Dancing with the Stars 2, February 23: Thursday Night Fever

Previously on Dancing with the Stars, each couple performed two dances, the judges bickered, and Lisa Rinna and Louis van Amstel were tearfully eliminated from the competition. Tonight is the last evening of viewer judging before the disco ball trophy is awarded to the winner. Remember to vote for your favorite; each vote is important!

By now, you know the routine… Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris welcome us to the program. Samantha looks cute tonight. I love her hair.

Instead of jumping right into the dancing, the couples are going to analyze some of their performances; Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey are first. Cheryl tells us she was frightened during their first performance when they had to do a dip. Drew was happy they did so well that night, but as he explains, it set the bar high.

He notes that when they prepared for the quickstep, his body started to get into shape. He also feels that the jive was his favorite performance. The samba was anything but… there was too much hip action.

Next, they performed the tango. Cheryl was nervous about this; since Drew had problems keeping his shoulders down, she had to work with him.

The highlight of the foxtrot for Cheryl was the beginning of the performance. Drew felt the routine was entertaining. He also explains that he didn’t wear a tux because he wanted to be Drew and not someone else.

Cheryl says that she struggled to teach him the rumba because of his lack of hip action. Again, though, it was a great performance.

Drew concludes by saying that he has made some great friends during the competition, win or lose. What a class act.

Cheryl and Drew’s average score from the judges is 27.25.

Before we actually see someone dance, Len Goodman talks about the choreography. He says that the pros are world-class dancers and that he enjoyed the routine in which they took turns dancing, going back and forth between Latin and ballroom. We then see a clip of the performance.

Len also says that the paso doble routine performed by the professionals pleased him. Again, we watch a clip of the dance. And I wondered how the producers were going to fill a two-hour program. Seriously, it’s fun to watch and be reminded of how beautiful Maksim Chmerkovskiy is!

The next couple to comment on its performances is Anna Trebunskaya and Jerry Rice. Anna begins by explaining that she wanted to put football moves into their cha cha cha because he wasn’t comfortable with the other moves. He was glad to have the first dance under his belt.

Jerry loved the run in their quickstep. He also decided that night to just have fun, and the judges approved; however, the jive was a different story. Len certainly didn’t like the performance.

Their next dance was the samba. He explains that he and Anna decided to work harder at that point. As a result, he felt good about the dance, but again, the judges weren’t pleased.

He then says that the paso doble allowed him to show viewers a different side of Jerry Rice. Anna explains that she had to remind him not to smile. He still feels it was an excellent performance.

Jerry says that he was not at ease with the tango. He thought the audience enjoyed it though, but admits his dancing could have been sharper.

Anna says that their rumba was great. Jerry explains that he got into character and into the dance. Throughout this and other clips, you hear the crowd chanting for him.

He declares that he’s going to be the best that he can be. When he’s older, he will remember this experience. What a guy.

Anna and Jerry’s average score from the judges is 21.75 points.

We now watch more clips from previous shows. The first is of Cheryl and Louis dancing while Barry Manilow sang “Copacabana.” The next is of Cheryl dancing with Tony Dovolani while Bill Medley sang “The Time of My Life.”

It’s now Samantha’s turn to take to the dance floor. She and Jonathan Roberts do the jive to “Delirious.” Apparently, she has some experience dancing and it shows. The couple does a great job. Not only is there a lot of footwork in the routine, but also there are some tricky moves. At one point, Samantha jumps and spins at the same time, and falls into Jonathan’s arms. She also jumps on his back during another move, but that one isn’t executed as well as the other moves. Overall, I think Samantha seemed very relaxed and the routine was entertaining to watch.

Stacy Kiebler and her partner Tony are now reflecting back on their performances. From the very beginning of the show, Stacy looked the part of a dancer. Tony says that he knew immediately that the competition was going to be great.

