MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

'Dancing With the Stars' Recap: Grey’s Anatomy

The 'Dirty Dancing' star mesmerizes the crowd and the judges

By Kate Mulcrone Sep 27, 2010 8:05PM
<a href="http://video.msn.com?mkt=en-us&amp;brand=msn video&amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:e28900a2-0ca9-c871-647a-3e48e50ace04&amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;from=cp^IV2_en-us_tv_LastNightOnTV&amp;fg=MsnEntertainment_video_hub_lnotv" title="http://video.msn.com?mkt=en-us&amp;brand=msn video&amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:e28900a2-0ca9-c871-647a-3e48e50ace04&amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;from=cp^IV2_en-us_tv_LastNightOnTV&amp;fg=MsnEntertainment_video_hub_lnotv">Video: Tuesday, September 28: Record-Breaking Low on 'Dancing With the Stars'</a>

There’s really only one dance more exhausting than the quickstep, and that’s the jive. Trust me, our stars were not kidding around this week. It’s only week two of the competition, but our leaders of the pack are aleady emerging. Disney star Kyle Massey turned in a dandy quickstep, as did reality star Audrina Patridge. Jennifer Grey blew everyone away with an over the top jive that would have killed the Energizer Bunny dead.

 

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I’ve heard of a fox in the henhouse, but this week we saw a cheetah in the doghouse when Michael Bolton attempted the jive. And the part where he wasn’t dancing ... was the best part. The judges really savaged him. He got the worst score since the first night of competition in season nine. Ouch.

Here’s a rundown of what happened out on the floor:

 

Rick Fox

Lifts aren’t allowed in this competition, but that rule doesn’t apply to Cheryl Burke’s skirt apparently. Cheekiness aside, this was a more than solid performance from our NBA champ. His jive was loose and punchy; his posture was great, his rhythm was fantastic, his arm work was nice -- guys tend to be a little Frankenstein-y early on in the competition. Only Carrie Ann found fault with Rick’s performance, but still agreed with Len that Mr. Fox is a contender.

 

Score: 21/30

 

Florence Henderson
Her quickstep was nothing short of amazing. It was a routine that would have done any contestant proud the second week out of the gate, but it was a downright coup for a 76 year-old woman. OK, her footwork wasn’t perfect, but her lines were incredibly elegant and her rhythm was flawless. She and Corky seem to work very well together, which is a huge advantage this early on. The judges’ scores seemed a little low, so let’s hope Florence has a lot of fans in her corner.

 

Score: 19/30

 

Brandy

After last week’s nearly flawless waltz, I hoped that Brandy and Maks would push themselves a little more this week. Well, they did! Their jive was syrupy sweet and yet plenty difficult. Brandy even did a short solo about halfway through. Her rhythm and energy were perfect, but her footwork was a little off. Carrie Ann called Brandy out for forgetting to point her toes. Bruno called her a backup dancer for Gwen Stefani -- must have been the plaid and the pink eye shadow -- and then told her that "OK from you is not good enough." Harsh!

 

Score: 21/30

 

Michael Bolton

He might have made "When I’m Back on My Feet Again" a hit, but Michael’s going to have a hard time recovering from tonight’s jive. He was as stiff as a board, his footwork was sloppy. I saw his feet slip at least twice during the routine, and he looked visibly out of breath. Len used his extra-sarcastic I’m gonna hit you with my cane voice and told Michael that the jive "wasn’t his cup of tea." Bruno said it was the worst jive in 11 seasons. Ouch. Then he gave him a 3. A 3! I’ve never actually seen that paddle before.


Score: 12/30

 

Audrina Patridge

Last week Audrina’s cha-cha was fast and yet super controlled. This week’s quickstep was even more challenging, but still very nicely done. Audrina slipped up a few times, but her footwork was excellent overall. She really has a lot of potential and could go all the way. Tony Dovolani, her partner, definitely believes in her. He told Audrina he would wax his legs if the routine didn’t get three 8s. (And, um, it didn’t.)

