I never knew going into the week that I was in for such surprises as I tuned in to the finales of American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
At the end of Tuesday's performance show, there was no clear cut winner for American Idol. Jessica Sanchez threw down with spot on powerhouse vocals, but an odd final song. Phillip Phillips, well, he was Phillip Phillips. He turned in two so-so performances, but his final song was stellar. I thought that about evened things out, maybe even gave Jessica Sanchez the edge. At the start of Season 11, the judges had proclaimed that it was the year of the girl, and after listening to the talent, I genuinely believed it to be true. I admit, in these past few years, I've been all about the boys, but I really thought in the back of my mind that Jessica Sanchez was going to take this, even if only by a narrow margin. It's funny, when Ryan Seacrest announced the winner, he didn't even say it was close. Did Phillip Phillips win by a landslide? I don't think young teenage girls were the only ones who called up and voted for Phillip, I bet a lot of grandmas did too. But, did no majority of any female demographic out there pick up the phone and vote for Jessica Sanchez?
This win begs the question, will a young lady ever win American Idol again? The last time a lady won was in 2007 Season 6 of Idol when a young Jordin Sparks beat Blake Lewis in the final (thank goodness!). Out of eleven seasons of the show, only four females have won, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, and Jordin Sparks. I think we can rightfully say that Jessica Sanchez belongs or belonged in that company of females singers. Her performances of The Prayer, I Will Always Love You, Sweet Dreams, and I Have Nothing were four of the single best performances, not just of this season, but arguably throughout all the seasons of Idol. Let's not forget that the judges said she could complete with the current popular female singers of today, like Beyonce. There's no question; at the age of 16, Sanchez has poise, power vocals, confidence, swagger, and humility, all qualities tough to find in most artists.
I think this is deeper than who called up to vote for who. I think this is a gender war in a way, but not in the way you think. I think women, generally, find it difficult to route for one another. Our first inclinations many times is to compete, to feel jealous, or to envy; I am woman enough to admit it. For the most part, I have no problem admitting that Jessica Sanchez was hands down deserving of this win. I also have no issue saying that Phillip Phillips worked hard, struggled with a bum kidney, and pushed his way to the end.
Jessica said in an interview, following the finale, that she knew Phillip would win, and that he deserved it, that he had worked so hard. I agree, but I would like to make the argument that the majority of the top finalists worked hard. What about Joshua Ledet? He worked the stage every week, like he had been there his entire life; he worked hard. Skylar Laine was a pro, like a young Reba who got up there every week with a fierceness that was impossible to deny; she worked hard. And what about young Jessica Sanchez, at the age of 16, she probably had more to prove than most. She got up there every week, humble, turning in not one bad performance. The judges used their "save" on her and she was shocked! I think the only person who was shocked that Jessica was saved, was Jessica. Jessica worked hard. Maybe at the end there are no winners and losers. If they worked hard, they won, and now they're going on tour. After the tour is over, some contestants will go back to their lives, and some will start new lives. Some will receive recording contracts and some will not. The experience is special, it shapes you, and maybe it's what you do with that experience that makes you a winner. If not, what was all the hard work for?
I was pleasantly surprised with Dancing with the Stars but I have felt that way the entire season. This was, by far, the best cast that they have ever had, and I went into thinking who are these people? They're superstars. The top three was exactly as it should be, William Levy and Cheryl Burke were the second runners up, Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas were the first runners up, and Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd were crowned as Ballroom Champions. Rightfully so, Donald worked his tush off and was underscored for most of the season. He took bigger risks than anyone else, and those risks paid off because they were executed so well. Peta went from being voted off first to winning the entire competition. Kudos to her for listening to her partner, finding out the styles and dances that fit him well, and choreographing to those strengths. Early talk of the upcoming season of the show is that it will be an All Star cast of past contestants. Donald has already said he won't come back, but let's not count out Gilles Marini! Congratulations to all the amazing celebrities and pros from Season 14. A friend of mine who has never watched the show before even became a fan, and that's a huge feat, trust me.
