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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Ox Notes: November 26, 2008
As Dancing with the Stars 7 draws to a close, here's a last round of post-show interviews from TV Guide, OK! Magazine, E! and Us Magazine.
During her interviews for Access Hollywood, Mel B asked all of the couples about a fight between Derek Hough and Warren Sapp that supposedly took place during rehearsal for the Samba Smackdown. TMZ has the details on the brawl.
Derek's sister, Julianne, got into some hot water herself recently. Fellow Dancing with the Stars pros Edyta Sliwinska & Alec Mazo told E! in a video interview that Julianne needs to make sure she doesn't alienate her DwtS fans as she takes a break from the show to pursue her country music career. "If I was her," said Edyta, "I would be doing both."
If you're just not sure how to pass the time until Dancing with the Stars 8 premieres in the spring, NBC has you covered. Superstars of Dancedebuts on January 4, wrapping up its brief inaugural season on January 26.
Happy Thanksgiving! Ox Notes will return on Monday, December 2.
She earned the highest scores, again -- as she had for most of the season. But did the at-home voters give Brooke Burke enough support to earn her the Dancing with the Stars 7 trophy?
(Hint: Yes.)
The show started with a video package of Cloris Leachman interviewing people at the farmer's market next to the DwtS studio about who they voted for. One bewildered young lady said, "I can't vote. I'm not a citizen."
Alicia Keys provided the first vocal performance of the night, singing "I Need You."
Then the eliminated couples returned to perform their best routines as Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris recapped the season, week by week:
Jeffrey Ross & Edyta Sliwinska -- Quickstep Ted McGinley & Inna Brayer -- Fox Trot Kim Kardashian & Mark Ballas -- Mambo Rocco DiSpirito & Karina Smirnoff -- Mambo Cloris Leachman & Corky Ballas -- Tango Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani -- Paso Doble Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke -- Salsa Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Jitterbug
Tom and Samantha chatted with Misty May-Treanor & Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who were forced to drop out earlier in the season due to an injury Misty suffered. Toni Braxton also didn't perform due to a recent surgery, so she and partner Alec Mazo chatted with Tom and Samantha as well.
For me, the highlight of the night was Jeffrey Ross's roast of the finalists. After mocking his own last place finish and calling Cloris Leachman's routines with Corky Ballas "Weekend at Bernie's: The Musical," he asked, "What can you say about Lance Bass that hasn't already been said about Clay Aiken?"
Finally, it was time for the finalists to dance their favorite routines from earlier in the season and receive their final scores from the judges.
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Hustle Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann Inaba...9, Len Goodman...9, Bruno...9 = 27/30 Total score for both nights: 80/90
Lance Bass & Lacey Johnson -- Jitterbug Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...9, Bruno...10 = 28/30 Total score for both nights: 81/90
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Viennese Waltz Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...10, Bruno...10 = 30/30 Total score for both nights: 88/90
As time in the overly long show wound down, Lance & Lacey graciously accepted their third place finish.
Well after most of her young fans had gone to bed, Miley Cyrus took the stage to sing "Fly on the Wall." The performance was the last hurdle before the results were to be revealed.
Brooke & Derek were named winners of Dancing with the Stars 7, and they were promptly hoisted onto the shoulders of Corky and Mark Ballas.
There are plenty of Dancing with the Stars post-show interviews to keep you occupied until tonight's DwtS 7 Finale: Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, OK! and Us. E! was also on-set to chronicle the trouble Miley Cyrus had while filming her vocal performance, which airs tonight.
Lance Bass wrote in his Us Magazine DwtS Diary that he and Lacey Schwimmer will reprise their Jitterbug during tonight's finale.
To coincide with Wednesday night's new episode of Top Chef: New York, Bravo is launching a Web series called "After the Knife" about what happens to the chefs after they've been cut from the show.
TBS recently staged a celebrity grocery bagging competition between cast members of Mad Men, The Young and the Restless, My Boys and, appropriately, 10 Items or Less.
In an interview with People, Survivor: Gabon's Randy Bailey offered some insight into the difficult transition contestants face after the show when they return to their real lives.
A&E has ordered a new reality series called Steven Seagal: Lawman about the action star's off-camera work as a sheriff's deputy in Louisiana. At least it's not called Steven Seagal: Musician.
As she has almost every week, Brooke Burke topped the leaderboard in the final round of Dancing with the Stars 7.
The show began with a series of segments in which the couples chose their favorite Standard and Latin dances from the season. Those performances were replayed in their entirety. Brooke Burke & Derek Hough picked their Quickstep and Paso Doble, Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer chose their Tango and Mambo, and Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson selected their Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble.
Then, siblings Craig & Samantha were named the winners of the season's Ballroom Kids competition, and they danced their winning Jive. Given her knack for hamming it up on camera, I'd like to see junior Samantha take over co-hosting duties from Samantha Harris.
After the performance, the announcer unexpectedly proclaimed, "Live from Hollywood, this is Dancing with the Stars." If this marked the official beginning of the Performance Show, then what the hell had I been watching for the last 30 minutes?