When the couple danced the rumba, she wanted to impress the judges so she focused on various aspects of it including the lines. She goes on to say that the tango was difficult. Tony explains that the moves have to be synchronized. Len didn’t like the performance.

Stacy states that she wanted to be smooth during the foxtrot. Tony says that he wanted to be like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

The samba was exciting for Stacy to perform. She explains that “shaking her booty” was fun. This is the performance that earned them their first perfect score.

Jumping and skipping during the quickstep made Stacy feel like a kid. While she enjoyed the performance, the judges were divided; they of course argued about it. However, they all enjoyed the couple’s cha cha cha. Tony says he added more tricks to it than their other dances.

Stacy explains that while the competition is draining, it is also the greatest thing she has ever done. She certainly is grateful for the experience.

Their average score from the judges is 27.375

Finally, at 9:00 PM, Tom and Samantha introduce the couples. They also explain that the dancers will perform their favorite routines and a freestyle dance tonight. On Sunday, the couples will perform once final time, but only the judges will score that performance.

Anna and Jerry are ready for their first routine. We’re reminded of how rude Len was to Jerry, but how polite Jerry was in return. Jerry says that he is so touched by his fans’ support. He dips one lucky lady. Anna says that in the freestyle, they can show off his athleticism. She also feels that the foxtrot is a great dance for him because he is a gentleman.

They are dancing the foxtrot to “Why Don’t You Do Right.” Anna works her way down the steps of the stage. She then grabs Jerry and pulls him on the dance floor. I like this performance simply because Jerry dances more than he does in other routines. His posture also looks great.

Len says that the dance was elegant and it was Jerry’s best effort in the competition. Carrie Ann Inaba agrees and then says that she saw the joy of dancing in Jerry. Bruno Tonioli explains that it lacked a bit of drive, but overall Jerry’s commitment and attitude are commendable.

Backstage, Anna and Jerry speak with Samantha. He says that it felt great to hear the judges’ comments. He and Anna had fun as well. Carrie Ann and Len give the performance a nine while Bruno gives it an eight. The couple’s total so far is 26 points. Jerry says that they’ll get Bruno on the next dance.

Stacy and Tony are set to perform. Stacy explains that she feels like they barely escaped elimination the previous week. We see them practice lifts. To help Stacy with this aspect of dancing, Tony has her work on a trampoline and then a trapeze. She says that dropping from the trapeze is scary. She’s happy when she’s back on the ground.

Stacy and Tony are doing the jive to “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.” Soon after the dance begins, Stacy sheds her tuxedo and hat. They perform a lot of moves that involve quick steps. I think this dance fits Stacy’s personality better than some of the others; she can smile and have fun throughout it.

Bruno says something about a peanut and then uses adjectives like beautiful and delicious. Let’s just say he liked the routine. Len says that Stacy has set a high standard for herself and gives props to the couple for a job well done. Carrie Ann explains that this was her favorite dance from the couple during the season. She also says that it showcased what they can do separately and together. All three judges give the couple a 10 for a perfect score of 30 points. Suddenly, I’m hungry for a goober!

Cheryl and Drew are ready to perform their first dance of the night. Drew says he’s going to give this his everything. To prepare, the couple heads out to ride a mechanical bull. Instead, they end up at a surprise party given by their families. Eventually, they do get to ride a bull though. Cheryl says that Bruno will be in shock when he sees them dance.

They are performing the paso doble to “Thriller.” When they originally performed this routine, the judges and viewers loved it. Tonight, the couple appears to be on again. Their moves are sharp and crisp. They also bring out the zombie hands. (I prefer jazz hands myself.) The crowd goes wild.

Carrie Ann says that Cheryl and Drew dominated the dance floor. Bruno decrees Drew a believable leading man. Len says that he is enjoying the finale, and states that Cheryl and Drew are the best woman and man in the last five seasons. (He must be including Strictly Come Dancing in that assessment.) All three judges give the couple a 10 for a perfect 30. Drew jumps around and it reminds me of someone by the name of Tom expressing his love for someone named Katie. As Cheryl and Drew leave to prepare for their next dance, Drew screams one more time. These couples are having a lot of fun tonight and I for one am happy about it. So many reality TV shows turn nasty, so it’s nice that this one is returning to its fun, entertaining roots.