Showing posts with label Katherine Jenkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katherine Jenkins. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Dancing With The Stars Season 14: Weeks 8 and 9 Recap
Last week (Week 8 of competition) marked the end of the competition for Melissa and Maks and Roshon and Chelsie. It was too bad about Roshon and Chelsie because they had really started to improve by leaps and bounds. Chelsie's choreography for their Foxtrot was fun and really played to Roshon's strengths; he did a beautiful job of executing the steps.
Most Improved Week 8: Roshon and Chelsie, a part of me understands why they had to go last week, but I still find them delightful.
Most Disappointing Week 8: Katherine and Mark; this couple started out fast and furious and last week's performance was full of missteps. The big spin was off, the whole dance was off.
Mr. Smooth Week 8: William! William and Cheryl's Foxtrot was smooth, sexy, and it had tons of flare. I am so happy that Cheryl pushed him to his full potential and hasn't let up.
Most Emotional Week 8: Maria and Derek's Viennese Waltz, this dance was absolutely enchanting, something about the way that they danced said fairytale. Carrie Ann commented on the relationship developing between these two, it's beautiful to see.
Most in Need of the Len "Ten" Week 8: Donald and Peta; I am convinced that before this season is over Donald is going to earn that "ten" from Len. His Tango came pretty close, but it didn't quite satisfy.
Most Forgotten Week 8: Melissa definitely had a loyal fan base, but I suppose that could only take them so far. She and Maks were voted off last week after the judges called her Foxtrot her personal best dance ever.
This week (Week 9 of competition) was wonderful because we got to know more about the remaining four contestants. It was really touching to hear about how far each of them has come, to hear their stories, all the obstacles that they have overcome in their lives.
The Week 9 Highs and Lows--
High-- William and Cheryl's Tango, a 28 out of 30, earned few criticisms.
Low-- Katherine and Mark's Quickstep, although it was a 29 out of 30, I found it sloppy throughout.
High-- Donald and Peta's Waltz was elegant and emotional, but he still has yet to earn a ten from Len. 28 out of 30
High-- Maria and Derek's Argentine Tango was enticing and showed her transformation in this competition beautifully. It earned the only perfect score in round one. 30 out of 30
High-- William and Cheryl's Samba earned a perfect score also. This dance was full of rhythm; William definitely brought it tonight, he was not just a pretty face. 30 out of 30
Low-- Katherine and Mark's Salsa had an odd Egyptian style to it, and Katherine hurt her back. I hope she's okay. 27 out of 30
High/Low-- Donald and Peta's Samba, it was hot, but not hot enough, 29 out of 30.
High-- Maria and Derek's Jive left the judges blown away, they may have won the night. 29 out of 30
Most Improved Week 8: Roshon and Chelsie, a part of me understands why they had to go last week, but I still find them delightful.
Most Disappointing Week 8: Katherine and Mark; this couple started out fast and furious and last week's performance was full of missteps. The big spin was off, the whole dance was off.
Mr. Smooth Week 8: William! William and Cheryl's Foxtrot was smooth, sexy, and it had tons of flare. I am so happy that Cheryl pushed him to his full potential and hasn't let up.
Most Emotional Week 8: Maria and Derek's Viennese Waltz, this dance was absolutely enchanting, something about the way that they danced said fairytale. Carrie Ann commented on the relationship developing between these two, it's beautiful to see.
Most in Need of the Len "Ten" Week 8: Donald and Peta; I am convinced that before this season is over Donald is going to earn that "ten" from Len. His Tango came pretty close, but it didn't quite satisfy.
Most Forgotten Week 8: Melissa definitely had a loyal fan base, but I suppose that could only take them so far. She and Maks were voted off last week after the judges called her Foxtrot her personal best dance ever.
This week (Week 9 of competition) was wonderful because we got to know more about the remaining four contestants. It was really touching to hear about how far each of them has come, to hear their stories, all the obstacles that they have overcome in their lives.
The Week 9 Highs and Lows--
High-- William and Cheryl's Tango, a 28 out of 30, earned few criticisms.
Low-- Katherine and Mark's Quickstep, although it was a 29 out of 30, I found it sloppy throughout.