Round 1 -- Samba Smackdown All three couples danced to the same song, performing some group choreography and solos, and everyone did well. The workload was most evenly distributed between Brooke & Derek (as opposed to Lacey, who overdanced a bit and distracted me from Lance's performance), and they get my votes for this dance. Len Goodman called Brooke "the sensation of Season 7." Bruno Tonioli told Warren, "Your sense of fun compensates for, obviously, your lack of technique." Carrie Ann Inaba said that Lance had "momentum" after his high scores last week.
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough Dancing to "You're the One That I Want" from Grease, the routine was pretty much non-stop tricks. Bruno yelled, "Follow that! You are the one that we all want!" Carrie Ann said, "Tonight, Brooke, Derek, you brought it." Len said, "That was, I think, the best freestyle I've ever seen."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer The hip-hop routine was good, but not as flashy as Brooke & Derek's routine. Carrie Ann said, "I thought what you did was fantastic, but then there was one little section [of Cha Cha moves] that threw it off." Len said, "I was really pleased with it." Bruno said the routine had "creativity and wit."
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson They paid tribute to Tina Turner by dancing to "Proud Mary." Len said, "This show is not only about dancing, it's about entertainment. And as an entertainer, you have no one that touches you." Bruno said, "With you, all resistance is futile. Lay back, and enjoy the ride." Carrie Ann said, "In all honesty, out of all the routines, that one was my favorite. But I saw a mistake."
For me, the judges' scores say it all: Brooke Burke is this season's best dancer. For me, that outweighs any arguments for entertainment value or improvement that can be made in support of Lance and Warren -- though they both deserve credit for those qualities. Go Brooke & Derek!
According to a report in The Orlando Sentinel, the Dancing with the Stars 7 finalists will compete in a Samba Smackdown tonight before performing their freestyle routines. Then on Tuesday night, the couples will perform their favorite routines from the season, which will be scored by the judges. So that means that tonight's final Performance Show will feature just four dances in 90 minutes.
Maybe that news will make it easier on DwtS fans in Wisconsin, where the Performance Show is being bumped back to 11:05 p.m. to make way for a Green Bay Packers game. With so little content in the show, you can hit record, go to sleep and still have time to watch the performances before heading to work Tuesday morning.
Fans can chat online with DwtS pro Julianne Hough at noon ET today at Fancast.
The Los Angeles Times asked DwtS judge Carrie Ann Inaba to describe her "Favorite Weekend."
Because Hollywood actors have been working without a contract with the studios since June, the Screen Actors Guild is pushing its members to agree to a strike.
Several cast members of AMC's Mad Men are considering taking a musical revue on the road.
In case you missed The Amazing Race last night, here's a video clip of the best part: frat guy Dan's bizarre, pathetic attempt to march in time with Russian army troops.
Last night's episode of Survivor: Gabon had a terrific set up that resulted in a surprisingly uncomfortable Tribal Council. Host Jeff Probst blogged about the episode for EW, and CBS posted videos of the latest ousted contestant kicking it at Ponderosa. Try not to wince every time Charlie mispronounces it "pon-duh-ROSS-ah."
Reality Blurred has details about how you can win a chance to meet Jeff Probst.
Based on this People interview with Top Chef: New York's Jill Snyder, it's obvious the cheftestant still doesn't understand why she was eliminated from the show.
The CW is replacing the shows in its floundering Sunday night lineup with reruns of Jericho.
It looks like time has run out for ABC's Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money and Pushing Daisies.
I'm no big-shot TV show creator like Heroes' Tim Kring, but I'm pretty sure it's a bad move to call the people who watch your show "saps" and "dipsh*ts."
Julianne Hough used her Fancast blog to thank her fans and encourage them to vote for her brother, Derek, and Brooke Burke for Dancing with the Stars 7 champs. She also wrote that she will not participate in DwtS this spring and may sit out the next fall season as well.
Lance Bass colorfully explained to People why he considers Brooke his biggest competition for the DwtS 7 trophy: "She could pee on the floor and they would give her 10s for it."
People has a backstage report from Tuesday night's DwtS 7 Results Show, which was the highest rated Results Show this season.
Bravo's website has a Q&A with Fabio, my favorite Top Chef: New York contestant. Tom Colicchio helpfully explains in his blog what "New American Cuisine" is.
Since Thanksgiving is only one week away, Variety's Brian Lowry wrote an article about things on TV that he's not thankful for.
Gwyneth Paltrow got in trouble with Peta recently for wearing a fur stole in a print ad, and her response is the perfect example of how to gracefully deal with bad publicity.
I've enjoyed watching Paltrow in Spain...on the road Again on PBS, as she tours the country with Mario Batali, Mark Bittman and Claudia Bassols. Check out this clip of the show, and then look for it on your local PBS station:
The Dancing with the Stars 7 contestants were chatty after last night's Results Show. In addition to filming interviews with Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight, they also spoke to E!, OK!, Us and TV Guide.