 

Score: 23/30

 

Jennifer Grey

This jive was the best second week performance I’ve ever seen. It was good enough for the semifinals. Jennifer matched Derek step for step, kick for kick and turn for turn. This routine was the polar opposite of last week’s beautifully tense waltz. Her jive was completely unbuttoned. In other words, Jennifer can really shake it down. She’s a great dancer and she also has the presence necessary to captivate the whole room. This competition is officially Jennifer Grey’s to lose.

 

Score: 24/30

 

Margaret Cho

Margaret Cho’s jive was better than her Viennese waltz last week. Her footwork was quite good, but her rhythm was off and there were a couple of spots in the routine where she seemed to forget to move her arms. Of course, that could have been due to nerves. Margaret really took a beating from the judges for her first effort. They were much milder tonight, but she’ll still need some audience love to stay in the game.

 

Score: 18/30

 

Kyle Massey

Our young upstart turned in another fabulous performance with this week’s quickstep. His footwork is good, his rhythm is perfect and his energy is limitless. I was a little distracted by Lacey’s Bjork Oscar dress meets Gwen Stefani’s wedding dress costume. Dude, it’s the quickstep and we need to see your feet. It was even blocking Kyle’s feet a little. Len called it a "feather duster," and then got all crusty because Kyle broke hold with his left arm. Well, I guess we need somebody who was around when the rule book was written, eh? It was a minor complaint about a major routine. Go Kyle!

 

Score: 22/30

 

Kurt Warner

It’s not Movie Week (yet), but that didn’t stop Kurt and Anna from dancing a "Top Gun"-inspired jive. Kurt was awfully compelling as a waltzer, but his jive was even better. The quicker, looser routine really suited him. Carrie Ann compared him to somebody’s uncle who has too much to drink at a wedding, but she meant it as a compliment.

 

Score: 21/30

 

The Situation

His steps were quick enough, but The Situation didn’t have too much else going for him during tonight’s routine. He seemed really nervous, and for the first half of the routine his eyes were fixed on Karina’s. He had a little trouble remembering his steps during last week’s cha-cha, but I blamed the four days of rehearsal time. Now I’m not so sure. The quickstep is a demanding dance, but the routine wasn’t especially complex. It seems like The Situation is in over his head.

 

Score: 18/30

 

Bristol Palin

She was really nervous during last week’s cha-cha, and unfortunately this week’s quickstep was no different. Bristol’s footwork and carriage were actually quite good, and she has a lot of grace. But none of that counts unless you have stage presence, and she doesn’t. If the voters keep her around long enough she’ll get there eventually -- but will they?

 

Score: 22/30

 

Who won over the judges? Jennifer, Audrina and Kyle

Who won over the crowd? Jennifer, Kyle and Florence
Who needs to step it up? Michael, Margaret and The Situation

14Comments
Oct 1, 2010 9:47PM
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I agree 100% that it is sooo unfair that Derek always gets the best dancers (his sister also always got the best ones). Derek is an awesome choreographer, so DWTS should give him a challenge, like Florence. Then we can see if he is really that good, or if the other pros are just as good as he is. jussayin
Sep 28, 2010 10:59AM
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Also about Michael Bolton....no one can tell me that his dance last night was worse than Kate G. last season. And I don't remember her getting a 3. Bruno was very wrong on this.
Sep 28, 2010 10:44AM
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Tasha12 - I agree wholeheartedly that Derek always gets "the ringer"!!!  He is so full of himself he is hard to watch.  Bristol Palin seems really sweet - I just don't know how she is a "celebrity" and why she is even on the show at all!!!  Poor Michael Bolton - Bruno was so horrible towards him.  He can't dance but I bet Bruno can't sing!!!
Sep 28, 2010 9:40AM
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Aside from Michael Bolton & the Situation, I think it's going to be hard to pick a winner. They all have improved a lot. My only gripe is....why do they always give some of the best stars to Derek. Why couldn't Jennifer been put with Tony or Louis? It's time someone else had more of a chance.
Sep 28, 2010 9:40AM
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So shadow2103, the fact that a girl has an out of wedlock baby is reason to trash a young person?  As I recall, Fantasia was an unwed teen mother and won American Idol.  Watch MTV's Teen Mom Show, are they more deserving or should they be banned from telling a story? They are on the covers of magazines etc. Why the harsh words for Bristol Palin.  This is a TV show, not a political campaign.  And since your husband is the one watching, why comment?  Are you upset that he is watching? Hopefully none of your relatives, associates, classmates, or acquaintances were teen mothers.  What a hypocrite.