After explaining the voting process, it’s time for the freestyle routines. Anna and Jerry, who now have afros, are dancing to “Celebrate.” Jerry seems a bit stiff when he wiggles his butt. He eventually loosens up when he twirls Anna between his legs. Later on, he encourages the audience to get into the dance. He then gets his groove on and flips Anna around in unimaginable ways. It’s not a perfect routine, but it is fun and energetic.

Bruno says that the dance was funny and entertaining. Carrie Ann explains that she loved the lifts. Len agrees and says that he hasn’t laughed this much since his last wife left him.

Backstage, Jerry says that he just wanted to get funky. He also tells his woman (Anna) to settle down while he’s talking. It’s hysterical! All three judges give the couple a nine for a total of 27 points. Their final score for the night is 53 out of 60. The judges are being generous, but who cares! Everyone is having a blast.

Stacy and Tony are set to perform again; they are dancing to “Stayin’ Alive.” The couple does some typical disco moves, but they execute them well. Technically, this is a better dance than Anna and Jerry’s, but it isn’t as much fun. Yikes… toward the end of the routine, Tony lifts Stacy onto his shoulder and she sticks her leg straight up in the air. He fumbles a bit and almost loses her.

Carrie Ann tells the couple that she is disappointed; she thought they would do more. Tony mouths off and says he expected as much from Carrie Ann. I pet Yoko to relieve the frustration I am feeling. Is this guy for real? He had more goobers than a candy store this season, yet he can’t handle one little critique. Moving right along… Len agrees and says that he expected a lot more from Stacy and Tony. Bruno refers to Stacy as Olivia Newton Bomb and then explains that the bomb didn’t explode. It’s safe to say that none of the judges were thrilled with the routine. Carrie Ann gives the couple an eight, while both Len and Bruno give it a nine. Stacy and Tony receive 26 points for the dance and 56 points overall. Tony can’t be disappointed with that score.

The final couple of the night is Cheryl and Drew; they are performing to “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.” I guess they spent too much time on that bull. In any case, the routine starts with Drew jumping over Cheryl’s head from the stage. It is sultry and fun, and while Cheryl and Drew stumble a bit, they appear to have fun. There are a lot of lifts and entertaining moves. It’s an energetic routine.

Len says that the dance was everything freestyle should be. Bruno says that Drew could get the lead in Brokeback Mountain, the Musical. Drew covers his butt with his cowboy hat. Carrie Ann says that the performance was exciting and fearless. By now, the crowd and the judges are going crazy. Even though there were some small errors in the dance, my boyfriend says that the judges are going to give 10s to Cheryl and Drew. Could he be right?

After a commercial break, the judges reveal their scores. All three give Cheryl and Drew 10 points for another perfect score. Tonight, they earned 60 points out of 60. Amazing! Actually, what’s amazing is that I’m not at all upset about this. Perhaps I have come to terms with the goober or perhaps I’m enjoying the show too much to care at this point.

Tom and Samantha remind us that the couples will perform on Sunday for the judges’ vote only. As for now, the standings are as follows:

• Cheryl and Drew – 60
• Stacy and Tony – 56
• Anna and Jerry – 53

During the results show on Sunday, all of the couples will be back to dance and Mary J. Blige will perform. I have a feeling that the good times will continue.

Who will prevail as the winner of Dancing with the Stars 2? Tune in on Sunday, February 26 at 8:00 PM EST to find out and then come to RealityNewsOnline for the complete show summary.

Jill is an east coast mama who loves sharks, zombie movies, and reality television. She welcomes your comments about these and other subjects, and can be reached at jilljones@verizon.net.

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