In the above interviews, the finalists revealed that they'll be performing three dances during next week's Finale: a reprise of their favorite routine, a group Samba number (each couple will dance a one-minute solo) and a freestyle routine.
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer said that their freestyle will be Hip-Hop. Brooke Burke & Derek Hough said they won't be doing any Hip-Hop moves, but they promised that their freestyle will include lots of tricks, as will Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson's routine.
Eliminated couple Cody Linley & Julianne Hough made the interview rounds immediately after the Results Show. They stopped by the set of Jimmy Kimmel Live last night and appeared via satellite on Good Morning America this morning.
Catching up on news from Monday night's DwtS 7 Performance Show, People and TV Guide filed backstage reports from the set.
When I read that the 2009 season of Masterpiece Classic, which begins on January 4 on PBS, will feature adaptations of Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Wuthering Heights, I let out a restrained, dignified squeal.
Hugh Jackman's wife kicks ass. When he told her he'd been named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2008, she said, "Obviously, Brad [Pitt] wasn't available this year."
People also has an interview with ousted Amazing Racers Terence & Sarah. They're still together, but the interview didn't do anything to bolster my confidence in their future as a couple.
Ending as this post began, with Dancing with the Stars news, enjoy this randy interview Tom Bergeron did with Chelsea Handler. And check out Tom's huge biceps!
The Dancing with the Stars 7 finalists have been revealed. No teens allowed!
This Results Show was packed with performances. Instead of the usual encore dance, Aretha Franklin kicked off the show with a vocal performance, accompanied by pro dancers Karina Smirnoff, Anna Trebunskaya, Louis van Amstel and Dmitry Chaplin.
After a brief recap of last night's dances, singer Leona Lewis performed her hit "Bleeding Love," accompanied by DwtS pros Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina.
Julianne Hough was up next, only this time she was behind the mic, singing "My Hallelujah Song." The performance was recorded a few weeks ago (before her surgery) and featured dancing by Mark Ballas, Derek Hough and Lacey Schwimmer.
Following that performance, John Legend sang "Greenlight," supported by a whole dance troupe.
After a video package featuring some of the stars' family members, Aretha Franklin took the stage again. This time, she was accompanied by DwtS 6 champs Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas. After watching them dance, I'm inclined to give them the trophy for Season 7, too.
The clip package that followed the performance was easily the strangest part of the show. The remaining contestants analyzed their competitors in a foggy basement boiler room that reminded me of Bonnie Tyler's insane video for "Total Eclipse of the Heart." Tom Bergeron quipped, "Nice segment, but we almost lost two of them to smoke inhalation."
Finally, it was time for the results. Lance Bass & Lacey and Brooke Burke & Derek were told that they'd be moving on to the Finals, and Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson soon joined them.
As Cody Linley bade farewell to the ballroom, he said of Julianne, "I love her so much."
Samantha Harris noted that next week's Finale will have two rounds. The couples will all dance to the same song before dancing their freestyle routines.
After last night's Dancing with the Stars 7 Semifinals, the contestants chatted with Us Magazine and OK! Magazine. Mel B was also in the ballroom to interview the couples for Access Hollywood.
Cloris Leachman became the latest DwtS 7 contestant to develop a medical condition during the season, even though she's no longer dancing. She went to the hospital over the weekend for what her reps told People was a "bad cold," though she's fine now.
Dancing with the Stars 5 contestant Mark Cuban was charged with insider trading yesterday, and so ends my dream of him owning the Chicago Cubs.
One duo dominated the Dancing with the Stars 7 Semifinals, and it wasn't who you'd expect.
The Semifinals consisted of two rounds of dances. First was a Latin Round, followed by a round of dances in new styles introduced this season. Two couples chose Salsa and two chose Jitterbug. Both styles were demonstrated with live performances by professional couples who specialize in those disciplines. Lifts were allowed during the second round, but not the first.
Round 1
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Jive Brooke made some early missteps that threw off her whole performance. The jive was so fast that she never a chance at recovering. Len Goodman called it "a disaster." Bruno Tonioli said, "The technique went down the toilet." Carrie Ann Inaba said that the lift in their routine was "a bit disrespectful."
Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Paso Doble Cody looked fired up to be dancing with Julianne again in their military-themed Paso. Bruno said Cody danced like an "AWOL android." Carrie Ann gave Cody a "10 for determination," but told him to watch his hands. Len said, "It just lacked dance quality for me."
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Mambo This was the first largely mistake-free performance of the night. Carrie Ann said, "You gotta up your game. It was a little lackluster for me." Len said, "At least you come out and show us great personality." Bruno said it was "flat-footed, but very engaging."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Mambo Lacey showed how physically strong she is by doing an impressive back bend. Len said, "That's the best dance so far." Bruno cheered, "This is Semifinal material!" Carrie Ann said, "That was a show stopper."
Before the second round of dances, Len visited all of the couples in rehearsal to give them tips.
Round 2
Before the competitors performed, the Salsa was demonstrated by pro dancers Paul Barris & Yesenia Adame.
