'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Semifinal showdown

We’re down to the final four contestants, ballroom fans. The themed shows have gone by the wayside, and so has the chaff. This week, each of the remaining semifinalists danced two full routines: The first one was Latin – with a solo. The second was a ballroom dance that they had never performed before. It was an action-packed 90-minute program, the coveted Mirrorball trophy was close at hand and all the couples brought their A-game. Let’s shine a spotlight to the bedazzled grand staircase to see where each star landed.

Regaining sole ownership of the top of the scoring charts were Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough. This week, the couple to beat were nothing short of perfection. After scoring the season’s first perfect-30 routine last week with their rumba, Jenougher had set the bar for themselves pretty high. Turned out that they had no problems clearing that feat and positioning themselves in prime Mirrorball position just one week before the finals. Their first dance was the cha cha, set to Duffy’s “Mercy.” And as Uncle Jesse would say, have mercy! Jennifer was all positive thinking and the picture of health during rehearsals, and the confidence and optimism showed during her performance. She looked fantastic. Her dress looked like a fantastically sexy feather duster. There was a lot of dirty dancing going on. “That really was a luminous, vibrant, sexy cha cha,” crowed Bruno. “The execution was flawless.” Carrie Ann also loved it, but took issue that Jennifer just did the “shimmy booby thing” on Bruno and not any of the other judges. Len said Jennifer “combined good technique with a really high performance level — and you introduced fun and entertainment.” With great praise like that, how could they not get another perfect 30?

And it just got better from there.

Well, after the biographical segment that recounted Jennifer Grey’s tragic car accident and her constant neck injuries, that is. Their second performance, a pared down waltz, seemed to take out all the drama and the injury that had weighed her down these previous weeks, leaving us with an elegant routine that was purely dance. It was like we were peeking into a couple having a lovely, intimate moment after everyone else had already left the dance floor — a nice, lilting sentimental coda to her high-octane cha cha. “This was a gem of a waltz,” said Bruno. “Full of stylish elegant detail, danced with ease.” Carrie Ann called it “one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.” “Be still my beating heart,” declared Len. “This was quiet, delicate, poignant.” And perfect. Jennifer and Derek got another perfect 30 for their waltz for a grand total of 60 out of 60.

Roaring into second place on a moonwalk and a bouncing ba-dunk-a-dunk were the great “kidtender” Kyle Massey and Lacey Schwimmer. And let’s give it up for the “last man-child standing.” I liked the game this guy played: Kyle didn’t come into the competition with any drama, any injuries, anything but a positive attitude and energy for days. Not to mention buckets and buckets of joy. This guy’s got so much chutzpah, how can you not root for him? And how infectiously entertaining was his rumble of a samba? It was a streak of fun from beginning to end, no buts about it. “I think you have a bionic bum,” Len proclaimed. “You had more bounce to the ounce –- great rhythm, great entertainment, and fabulous dancing.” “You are truly a bouncing bundle of joy,” Bruno declared to the man-child. “The samba is all about excitement and fun. And you are a natural generator of excitement and fun. … And your bounce. Your bounce!” Carrie Ann ventured into near-uncomfortable double-entendre territory when she said, “I have never seen so much pelvic action … ever!” It was enough shimmy and shake to land Kyle and Lacey two 10s and a 9 for a near-perfect 29.

Oh, Kyle. So, so charming, even when he’s got his serious face on. Though the Atlanta-born-and-raised child actor almost didn’t make it in L.A., only to find out he had booked a Disney TV show as he and his family were on their way to the airport to go back east: "That’s So Raven." Also so Raven: Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr., who proclaimed Kyle has everything it took to win the competition. That was evidenced in Kyle and Lacey’s Argentine tango, set to the Oscar-winning “Slumdog Millionare’s” anthem “Jai Ho.”  And to his credit, Kyle didn’t break character once. “Look at you, all strong, sharp and masculine!” Bruno appraised. Carrie Ann said Kyle reminded him of Season 3 champ Emmitt Smith. “In 11 seasons, I don’t think anyone has ever come out with so much attack, so much enthusiasm,” said Len. “You are a star.” Love how Maks seductively rubbed Kyle’s satin-sheathed belly for luck and for kicks when the credits rolled at the end of the program. Mostly, I want Kyle and Lacey to stick around because their freestyle dance is bound to be a hoot and a half. The couple also received a 29 for their tango, which added up a grand total of 58. That was enough to earn them the second-place position, and prompted the teen actor to do a smooth criminal Michael Jackson-esque side-to-side head move. Hee hee!

