MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

'Dancing With the Stars' Recap: Will and Kate 2.0

William Levy and Katherine Jenkins dazzle with near perfect routines

By Kate Mulcrone Apr 16, 2012 8:16PM

'Dancing With the Stars'/ABC

Latin Week was pretty darn hot! We saw near perfect Argentine tangos from William and Katherine, and Maria was nipping right at their heels with her stunning salsa, as was Donald with his own smoldering Argentine tango. In fact, the only real hitch this week was Gavin's downright loopy samba.

 

Bing: More about 'Dancing With the Stars' | Photos: Meet the cast of Season 14


Here's a quick look at how the stars did in this round:

 

Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Video: Watch clips and more


Jaleel White

Jaleel's energetic samba was a showstopper! He had the choreography down pat and was having a great time on the floor. The crowd was in his corner and Len praised Jaleel's rhythm. Bruno was a fan of Jaleel's "unstoppable wiggle," but Carrie Ann cautioned him to watch his arm work getting out of hold. Jaleel is going strong, but he has yet to take the top spot on the judges' leaderboard. Maybe next week?


Score: 24/30


Melissa Gilbert

Melissa's hip-shaking shoulder-shimmying salsa was gorgeous, and this is in in spite of the neck brace she sported during rehearsals this week. (She suffered from whiplash after her injury last week.) The routine highlighted her great rhythm – and Maks' addiction to tricky spins! Melissa more than held her own. Bruno called it "wild and untamed," but said she lacked control. Carrie Ann praised Melissa's newfound confidence but agreed that the routine lacked control. Melissa was staging a comeback the last few weeks, but her salsa was a real setback. Let's hope the fans turn out for her.


Score: 21/30


Maria Menounos

Maria's sexy salsa had the crowd on its feet. It was a lively, fun, incredibly sexy routine that she executed beautifully. Also, she and Derek kissed ... again. Just in case the actual dancing wasn't hot enough for us? Maria has really become an extraordinary dancer. Carrie Ann praised her hip action and Len had nothing but love for Maria. This was a knockout routine – Maria is definitely still a contender.


Score: 27/30


Katherine Jenkins

Katherine's Argentine tango was very nearly flawless. The routine showed off her incredible strength and precision. She and Mark moved well together, and there were two stunning, difficult lifts. This routine really brought down the house. Len compared this tango to a rose: beautiful on the outside, but with thorns underneath. Bruno praised both the choreography and the storytelling of the routine. Not to be outdone, Carrie Ann said Katherine's legs are the best she's seen in the history of the show. Katherine was one point away from a perfect score – will she bridge that gap next week?


Score: 29/30


Gavin DeGraw

Gavin's samba ... had some really cool special effects at the beginning? The dance was a bit frenzied and Gavin seemed lost pretty much throughout the routine. None of the judges had anything positive to say. Bruno said that Gavin "really went for it," but he didn't mean that in a good way. Carrie Ann just shook her head and praised Gavin's energy. Len didn't mince words – he called the routine a "sham-ba." (See, Bruno has not cornered the market on puns.) Gavin has escaped elimination twice, but I wouldn't bet on a third reprieve.


Score: 19/30


William Levy

William's Argentine tango was smoldering and intense! His rhythm was very nearly perfect and he and Cheryl got in a couple of jaw-dropping lifts. This routine made for a nice comeback after William's disastrous jive last week. Carrie Ann called it "ridiculously amazing," and Len praised the routine's sensuality and color. Bruno was beside himself – I think he was actually purring. William was actually dancing on a stressed ligament, so it's all the more amazing that he turned in such an exceptional performance.


Score: 29/30


Gladys Knight

Gladys' spirited samba was a real departure from her usual stately, elegant routines. She really had fun with this one! Gladys can't pull off the same fireworks we're seeing from the leaders of the pack, but she's got her own special magic. Len called the dance "simple but effective," and Bruno praised her for playing to the audience. Carrie Ann pointed out a few mistakes Gladys made but echoed the other judges when she said Gladys is a joy to watch.


Score: 22/30


Roshon Fegan

Roshon's salsa capitalized on his two greatest strengths in this competition: energy and hip-hop action. The pace of the routine was brutal, but Roshon held up his end of the stick admirably. Bruno praised Roshon's timing and Carrie Ann was a fan of his mojo. She said the routine was charming words "sexy in a Disney way," which sounds about right to me. Len did caution Roshon to slow down a bit and see that sometimes "less is more." This was another excellent performance from Roshon, but he doesn't seem to have quite the fan base as some of his competitors. Let's hope the votes come in for him this week.