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Salsa This was so much better than their first dance. Bruno yelled, "Brooke is back! Thank you!" Carrie Ann said that the lifts were appropriate for the dance. Len told Brooke that, if she makes it to the finale, "Work on your strengths. Don't worry about other people."
Cody Linley & Julianne Hough -- Salsa Cody was not well served by following Brooke in the same dance style. Carrie Ann said, "It was a lot of fun." Len said, "I didn't realize you were such a strong lad." Bruno said, "Still a bit loose, technically."
Then the Jitterbug was demonstrated by pros Christian Perry & Annette Nicole.
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Jitterbug The gambling theme present in their outfits was a little weird, especially Kym's roulette wheel skirt. Len told Warren, "You are truly a joyful person to watch." Bruno said, "Your feet were all over the place." Carrie Ann said, "I liked it."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Jitterbug Lance lost his shoe during their Navy-themed routine. Bruno said, "Shoes off or shoes on, that was brilliant." Carrie Ann said, "Once in a while, magic happens on the dancefloor. And that was magic." Len said, "You've come out tonight and danced two incredible dances."
As the leaderboard shows, it's time for Cody to go. Brooke's getting my votes tonight; I'd hate to see her miss the Finale just because her first real off performance of the season came during the Semifinals.
Nigel Lythgoe has thrown down the gauntlet. The So You Think You Can Dance creator plans to debut Superstar Dancers of the World on NBC in early 2009, which could put it in direct competition with Dancing with the Stars.
According to a Zap2It article, SDotW will feature two soloists, one pair and one group from each of eight countries competing in a variety of dance styles. The show's host is DwtS substitute judge Michael Flatley.
The Dancing with the Stars Tour wraps on February 8, 2009, which would put the show on pace for its usual March debut. There's no word yet on when SDotW will begin, nor how many episodes it will last.
I'm trying to curtail my TV viewing, and if I have to choose one dance show to watch this spring, it'll be Superstar Dancers of the World. Given the hours I've wasted over the course of seven seasons of Dancing with the Stars sitting through commercials and boring filler material, not to mention the mostly-forgettable performances of the current season, I'm ready for something new.
What about you? Would you ditch Dancing with the Stars for Superstar Dancers of the World?
In other DwtS news, Julianne Hough talked with ET about her return to the ballroom.
Variety's Brian Lowry writes about the disturbing trend of TV news anchors pitching products during newscasts as a means of skirting Tivo's fast-forward feature.
Tim Gunn told EW that Project Runway 6 is "phenomenal." Let's hope a judge decides to let Lifetime air it.
People interviewed ousted Top Chef: New York contestant Patrick Dunlea.
Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart writes that he's disappointed with the turn Survivor: Gabon's taken now that Kenny, Crystal, Susie and Matty have seized power. I agree, but I've been wracking my brain to figure out exactly why I do.
It's not just that I don't particularly like Kenny, Crystal, Susie and Matty, who've all gotten more annoying since they took control of the voting. I keep waiting for Sugar to stop buying Kenny's B.S., for Corrine and Randy to channel their misanthropy into a way to save themselves, or for Bob to use his MacGyver skills to come up with an unbeatable plan. But I don't know if they have it in them.
Is it wrong of me to hope for all that? Should I just sit back and enjoy the beautiful African scenery?
Is Survivor: Gabon getting you down, too? If so, why?
Just a quick Ox Notes before I go review the Hindi movie Dostana this morning.
Jeff Probst's EW blog post about last night's Survivor: Gabon episode includes a deleted scene of the tribe that won the Reward Challenge coming down hard after returning to camp.
And (spoiler) I defy you not to laugh during this Ponderosa video of Marcus and Charlie choosing coordinating outfits for Tribal Council. Apparently, they spent hours on the task.
In Dancing with the Stars news, Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson performed a few seconds of the Jitterbug they're preparing for Monday night on Thursday Night Football.
So You Think You Can Dance producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe talked to TV Guide about comments allegedly made by other DwtS pros regarding Lacey Schwimmer's weight: "Lay off her because she's a brilliant dancer."
Lythgoe was in TV Guide's offices to talk about a new dance show he's developing. Tentatively titled Dance Stars of the World, Lythgoe wants the TV show to be sort of like the Olympics of dance.
Christmas came early for nerds this year. HBO has ordered a pilot of Game of Thrones, based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series.
I cannot stress enough how good these books are, and how many people who usually avoid the fantasy genre love them. There are no orcs or trolls, and it's not set in outer space. There are kings, queens, and knights, but little in the way of chivalry.
The characters have realistic emotions and motivations, but the story drives the action, sentiment for the characters be damned. Martin's "gritty" style of story telling is currently shaping the genre the way that J. R. R. Tolkien did 60 years ago.
Pick up a copy of Game of Thrones, read it, and let me know what you think.
Catching up on Dancing with the Stars news, Lacey Schwimmer told People that she's considering bribing judge Len Goodman with baked goods. And Misty May-Treanor sounds like she'd be up for a second attempt at DwtS after her leg is healed.
