Sunday, March 25, 2012
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Reality star peaks in 'Dancing' finals
Famous for being the only boy in a family of famous sisters, Rob Kardashian has stepped out of his sisters' shadows while competing on "Dancing With the Stars" and joining actress and talk show host Ricki Lake and veteran and actor J.R. Martinez in the finals.
Kardashian and his partner Cheryl Burke finished the first night of the finals at the top of he leaderboard earning 27 points for his Viennese Waltz and his first perfect score of the season earning 30 points for his freestyle.
Lake and partner Derek Hough found themselves tied with Martinez and Karina Smirnoff for second place with 54 points each.
Lake earned 27 points each for her freestyle and Cha Cha Cha and while both were technically goo they seemed to lack intensity and performance value that are worthy of the finals.
Martinez, who has been my favorite since week 1, did not impress with his Cha Cha Cha, which earned him 24 points from the judges. He lost the beat several times and seemed to struggle throughout the routine. He did however redeem himself with the freestyle blending musicality, technique, lifts and entertainment value to present a perfect performance.
This is the first season where I haven't been able to call a winner. As much As I want Martinez to take the mirror ball trophy, all three are worthy to take the title.
Kardashian and his partner Cheryl Burke finished the first night of the finals at the top of he leaderboard earning 27 points for his Viennese Waltz and his first perfect score of the season earning 30 points for his freestyle.
Lake and partner Derek Hough found themselves tied with Martinez and Karina Smirnoff for second place with 54 points each.
Lake earned 27 points each for her freestyle and Cha Cha Cha and while both were technically goo they seemed to lack intensity and performance value that are worthy of the finals.
Martinez, who has been my favorite since week 1, did not impress with his Cha Cha Cha, which earned him 24 points from the judges. He lost the beat several times and seemed to struggle throughout the routine. He did however redeem himself with the freestyle blending musicality, technique, lifts and entertainment value to present a perfect performance.
This is the first season where I haven't been able to call a winner. As much As I want Martinez to take the mirror ball trophy, all three are worthy to take the title.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Dancing competitor gets two perfect scores
Week 8 presented a challenge to the five remaining "Dancing With the Stars" contestants. They had to perform two dance, one of which was an Instant Jive that they did not receive the music for until 20 minutes before they had to perform the routine.
The show moved along nicely with Ricki Lake falling two points shy of perfection with her waltz and Hope Sole and Rob Kardashian receiving their highest scores of the season earning 27 points a piece for their quicksteps.
Nancy Grace's positive attitude can only go so far. Her tango technique was sharp, but she is still not at the same level as some of the other contestants. She earned a 24.
The best was definitely saved for last with J.R. Martinez dancing a waltz with his partner Karina Smirnoff. It was flawless and Martinez has a way of drawing people into the performance and making them feel the emotions he is experience. He went into the week wanting to earn the first perfect score and he did just that receiving 10s from each of the judges.
The idea of an Instant Jive completely stresses me out so I can only imagine how stressed the contestants and their partners were. It presented problems for most of the contestants who delivered with minor hiccups throughout their routines, but once again Martinez showed what an Instant Dance could and should be. It was high energy and you could tell Martinez is having the time of his life. If he is not in the finals I may just have to go on strike next season.
While Solo is improving I think she will join Grace in the bottom two, but it will be Grace who is eliminated.
Week 6 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 27
Hope & Maks - 27
Ricki & Derek - 28
Nancy & Tristan - 24
J.R. & Karina - 30
Instant Dance Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 24
Hope & Maks - 25
Ricki & Derek - 24
Nancy & Tristan - 20
J.R. & Karina - 30
The show moved along nicely with Ricki Lake falling two points shy of perfection with her waltz and Hope Sole and Rob Kardashian receiving their highest scores of the season earning 27 points a piece for their quicksteps.
Nancy Grace's positive attitude can only go so far. Her tango technique was sharp, but she is still not at the same level as some of the other contestants. She earned a 24.
The best was definitely saved for last with J.R. Martinez dancing a waltz with his partner Karina Smirnoff. It was flawless and Martinez has a way of drawing people into the performance and making them feel the emotions he is experience. He went into the week wanting to earn the first perfect score and he did just that receiving 10s from each of the judges.
The idea of an Instant Jive completely stresses me out so I can only imagine how stressed the contestants and their partners were. It presented problems for most of the contestants who delivered with minor hiccups throughout their routines, but once again Martinez showed what an Instant Dance could and should be. It was high energy and you could tell Martinez is having the time of his life. If he is not in the finals I may just have to go on strike next season.
While Solo is improving I think she will join Grace in the bottom two, but it will be Grace who is eliminated.