High-- Donald and Peta's Waltz was elegant and emotional, but he still has yet to earn a ten from Len. 28 out of 30
High-- Maria and Derek's Argentine Tango was enticing and showed her transformation in this competition beautifully. It earned the only perfect score in round one. 30 out of 30
High-- William and Cheryl's Samba earned a perfect score also. This dance was full of rhythm; William definitely brought it tonight, he was not just a pretty face. 30 out of 30
Low-- Katherine and Mark's Salsa had an odd Egyptian style to it, and Katherine hurt her back. I hope she's okay. 27 out of 30
High/Low-- Donald and Peta's Samba, it was hot, but not hot enough, 29 out of 30.
High-- Maria and Derek's Jive left the judges blown away, they may have won the night. 29 out of 30
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Dancing With The Stars: Season 14 Two Week Recap
Last week was Motown Week on Dancing With The Stars and Gladys Knight ended up getting voted off after a "dance off" with Roshon. I liked Gladys, but I think it was her time to go. She had great charisma and the effort was there, but she just wasn't improving the way that her fellow contestants have been.
Roshon and Chelsie stood out for me because their Rumba was very adult, it showed that Roshon is capable of that. It was sexy, and that was a positive new direction for them. Score: 23 out of 30
I loved the funk and the bounce in Katherine and Mark's Samba. This lady just consistently delivers, it's pretty amazing. Score: 29 out of 30
Donald and Peta's Foxtrot had everything: pizazz, confidence, power, and fireworks. Donald improves every week, and to be honest, I think he is overlooked by the judges all the time. Score: 27 out of 30
I cannot forget about Jaleel and Kym's Cha Cha; there was so much precision in this dance. It was definitely the return of Jaleel. Score: 29 out of 30
Yes, it's true Cheryl does not use William Levy to the extent of his abilities. It angers me quite a bit because William has so much potential. Their Rumba was amazing in terms of emotion and sex appeal, but it could have used more dancing. Score: 27 out of 30
Week 7 Classical Week
Katherine is long overdue for a perfect score but her Rumba with Mark this week wasn't it. This lacked passion and chemistry, her lines made up for it a little bit. Score: 27 out of 30
I felt bad for Melisssa and Maks; they made such headway last week. I think that the judges were way too hard on them, particularly Carrie Ann. This Argentine Tango had too many lifts though and unfortunately some of them weren't clean. Score: 21 out of 30
William and Cheryl's Viennese Waltz was absolutely beautiful; there was so much emotion and it was sincere and touching. Bruno said he saw a vulnerability in him that he hasn't seen before. Score: 27 out of 30
I think once again this week Roshon and Chelsie are going to find themselves in the dance off. This was a wonderful improvement for Roshon and Carrie Ann loved it, but for some reason, it didn't hold my attention in terms of how the dance was interpreted. Score: 25 out of 30
Donald and Peta could not be counted out with their Viennese Waltz; it was just enchanting. Carrie Ann loved the intensity and regalness of the dance. Len praised his footwork which I think is pretty impressive for an athlete. Score: 27 out of 30
Maria and Derek's Paso Doble was unexpected to me because Maria has really lacked in the past few weeks. The fact that she nailed this and did it with the intensity the she did just proves that she really wants to move forward in this competition. Did it deserve the first perfect score of the season, I'm not sure, but had it not been the first 30 of the season then this definitely would have been a 30. Score: 30 out of 30
The Viennese Waltz was a tough dance for Jaleel and Kym, the feel was nice but the footwork wasn't tight enough. Bruno said the content was great but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. Carrie Ann told him not to lose his confidence and that his storytelling quality has improved. I just love Jaleel and how he puts so much heart and soul into every dance. I hope he isn't going home. Score: 24 out of 30
Team Tango – Roshon & Chelsie, Katherine & Mark, Maria & Derek, and Jaleel & Kym Score: 27 out of 30
Team Paso Doble – Donald & Peta, William & Cheryl, and Melissa & Maks Score: 26 out of 30
My prediction for the dance off: Melissa & Maks and Roshon & Chelsie
Roshon and Chelsie stood out for me because their Rumba was very adult, it showed that Roshon is capable of that. It was sexy, and that was a positive new direction for them. Score: 23 out of 30
I loved the funk and the bounce in Katherine and Mark's Samba. This lady just consistently delivers, it's pretty amazing. Score: 29 out of 30