Kim Kardashian blogged about the elimination of her pal, Cheryl Burke, this week on DwtS. Kim recently landed a guest role on an upcoming episode of How I Met Your Mother.
On December 23, former DwtSer Marie Osmond will host an ABC special called Rediscovered, in which former wannabe child stars get their chance to perform on stage 20 years later. The show, co-hosted by Donny Osmond, will also feature old audition footage of stars like Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Jessica Simpson.
NBC has pulled the plug on Lipstick Jungle and My Own Worst Enemy.
Comedian Chris Elliot's 21-year-old daughter, Abby, makes her Saturday Night Live debut this weekend.
Variety's Brian Lowry examines why British sitcoms are so much funnier than American sitcoms these days.
E! has a poll about the Top Chef: New York debut that asks the same question Greg asked as we watched it last night: what's will all the bald chefs? Bravo's website features blog posts about the episode by judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons, and former contestants Lee Ann Wong, Stephanie Izard, Richard Blais, and Brian Malarkey.
In the above interviews, Brooke Burke said that she'll dance the Jive and Salsa next week, and Lance Bass said he's got the Jitterbug. No word on what Lance's other dance is, or what Warren Sapp and Cody Linley will be dancing.
Cody told OK! that he thinks Miley Cyrus might perform for the DwtS 7 Finale. His original partner, Julianne Hough, will join him for next week's semi-final round. She spoke with Access Hollywood about returning to the show and blogged about it for Fancast.
A new season of Top Chef debuts tonight on Bravo at 10 ET, minus judge Ted Allen. Entertainment Tonight has a list of this season's celebrity guests, which includes the rock band Foo Fighters. I wonder if they'll change their name to Food Fighters for the occasion (har, har)?
Speaking of Foo Fighters, they're taking part in CBS's Very Merry Yuletide programming this Christmas season.
Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart appears in a video that Survivor: Gabon host Jeff Probst shot of members of the press taking part in one of this season's challenges.
Kelly, who was eliminated from The Amazing Race this week along with her partner, Christy, told People, "I have a good feeling we’ll be back for All Stars." I don't know if that's confirmation of a second All Star season or just wishful thinking on Kelly's part, but I'd be happy to watch them bumble their way through another season.
A third mirrorball trophy wasn't in the cards for Cheryl Burke this season.
Tonight's Dancing with the Stars 7 Results Show began with an encore of Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson's "Peter Gunn" Tango. The encore was followed by Edyta Sliwinska metaphorically passing the torch back to Julianne Hough, who'll dance with Cody Linley again next week.
Then, musical guest Brad Paisley sang his first song of the night, while Lacey Schwimmer and her brother, So You Think You Can Dance 2 champ Benji Schwimmer, danced a West Coast Swing.
Following the performance, Warren & Kym and Lance Bass & Lacey were told that they'd made it to next week's semi-final round.
Everyone got a chance to relax during a pretaped segment in which Celebrity Rehab's Dr. Drew Pinsky conducted a therapy session with each couple. With so much talking and no dancing, I tuned out during this bit.
The content of this week's Macy's Stars of Dance Performance was selected by online voters, who picked Julianne and Derek Hough to dance a Jive to "Great Balls of Fire." It had some exciting tricks, including Julianne walking in high heels as Derek sat on her shoulders.
Then it was time for a second performance by Brad Paisley, accompanied by DwtS pros Kym, Edyta, Karina Smirnoff, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Alec Mazo and Genya Mazo, Alec's brother.
The pros took a seat on the stage after the dance so that Tom Bergeron could chat with them about the upcoming DwtS Tour. Maks, who is choreographing the tour, said he plans to give it a "pop" flair, including songs sung by Toni Braxton.
Before the final verdicts were announced, a Kinesiology professor explained the science behind the pro dancers bodies, and how they're able to generate such speed and power. Mostly, the segment was an excuse to see Alec and Edyta nearly naked.
Brooke Burke & Derek were then told that they'd made the semi-finals, leaving Cody & Julianne and Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke in jeopardy.
After Maurice & Cheryl were told that they were out of the competition, Cheryl said to Maurice, "Out of all of the seasons I've been on the show, you've been the hardest working partner I've ever had." During their farewell dance, Maurice brought his daughter out of the audience and onto the dance floor.
Here's a couple of quick notes on Dancing with the Stars before I head off to do Veterans Day-type stuff.
Kym Johnson did a nice job last night covering up a shoulder injury she suffered over the weekend.
Entertainment Tonight got the couples to talk about their strategies for the semi-finals. If they survive the vote tonight, Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke will dance the Tango and Jitterbug next week.
Even though Derek Hough has been leading the pack with celebrity partner Brooke Burke all season, he told OK! that victory is not guaranteed: "There’s only been one occasion where the best dancer has won and that was last year [with Kristi Yamaguchi]. Other than that, it’s always been the best personality that has won." I think you're on to something, Derek.
Even with two individual dances this week, Brooke & Derek managed some impressive scores and held on to the top spot on Dancing with the Stars 7.
