CliqueClackDancing With the Stars gets season 18 off on the right foot
‘Dancing With the Stars’ returned with a new batch of celebs, some new pros, a new band and a new co-host, and for the most part the dancing was terrific. Let’s look back on who did best and worst, who has potential and who should go home.
“You’re definitely the most relaxed dancer I’ve ever seen.” — Carrie Anne Inaba to Billy Dee Williams
Billy Dee & Emma; Cha-cha-cha — Score: 15
KIM: No offense, but Lando was a complete train wreck. I give him props for being almost 80 and trying to dance, but he didn’t look very comfortable out there (maybe he was having back pains?) and it was incredibly awkward to watch him power through it. It was mildly amusing to see R2-D2 and Ewoks in the ballroom, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the first to go home.
CHUCK: Poor Billy Dee … arthritis and two hip replacements, and stormtroopers, Ewoks and R2-D2 used to distract us from what was a heroic effort, but the fans are his only hope. I couldn’t tell if he was sleepwalking or stoned on medication, but it was a sad display. He seemed much more lively in the video package. The Force was not with him (and did I call his music!).
“You would have thought Jar Jar Binks walked in here, they way they turned.” — Tom on the audience reaction to Billy Dee’s score
Meryl & Maks; Cha-cha-cha — Score: 24
KIM: Yay, “bad boy” Maks is back! And Meryl is an ideal partner for him. Her background in ice dancing gives him a lot to play off of, and I look forward to seeing what kind of choreography he challenges her with this season. Those spins into his arms were both amazing and ridiculous.
CHUCK: Meryl was close to perfection, and has obvious advantage from her ice dancing experience. You’re right, those spins were amazing. Hopefully Maks doesn’t over-use that skill of hers because the judges will get irate and realize it as a crutch to cover the other choreography that she may not be able to do. I was really expecting a 9 or two in the score.
Candace & Mark; Contemporary — Score: 25
KIM: Mark and Candace were perfection together – I knew they would be! They were one of my favorites of the night, and I would love to see them advance to the semi-finals and possibly win. Mark hasn’t won in a long time and the past few seasons it has felt like he was made to go home before his time. Let’s hope this season fares differently for him. I loved Candace’s shirt that said “My Favorite DJ is DJ Tanner” – that made me laugh. Where can I get one?
CHUCK: This was a much, much better Contemporary routine, with great energy and emotion, but she may have issues later on if she refuses to be the sexy girl. The judges were all amazed by her skill, and Carrie Anne wanted to see the routine again. Definitely showed that Contemporary can work with the right choreography. Candace ended up getting the first 9 of the season.
Cody & Witney; Cha-cha-cha — Score: 22
KIM: Cody was very energetic and eager to please. I’d like to see him progress further in the competition – I don’t think we’ve seen everything he is capable of yet. I think his six million Twitter followers should ensure he sticks around to at least the halfway point.
CHUCK: He definitely has some good moves, good hip action, but he was a little stiff here and there. He does have potential. Carrie Anne said he needs to work on his feet. I hope Erin stops bugging him about any romantic attraction he has to Witney just to stir up some girlfriend drama.
Drew & Cheryl; Foxtrot — Score: 21
KIM: Thick or thin, Drew Carey will always be adorable to me! There is something about a humble nerd in a bow tie. I loved the Monopoly setting for their dance. While I thought he may have started out a little stiff and awkward, I thought he redeemed himself by the dance’s end. He seemed to gain confidence about halfway through and as long as he shows his personality more, I think he could go far. I’m rooting for him and Cheryl!
CHUCK: Surprisingly good, nice footwork and arm extensions, a real joy to watch. Drew really was much, much better than I ever expected him to be. He did bring a lot of fun to the dance, but it will be interesting to see how he does with something more serious and forceful like a Tango or Paso. I do think he’ll excel at the Waltz. Len said Drew’s Foxtrot was very watchable, and Carrie Anne said he was the season’s crowd-pleaser. Carrie Anne was right because the audience booed the score.
Amy & Derek; Cha-cha-cha — Score: 24
KIM: Now that I know more about Amy Purdy’s story, I am rooting for her more and not just because she is paired with my favorite dancer. She was a better dancer on two prosthetic legs than many of the contestants without disabilities have been throughout the years. It was really admirable, and I can’t wait to see what else Derek can come up with to challenge her and make her shine in the spotlight. I know there are going to be some haters who say Derek is her partner because her back story will take her far in the competition and he’s always a producer’s favorite, but I honestly think Derek is not only extremely talented, but he seems to have a good heart and a need to keep pushing himself creatively. She seems to be a good partner for him on both accounts. I look forward to seeing them succeed.
CHUCK: Wow is all I can say. As soon as I saw the video package, I knew immediately who Amy was, even when I didn’t recognize her name in our previous commentary. She matched Derek step for step and it was amazing, and she just got back from Russia Saturday. Some people may say she got paired with Derek because he produces winners, but I think it’s because he has the skill and compassion to work with someone in her situation. It was a stunning achievement and Carrie Anne said it was an honor to watch her dance. It was … and the score should have been higher.
Diana & Henry; Foxtrot — Score: 18
KIM: I’m predicting Diana and Henry will be the first to go. She was also very awkward to watch and I doubt she has as much of a fan base as Lando to keep her in the competition very long. Being paired with a new pro doesn’t exactly help her chances much either, though Henry was certainly flashing that million-watt smile of his enough at the cameras, wasn’t he? Maybe he’ll get a better partner next season. Then again, I’d rather see Tristan come back!
CHUCK: Diana has a great “never give up” spirit. And a great sense of humor. I thought the opposite of you on her Foxtrot. The dance was a surprise, elegant with moments of slowness and speed, not perfect but has potential. I certainly think she has more to show than Billy Dee, but you’re right, the fans may keep him in longer than they should. I too miss Tristan, but Henry did a good job with her and really turned on the charm. They really did better than judges expected, but not good enough to get a score that the audience liked.
“We’ve determined Diana has a dry wit and the judges are all wet.” — Tom Bergeron
Charlie & Sharna; Contemporary — Score: 27
KIM: I think I have a new legitimate crush after last night: Charlie White. Not only was he cute with all that curly hair, but he was also very talented and humble! I’ve been a big fan of the Contemporary style since they introduced it on the show and theirs was perfect. It had just the right amount of sultriness to it to really sell the dance and make me believe there was chemistry between him and his partner Sharna. I hope he continues to sizzle when it comes to the ballroom and Latin dances because this guy was on fire last night.
CHUCK: Okay, this performance sold me on Contemporary. A good routine danced extremely well with great emotion and movement. It certainly comes down to having a choreographer who really understands the genre and can put the emotional arc into it. Charlie, who really is adorable, sold the drama, the emotion, and he really couldn’t rely on his skating skills for this type of dance. I actually think he’ll do even better with the ballroom dances and he and Meryl will be duking it out at least to the semi-finals. Carrie Anne called the dance poetry in motion, and Len said it was like ice dancing without the ice. Highest score of the night.
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