Score: 26/30


Donald Driver

Donald's Argentine tango was measured and very, very sexy. He and Peta moved seamlessly together – you'd have thought they were long-standing tango partners, in fact. Donald's rhythm was excellent. Carrie Ann called the routine "divine," and praised his control during the routine's lifts. Len agreed that the lifts were spectacular, but wasn't totally sold on the routine as a whole. Bruno liked the routine but thought Donald's "supermodel walk" broke up the overall flow. Another fabulous performance from the man who topped the leaderboard last week!


Score: 27/30


Who won over the judges: William and Katherine
Who won over the crowd: William and Katherine

Who needs to step it up: Gavin and Melissa

"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. 

17Comments
Apr 17, 2012 7:23AM
avatar

Is it me or was Cheryl Burke checking herself out in the mirror the whole time the cameras were filming William Levy's rehearsal segment? Geez, and I thought Maks was vain! Maybe someone should remind her that it's Dancing With The Stars, not dancing with Cheryl Burke. The screams and commotion that goes on when Cheryl and William enter the ballroom are for him, not her. She's a good dancer & instructor but needs to check that ego at the door. When these instructors win the mirror ball, it's because they were lucky and drew a good, younger partner with potential, coordination and the desire to win. That's why athletes so well on this show. They have the discipline, work ethic and drive to be the best. I know she's won a few times with good partners, but get over yourself, it's a joint effort. She really didn't fair as well when Julianne Hough was competing.

Apr 17, 2012 11:14AM
avatar

I really don't know what the judges are smoking this year. The only Argentine Tango that deserved a perfect/near perfect score was Donald and Peta. Katherine and Mark -boring, Cheryl and William horrible technique he is not that great of a dancer. The obvious favoritism towards these 2 make me want to puke. The best Argentine Tango ever danced on the show was Jennifer & Derek when they had the 'dance in the round' smoldering choreography and the technique was perfection. Donald and Peta had that same panther like and 'hot' intensity with very effective choreography I was on the edge of my seat.

Apr 17, 2012 10:23AM
avatar

Maria, William, Donald and Katherine are exceptional.

Roshon and Jaleel have also been doing great.

The chemistry between William & Cheryl, Maria & Derek and Donald & Peta is unbelievable!

As great as Katherine is , I don't feel  chemistry between her and Mark.

Will there ever be a free form dance night on DWTS? The dance styles get boring at times, the music could also be more CURRENT!

The stylists on the show need to dress the contestants properly for their bodies.

 

Apr 17, 2012 6:30PM
avatar

Gladys takes or gets much easier routines than Melissa and she does not dance anywhere near as good as her.

She is getting by on personality with the judges.

Shes had a few weeks where she is getting good points because of her bubbly face and effort but her performances always seem safe for her.

But Donald has been heads above everyone else and it just seems that Len has maybe an issue with another "athlete" doing well or perhaps he looks at him and recalls his own "chiseled youth" haha

May 1, 2012 8:14AM
avatar

I agree with everyone who said Max seems to get a bad rap from the judges, however, remember last season?  He did make some angry comments to them which, obviously, didn't go over so well.  Notice, he keeps his mouth shut this year.  As far as the dancers go, I think Derek is rather arrogant, too, but he really dances well and he and Melissa have a lot of chemistry  which only adds to their dancing success.  (Derek, by the way, has his eyes only on Katherine off the dance floor.)  Lastly, I know a lot of you are fans of Melissa, but I think it's time for her to go simply because she is not up to the standards of those left.

