Dancing with the Stars 14, April 2: The Most Memorable Year of My Life

Hello again, Dancing with the Stars fans! Martina & Tony danced their way out of the show last week but 11 couples remain.

Hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke Charvet welcome us and introduce our stars. Brooke tells us that tonight we will go back to the most memorable years in the lives of our stars. Some of them are getting emotional already!

The announcer welcomes the band, singers, and awesome Musical Director Harold Wheeler. Welcome, band! Thanks for being here

Tom reminds us that Martina said farewell last week. He reminds us of the theme for the night and Brooke says this could be an emotional night that we won’t soon forget. Tom tells us to keep the Kleenex handy.

Jack Wagner & Anna Trebunskaya are dancing the samba tonight. He lost control last week and was relieved to make it through to tonight. Jack tells Anna that 2011 was his most memorable year. He explains that he was reunited with his daughter at a concert in Florida. Jack is very emotional as we meet his daughter, Kerry, who says she never thought she would be reunited with her birth father and that he would take her in as he has.

Jack & Anna look great for their samba, which Jack told us is a celebration of his daughter Kerry. They are dancing to one of Jack’s songs but I don’t know the title, sorry. Jack seems to have his control back tonight. He makes some strange faces at times but it doesn’t detract from the dance. His footwork looks very crisp and clean and I’m really impressed! Jack runs to the audience to hug Kerry after the dance.

Len is smiling and says he liked the rhythm Jack showed, especially in his hips. Jack’s best dance yet!

Bruno says Jack go the party started. It was uplifting and joyful. Tonight Jack was on it and his timing and rhythm were on.

Carrie Ann was worried because the intro package was so emotional. She wants to see more of Jack and says he was uplifting and effervescent.

Tom reminds us that comments from Twitter will be displayed during the show. You can ask questions or make comments and they could be featured on the show! Use hashtag #DWTS to see your best 140 characters or less on the screen.

Brooke asks Jack what Kerry’s reaction was when he told her he’d be dancing for her tonight. He tears up as he says she was moved.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 24.

Maria Menounos & Derek Hough discuss 1988, Maria’s most memorable year. Maria tells us she would go to work with her parents when she was little and whenever she’d find a quarter on the ground she would put it into the jukebox and play Madonna’s “Material Girl.” So she and Derek are rumbaing to that song tonight.

Maria & Derek take the stage to the glow of a golden light. The band performs a hauntingly slow version of “Material Girl.” Maria & Derek give me chills as they perform an almost-too-hot-for-family-TV rumba. Seriously, I mean this is hot. Wow. Someone probably needs a shower right now.

Bruno says he felt it and calls Derek a naughty boy. He says the dance had fluidity and sensuality and she danced it to a song that had no beat. He tips his hat to her.

Carrie Ann says that was truly the vertical and the horizontal expression of the true horizontal desire. She says Maria is a true expressive dancer. It was breathtaking.

Len says it was a mix of the ballroom and a little touch of the bedroom. It had smoldering intensity and overall it was a fabulous dance.

Brooke asks Maria if she and Derek actually kissed during their rumba. No answer is forthcoming.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9; Len: 9; Bruno: 9. Total: 27.

Gladys Knight & Tristan MacManus are foxtrotting tonight. Gladys tells us 1957 was the most memorable year of her life, because it was the first tour for Gladys Knight & The Pips. She was only 13 and it was the year she met Sam Cook. That tour changed her life.

Gladys & Tristan foxtrot to Sam Cook’s “Cupid.” She looks beautiful! The band does a terrific job with the song and I really want this to be an amazing dance. Gladys is a little too tentative, however. Once they get into the dance she seems to gain confidence in her steps—and in her partner—and it comes together nicely. It’s a sweet performance, very elegant and a big improvement over last week.

Carrie Ann says there was improvement in Gladys’s frame this week. It was beautiful, sensuous, soulful, rich, and divine.

Len realizes the amount of work and dedication it takes to come out here each week. He admires her and he liked the flow of the dance. He likes the improvement in her frame.

Bruno says Gladys has such grace and she was absolutely gorgeous out there.

Brooke asks Gladys if the things she learned from Sam Cook have helped her on the show. She says they have.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 24.

Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower are dancing the samba to a Jackson 5 song. Roshon’s most memorable year is 1996, the first year he saw Michael Jackson on stage—when Roshon was 6 years old. OK, now I feel old… Chelsie has Michael Jackson’s choreographer, Travis Payne, come to rehearsal to teach Roshon some moves.

Roshon & Chelsie give us a fast and furious samba. With his wig, Roshon almost looks like Michael Jackson. They look like they’re having a great time. I could have done without Roshon grabbing his crotch, but I suppose that was a Michael Jackson move, after all. Great job!