Week 6 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 27
Hope & Maks - 27
Ricki & Derek - 28
Nancy & Tristan - 24
J.R. & Karina - 30
Instant Dance Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 24
Hope & Maks - 25
Ricki & Derek - 24
Nancy & Tristan - 20
J.R. & Karina - 30
Monday, October 24, 2011
'Dancing With the Stars:' Bring on the Broadway
Week 6 saw the seven remaining "Dancing With the Stars contestants dancing to Broadway tunes.
Something new to this season is having musical guests performing on Monday's show and the cast of Broadway's "Sister Act" set the mood of the show opening the night with a medley of tunes from their show. The episode also featured a performance of Maybe This Time from Cabaret and I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady from Kristin Chenoweth.
Once again the episode belong to Ricki Lake and J.R. Martinez who tied with a score of 29 for their Quicksteps. Ricki brings elegance and exquisite to the dance floor while J.R. also is a talented dancer draws the audience in with his personality and style that seems to emanate from deep within. I will be shocked if these two don't make it to the finals.
While these two continued their rise to the top 4 out of the remaining 5 contestants saw a drop in scores from last week.
Nancy Grace experienced a 2 point increase from last week with her Foxtrot to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from "Spamalot." For the first time ti looked like she was truly having fun and was throwing herself fully into the routine.
The night took a turn after Hope Solo's Rumba to "Seasons of Love" from "Rent." She received a 20 and it definitely wasn't her best performance and head judge Len Goodman called it her worst of the season. Solo's partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy was not pleased and said “I’m a little tired that we’re being judged some on effort, and some being picked on heel-leads.”
The highlight of the night was the group dance to “Hey, Big Spender” from “Sweet Charity” that featured lifts and highlighted the dynamic and friendships that have formed between the contestants.
Judging by tonight's dances I think Chaz and Hope will be in the bottom two
Week 6 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 22
Nancy & Tristan - 24
David & Kim - 23
Ricki & Derek - 29
Chaz & Lacy - 19
Hope & Maks - 20
J.R. & Karina - 29
Something new to this season is having musical guests performing on Monday's show and the cast of Broadway's "Sister Act" set the mood of the show opening the night with a medley of tunes from their show. The episode also featured a performance of Maybe This Time from Cabaret and I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady from Kristin Chenoweth.
Once again the episode belong to Ricki Lake and J.R. Martinez who tied with a score of 29 for their Quicksteps. Ricki brings elegance and exquisite to the dance floor while J.R. also is a talented dancer draws the audience in with his personality and style that seems to emanate from deep within. I will be shocked if these two don't make it to the finals.
While these two continued their rise to the top 4 out of the remaining 5 contestants saw a drop in scores from last week.
Nancy Grace experienced a 2 point increase from last week with her Foxtrot to "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" from "Spamalot." For the first time ti looked like she was truly having fun and was throwing herself fully into the routine.
The night took a turn after Hope Solo's Rumba to "Seasons of Love" from "Rent." She received a 20 and it definitely wasn't her best performance and head judge Len Goodman called it her worst of the season. Solo's partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy was not pleased and said “I’m a little tired that we’re being judged some on effort, and some being picked on heel-leads.”
The highlight of the night was the group dance to “Hey, Big Spender” from “Sweet Charity” that featured lifts and highlighted the dynamic and friendships that have formed between the contestants.
Judging by tonight's dances I think Chaz and Hope will be in the bottom two
Week 6 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 22
Nancy & Tristan - 24
David & Kim - 23
Ricki & Derek - 29
Chaz & Lacy - 19
Hope & Maks - 20
J.R. & Karina - 29
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Another one bites the dust on 'Dancing'
Enthusiasm and entertainment value were not enough to keep Carson Kressley and his partner Anna Trebunskaya in the ballroom and they became the fifth couple to be eliminated in season 13 of "Dancing With the Stars."
Carson's excitement will definitely be missed in the ballroom and I can't wait until the finale when all of the contestant return to dance because I'm sure he will come back and perform something that is sure to out smiles on people's faces.
Theme oriented shows continue next week with the remaining seven contestants dancing to Broadway tunes.
Carson's excitement will definitely be missed in the ballroom and I can't wait until the finale when all of the contestant return to dance because I'm sure he will come back and perform something that is sure to out smiles on people's faces.
Theme oriented shows continue next week with the remaining seven contestants dancing to Broadway tunes.
Monday, October 17, 2011
'Dancing With the Stars' goes retro
Every season DWTS throws in theme nights and Season 13 is no different.
Week 5 saw The Bangles opening the show with "Walk Like and Egyptian" for 80s night.