Apr 18, 2012 6:08AM
avatar

I've seen what goes on backstage on down2load

Apr 17, 2012 10:25AM
avatar
This is an an amazing season .  Great dancers.   I agree with many others that Donald, William, Katherine and Maria are the best 4 and any of them could win the whole thing.   Roshon is also very good and many other years would have had a shot.  I want to see Donald and William pull off the more elegant dances before I make up my mind but so far the person who has shown the ability to do any type of dance is Katherine,  she is exquisite.  
Apr 17, 2012 7:14AM
avatar
Melissa deserved a better score than Gladys got; or maybe I should say Gladys did not deserve a better score than Melissa got.  Don't get me wrong, Gladys is holding her own and doing alright, but she's not even close to the complexity and pace as the others.  I didn't hear Len's comments regarding Donald's tango so I was surprised to see he only gave him an 8 because I thought it was a fantastic routine.  I missed Jaleel's routine, but it sounds like I might have to go back and watch it.  I think William and Cheryl should be the encore dance tonight! It should be either Gladys or Gavin that goes home tonight, although it would be nice for Gladys to still be on for Motown week next week; so that just might save her.  Just based on age and stamina, she won't be able to keep up from here on out; Melissa might not be able to either.
Apr 17, 2012 8:49AM
avatar
When they showed Gladys's week-she was doing GREAT--others could not keep up with that schedule--and we have seen it in other DWTS shows. GO GLADYS!
Apr 17, 2012 7:20AM
avatar

I, basically, agree with what everyone has said so far, best season yet.  However, as I said last week, let's drop Melissa being called a TV icon (she is not Lucille Ball).  I think the judges give higher scores to those who have, perhaps, more accomplished reputations, such as, Gladys.  William, although a good dancer, came into this competition with such accolades based on his "looks."

It's interesting that Cheryl is so subdued with him, not like her with past partners.  Max is, too, but that's probably due to his comments during last season and the fact that he never seems to get a partner like Derek or Mark which would give him a chance to win.  I should end with something positive since this has all been critical.  Katherine is pure elegance and perfection on a constant basis.  Melissa is a notch below but, also, very good.  As far the men, William and Donald are my top picks.  It will be interesting to see a dance competition by the two lowest ranking couples if it turns out to be Gavin and Melissa.  Anyone remember Max and Karina?

Apr 17, 2012 6:29AM
avatar

Melissa was given a gift in the judging. Gladys was, also. Gavin--it is obvious, they want him to go.

Roshon should have been rated as high as Will and Kate--but the judges are only giving those they like, the high scores.

It takes away the pleasure of watching the show. Too bad!

Apr 17, 2012 3:08AM
avatar

I don't know who to vote for. Well, let me see it's either Will, Katherine or Maria. It has been a great show so far. Great dancers, great bands The DWTS Troupe is outstanding. Last year, I do admit I was always critiquing and complaining. But this year, DWTS finally did something right. the only question I have is are camera's always rolling during practices? OR, are the camera people just lucky to be there at the right time? It seems they are always there when somebody gets hurt or floored. Cannot believe it.

I couldn't give a rats patoohey about "the kiss". They both danced great. However, I think, maybe, Driver is overrated at this time. When he took his shirt off for the Paso Dobles, that did it for the crowd. I could be wrong.

My feeling is, either Gavin or Glady's tonigh. Two very nice people.

Apr 17, 2012 9:16AM
avatar
Though I do think that currently,  Katherine is the one to beat, I still have my issues with the judges' bias towards certain professionals on the show. I'm sorry but you have to be blind to not notice how they fawn over Derek and any one of his partners; on the other hand, Maks can not do anything right. Let's make it fair and for once, give Derek a "harder" partner to coach. Let's see Derek with Cloris Leachman and see how far he goes. But based on the judges' behavior in the past, Cloris would probably get all 10s with Derek as her partner.
Apr 17, 2012 8:52AM
avatar
As far as I'm concerned, Katherine and Donald are a cut above everyone else. Absolutely beautiful to watch! I just can't figure out why Len is so tough on Donald, though. C'mon -- an 8 for last night's tango?? Donald was robbed.
Apr 17, 2012 5:11AM
avatar

Lol. Will and Kate.  Katherine's dance is so beautiful, it's like I was watching a storytelling.  Her legs and footworks were stunning and amazing to watch!

Apr 17, 2012 5:14AM
avatar
Katherine is the best thing since sliced bread and pound for pound one of the best I've ever seen on the show.  Incredible footwork and legs!  
Apr 16, 2012 10:26PM
avatar
After watching, and rewatching tonight's show which was hot and greatly enhanced by the great Carlos Santana, of one thing the wife and I are certain....The final four will be William, Maria, Katherine and Donald....All four of their routines tonight were exceptional and really brought out the dances they were assigned beautifully......The weakest links tonight were Gavin and Gladys and one of those two will be the next to leave........What William, Maria, Katherine and Donald can do to top tonight, who knows but we are sure that they will and the best is yet to come from all of them.....This season is turning out to be one of the best yet!
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?