Donald and Peta's Foxtrot had everything: pizazz, confidence, power, and fireworks. Donald improves every week, and to be honest, I think he is overlooked by the judges all the time. Score: 27 out of 30
I cannot forget about Jaleel and Kym's Cha Cha; there was so much precision in this dance. It was definitely the return of Jaleel. Score: 29 out of 30
Yes, it's true Cheryl does not use William Levy to the extent of his abilities. It angers me quite a bit because William has so much potential. Their Rumba was amazing in terms of emotion and sex appeal, but it could have used more dancing. Score: 27 out of 30
Week 7 Classical Week
Katherine is long overdue for a perfect score but her Rumba with Mark this week wasn't it. This lacked passion and chemistry, her lines made up for it a little bit. Score: 27 out of 30
I felt bad for Melisssa and Maks; they made such headway last week. I think that the judges were way too hard on them, particularly Carrie Ann. This Argentine Tango had too many lifts though and unfortunately some of them weren't clean. Score: 21 out of 30
William and Cheryl's Viennese Waltz was absolutely beautiful; there was so much emotion and it was sincere and touching. Bruno said he saw a vulnerability in him that he hasn't seen before. Score: 27 out of 30
I think once again this week Roshon and Chelsie are going to find themselves in the dance off. This was a wonderful improvement for Roshon and Carrie Ann loved it, but for some reason, it didn't hold my attention in terms of how the dance was interpreted. Score: 25 out of 30
Donald and Peta could not be counted out with their Viennese Waltz; it was just enchanting. Carrie Ann loved the intensity and regalness of the dance. Len praised his footwork which I think is pretty impressive for an athlete. Score: 27 out of 30
Maria and Derek's Paso Doble was unexpected to me because Maria has really lacked in the past few weeks. The fact that she nailed this and did it with the intensity the she did just proves that she really wants to move forward in this competition. Did it deserve the first perfect score of the season, I'm not sure, but had it not been the first 30 of the season then this definitely would have been a 30. Score: 30 out of 30
The Viennese Waltz was a tough dance for Jaleel and Kym, the feel was nice but the footwork wasn't tight enough. Bruno said the content was great but it wasn't executed as well as it could have been. Carrie Ann told him not to lose his confidence and that his storytelling quality has improved. I just love Jaleel and how he puts so much heart and soul into every dance. I hope he isn't going home. Score: 24 out of 30
Team Tango – Roshon & Chelsie, Katherine & Mark, Maria & Derek, and Jaleel & Kym Score: 27 out of 30
Team Paso Doble – Donald & Peta, William & Cheryl, and Melissa & Maks Score: 26 out of 30
My prediction for the dance off: Melissa & Maks and Roshon & Chelsie
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Reality Show Crazy! Dancing with the Stars Edition
Last night was Latin night on Dancing with the Stars and the couples were "en fuego"' there were three dances choices last night: Salsa, Samba, and Argentine Tango. After the night was over, I made my list of favorites: Kym and Jaleel's Samba, Cheryl and William's Argentine Tango, Chelsie and Roshon's Salsa, and Peta and Donald's Argentine Tango, and texted them to my friend. She had texted me earlier in the night when she was done watching, telling me to, "vote for Roshon". She brought up the fact that all my favorite contestants were men. I can justify this by saying that the pros are contestants too, they value a win as much as any amateur. To me, my list also speaks to the fact that the women dancers have really stepped up in the past couple of years in terms of choreography. I think of years past and who my favorite was, and it has always been extremely balanced in terms of male and female.
I decided though that I was being unfair and probably doing something that many of the voting public does every week. I was overlooking a contestant because she isn't well know in the American market, Katherine Jenkins. Yes, she is British, she is an opera singer, and before this show, I had no idea who she was. Every week though, Katherine comes out, and she has this hunger inside her which in turn allows her to dance putting forth her best effort week after week. I will even go as far as saying that I believe she could be in the final three, even she doesn't become a Sabrina Bryant like casualty. She's that good that I wouldn't expect less. Katherine's Argentine Tango had as much fire at my favorite guys on the show.