Ballroom Round
Cody Linley & Edyta Sliwinska -- Fox Trot Edyta's dress looked like a costume designer's idea of a ballgown from the future. Of the dancing, Len Goodman said, "I was pleasantly surprised." Bruno Tonioli told Cody the routine was "your most grown-up performance to date." Carrie Ann docked them a point for a lift, though she said she liked the performance. Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...8, Bruno...8 = 24/30
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Tango I'm not sure why Brooke was wearing a belt under her dress instead of over it. Bruno told the couple, "You were in tune like two instruments that have played together forever." Carrie Ann told Brooke, "That is why you're the last woman standing." Len said, "It was riddled with mistakes." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...8, Bruno...10 = 28/30
Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke -- Quickstep The quickest thing about this performance was when Cheryl did a cartwheel at the end of the routine. Carrie Ann said, "Yeah! I loved it." Len said, "You flew round that floor." Bruno told Maurice, "You kept it going all the way through with aplomb."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Fox Trot The daring duo kept things traditional this time. Len said, "You're here on the wrong night. Extreme Makeover was yesterday." Bruno said, "I really, really enjoyed it." Carrie Ann told Lance, "You're really animated out there." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...8, Bruno...9 = 26/30
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Tango Warren wore a sparkly tux for the occasion. Bruno said, "Secret agent Warren Sapp is back. He's big, and he does a mean Tango." Carrie Ann told Warren, "You make us all feel like we're in the number." Len said, "You're in it, now." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...9, Bruno...9 = 28/30
Latin Round Each star was required to dance a 15-second solo during this routine.
Cody Linley & Edyta Sliwinska -- Mambo Cody's solo included a one-arm push-up and a leap onto the judges' desk. Carrie Ann said, "It was a little erratic. But I know you were very excited." Len said, "Overall, I think you've done two good dances." Bruno said, "It went a little spasmodic at times." After the performance, Cody said that Julianne Hough will return to dance with him next week. Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...8, Bruno...8 = 24/30
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Mambo Brooke's solo featured some fast footwork and a wig that, somehow, made her look a bit like a young Marie Osmond. Len said, "I thought that was a very ambitious performance." Bruno said the routine "could revive the dead. You're a great dancer." Carrie Ann said, "At times your posture felt a little awkward." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...9, Bruno...9 = 27/30
Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke -- Paso Doble Maurice twirled a cape for his solo. Bruno told Maurice, "You were twirling that cape like a wind turbine in a hurricane." Carrie Ann said, "Next week, I wanna see you bridge the gap between the stomping and the intensity and the gracefulness of the upper torso." Len said, "I thought you did a really good job. Well done."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Samba Lance did a boy-band-style dance for his solo. Carrie Ann noted, "The Samba is one of the most difficult dances on the show." Len said, "I'm sure you're going to be back because I think you're very popular, but you must work on your footwork." Bruno said, "You did a very difficult Samba." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...8, Len...7, Bruno...9 = 24/30
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Jive Warren added some flair to traditional Jive moves for his solo. Len told Warren, "You come out, and it's such a joyful thing to watch, except for your feet." Bruno told Warren, "You release such a contagious sense of fun that you can't actually dissect the technique." Carrie Ann said, "I love that you did a Jive-inspired solo." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...9, Len...8, Bruno...9 = 26/30
Brooke & Derek have been the best couple for a long time, which makes voting for them this week even more important, lest they get Sabrina'd. I suspect Maurice & Cheryl will go home on Tuesday night, since fans will want to give Cody one last chance to dance with Julianne.
Kym Johnson told People that she thinks she and Warren Sapp can win Dancing with the Stars 7 if they keep having fun on the dancefloor, though she may have to use a few perennial pro tricks as well.
Tuesday night's DwtS Results Show will feature a vocal performance by Julianne Hough that she recorded before leaving the show to have surgery.
I agree with Reality Blurred's Andy Dehnart that last night's Holi Roadblock on The Amazing Race was one of the best challenges ever, particularly because of Kelly's self-inflicted misery.
The latest Survivor voted out of Gabon, Marcus, did interviews with Reality Blurred and People.
Since it's a light news days, I'll share with you a clip from the new Hindi movie that came out on Friday, EMI. It's a dance number inspired by Saturday Night Fever. John Travolta's got nothing on Arjun Rampal:
Last night's episode of Survivor: Gabon was a doozy. Host Jeff Probst blogged about the episode for EW, and CBS's website posted the first Ponderosa video of the season, which contained this quote about production's efforts to conceal the ousted contestants' identities as they drive through town: "They wrap you up in this cloak like you're Frodo Baggins."
Catching up on some reports from the set of Dancing with the Stars, People posted an article about What You Didn't See at Wednesday night's show. Kim Kardashian blogged about what it was like to experience the show from the audience.
Lance Bass told OK! that he and Lacey Schwimmer will dance a Fox Trot and Samba next week on DwtS. And Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson interviewed each other for Entertainment Tonight.
People got the scoop on this season's new permanent Top Chef judge, Toby Young, from Padma Lakshmi and Tom Colicchio.