Hope Solo opened the show with a Tango to "Livin' on a Prayer. The dance lacked strength and at times looked awkward. Judge Len Goodman not impressed and commented that Solo was too willowy and lacked strength. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =24
Carson Kressley has shown week after week that he is the celebrity with the least amount of dancing technique, but definitely makes up for it in entertainment value because it is obvious that he is giving it his all. Kressley's jive was no different filled with high energy and spastic movements Bruno commented that is was "a crowning achievement in madness." Scores: Carrie Ann 6 + Len 6 + Bruno 7 =19
Nancy Grace was next up with a Rumba. DWTS is definitely showing a different side of Grace, but there is often a disconnect in her dancing where the story and the movements don't always seem to connect, but you could tell she was really trying with her Rumba. Carrie Ann urged Grace to focus on finishing her movements and Bruno called it one of her best performances. Scores: Carrie Ann 7+ Len 7 + Bruno 8 =22
J.R. Martinez has hovered in second place the last few weeks and was hoping his Samba would put him back on the top of the leader board. There is something refreshing about watching J.R. dance because you really see that he is giving his all and having the time of his life. After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, J.R. received glowing remarks from the judges with Bruno calling it brilliant. Scores: Carrie Ann 9 + Len 9 + Bruno 10 =28
Rob Kardashian had a visit from friend and Season 12 DWTS alum, Romeo who helped him bring out his sexy side for the Rumba. The lessons with Romeo were evident as Rob moved through his Rumba with confidence and continued his streak of seeing improvements each week. Scores: Carrie Ann 9 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =25
Chaz Bono was aided by partner Lacey's father renowned dance coach Buddy Schwimmer on how to bring it on the dance floor. Chaz's samba was filled with energy and he had a smile on his face the whole time. Chaz is not one of the best dancers, but he continues to give his all week after week. Scores: Carrie Ann 7 + Len 7 + Bruno 7 =21
David Arquette definitely looked the part has he danced the Tango to "Tainted Love" dressed in all black. There seemed to be a new sense of focus and drive throughout the dance. Len and Bruno thought Arquette's Tango was "fantastic" with Carrie Ann adding that he needs to work on his musicality. Arquette is definitely one of the dancers that his always fun to watch, but even better is the joy and excitement on his daughter, Coco's face everytime he finishes a routine. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 9 + Bruno 8 =25
Ricki Lake has dominated the competition, earning the season's first 10s in week 4, but in rehearsals it is evident that the pressure is starting to weigh on her. A visit from John Waters lifted the mood, but Ricki's Foxtrot lacked the strength and precision that she has showed in previous routines. Bruno commented that Ricki "can't be a genius every week" while Carrie ann highlighted how great Ricki and her parter Derek Hough always dance as one. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =24
It is hard to predict who will go home especially since two high scorers, Kristin Cavallari and Chynna Phillips, have been eliminated. Since the competition is at the half way point I really like to see strong dancers move on and judging by the scores Carson is the likely one to go, and although I do love his routines I think he along with Chaz or Nancy will be in the bottom two.
Week 5 saw The Bangles opening the show with "Walk Like and Egyptian" for 80s night.
Hope Solo opened the show with a Tango to "Livin' on a Prayer. The dance lacked strength and at times looked awkward. Judge Len Goodman not impressed and commented that Solo was too willowy and lacked strength. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =24
Carson Kressley has shown week after week that he is the celebrity with the least amount of dancing technique, but definitely makes up for it in entertainment value because it is obvious that he is giving it his all. Kressley's jive was no different filled with high energy and spastic movements Bruno commented that is was "a crowning achievement in madness." Scores: Carrie Ann 6 + Len 6 + Bruno 7 =19
Nancy Grace was next up with a Rumba. DWTS is definitely showing a different side of Grace, but there is often a disconnect in her dancing where the story and the movements don't always seem to connect, but you could tell she was really trying with her Rumba. Carrie Ann urged Grace to focus on finishing her movements and Bruno called it one of her best performances. Scores: Carrie Ann 7+ Len 7 + Bruno 8 =22
J.R. Martinez has hovered in second place the last few weeks and was hoping his Samba would put him back on the top of the leader board. There is something refreshing about watching J.R. dance because you really see that he is giving his all and having the time of his life. After receiving a standing ovation from the audience, J.R. received glowing remarks from the judges with Bruno calling it brilliant. Scores: Carrie Ann 9 + Len 9 + Bruno 10 =28