Brandy started things off with a paso doble. Initially, I thought the fiery routine was about the tempestuous back-and-forth relationship between her and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. But Brandy later explained that the dance was about bullying and coming into one’s own and being a firework, just like Katy Perry’s song. At times, however, it seemed like the singer was off-kilter during the dance, which Bruno explained was maybe a result of too much attack. “You danced like a fury,” he said, but “you went a little unsteady in a couple of movements.” Carrie Ann showed the world that she and Maks had buried their bickering hatchet with her velvet praise. “I thought your performance was amazingly passionate,” she told the couple. “Your upper body shapes were beautiful and gorgeous, and I thought you did a great job.” Smiles all around.

Brandy has had her share of troubles, as seen in the segment right before her second dance. Like Jennifer Grey, the singer was plagued by a fatal car accident that clouded her career. But Brandy’s got a good support system, including Whitney Houston, brother Ray J and Kelly Rowland. And as Carrie Ann said, there was no trouble with her and Maks’ second routine, a sultry and smooth Argentine tango replete with a smoke machine, lamppost and café table and chair that slinked and flicked and smoldered in all the right places. Len commended them for “moving in and out of those lifts with effortless ease” and for creating “an atmosphere.” Bruno called it “lush” “voluptuous” and “full of flavor.” “The way you extended the body … stunning!” Carrie Ann continued with the superlatives, calling it “dynamic,” beautiful, amazing, ridiculous … that was gorgeous.” Brandy and Maks got a 27 for their paso, and a perfect 30 for their tango for a grand total of 57. Not a bad show for Maks, who also got his earring ripped off during the second performance. But, as Tom remarked, “What’s a ripped earlobe between friends?”

Bristol Palin has got a secret weapon hidden under those lace sleeves of hers. Though she maintained it was her relatability that got the teen activist and daughter of the star of “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” this far in the competition (“I’m not fake,” she said. “I’m not typical Hollywood”), how sneaky was it of the Pistol to wait till Week 9 of the competition to break out the big dancing guns? OMG, Bristol is going to win this entire competition, isn’t she? Despite what seemed like an endless procession of complaints and sighs that she’s having trouble with the steps during rehearsals, Bristol was able to pull off a pretty fierce paso doble with Mark Ballas in her first dance. Mark did his best to distract with his open shirt, but it turned out he didn’t really need to bare all that skin: Bristol was fairly commanding with her bat cape action, even if her face was a little devoid of emotion. The studio audience (including Mama Grizzly herself, Sarah Palin) sure loved it. And so did the judges. “I’m so happy to see you finally come out of your shell and nail it!” Carrie Ann lauded, giving Bristol a hug. “Bristol the pistol, you’ve fired a few blanks … But tonight. All guns blazing,” said Len. Bruno called her a “tigress,” and Bristol and Mark earned a total of 27 for the dance — their highest score thus far. 

It’s been quite a journey for Bristol. Hailing from Wasilla, Alaska, she joined the football team in junior high school, just because she wanted to. Bristol was the golden child -- until she dated Levi Johnston. Now a single mom, this former baby in the corner has blossomed into quite a whirling dervish on the ballroom floor. Because as her mom said, when people get you down, “doggone it, you might as well dance!” Bristol’s second routine was a waltz, also featured a cape, and had the feel of Celtic druid music. And was it just me, or did she seem a little zoned out during her performance? Or maybe that’s just her faraway look. Though it’s a good thing she doesn’t recoil when Mark smashes his face against hers, because he did it a lot during this routine. Len liked the haunted nature of the dance, and said there was a nice “vulnerability” about her. Bruno “quite liked the way you approached this waltz differently.” Carrie Ann, however, thought there were moments when Bristol drifted out to her happy place and the focus was lost. Bristol and Mark got a 26 for their waltz, which added to their 27 for their paso, equaled a total of 53.

Which, again, puts Bristol at the bottom of the leader board, and in prime position to be eliminated before the finalists are announced on Tuesday. But as evidenced in her biographical segment and in this unpredictable competition season, Bristol is quite the pistol when it comes to sticking around week after week. So who knows who’ll get the boot?