After being eliminated from Dancing with the Stars 7 last night, Susan Lucci spoke with Access Hollywood, E!, OK! and Us. Susan told TV Guide that, if she had to do it over again, "I probably would have asked for a leave of absence from All My Children."
In a post-show video interview with ET, Cody Linley revealed that he and substitute partner Edyta Sliwinska will dance the Fox Trot and Mambo next week. Cody's original partner, Julianne Hough, "should be able to dance again in about a week," her doctor told People.
The cast and dates for the Dancing with the Stars Tour have been revealed. The lineup includes celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Maurice Greene and Marlee Matlin and pro dancers Fabien Sanchez, Mark Ballas, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer, Edyta Sliwinska, Karina Smirnoff and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Maks told People he's excited to take part in his first DwtS Tour: "I didn’t see the other tours but I guarantee that what we will do will not be redundant."
In other TV news, now that the election is over, cable news networks have to rework many of their nightly shows. ABC led all networks in number of viewers on election night, followed by CNN.
There's no need to watch Celebrity Apprentice 2 now that Joan Rivers spoiled the finale on Howard Stern's radio show.
But I have every intention of skipping A&E's Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design. You know a network has run out of ideas when they start turning former pro football players into interior designers.
As this week's Dancing with the Stars 7 Results Show began, host Tom Bergeron asked, "Are we in for a shock tonight?" We weren't.
The program began with an encore of Monday night's high-scoring Team Paso Doble. Even though they didn't perform, the losing Team Cha Cha still had to wear their matching orange outfits.
Musical guest Lionel Richie was up next, singing his new song "Good Morning." It's no "Hello," but getting to see Alec Mazo & Edyta Sliwinska dance made the song bearable.
Then Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke became the first couple to learn that they'll be back to dance again next week.
Following the announcement, popular mid-season bit DanceCenter returned, featuring former contestants Kenny Mayne and Jerry Rice and judge Len Goodman. In the first segment, they discussed the relative merits of Warren Sapp, Susan Lucci and Maurice Greene.
DanceCenter was interrupted by a magic-themed Macy's Stars of Dance performance, choreographed by Dave Scott.
Then DanceCenter was back, covering Lance Bass, Brooke Burke and Cody Linley. The segment ended with Len giving Kenny an awkward Tango lesson.
After DanceCenter, the other members of Team Paso Doble, Brooke & Derek and Warren & Kym, were told that they were safe.
Lionel Richie returned to perform his hit "Dancing on the Ceiling," accompanied by DwtS pros Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, Tony Dovolani and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who got a buzz cut for the occasion.
After a video segment in which the stars discussed what parts of the show they find challenging and which are easy, Lance & Lacey learned that they were safe. Cody & Edyta got a reprieve as well, as Susan & Tony were eliminated.
In the grand tradition of Cloris Leachman, Susan grabbed on to Samantha Harris's microphone to say her farewells, leaving Samantha looking bewildered and unwilling to release her grip on the mic. If only I'd known you had such an affinity for irritating Samantha, Susan, I might've voted for you.
Tom and Samantha announced that next week's competition will feature both a Ballroom Round and a Latin Round. During the Latin Round, each celebrity will have to dance a portion of their routine solo.
I'm not sure I like the sound of that. I'm happiest when the show focuses on the partnership between the star and the pro dancer. To paraphrase Len, I could do without all this messin' about with the team dances and group dances and solo dances.
Here's a short, post-Election Day Ox Notes. I need to recover after being exposed to CNN's creepy new holograph technology last night.
Dancing with the Stars pro Julianne Hough told E! that she hopes going public about her struggle with endometriosis will encourage other women to seek timely medical help: "I think it can help other girls who ignore pain."
Catching up on news from Monday night's DwtS Performance Show, Access Hollywood and People filed backstage reports from the set. And Kim Kardashian gave the judges a piece of her mind in her MSN blog.
ABC is working on a new reality competition from producers Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks called True Beauty. It's scheduled to follow The Bachelor when that show returns this winter.
The lawsuits between Bravo and The Weinstein Company keep coming. The Weinsteins want a judge to allow Lifetime to broadcast Project Runway 6 as planned, since it was only after the network was barred from doing so that Bravo announced its intention to air the new reality competition show Fashion House.
TV Guide and OK! Magazine interviewed the cast of Dancing with the Stars 7 after last night's Performance Show, and ET has video of the partners interviewing one another.
DwtS pro Derek Hough spoke with OK! about his sister Julianne's recovery after having her appendix removed: "I don’t think she’ll be back to dance next week."
Before the couples took the floor last night, Lance Bass wrote about Cody Linley and Edyta Sliwinska, who's filling in for Julianne: "It’s going to be funny to see this little teenager dance with this sex goddess."
Surprise, surprise. The Bachelorette's DeAnna Pappas broke up with her chosen beau, Jesse Csincsak.
FOX is working on a reality show called Secret Millionaire, in which rich folks go undercover to work blue-collar jobs in some of the most impoverished parts of the United States. The show debuts on December 3.
