Dancing With the Stars 6, April 22: My Fellow Americans

Last night on Dancing With the Stars, the couples performed a solo dance in addition to a group dance; Kristi & Mark scored the first triple goober; Karina & Mario got it on. Tonight, Ashlee Simpson and another group of junior dancers perform before someone is eliminated from the competition.

Tom and Samantha open the show. The dancers are wearing their costumes from the group dance. I’m assuming that will be the encore performance.

Our favorite co-hosts review the action from the previous evening as well. Don’t pay attention to them; read my recap instead.

I take that back. One thing that stands out during their review is Shannon & Derek’s interview after their critique from the judges. Derek says he doesn’t understand how people are getting better scores and making errors, when Shannon is doing complicated steps. Fierce.

Len tells us that the group dance will be tonight’s encore performance. Samantha says, “Hee haw.” I cringe. I know people look forward to and enjoy the season’s group dance, but I usually find them chaotic and cheesy.

Tom tells us that two weeks from now, the show will celebrate its 100th episode. Maksim will be joining in on the festivities along with Mario Lopez and others. Hooray!

Ashlee Simpson is up next. She sings “Boys.” This isn’t the type of music I usually listen to, but I have to admit, it’s not bad. Perhaps it’s because I’m distracted by her shiny engagement ring.

I swear I just saw Janet Reno in the audience!

Tom and Samantha review the current standings.

Again, in an interview, we see Shannon break down; she’s upset with the critique. She needs to hold it together and realize that I ranked her second. And really, isn’t that what matters?

Tom and Samantha reveal the first safe couple. It is Shannon & Derek. See, I told her. They also inform us that Marlee & Fabian are in the bottom two.

Previously, Samantha grilled Shannon & Derek about their relationship. Tonight, Samantha talks to them backstage and Derek is covered with lipstick. Good one. Also, Shannon & Derek apologize for the outbursts during their interviews.

Our next bit of filler entertainment comes from Riverdance. I’m dizzy from watching the dancers’ feet.

It’s time for the junior dancers to perform. Tonight, the first couple is Brittany & Brandon. Brandon wants us to know he and his partner can dance as well as old people. Hey, sonny, get off the grass. Brittany tells us that she’s deaf in one ear. I hope she and Marlee can share their experiences.

They are performing the cha cha cha to “Magic Carpet Ride.” OK, now this is my kind of music! The kids do a fabulous job. Their lines are great and their movements are sharp.

Len calls the performance fantastic. Bruno says it was dancing of the highest standard. Carrie Ann tells Brittany & Brandon they could be on Dancing With the Stars one day as professionals.

They are facing Liza & Austin. Austin tells us he gets all the girls. Liza says Austin makes her laugh.

They’re doing the samba. Again, the moves are sharp and the kids have amazing poise. At the end of the routine, the two fall over accidentally. They do a nice job, but I’m pulling for Brittany & Brandon.

Bruno says Liza & Austin are small, but their talent is huge. Carrie Ann tells the couple it set the stage on fire. Len calls the dance fast and crisp.

The judges vote and send Brittany & Brandon on to the next round. I’m on a roll tonight.

We’re treated to clips of the judges talking about how difficult it is to send someone home. Carrie Ann says she gets nervous before the couples perform. Len says it is difficult to watch and write at the same time. Tell me about it, Len! Carrie Ann describes the judges’ relationship as a marriage; she has two crazy husbands. Bruno notes that we, the viewers, hold the power.

Tom and Samantha now let us know two more couples that are moving on. They are Marissa & Tony and Cheryl & Cristián. I’m starting to get nervous. Tom reminded us earlier that at this same time last season, Sabrina & Mark were eliminated. Yikes.

Something funny is going on. While the couples are on stage, Tom sends Marissa & Tony and Cheryl & Cristián back to talk to Samantha. I know that is traumatizing, but neither couple can put two words together. Samantha tries to send it back to Tom, but fails, so she ends the segment and goes into commercial.

Back to the action. The next two safe couples are revealed. They are Kristi & Mark and Edyta & Jason. That means Karina & Mario are in the bottom two with Marlee & Fabian.

Tom ends the suspense and tells us Marlee & Fabian have been eliminated. Samantha drags the couple off of the stage.

Marlee thanks the judges and tells them she respects them. She also gives props to Fabian. Tom says he’s stepping out of the host role for a moment and speaking to Marlee as a friend. He then tells her he is proud of her.

I’m going to miss this couple. Marlee is such an inspiration and Fabian added a lot to the show during his first season.

With that, the polls close on another episode of Dancing With the Stars. Come back next week as we get one step closer to giving away the disco ball trophy. It’s the American way.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these other recent Dancing With the Stars 6 articles on RealityNewsOnline:

Jill is an east coast mama who loves Michael Kors, Bea Arthur, and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. If she were in a room with the three of them, she might explode. She can be reached at jillcjones@zoominternet.net to discuss these individuals and other topics.

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