'Dancing With the Stars' results: Double elimination

Well, we’ve finally reached the end of Season 9's premiere week extravaganza, and I don’t think anyone can say they were surprised to learn Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray had the lowest overall scores and were the first ones cut from the competition. Though, as host Tom Bergeron said, Macy Gray’s exit effectively ended the eccentric singer’s chances of being muted again on live television (thanks for all those who chimed in on what was blanked out). You pop your cherry, and then they never call you again. Figures.

But first, it was a jam-packed results show that seemed to showcase a little bit of everything: Stars! Sean Kingston! Puppetry! Parties! Tributes!

And the return of the encore performance. This week, Len selected Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel’s Viennese waltz, because it exceeded all expectations and was goodness and light and happy as a rainbow. And Kelly looked elegant Wednesday night as well, swishing and sliding across the ballroom floor as if she was floating on air. The evening also marked the welcome return of the backstage post-dance interviews (which we didn’t see on Tuesday night), if only for Macy Gray’s quirky assertion that all her different components make her “kind of like a fruit bar.” Oh, Macy. I’ll miss you.

The musical performances included Sean Kingston, dressed like he came out of "High School Musical" and singing his single “Face Drop,” as well as a very odd sneak peek at Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” video. Why just a part? Did she not allow the whole thing, or did “DWTS” just not have time enough for it? Why did it look like she went from a fairground parking lot to Thunderdome? The world may never know.

And then the Macy’s Stars of Dance segment featured the rousing “Circle of Life” number from Broadway’s “The Lion King,” which impressed with its creative costumes and ginormous puppetry spectacle.

Enjoyed the funny clip with also-rans Kenny Mayne, Penn Jillette and Jeffrey Ross about the distinct honor of being the first in your season to be eliminated, aptly titled Losers Club. “There’s only one way to get into this club: Suck,” Ross said. “I was inelegant, the American public hated me, and I was told to leave,” Mayne revealed. “It’s probably cooler to be a winner, but I’ve never aspired to be cool,” Jillette stated. Ha!

Less entertaining, but still chuckle-worthy was Adam Carolla’s pep talk to the men right before showtime. The “7th runner up” of Season 6 rode in on his infamous unicycle and tried his hardest to get the guys pumped up to take back the Mirrorball trophy. “It’s been four seasons since a man won,” he said. “No broad is going to come in here and hoist that ball thing with the glass on it. Not in our house!” To Tom DeLay: “I know what you’re thinking. You don’t have to practice as hard as everyone else. You don’t have to work as hard as everyone else, because you’re a white middle-aged Republican, and dancing comes naturally to you people!” Hurling of a water cooler, unbreakable combs and a red, white and blue donkey piñata ensued.

But the part of the show I was most looking forward to was in honor of Patrick Swayze. And it was a sweet and fitting tribute. Tom called Swayze “a friend of our show,” and reminded us that the actor and dancer had appeared on Season 1 to help out pal John O’Hurley with the lifts. And really, if there was anyone who can be credited with popularizing ballroom dancing, it was Swayze. The tribute started out with Chelsie Hightower and Dmitry Chaplin breezing through Swayze’s own “She’s Like the Wind” from “Dirty Dancing,” and then real-life husband and wife Jonathan Roberts and Anna Trebunskaya performed a romantic duet to “Unchained Melody” from “Ghost.” But the real clincher was the final “Dirty Dancing” routine, set to “Time of My Life,” with Cheryl Burke playing the part of Baby, and Tony Dovolani as Johnny Castle. Anyone else get goosebumps with the opening dip, and when Tony ran his hand down her arm? As someone who grew up on this movie and has seen it more times than I could count, it was a treat to see this routine reenacted almost to a T. The leap! The shuffle dance back to the stage! The lift! If only it could have gone on a little longer.

The resulting eliminations were almost an afterthought after the tribute. Ashley Hamilton was unceremoniously announced as the first guy to be cut not even halfway through the hour (poor Edyta will have to hang up her legwarmers for another season), and then it came down to the final two women: Kathy Ireland and Tony Dovolani, and Macy Gray and Jonathan Roberts. And for a second there, I thought maybe we’d be treated to one more week of Macy’s bon mots, but no: She had popped her ballroom cherry and now was politely asked to leave the show. The sound you hear are the censors breathing a sigh of relief.