What do you think? Did you enjoy the performance quality level of Monday night’s competition as much as I did? Who do you think deserves to be in the finals? And who do you have pegged to win it all?

— Allyssa Lee

Related:

‘Dancing With the Stars’ results recap: Out of the end zone

‘Dancing With the Stars’ recap: Instant hit!

Complete ‘Dancing With the Stars’ coverage on Show Tracker

Photo: Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Credit: Bob D’Amico / ABC

Comments

[Sharman]

I don't know if Bristol Palin will win, but I know I love watching her try. She is competing with the star of Dirty Dancing. She is competing with a triple threat former teen tv and recording star who already had some moves. She is competing with another teen who has been a star for years. It surprises me that I care how far she goes, but she is an engaging person whose authenticity is palpable. The one thing she is not is a a star. That is what is really shocking to people. She IS the girl next door. She is graceful and beautiful and real.

[Cho]

Brandy's paso doble missed key elements like the Arpel and Cape Chassez. I wouldn't have given it a 7. Also, I found her excuses for the fatal car accident to be very offensive, especially since she glossed over the fact that a young mother died. I hope she leaves tomorrow night.

[D.B.]

If Bristol wins I'm going to cry. She just isn't as good as the other dancers although she did her best dancing this week. The other dancers also did their best dancing of the season, and it would be unfair for her to displace one of them. I don't relate to her at all, but then I'm not a Palin-worshipping teabagger. I find her sweet and cute, but quite boring and occasionally a bit snide. I thought it was rude of her to imply that the other contestants are fake. The other contestants are stars because of their talent and hard work, not because of their moms or their wombs.

[DOUG]

1)The moment of truth has finally come---Bristol the Pistol leaves tonight.
2)I rate the Final Three, in order of dancing ability, 1)Jennifer 2)Brandy (a close second) and 3)Kyle.
3)Kyle is definitely the most entertaining and likeable contestant. I am looking forward to his freestyle next week. He is my darkhorse to win the coveted Mirrorball trophy.

[O'Snap]

>>"But Brandy’s got a good support system, including Whitney Houston, brother Ray J and Kelly Rowland."

ROFLOL!!!!!!

[Judy]

Bristol, I really hope that you win it all! You have come so far. I also love it that you dress like a Christian woman should, which is becoming rarer and rarer. You are a great role model for all women.

[Angel]

I would personally like to see Kyle and Lacey and Bristol and Mark in the finals. The whole thing about dancing with the stars is supposed to be having no dance experience and then learning. Jennifer and Brandy both have dance experience. Jennifer is adorable and I am a huge Dirty Dancing fan but its just not what the show is supposed to be about. Brandy.... well, I just dont like her. She is cocky and lets not forget she is also an unwed mother who lied about being married when she had her daughter. She is a good dancer but just like Jennifer, she has past experience. I love watching Bristol dance and I love watching Kyle. I love seeing how they have progressed through-out the show.

[K]

@D.B., I agree with your whole post, but especially the comment that Bristol implied that the other contestants are fake. That's the way I took Bristol's remark too, and if Jennifer, Brandy, Kyle and all the rest heard that, I hope they take very large offense to it. Bristol is in this competition in the first place because she is Sarah's daughter and because she had a baby outside of marriage. She is NOT a "star" by the show business definition. I guess it could be argued that she's a MEDIA star, and that would be true on some level. Personally, I think the show should be called "Dancing With the CELEBRITIES". That would make more sense because it would explain all these contestants who came from other things, like Buzz Aldrin and Bristol Palin.

@Angel, this is a dance competition, period. There is no requirement that says that celebrity competitors who have previous dance experience aren't "supposed" to win. This is about who is the best dancer, no matter where the winner came from. Bristol Palin is not the best dancer, so in a perfect world, she would not win. Unfortunately, her weak protestations aside, she got this far because of her mother's popularity. Yes, Bristol has worked very hard and she has improved markedly, but she still is not the best dancer. If she wins, it will make a mockery out of this season, and fallout will probably ensue.

[corymac]

Here is what so many of you are missing: A HUGE number of Americans, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, alike, are voting for Bristol Palin because they can relate to being told they are not enough. Everybody keeps talking about how she is not skilled enough, she not thin enough, she's not emotive enough...but nobody ever talks about her EFFORT! Nobody seems to care how hard she has been working. Well, lots of Americans can relate to that. In my opinion, Bristol Palin is THE PEOPLES' DANCER! And when she dances, she is dancing for all of us Americans who have been told we are not enough...that we're not pretty/handsome enough, that we're not smart enough, that we're not talented enough, that we're not thin enough, etc. If I have my way, Bristol Palin will win the whole thing! GO BRISTOL PALIN, THE PEOPLES' DANCER!!!