Rob Kardashian had a visit from friend and Season 12 DWTS alum, Romeo who helped him bring out his sexy side for the Rumba. The lessons with Romeo were evident as Rob moved through his Rumba with confidence and continued his streak of seeing improvements each week. Scores: Carrie Ann 9 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =25
Chaz Bono was aided by partner Lacey's father renowned dance coach Buddy Schwimmer on how to bring it on the dance floor. Chaz's samba was filled with energy and he had a smile on his face the whole time. Chaz is not one of the best dancers, but he continues to give his all week after week. Scores: Carrie Ann 7 + Len 7 + Bruno 7 =21
David Arquette definitely looked the part has he danced the Tango to "Tainted Love" dressed in all black. There seemed to be a new sense of focus and drive throughout the dance. Len and Bruno thought Arquette's Tango was "fantastic" with Carrie Ann adding that he needs to work on his musicality. Arquette is definitely one of the dancers that his always fun to watch, but even better is the joy and excitement on his daughter, Coco's face everytime he finishes a routine. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 9 + Bruno 8 =25
Ricki Lake has dominated the competition, earning the season's first 10s in week 4, but in rehearsals it is evident that the pressure is starting to weigh on her. A visit from John Waters lifted the mood, but Ricki's Foxtrot lacked the strength and precision that she has showed in previous routines. Bruno commented that Ricki "can't be a genius every week" while Carrie ann highlighted how great Ricki and her parter Derek Hough always dance as one. Scores: Carrie Ann 8 + Len 8 + Bruno 8 =24
It is hard to predict who will go home especially since two high scorers, Kristin Cavallari and Chynna Phillips, have been eliminated. Since the competition is at the half way point I really like to see strong dancers move on and judging by the scores Carson is the likely one to go, and although I do love his routines I think he along with Chaz or Nancy will be in the bottom two.
Monday, October 3, 2011
'Dancing With the Stars' continues to get better
I have been in love with "Dancing With the Stars" since it second season and the show has continuously gotten better.
Season 13 debuted on Sept. 19 with 12 celebrity contestants including Ron Artest, Elisabetta Canalis, David Arquette, Chaz Bono, Kristin Cavallari, Nancy Grace, Rob Kardashian, Carson Kressley, Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez, Chynna Phillips and Hope Solo.
Lakers player Rona Artest was eliminated in week one followed by model Elisabetta Canalis in week 2.
This week contestants were asked to pick a dance that told a story about the most memorable year of their life.
Ricki Lake ended the night with the highest score. She earned 27 for her rumba inspired by 2010, a year where her house burned down and she was able to trust her heart and find love again.
Although Lake received the highest score the standout of the night was actor and Army veteran J.R. Martinez.
Martinez, who most recently starred on "All My Children" chose 2003 because it was the year he was severely injured while serving in Iraq.
Martinez and, his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff danced the rumba to Tim McGraw's "If Your're Reading this" and dedicated it to the soldiers that do not come home. The dance combined with the song was breathtaking and was by far the most moving of the night. It earned a 26 from the judges and showed that he should go far in the competition.
Week 3 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 24
Chynna & Tony - 26
Chaz & Lacey - 18
Kristin & Mark - 24
Carson & Anna - 23
J.R. & Karina - 26
Nancy & Tristan - 21
Ricki & Derek - 27
Hope & Maks - 24
David & Kym - 24
Season 13 debuted on Sept. 19 with 12 celebrity contestants including Ron Artest, Elisabetta Canalis, David Arquette, Chaz Bono, Kristin Cavallari, Nancy Grace, Rob Kardashian, Carson Kressley, Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez, Chynna Phillips and Hope Solo.
Lakers player Rona Artest was eliminated in week one followed by model Elisabetta Canalis in week 2.
This week contestants were asked to pick a dance that told a story about the most memorable year of their life.
Ricki Lake ended the night with the highest score. She earned 27 for her rumba inspired by 2010, a year where her house burned down and she was able to trust her heart and find love again.
Although Lake received the highest score the standout of the night was actor and Army veteran J.R. Martinez.
Martinez, who most recently starred on "All My Children" chose 2003 because it was the year he was severely injured while serving in Iraq.
Martinez and, his professional partner, Karina Smirnoff danced the rumba to Tim McGraw's "If Your're Reading this" and dedicated it to the soldiers that do not come home. The dance combined with the song was breathtaking and was by far the most moving of the night. It earned a 26 from the judges and showed that he should go far in the competition.
Week 3 Scores
Rob & Cheryl - 24
Chynna & Tony - 26
Chaz & Lacey - 18
Kristin & Mark - 24
Carson & Anna - 23
J.R. & Karina - 26
Nancy & Tristan - 21
Ricki & Derek - 27
Hope & Maks - 24
David & Kym - 24
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