The Leaderboard:
Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas-- Argentine Tango 29
William Levy and Cheryl Burke-- Argentine Tango 29
Maria Menounos and Derek Hough-- Salsa 29
Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd-- Argentine Tango 27
Roshon Fegan and Chelsie Hightower-- Salsa 26
Jaleel White and Kym Johnson-- Samba 24
Gladys Knight and Tristan McManus-- Samba 22
Melissa Gilbert and Maxsim Chmerkovskiy-- Salsa 21
Gavin DeGraw and Karina Smirnoff-- Samba 19
I decided though that I was being unfair and probably doing something that many of the voting public does every week. I was overlooking a contestant because she isn't well know in the American market, Katherine Jenkins. Yes, she is British, she is an opera singer, and before this show, I had no idea who she was. Every week though, Katherine comes out, and she has this hunger inside her which in turn allows her to dance putting forth her best effort week after week. I will even go as far as saying that I believe she could be in the final three, even she doesn't become a Sabrina Bryant like casualty. She's that good that I wouldn't expect less. Katherine's Argentine Tango had as much fire at my favorite guys on the show.
The Leaderboard:
Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas-- Argentine Tango 29
William Levy and Cheryl Burke-- Argentine Tango 29
Maria Menounos and Derek Hough-- Salsa 29
Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd-- Argentine Tango 27
Roshon Fegan and Chelsie Hightower-- Salsa 26
Jaleel White and Kym Johnson-- Samba 24
Gladys Knight and Tristan McManus-- Samba 22
Melissa Gilbert and Maxsim Chmerkovskiy-- Salsa 21
Gavin DeGraw and Karina Smirnoff-- Samba 19
Monday, April 16, 2012
Reality Show Crazy! Dancing with the Stars Edition
Week four was surprising, Sherri Shepherd was eliminated, completely not what I was thinking or hoping for. Then I was trying to figure out why she was eliminated, it's because the judges' scores last week were totally off. Some couples were under scored and some were over scored.
Sherri Shepherd & Val Chmerkovskiy – Tango
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 for a total of 21/30
this score was on point give or take a point
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 8 for a total of 24/30
over scored
Jaleel White & Kym Johnson – Tango
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 for a total of 22/30
under scored
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 8, Bruno- 7 for a total of 22/30
on point
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30
under scored big time
Gladys Knight & Tristan MacManus – Tango
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 6, Bruno- 7 for a total of 20/30
on point
William Levy & Cheryl Burke – Jive
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Bruno- 8 for a total of 22/30
sorry to say, but on point
Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower – Viennese Waltz
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 9 for a total of 26/30
under scored
Maria Menounos & Derek Hough – Tango
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 9 for a total of 26/30
over scored
Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff – Tango
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 7 for a total of 23/30
on point
Sherri Shepherd & Val Chmerkovskiy – Tango
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 for a total of 21/30
this score was on point give or take a point
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 8 for a total of 24/30
over scored
Jaleel White & Kym Johnson – Tango
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 for a total of 22/30
under scored
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 8, Bruno- 7 for a total of 22/30
on point
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30
under scored big time
Gladys Knight & Tristan MacManus – Tango
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 6, Bruno- 7 for a total of 20/30
on point
William Levy & Cheryl Burke – Jive
Carrie Ann- 7, Len- 7, Bruno- 8 for a total of 22/30
sorry to say, but on point
Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower – Viennese Waltz
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 9 for a total of 26/30
under scored
Maria Menounos & Derek Hough – Tango
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 9 for a total of 26/30
over scored
Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff – Tango
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 7 for a total of 23/30
on point
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Reality Show Crazy! Dancing With The Stars Edition
Last week on Dancing With The Stars we lost Martina Navratilova and Tony Dovolani. Poor Tony always gets stuck with the duds. I like Martina very much, especially as a tennis player, but she was the right person to go home. This year's cast is very impressive; their third week dances seemed far more advanced when compared to week three of past seasons.