After you've voted -- and subsequently gorged on free coffee, ice cream and donuts -- get ready to settle in for a long night of election coverage. TV Guide has a list of what each network, including PBS and Comedy Central, has planned for the night. Happy Election Day!
A new gimmick radically altered the leaderboard on this week's Dancing with the Stars 7.
In addition to the individual dances, there were two team dances, each of which featured three of the six remaining couples. One team danced Cha Cha Cha, and the other Paso Doble. The team dances were scored by the judges, and those team scores were added to the couples' scores for the individual dances.
Individual Dances
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson -- Fox Trot The pair got tips from former DwtS pro Nick Kosovich during rehearsal. Len Goodman said, "It was a little bit of a disappointment." Bruno Tonioli told Warren, "You have to go back to the ease of movement you had at the beginning of the season." Carrie Ann Inaba asked Warren what the problem was, and Warren replied, "These aren't my shoes."
Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani -- Paso Doble Good, but not a breakout performance. Bruno said Susan danced "with pride and dignity." Carrie Ann made Susan shout the phrase, "I am doing good!" Len, "I think that was right up with all of your best dances."
Maurice Greene & Cheryl Burke -- Cha Cha Cha Maurice injured his leg during the team dance rehearsal on Saturday. Carrie Ann said the routine was "the perfect mix of form and freedom." Len told Maurice, "I thought it was your best dance." Bruno said, "Happy days are here again for Maurice."
Cody Linley & Edyta Sliwinska -- Viennese Waltz Cody & Edyta checked in on a groggy Julianne Hough, recovering from surgery while wearing an AC/DC shirt. Len said, "I thought, as a couple, you looked really comfortable together." Bruno told Cody, "It was like watching a fledgling bird stretching its wings, but not quite being able to take off." Carrie Ann said, "I thought it was great."
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer -- Rumba Lance acquiesced to Lacey's demand that they dance barefoot. Bruno said, "Barefoot in the park has never been so seductive and romantic." Carrie Ann told the couple, "Your best dance. I loved it." Len said of the bare feet, "I didn't get it. It didn't enhance the performance at all. It was a distraction."
Brooke Burke & Derek Hough -- Fox Trot Brooke & Derek took the floor, eager to reclaim their spot atop the leaderboard. Carrie Ann yelled, "Wow!" Len said, "It was truly fantastic." Bruno said the routine was a "thrilling performance from start to finish."
Team Dances Susan Lucci and Warren Sapp were named team captains, and they chose the other couples to join their teams.
Team Cha Cha Susan & Tony, Lance & Lacey and Cody & Edyta
Cody & Edyta and Lance & Lacey did a fine job, but Susan looked unsure of her steps, making her and Tony look awkward by comparison. Len said, "As far as the solos, I thought Lance & Lacey saved the day." Bruno said, "This was a Cha Cha teetering on the brink of disaster." Carrie Ann said, "The unison was terrible. It was brutal to watch." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...6, Len...7, Bruno...7 = 20/30
Team Paso Doble Warren & Kym, Brooke & Derek and Maurice & Cheryl
This was the much stronger of the two dances. Everyone did well, though it looked like Maurice's bum leg was causing him some pain. Bruno said, "That's the way to work as a unit!" Carrie Ann said, "It was just this magical mish-mosh of a Paso Doble. I loved it!" Len noted, "It's much easier to keep a formation in a marching dance than it is in a real Cha Cha Cha, Latin dance." Judges' Scores: Carrie Ann...10, Len...9, Bruno...10 = 29/30
Thanks to the Team Dance, Lance & Lacey fell from second place after their Individual Dance to fourth place. And Warren & Kym, who were in last, moved up to third, after dancing with Team Paso Doble.
As always, some of my votes have to go to front-runners Brooke & Derek. I'm tempted to throw a few votes to Cody & Edyta and Lance & Lacey just to make sure that they stick around another week. Susan clearly can't keep up with the other celebrity dancers any longer, so it's time for her and Tony to hit the road.
On Wednesday night's DwtS Results Show (the show's switching nights to make way for election coverage on Tuesday), Lionel Richie will perform his hit "Dancing on the Ceiling." Even better, Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice and Len Goodman will bring back DanceCenter.
If you missed John McCain's appearance on Saturday Night Live, The Chicago Tribune's The Watcher blog has a clip. It was nice to see Cindy McCain get in on the act, too.
USA Today has an article about a recent study that links sex on TV to teen pregnancy.
Reality Blurred wrote about the corporate sponsors of the upcoming season of Top Chef, though there's no mention in the article about "the Glad family of products." In related news, Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi issued an open invitation to Jessica Simpson to swing by the set and make her signature chicken and dumplings.
People has a funny interview with the latest Survivor: Gabon casualties, Ace Gordon and Dan Kay.
The Simpsons is poised to become the longest-running scripted series in TV history, after being picked up by FOX for another three seasons. Here's The Simpsons' parody of the opening credits to Mad Men, created for last night's "Treehouse of Horror" episode:
