek could turn out to be a quite a contender if he keeps it up and if Lindsay gives him good routines.
Alexa & Mark – Salsa
Alexa is having a hard time finding the balance of being a supporter of Carlos and dancing with Mark. Mark says she played ball last week but with one arm. Alexa is from Ocala Flordia. Not sure what was going on with her hips at the start but as soon as she met up with Mark..FIRE. Hot salsa steps and lots of shaking and shimmying. Mark did a great job here to show her off and Alexa is delivering big time. I love the performance quality in this. Alexa is totally invested in this and you can tell. Some fabulous moves here. My favorite dance of the night so far.
Click to Watch Alexa and Mark’s Salsa VIDEO
Bruno thought it was wild and wonderful. Carrie Ann said that Alexa set the house on fire. Julianne said no denying the connection this week. She thought it was a whole other level of commitment.
Carrie Ann- 8
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 24/30
You can vote for Alexa and Mark by calling 1-855-234-5602 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Victor & Karina – Jive
Victor is proud of how he did last week. He is from a town outside of Mexico. He is really thankful for things he has gone through in his life and what he became. Oh man. You know, I really like Victor. He is charming and seems so sweet. But his dancing. His dancing is just…so not there. The kicks and flicks are almost non-existent. They are definitely not even close to matching Karina. Victor has a smile from ear to ear which makes me smile but I don’t think even practicing harder can really help him out. He just isn’t a very good dancer. But he has a likability factor for sure. I do look forward though to seeing how he does with a slower dance. He has a rumba tomorrow (if he stays), so we shall see.
Click to Watch Victor and Karina’s Jive VIDEO
Carrie Ann wants to score Victor on only enthusiasm. Julianne thought it was festive and fun. But yes, Victor was off time. Bruno said La Bamba went bananas. He thought Victor was like a jumping bean and he doesn’t know how to judge it.
Carrie Ann- 6
Julianne- 5
Bruno- 6
Total: 17/30
You can vote for Victor and Karina by calling 1-855-234-5613 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Tamar & Val – Cha Cha Cha
Tamar is from Maryland. She loves the memories of her hometown and her family. She isn’t so thrilled with the thrusting in rehearsals because she doesn’t want to thrust while thinking of her family. Well, I guess they came to an understanding because the thrusting is there. And this is fabulous. A really strong cha cha cha. Tamar is in this with a passion. Damn. Great movement. Great performance quality. I love the old style type theme that Val choreographed. This was a really strong dance and I actually felt it was stronger than the previous dance when it comes to pure dance quality. Tamar has that super difficult job of mixing the dance with acting as if you are putting on a show down. And that combo usually equals success on this show.
Click to Watch Tamar and Val’s Salsa VIDEO
Julianne says Tamar is in her element in this dance. She feels when the two get together, the energy is lost a bit. But she loved it. Bruno loved it as well- especially the finishes that Tamar did. He curses and is bleeped. Carrie Ann says Tamar is in a class of her own. But in hold, her eyes go blank. She wants her to work on being in hold.
Carrie Ann- 8
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 24/30
You can vote for Tamar and Val by calling 1-855-234-5612 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Gary & Anna – Foxtrot
Gary is from Tulsa Oklahoma. His sister talks about his love of football. Okay. This is better than last week. Gary is actually doing actual foxtrot steps. Is it perfect? No. Is it even close to being perfect? No. Does he still have that awkward way in which you aren’t sure if he is going to totally change the dance and do his own thing? Yes. But I have to give the guy props for improving on last week. And even more props to Anna for choreographing something that one, Gary could do and two, for being able to make him actually resemble a proper dancer. He should feel good about that.
Click to Watch Gary and Anna’s Foxtrot VIDEO
Bruno called it a pleasant surprise. He says it looks like a foxtrot. Bruno calls Anna a miracle worker. Carrie Ann says Gary was right on the edge but he didn’t miss a step. Julianne loves that Gary exudes the energy of a twelve year old. She calls him charming and handsome and says the dance was well done.
Carrie Ann- 6
Julianne- 6
Bruno- 6
Total: 18/30
You can vote for Gary and Anna by calling 1-855-234-5607 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Carlos & Witney – Foxtrot
Carlos is a latin boy from the midwest- Missouri. His father would play country songs and sing with a latin accent. He is really excited to perform something his dad would be happy with. This is a really pretty and elegant foxtrot. Carlos has some great rise and falls in this foxtrot and good on him for being totally connected with Witney in doing what many can call a rather intimate dance. Carlos is also showing that he can calm down and doing a really good classical ballroom routine. I would say the only thing I was on the fence about was some of the choreography. Perhaps I will be alone in this but I thought a lot of the dance, while done nicely, was a tad forgettable. I get that a foxtrot isn’t the most showy dance though. Continued good work from Carlos after last week.
Click to Watch Carly and Witney’s Foxtrot VIDEO
Carrie Ann calls Carlos a contender. She thought he was delicate and elegant. Julianne loves that Carlos has so much ease and natural ability. She wants him to squeeze his shoulder blades together. That’s the only thing. Bruno felt that it was like a classic movie. And he loved that.
Carrie Ann- 8
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 24/30
You can vote for Carlos and Witney by calling 1-855-234-5605 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Bindi & Derek – Tango
Bindi is from Australia. She talks about how wildlife is all around her. Bindi’s choice of music is actually heavy metal, surprisingly. Bindi is like a rocker chick inside. Her rehearsals are just adorable. Out of everything Derek is brilliant at choreographing, I think I adore his tango and argentine dango dances the most. He just makes his partner look so fierce. Great staccato movements throughout. I could have done without the added “heavy metal” things that were thrown in but I get the idea that it is part of ther performance. On a whole, a second week of a strong performance.
Click to Watch Bindi and Derek’s Tango VIDEO
Julianne loved the fiery little rock star that Bindi has in her. She loved it. Bruno wants her to be careful of throwing away the frame. But he loved it too. Carrie Ann said she rocked. Three for three. She loved it too.
Carrie Ann- 9
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 25/30
You can vote for Bindi and Derek by calling 1-855-234-5604 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
We are obviously crammed for time so we are rushing right into the elimination.
Chaka & Keo are in jeopardy.
Gary & Anna are in jeopardy.
The rest are SAFE. WOW. Kim & Tony are safe. Good that they did so well tonight.
And the first couple going home this season is…
CHAKA & KEO.
She totally enjoyed the experience and is very happy. Damn. Keo just doesn’t last on this show, does he? Chaka feels like she did Keo a disservice. They go to the center of the ballroom for their final dance.
Click to Watch Chaka Khan and Keo’s Elimination VIDEO
Judge Leaderboard After Week Two, Night One
Bindi & Deek- 25/30
Carlos & Witney – 24/30
Tamar & Val- 24/30
Alexa & Mark- 24/30
Alek & Lindsay- 23/30
Hayes & Emma- 22/30
Nick & Sharna- 21/30
Andy Allison – 21/30
Kim & Tony- 19/30
Paula & Louis- 19/30
Gary & Anna- 18/30
Victor & Karina- 17/30
Remember, tomorrow night continues “Hometown Glory” week as the remaining couples perform another unlearned dance before a second couple is eliminated. What did you guys make of tonight’s show? Did you say any improvements? Did any new couple earn your votes or are you still with who you enjoyed last week? POLLS will be up in a new post very soon. Thanks so much for watching with me. :D