Dancing With the Stars is an addictive guilty pleasure for many reasons. For me, I am always amazed at the level of progression the pro dancers take their fledgling stars and turn them into respectable ballroom dancers.
Steve-O, courtesy of ABC
If they can take the adorable nerdy gazillionaire Steve Wozniak and teach him a Cha Cha or Waltz that does not epically fail, they are pretty good tutors.
Watching the lead up to Wozniak's turn on the floor was entertaining, and showed how completely out of his depth yet up for the challenge the mogul was. His unabashed exuberance and even his moob sweat showing on his work-out clothing was all endearing. He is giving it his all.
That, in essence, is what I love about this show, the abandonment of all fear to at least try.
Lacey being made up by Melanie- photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C
Also to note: The hard work behind-the-scenes of Emmy winning department head makeup artist Melanie Mills and her crew of mad-skilled artists who turn everyone into bronze gods and goddesses, complimenting the wardrobe and hair. These people work so hard, from the break of dawn until showtime designing the look of each show, prepping everyone and getting them all camera ready. Melanie_interview
Emmy winners (L-R) Patty Ramsey Bertoli, Melanie Mills, Zena Shteysel and Nadege Schoenfeld, photo courtesy of Melanie Mills.
Another celebrity I was most impressed with was David Alan Grier. DAG is the star of "Chocolate News" on Comedy Central, and he is a veteran comic who kills when he is onstage. He also proved himself to be quite a natural dancer last night, and I look forward to him progressing.
"Jackass" star Steve-O has risen from the abyss of his personal life to clean up and make an effort. Good for him. He has a natural charisma and sobriety looks good on him. His "Jackass" pals Johnny Knoxville and Jason "Wee Man" Acuna were in the audience pulling for him. Wee Man texted me his thoughts last night on his friend's performance.
Wee Man writes: "I have 2 left feet, but Steve-O kicked the Waltz's ass.. Ha ha!"
Last night the new season of Dancing With The Stars began with a bang.
Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris began the show tonight by introducing the new cast of the show, as Jewel and Nancy O’Dell had to leave due to injuries.
Lil’Kim danced with her pro partner Derek Hough. Lil’ Kim shared she watched Dancing With The Stars in prison. Lil’ Kim then dedicated her first dance to all her girls in prison. Their first dance was the Cha Cha.
Len said that the first dance was "first class." Bruno (my favorite judge) said Lil’ Kim was "nasty but tasty". Carrie Ann sees Lil's potential.
Their scores were 7, 7, and 7 a 21.
Belinda Carlisle, the lead singer of the Go-Go’s dances with Jonathan Roberts. Their first dance was the Waltz.
Bruno said Belinda looked like Julie Andrews, but then compared her to Cloris Leachman and said she needs to extends her slides. Carrie Ann said that she must learn to trust her partner. Len said that overall they did see some grace and elegance in the routine.
Their scores were 6, 6 and 5…17
NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor dances with Edyta Sliwinska. He is fearful in the B-roll. They danced the Cha Cha.
Carrie Ann basically said he was no Warren Sapp. Len said their style of the Cha Cha was lacking the crispness and sharpness. Bruno practically made gaggy faces as he said it should have been thrown away.
They scored 6, 5, 5 for a final of 16.
Now I have already shared I am rooting for "Jackass"" and recovering addict Steve-O. Steve-O tells viewers in his montage he wanted to put his foot in the Waltz’s butt. I loved how censors were trying to pixelate one of his more offensive arm tattoos during the pre-interview. His lead up was really cute, as he and Lacey Schwimmer have a nice chemistry. She's a handful of a dancer herself, and they pulled out a nice acrobatic move when the Waltz began.
Len admired the commitment for Steve to perform, but technique was lacking. Bruno said the dance did make him laugh and was entertaining. Carrie Ann said that she has mixed emotions of being mesmerized and baffled.
Their score was 6, 5 and 6 for a total of 17.
The most graceful of the male dancers was "Sex and the City" star Gilles Marini (the naked guy) who got ace Dancing With The Stars champion, Cheryl Burke. Gilles is probably the least known to American audiences, but he pulled out a great performance with Cheryl.
Carrie Ann loved his performance. Bruno said with his words and his hands, "clothes on or clothes off you certainly know how to-a strutta your stuff". Len said that the Gilles was absolutely fabulous.
Their score triple 8’s for a score of 24.
Chucks Wicks and Julianne Hough - real-life couple, did their first routine of the Waltz. Hopefully their chemistry as a couple shines through.
Bruno said that their routine looked good at times, but sometimes it looked like he was chasing her. Len said that it was a bit hectic. Carrie Ann said that she thought he was one of the most graceful men in the competition.
They received 6, 7 and 7 a total of 20.
Next Tom Bergeron revealed The Girls’ Next Door Holly Madison who will dance with Dmitry Chaplin. They performed the Cha Cha.
Len said that he thought the dance wasn’t bad and that next week with their quick step she will come out and be fabulous. Carrie Ann said that seeing her next week will be be better. Bruno said that Holly is easy on the eyes and that is a plus, and although she lost time a few times in the routine, there is hope for her.
They received triple 6’s for an 18 score.
Ty Murray, the King of the Cowboys (Jewel’s husband) is dancing this season with Chelsie Hightower.
Their first dance is the Cha Cha and Ty looked really uncomfortable doing the moves.
Bruno said that their dance looked like an army drill more than a Cha Cha Cha Len said that part of the charm of the show is seeing people come out of their comfort level and try to dance and Ty did just that. Carrie Ann said that she thinks Ty is a cute cowboy.
They received 5, 4 and 5 for 14.
The youngest competitor for the show was Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson who is dancing with Mark Ballas.
The gymnast lest loose with emotion and performed the Waltz.
Carrie Ann said she was truly moved. Bruno said that the routine was surprising refined. Len said that he found the whole thing was fantastic.
There scores were 8, 8 and 7 for 23.
Genius Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was paired with Karina Smirnoff this season. They danced the Cha Cha.
Len said that the good news was that the routine held his attention but overall it was a disaster. Bruno said it was like watching a demented Teletubby going mad in a parade. Carrie Ann said that she thinks that Steve is what the competition is all about and I agree with her. I hope he continues through.
Their scores tonight were 5, 4, 4 for a final of 13.
Graceful David Alan Grier and pro partner Kym Johnson danced the Waltz.
Bruno said some good lines at times, but when you are on hold you lean to much forward and Len had issues with his bum sticking out. Carrie Ann said that you have to be careful with the facial grimaces and expressions and "get it all together."
The scores were 6, 6 and 7. 19 total.
Wooden Denise Richards danced with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Her lead-up showed an Richards as an emotional basket case while practicing.
Carrie Ann noted Richards looked terrified out there. Len said that you came out and gave a great shot at the dance. Bruno said that Denise has it all, but doesn’t know what to do with it.
They received triple 6’s for 18
Nancy O’Dell’s replacement was "Bachelor" reject Melissa Rycroft. She is dancing with pro dancer Tony Dovolani. Their first dance is the Waltz. She had only two days to prepare for this live event.
Hands down Melissa is the breakout star of this competition. She must have had classical dance training, as her moves and confidence were front and center last night. Len said well when one door shuts another one opens and it is obvious that she has danced before.Well said Len. Bruno said with words and his hands that he doesn’t know-a who this-a bachelor guy-a is... but he is a loser. It was like watching a beautiful bird about to take flight. Carrie Ann said that she has a lot of natural ability.
They scored 8, 7 and 8 for a 23.
Who are you rooting for?
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