What did you think? Did the results show live up to your expectations? How did you find the Patrick Swayze tribute?

-- Allyssa Lee

Photo credits: Adam Larkey / ABC 

Comments

[Joyce]

I loved the show, and I loved the choices that were made, ALL IS WELL for now.......!!!!!! Macy Gray, this just wasn't her "bag"!

[Susan M]

I'm sad that Jonathan Roberts was paired with Macy, who, in my opinion, exhibited extreme apathy rather than eccentricity. Jonathan deserved a more dedicated partner.
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed all three nights this season!

[Mary Williams]

OMG - I thought I was watching Dirty Dancing all over again and Baby was out of the corner and on stage dancing. It was a real treat for a Dirty Dancing afficionado.

[Beth]

So I've watched Kelly's waltz 4 times now (wait, 5, since it was on the results, too) and have cried during 4 of them. This season grabbed me already...

[janecolby]

I think it came out as expected. They deserve a spot in Kenny Mayne's club.

[Sue]

Why do they call it 'backstage' interviews when they are on the actual dance floor?

Kelly is adorable and I actually have liked her forever.

Re: the comment on Macy - why DO they bring in people that are clearly not going to show up physically or in her case, mentally?

I felt so bad for Jonathan, as well. And gorgeous Max (sp?) won't be around long, either.

[Anthony]

Glad that Macy is gone. She had total attitude and wasn't trying. I feel sorry for her partner, he traveled around the would with her to practice with her and she wouldn't try.

Next year, see who is going to give 100 percent.

True Fan

[Nina]

..Am I the only one that felt that Ms Macy was flying high on something?? she looked like she was going to nod off at any time?? I too feel sorry for her partner/trainer, he worked most likely extra hard trying to convince someone with a zombie like attitude, the thrill of dancing! I wish him better luck next time and hope he gets a more deserving partner! Cheers for Kelly, you looked so elegant!

[yolie]

Two things:

Carrie Ann Inaba looked like Chewbacca on Monday night's episode.
Louie Vito looks like an Oompa-Loompa including the hairdo.

That is all.

[Richard Watkins]

Some people like Macy Gray seem to for get the show is on air during family vewing time and there are some of us that don't want to hear the filth that comes from their dirty mouth as for the show it self you are doing great but please remind the stars that lose bad attitudes and bad sports man ship isn't the American way get over it

[Richard Watkins]

Macy Gray has always been a sore loser just like Kanye West you need to remind the stars this show is on air during family vewing hours and children are watching bad attitude and poor show man ship does not need to be aired as for the rest of the show your doing great but the judges need to think before they speak as well some times.

[Megan]

Geeze! I watch this program all the time and was hoping Tom DeLay would be voted out so I could go back to watching it.

I can't stand looking at the crook, so I'll stay away until he goes!!

[Ann]

I agree with many of these posters: Whose idea was it to get Macy Gray on this show? Her attitude was horrific and I too feel bad for Jonathan, who deserves better. Let's hope the producers learned from this.

As for Tom DeLay, I don't necessarily like his politics, but he comes across as a very nice and happy man on the show. I wish him well. (Good luck, Cheryl!)

[Leah]

Kelly Osbourne had some very interesting comments about cheating and bullying at the show.
See the info at the site: www.peoplemagazinedaily.com

[Richard Alexander]

Good luck to Lacey and Mark!!!!! Well see Next Weeks Round! This was a very nice Tribute to Patrick Swayze! God Bless his Wife and Mother and Brother!

[ANGELA]

THE SHOW IS STILL AS GOOD OR IF NOT BETTER THEN THE VERY FIRST TIME I SAW IT 9 SEASON AGO. IT IS A JOY TO WATCH I LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAY AND TUESDAY NIGHTS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[k rose]

Wish that Kathy Ireland would go away. Her bizarre glazed Stepford Wife personality and her pious attitude is so icky. Macy was fun - she's got a bit of an attitude but it made for a change of pace.