Sep 28, 2010 8:58AM
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So Michael Bolton is not a natural dancer. ...  Was that a reason for Bruno to insult and do everything possible to humiliate him?  As for Michael's "choreographer" dance partner, she also owes him an apology.  That "doghouse/bone" routine was enough to squash anyone's confidence on the dance floor.  C'mon DWTS!  Let's hope that the rest of the season will be better than this.  Maybe it's time for new judges and professional dancers.  At least they should be held to a higher standard. 
Sep 28, 2010 8:55AM
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My husbands been watching DWTS this season, but I refuse to watch it. I would like to know what makes Bristol Palin (an unwed teen mother!) someone we would want to watch dance!!!! Maybe nexts years line up will be from the line at Planned Parenthood!

Sep 28, 2010 8:24AM
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Did y'all even watch the same show I did?  Bolton was awful.  The jive is supposed to be quick, and he was incredibly slow...he barely moved!  Also, he's supposed to be a performer; he had NO stage presence!  The only thing Bristol has a problem with is stage presence...her technique - especially for a non-performer - is near flawless.  She just needs to feel more confidence.  I still don't understand why The Situation had only 5 days to rehearse the first week; he was one of the first ones tapped, and if others can rehearse in between performances and other professional schedules, he could.  I guess he couldn't get out of the hot tub long enough to actually dance.   He's proven this week that he just doesn't have it.  HE needs to go home...although I think this week it will be Bolton.
Sep 28, 2010 6:58AM
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The judging is such a joke. How can Bristol who cant even dance get higher scores than the other dancers that can really move? This is actually making me not even want to watch anymore. I think it is ridiculous!
Sep 28, 2010 6:55AM
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I have seen worse dancers on "Dancing with the Stars" than Michael Bolton. Bruno was waaaaay out of line giving him a 3. What IS Bruno's problem??????
Shame  - Shame - Shame!!!!!!!
Sep 28, 2010 6:47AM
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It is amazing that the first two comments are related to Bristol Palin.  Apparently the two were passed over by ABC as judges.  The judges were present doing their job, and your comments as seen from your lazy boy recliner should over ride a professional present at the competition.  This is a TV show, the girl is 19 and holding her own against haters like you.

As a father of two girls I applaud the performance.

Sep 28, 2010 6:46AM
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I've always enjoyed Bruno's quirkiness.....until tonight.  The way he ripped into Bolton was disgraceful.  Bolton's routine wasn't so great (but isn't that his pro-dancer's fault?), but I've seen worse.  Plus they said the poor guy's been sick as a dog (pardon the pun) all week and yet he's still out there trying.   If Bruno's not man enough to offer him an apology tonight for those venomous comments, then I hope Bolton kicks his butt in the parking lot!!!  Or better still, in the middle of the dance floor!!!
Sep 28, 2010 5:50AM
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I didn't watch the show but I knew that Bristol is stiff as a wood.  She cannot dance and she is no star.  Pls. send her home!

Sep 27, 2010 10:36PM
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SadThe judging was so off tonight, Rick & Cheryl and Kyle & Lacey were very good yet Bristol who was very stiff got the same score. Also, there was no need for the judges to tear Bolton apart, so uncalled for.

Grey is excellent but cannot come close to Nicole from last season or Mya, or Gilles.

Florence is amazing, she is doing a great job.

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Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.

Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.

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