Len loved the exuberance, the flair, and the devil-may-care attitude. He would have liked to see a little more traditional samba but he liked the Michael Jackson moves.

Bruno says Michael Jackson would love it and so does Bruno.

Carrie Ann thought it was a great tribute to Michael Jackson. She doesn’t think it was his best dance, however.

Tom plugs tomorrow night’s results show, with performances from Seal and Rascal Flatts. Be there at 9/8 Central!

Brooke asks what it was like working with Michael Jackson’s choreographer and Roshon says it was the greatest experience ever. He is so grateful to have had that chance.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 9. Total: 25.

Gavin DeGraw & Karina Smirnoff are dancing to Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” It was a Billy Joel concert that encouraged Gavin to move to New York City in 1998. Gavin’s father played a big role in his success and Gavin wants to honor him and the rest of his family with his rumba.

Gavin & Karina play up the Piano Man theme at the start of their rumba. I am really impressed with Gavin in this dance. He looks so much more polished than he has in his previous dances. And he really looks like he’s having fun. Maybe standing under the heat lamp last week was a wake-up call for him. Really wonderful performance! His family loved it.

Bruno says it’s good to see Gavin move his hips and extend his moves. He’s getting better all the time.

Carrie Ann says she was caught off guard. Her heart is fluttering for him because there is something sexy and sensual about the way he moves. She has Gavin fever!

Len says the rumba is so slow every detail is shown. And he saw good hips, more musicality through his arms, and he sees progression.

Tom reminds us to vote for the song the pros will dance to during the Macy’s Stars of Dance routine. Go online to vote and tune in tomorrow to find out which song wins.

Brooke asks how Gavin felt dancing in front of his whole family tonight and he is too choked up to answer. So Karina says when you come out and lay your emotions out through your dance it makes you want to do a better job.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 24.

Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas are dancing our first waltz of the night. Katherine’s most memorable year was 1996, when she found out her father had lung cancer. She was 15 and her sister was 13 when her father went into a coma and passed away. She has chosen Josh Groban’s “To Where You Are” for their waltz. Oh yeah, this shouldn’t be emotional at all…

Katherine & Mark look elegant and beautiful as they take to the dance floor. The band, as always, provides a flawless soundtrack for their waltz. It’s just a beautiful performance that literally brings tears to my eyes. It’s elegant and flowing and everything a waltz should be. Katherine is setting the bar very high for her competitors this season! Absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt performance.

Carrie Ann is a blubbering puddle of goo as she says Katherine’s dad is smiling down on her. It was like her father’s arms were around her as she danced.

Len says there was lovely movement, grace, and elegance. There wasn’t quite enough dancing in ballroom hold, however.

Bruno stands up, points, and screams, “Sensational!”

Tom plugs the results show again. Macy’s Stars of Dance returns. Be there at 9/8 Central.

Brooke asks about the emotional challenge tonight. Katherine says it’s been a tough week emotionally for everyone but she is glad to have the chance to celebrate her dad’s life.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10; Len: 9; Bruno: 10. Total: 29.

Sherri Shepherd & Val Chmerkovskiy are dancing the rumba this week. Sherri tells us her son Jeffrey was born at just 25 weeks of pregnancy. He weighed less than 2 pounds and had several complications but he is growing up to be a strong boy. Does anyone else think it’s a little creepy that Sherri is dancing a rumba in honor of her son?

Sherri struggles during rehearsal so Val brings Jeffrey in. He is adorable. He dances with Sherri and reminds her what this week is about. Sherri says she wants to use the rumba to let Jeffrey know she will always be there for him and will never let him go.

Sherri & Val rumba to “If I Could” and it’s a beautifully sweet dance. Not the hot, raunchy rumbas we’ve seen earlier tonight but it’s a perfect way to honor Jeffrey. He’s there, of course, and he loves it.

Len thought Sherri did a great job.

Bruno says “Mama can move!” It was very deeply felt and very well expressed. She did a great job.

Carrie Ann says Sherri lets every emotion come through when she dances. Her lines tonight were the best Carrie Ann has ever seen.

The stars of Happy Endings are in the audience. Yippee.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 24.

Brooke asks Sherri how she feels and she says she feels great. She thanks Val and tells Jeffrey she loves him before breaking down in tears.

Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy discuss Melissa’s most memorable year. She tells us in 2010 she broke her back and had to have surgery, after which she walked with a walker. If someone had told her then she’d end up dancing 18 months later she would have laughed in their face. She cries and Maks says he didn’t do a thing to cause it. Melissa says she’s just happy.

