Dancing with the Stars: Country Week

It’s Country week on “Dancing with the Stars” as the show pays tribute to the Country Music Awards that air later this week. Again the dancers must learn two dances as they take on their solo performances and the Freestyle group dance for bonus points. An added challenge this week for the celebrities is that they must perform a 20 second solo during their couple performance.

Since there was no elimination last week, the scores and votes from last week will be added to the scores for this week.

The night opened with a live performance by Little Big Town and a dance assist from the “Dancing with the Stars” Troupe.

All of the celebrities expressed their concern and wishes for safety to the east coast viewers who were dealing with the storm.

The first couple on the dance floor was Giles and Peta with a Cha Cha to “Man, I Feel Like a Woman”. In his video package Giles pointed out that he was born in France and Peta is from New Zealand and he knew nothing about country dancing. There was a little added pressure for Giles this week with him having to be on the set of his show “Switched at Birth”. Len said that Giles gave the performance 100%, was full on, flat out, and in control. Bruno said that he didn’t know what country that was but he wanted to pay it a visit. Bruno added that the performance was sexy, sold it, and ready for the center stage. Carrie Ann said that Giles was sexy and a perfect dance for both; but she cautioned Giles about his hands. Carrie Ann thanked Giles for picking her up after the fall last week; saying that he was a gentleman. Giles and Peta earned 27.5 points for their Cha Cha and have a total of 84 points.

Sabrina and Louis gave an emotional Rumba performance that had the judges gushihg. Bruno called the dance wonderful, sumptuous, fantastic, with a seamless solo, an emotional thread and stunning figures. After hugging Sabrina, Carrie Ann called the performance breathtaking and gave her chills. Len said the performance was soft, quiet, strong, and full on with a lovely balance; adding that the choreography was lovely. Sabrina and Louis earned the first perfect score of the season with three 10s. They have a total of 88.5 points.

Kelly and Valentin performed a Tango to “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood. Carrie Ann noted it was an ambitious routine and called the performance a nice comeback. Len noted that the dance was a little hectic but Kelly kept it under control. Bruno called Kelly a sultry seductress who was back in the game big time. Kelly and Valentin scored 27 points for their Tango and have a total of 78.5 points.

Melissa and Tony performed a Viennese Waltz. Melissa had a bit of trouble during rehearsals this week; her neck was still bothering her. Tony offered her the chance to drop out but she said no but later, when Tony left the room, saying that she didn’t want to let Tony down. Len said that Melissa has great technique; adding that she had the how and the wow. Bruno compared Melissa to Cyd Cherise calling her solo exquisite. Carrie Ann said that Melissa has the most beautiful lines; but when she remarked that Melissa wasn’t dancing out enough, she started an aggressive discussion among the judges. Melissa and Tony scored 29.5 points for their Viennese Waltz and have a total of 86 points.

Shawn and Derek performed a Cha Cha despite the injury bug this week when Shawn sprained her knee during group dance rehearsals. Dancing to “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” they came out on a tractor with a cow standing on the dance floor. Bruno said Shawn was the sexy one; adding that she worked it, was fantastic and incredible; saying he liked the fusion of the country dance and Cha Cha. Carrie Ann agreed with Bruno; adding that Shawn articulated every move but felt her solo was a bit stiff. Len said the choreography was fantastic with brilliant movement but the dance had too much frippery and too many gimmicks. Derek promised no gimmicks next week. Shawn and Derek scored 28 points for their Cha Cha and have a total of 85.5 points.

Kristie and Maks performed a Rumba to “Home”. Carrie Ann called Kristie the queen of sexy; adding the dance had passionate drama, was gorgeous, super sexy, and she got lost in the dance. Len noted that Kristie had expressive arms and gave a clean, clear, classy dance; adding that she coped well with a difficult dance. Bruno called the performance an expression of gorgeousness of a real woman, was classy and elegant with expressive ares. Kristie and Maks earned their highest score this season with 27.5 points and have a total of 80 points.

Apolo and Karina performed a Viennese Waltz to Rascall Flatts. Len said the dance was a perfect harmony of light and msic; adding that he loved it. Bruno called Apolo a leading man who led with ease, graceful and was excellent. Bruno said that Apolo’s involvement was the best he had ever seen. Carrie Ann called the performance poetry in motion and was mesmerizing. She called the dance Apolo’s breakthrough number. Apolo and Karina earned the second perfect score of the night and have a total of 86.5 points.

The final solo performance of the night was a Foxtrot to “Islands in the Stream” from Emmitt and Cheryl. In his video package Emmitt compared dancing to playing football. Saying you had to play with the pain, he called it mind over matter – if you don’t mind, it don’t matter. Calling it a country fun fair, Bruno loved the performance; saying Emmitt had a brilliant attitude. Carrie Ann noted that Emmitt was a little out of sync but found the performance entertaining. Len called Emmitt easy like Sunday morning; saying it was great fun to watch but lacked finesse. Emmitt and Cheryl scored 26.5 points for their Foxtrot and have a total of 83.5 points.

Country stars Big and Rich and Cowboy Troy gave live performances as the eight couples performed their Freestyle group dance. The couple the judges thought was the most entertaining would earn two extra bonus points. Len called the performance full of tricks and treats; adding it was fabulous and he enjoyed it. Bruno called the performance fully loaded and a fun filled country extravaganza. Carrie Ann said it was great to see; calling the group dance an iconic part of the show. After deliberating the judges called Kristie and Maks the winners of the two bonus points.

On Tuesday’s results show Jason Mraz and Taylor Swift give performances and the Macy’s Stars of Dance perform a high flying dance.

And DWTS will throw another twist in this All Star season to the dancers when they will once again pick dances for their competition for fusion week when they must combine two dances.

Country Week scores:
Emmitt and Cheryl – 26.5
Kelly and Valentin - 27
Giles and Peta – 27.5
Kristie and Maks – 27.5
Shawn and Derek - 28
Melissa and Tony – 29.5
Sabrina and Louis – 30
Apolo and Karina - 30

Total scores:
Kelly and Valentin – 78.5
Kristie and Maks – 82
Emmitt and Cheryl – 83.5
Giles and Peta – 84
Shawn and Derek – 85.5
Melissa and Tony – 86
Apolo and Karina – 86.5
Sabrina and Louis – 88.5