[ilovegoodmysteries]

She did better last night, but that's not saying a whole lot, is it?
I'm looking forward to the end of this season, so we're no longer subject to Mama Grizzly's "doggone" and other "homespun" Palinisms.
THe show is not always won by the best dancer but, when it isn't, it's won by someone who is very engaging and has a lot of charisma, like Emmitt or Helio or Donny.
Bristol cannot dance and is not at all engaging or charismatic.

[XXX]

Watching Bristol is like watching a big hippo dance...the more she stays in the competition the more she looks like a fool.Always in the last place.lol

[Betty]

@ All the Bristol the Pistol lovers and voters. This is a Dance competition. Neither is it a personality contest or political forum.

@ Sharman: If we are truly voting based the Stars who started with no Dance experience and whose skill improved the most...Kurt Warner and/or Rick Fox should still be in play and Bristol would be long gone. Both worked as hard as Bristol and their skill level advanced much more than hers did. AND neither of them drifted off into lala land while they were dancing missing several steps in the process.

As a side note, Jennifer Grey noted early on in the show that aside from the movie and classes as a child she did not have any Ballroom dance experience.

I agree with a previous comment that if Bristol wins there will be tremendous fall out from real fans who vote based on each dancers skill level. It's not a personality contest or a football game where you root for the underdog.

Bristol Palen barely qualifies for "Star" status. She is only in the spotlight because her mother was part of a disastrous presendential ticket. Yes, shes now on the private speaking circuit but I wouldn't classify her as star status or put her in the same league as a Tony Robbins, Bill Clinton, or George Bush.

Granted she has worked hard and I will give her props for trying and competing against celebrities with more acting and publicity skill. But, quite frankly I can't figure out how or why she is on the show to begin with.

[carlyt]

Well I hope ABC and DWTS execs are happy. They turned this show into a farce. The number one dancer on the show for weeks on end was eliminated because of the Palin idiots. The Palin's (both mother and daughter) version of reality has been imposed both during the mid term elections and now on DWTS. Doesn't matter if you are any good at anything. It only matters that you win. Maybe they (DWTS execs) will rethink the voting process for next season.

[swf]

Until they reveal the vote counts, I will believe that the show has always been a staged fraud.

[cj]

if bristal paylen wins there will be no point in watching a show that has nothing to do with talent.Even the fact that she is a finialist at all is crazy. This season was a sad revailation talent means little. the only one left with real talent is Jennefer Grey. I will encourage people to show support by not watching if the out come is not on the up and up. Voting for your favorite star and who has the most talent is not working this season. In the past that formula worked but this season was a real dissapointment. Sorry to see Brandy go it would have been an interenting finish.....

[Evelyn M. Manibog]

Bristol the Pistol deserves to be in the finals.
Cant wait to see her next Monday.

[Evelyn M. Manibog]

Bristol, i am your avid fan.
You dont know me but am watching this season bec you are there lovely princess.
When i am off from work, i was watching your past performances in the youtube.com, repetitively!!!!

[Evelyn M. Manibog]

I am staying up late bec of your past performances and looking forward for next week showdown of yours Girl.

[Evelyn M. Manibog]

Stay focus Bristol. Be patient to nail it and soon you can enjoy your lovely son.
Get that trophy and that is yours!!!!!!!
Dont mind your distractors. Knock them off.

[DM]

Bristol Palin seems more likable than arrogant narcisstic Brandy. The flip side of this coin is that she should not be rewarded for her mother's politics but she in turn should not be punished for it either. Besides the publicity and sympathy will be great for Brandy and there will be an angry backlash toward the Tea Party fans of the Palins, plus it is public knowledge they have a website promoting votes for Bristol and many may not have even seen the show to realize what little talent Bristol had in comparison to the others. Sarah's fanbase may have exposed without a doubt how dirty and underhanded they are. If they hate social programs so much let them give back their social security benefits but we all know they won't because they are a bunch of hypocrites. Jesus said to pray for those in Authority and your their enemies but they pray against theirs instead. We got your number folks, it spells PHONEYS!