Melissa & Maks are dancing the jive to “Dog Days Are Over.” They start with Melissa in Maks’s arms and I’m instantly jealous. He puts her down and they launch into their jive as the band once again gives a phenomenal performance. Melissa looks like she has gained a lot of confidence and she’s having a great time. Of course who wouldn’t have a great time with Maks and his bare chest so close by? I really enjoy this performance!

Bruno says the opening sequence was excellent and the end was really great.

Carrie Ann loved it and says Melissa is so dynamic. And she can rock the hair.

Len says Melissa has come into the competition with that dance.

Brooke asks Melissa how proud she is to show everyone how far she’s come. Melissa says she is proud and grateful and happy that her supporters are here with her tonight. And she thanks Maks for his choreography.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 24.

Jaleel White & Kym Johnson are rumbaing this week. Jaleel tells us the most memorable year of his life was when he played Stephon on TV. He says it changed his life.

Jaleel & Kym’s rumba is technically well done but I was hoping for more. I can’t put my finger on it, but something was missing for me. The judges will probably love it though.

Carrie Ann says it was good and Jaleel is back in the game.

Len thought it was a very competent performance and Jaleel coped well with the routine. He worked his hips but his upper body was a little too stiff. Maybe that was what was missing for me.

Bruno says he played cool and smooth well. But he also agrees with Len about the upper body.

Tom tells us that next week is Rock Week and KISS will perform live.

Brooke asks how much fun it was to relive his Stephon days. He says it was great and he’s happy all his friends were here. He gets very emotional as he says he loves entertaining people and he just wanted to complete this week.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9; Len: 8; Bruno: 8. Total: 25.

William Levy & Cheryl Burke are following last week’s quickstep with a tribute to 1995, the year William came from Cuba to the United States. His stepfather was a political prisoner in Cuba who was granted asylum to come to the U.S. and he brought his family with him. William hopes their salsa represents his past in Cuba and his future in America.

William & Cheryl’s salsa is fast and fun to watch! The footwork is crisp and clean and the dance is full of great moves. There’s one small spot when Cheryl seems to get caught as William steps over her but they work it out. William gives it his all and the audience loves it!

Len says he put a whole new meaning into “Free Willy.” He says William conquered the salsa.

Bruno asks William to come closer and he shakes his hand. He deadpans, “I hate you” before screaming that it was amazing.

Carrie Ann says William is ridiculous and the dance was ridiculously hot.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9; Len: ; Bruno: 10. Total: 28.

Brooke asks how happy they are and William says he was very excited to dance to this song.

Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd are dancing the rumba in tribute to the year 2010 when Donald’s best friend Brian passed away due to cancer. Brian died in Donald’s arms and Donald will never forget him. Brian introduced Donald to his wife and Donald cherishes every day with her.

Donald & Peta are dancing to “One Sweet Day” and it’s a very sensual performance. Once again, the band provides the perfect soundtrack for the dance. Donald & Peta look great and they move in sync for a very beautiful rumba. Great way to end the show, and a great way for Donald to honor Brian’s memory.

Carrie Ann is emotional once again and says the passion Donald just expressed was mesmerizing. She was truly touched.

Len didn’t expect a great big football guy to come out and dance with such warmth but he really liked it. He says this whole evening has been awesome.

Bruno likes that Donald pushes himself to the limit every time. He was always in control.

Tom plugs the results show again. We’ll meet a professional dancer who is in a fight for her life. Tune in tomorrow at 9/8 Central.

Brooke asks how difficult it was to get through that song and Donald is too emotional to answer.

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9; Len: 8; Bruno: 9. Total: 26.

At the end of the Week 3, the standings are as follows:

Wow, another great night! This has really been an amazing season and I can’t wait to see what comes next! I have no idea who will be sent home tomorrow. My predictions are always highly suspect anyway, but on an emotional night like this one it’s hard to imagine any of these dancers leaving us. However, I can’t just leave you hanging, so I am going to predict Roshon will be eliminated. Yeah, it will be somewhat of a shock, but that’s my final answer.

Be sure to go vote for your favorite couple and tune in tomorrow when Chris Harris will be here to bring you Seal, Rascal Flatts, the Macy’s Stars of Dance song, and—of course—the eliminated couple at 9 Eastern/8 Central. I’ll be back next Monday with our 11 remaining couples. Ciao for now!

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Sandy Lamparello is an Associate Editor for Reality News Online and a Senior Regulatory Analyst for a consulting firm in Alexandria, VA. She is an endurance runner, a National Mall Volunteer Tour Guide, and an SPCA Spay/Neuter Volunteer. Sandy welcomes your comments about the show, running, Marshmallow Peeps, or The Hunger Games at realitytvjunkie@gmail.com and if you’re not too creepy she welcomes you to follow her on Twitter. May the odds be ever in your favor!

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