This was last night's leader board based out of a possible 30
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas- 29
William Levy & Cheryl Burke- 28
Maria Menuous & Derek Hough- 27
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd- 26
Jaleel White & Kym Johnson- 25
Roshon Fagan & Chelsie Hightower- 25
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy- 24
Sherri Shepherd& Val Chmerkovskiy- 24
Jack Wagner & Anna Trebunskaya- 24
Gladys Knight & Tristan McManus- 24
Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff- 24
I love week three because it's the week where the contestants do a dance based on the most memorable year of their lives. As you can imagine, this round of dances was emotional for the amateurs.
Highlights for me were Maria and Derek's Rumba, it was super sexy, and I wasn't a huge fan of Maria before but if she keeps dancing like this, I certainly will be. It was so completely 80s and I loved it.
Sherri and Val's Rumba, although it wasn't the best dance of the night, but it was extremely emotional for Sherri because it was dedicated to her son, Jeffrey, who she calls her miracle baby. I think when you dance from the heart and connect with the song, the dance just flows and that's what we experienced here.
Jaleel and Kym's Rumba was just so cool because Jaleel brought back that smooth factor. There are stories circulating that he got really emotional and in fact, angry, during rehearsals this past week. It was upsetting to hear that because he has such heart and I think the only thing he should do to step it up is to get better at the quick dances so he can truly make a run for this.
William and Cheryl's Salsa was caliente. I love the chemistry between these two, William seems like a legit dancer already. There was a minor issue in the dance but this was a complete celebration, William's dance was about the year he came to America from Cuba with his family. They started a new life, and that happiness really came out in the dance.
Donald and Peta's Rumba was also a standout for me, and very unexpected too. I did not expect Donald to be this good, but he is, and he was clearly touched by the music, the dance, and the memory of his friend who died from cancer in 2010. Peta's choreography was lovely and Donald was so moved he couldn't even speak after the dance. He is someone I expect to see come the finale.
I think ultimately Gavin or Gladys is going home. Gavin has shown more growth, improving every week, so I give him the edge to stay.
This was last night's leader board based out of a possible 30
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas- 29
William Levy & Cheryl Burke- 28
Maria Menuous & Derek Hough- 27
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd- 26
Jaleel White & Kym Johnson- 25
Roshon Fagan & Chelsie Hightower- 25
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy- 24
Sherri Shepherd& Val Chmerkovskiy- 24
Jack Wagner & Anna Trebunskaya- 24
Gladys Knight & Tristan McManus- 24
Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff- 24
I love week three because it's the week where the contestants do a dance based on the most memorable year of their lives. As you can imagine, this round of dances was emotional for the amateurs.
Highlights for me were Maria and Derek's Rumba, it was super sexy, and I wasn't a huge fan of Maria before but if she keeps dancing like this, I certainly will be. It was so completely 80s and I loved it.
Sherri and Val's Rumba, although it wasn't the best dance of the night, but it was extremely emotional for Sherri because it was dedicated to her son, Jeffrey, who she calls her miracle baby. I think when you dance from the heart and connect with the song, the dance just flows and that's what we experienced here.
Jaleel and Kym's Rumba was just so cool because Jaleel brought back that smooth factor. There are stories circulating that he got really emotional and in fact, angry, during rehearsals this past week. It was upsetting to hear that because he has such heart and I think the only thing he should do to step it up is to get better at the quick dances so he can truly make a run for this.
William and Cheryl's Salsa was caliente. I love the chemistry between these two, William seems like a legit dancer already. There was a minor issue in the dance but this was a complete celebration, William's dance was about the year he came to America from Cuba with his family. They started a new life, and that happiness really came out in the dance.
Donald and Peta's Rumba was also a standout for me, and very unexpected too. I did not expect Donald to be this good, but he is, and he was clearly touched by the music, the dance, and the memory of his friend who died from cancer in 2010. Peta's choreography was lovely and Donald was so moved he couldn't even speak after the dance. He is someone I expect to see come the finale.
I think ultimately Gavin or Gladys is going home. Gavin has shown more growth, improving every week, so I give him the edge to stay.
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