Season 30: Dancing with the Stars Makes Me Lose Control

Amanda &  Alan danced a Vienesse Waltz/ Paso Doble Fusion to Never Tear Us Apart by INXS--  Carrie Ann talked about a stumble, I didn't see that. Len said you are a total eclipse of the sun. That was the best I have ever seen her perform. Wow, they were both magnetic. 
Score: 38 out of 40

Cody & Cheryl danced a Paso Doble/ Cha Cha Fusion to Free Your Mind by En Vogue-- Len loved the mix of the two dances; he said you've been brilliant. Cheryl said she will forever remember their journey. I feel like Cody and Iman have grown the most of all the dancers on this show. 
Score: 36 out of 40

JoJo & Jenna danced a Tango/ Cha Cha Fusion to I Love It-- Carrie Ann loved it. Len said magic happens. Julianne said you are all things. Bruno said she is awesome. I didn't really care for it. 
Score: 40 out of 40

Iman & Daniella danced a Cha Cha/ Foxtrot Fusion to September by Earth, Wind, and Fire-- Len said you dance cool; there was no confusion. Julianne said I have never thought you were the underdog. You never lost yourself, you inegrated it in a juicy, beautiful way. Bruno said King of the ballroom. Carrie Ann said from day one you have shown you were special. 
Score: 40 out of 40

Fresstyle:

Cody & Cheryl danced to Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels by Todrick Hall -- Julianne said your true self is shining through. Len called it wild, wacky, wonderful. It was definitely fun, and I could see Cody coming through this- so authentic.  
Score: 40 out of 40

Amanda & Alan danced to Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay-- Bruno said a star has been reborn in front of our eyes. Carrie Ann said you are hope and resilience personified. I am so proud of you. Len said I love your beautiful lyrical dancing. Julianne said we want to come out and dance with you. That was pure joy; that is the best way to describe it. 
Score: 40 out of 40

JoJo & Jenna danced to Born this Way by Lady Gaga-- Len like the Samba, Salsa, and Cha Cha; he said that they have been a standout couple. Julianne said that they have made other people feel free and make changes. I am floored by you. Bruno said I wish you were around when I was a kid. This was the perfect song for JoJo and the dance was great. I loved this. 
Score: 40 out of 40

Iman & Daniella danced to Lose Control by Missy Elliott and Ciara and Bounce by DJ Clen-- Len said this season has been like a fanastic book. Bruno said that Chicago footwork, you brought the house down. Julianne said that was my favorite freestyle I have ever seen on DWTS. Carrie Ann said that was sick; you showcased your partner. I love that! That was my favorite of the season. I hope Iman wins this because he is what the show is all about. 
Score: 40 out of 40 

4th place: Amanda & Alan

3rd place: Cody & Cheryl

2nd place: JoJo & Jenna

1st place: Iman and Daniella :) 

Reality Show Round-up: How did American Idol and Dancing with the Stars End?

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.

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 

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