By Mary Cavaliere

Well they say it comes in threes.  First Jewel left the competition due to an injury.  Then Nancy O’Dell departed as well for the same reason. This week Steve-O was the third contestant with a severe injury (and we’re only two weeks in).  The really sad part of this is if we lose Steve, we also lose his partner, Lacey Schwimmer, one of my personal favorites.

Tonight’s scores will be combined with last week’s scores for the first elimination tomorrow night:

Holly Madison (Playboy Model / Television Star) & Dmitry Chaplin ~ Holly did much better this week.  She missed a few steps in their QUICK-STEP but it was a really fast dance and a great second dance with her partner Dmitry.  I thought it was better than a “6” performance which is what the judges gave her.  Judges Score = 18 / Combined Score = 36

David Alan Grier (Comedian) & Kym Johnson ~ David is so darn funny, America is going to be voting for him on his personality alone.  I thought the SALSA was really different and I loved it!  I don’t agree with the judges score of 5 and 6.  I thought it was better than that.  Judges Score = 17 / Combined Score = 36

Denise Richards (Actress) & Maksim Chmerkovskiy ~ The judges thought that Denise improved but honestly I didn’t.  I thought this week’s QUICK-STEP was still awkward and I hated the fake smile all throughout.   Judges Score = 21 / Combined Score = 39  

Belinda Carlisle (Recording Artist) & Jonathan Roberts ~ I’ll certainly give Belinda credit for the way she flipped over at the end of this SALSA, but honestly there wasn’t much I enjoyed about this performance. Judges Score = 18 / Combined Score = 35

Ty Murray (Rodeo Champion) & Chelsie Hightower ~ Well Ty is definitely one of the most improved dancers this week. This country boy showed us his potential with tonight’s QUICK-STEP.  He did way better than I expected him to and that made me happy for Chelsie because I’d like her to stick around a bit longer! Judges Score = 20 / Combined Score = 34

Shawn Johnson (Olympic Gold Medalist-Gymnastics) & Mark Ballas ~ I was a little disappointed in tonight’s SALSA for this couple.  Shawn definitely does not have one ounce of latin blood in her little blonde bombshell of a body.  It was just o.k. for me.  Judges score = 24 / Combined Score = 47

Steve Wozniak (Apple Computer Founder) & Karina Smirnoff ~ Steven definitely improved from last week.  Stars are dropping out like flies so we have to give Steve a lot of credit for dancing with an injury to his foot.  Judges score = 17 / Combined Score = 30

Chuck Wicks (Country Recording Artist) & Julianne Hough ~  I have to agree with the judges on this one.  First of all, when Julianne dances its hard to watch anyone else to begin with.  I thought Chuck was sort of invisible through the entire SALSA performance.   Judges Score = 20 / Combined Score = 40

Lawrence Taylor (NY Giants Linebacker) & Edyta Sliwinska ~ Wow, Lawrence did a great job this week.  It was classy and he was extremely light on his feet during their QUICK-STEP.  The judges seemed to agree.  Judges Score = 20 / Combined Score = 40

Steve-O (MTV’s Jackass Star) & Lacey Schwimmer ~ Because Steve-O was injured and could not perform during the live show, he was judged on his dress rehearsal.  I love my girl Lacey but I hated the dance itself.  Steve’s entire performance was a bit sloppy, but it was probably because he wasn’t giving this SALSA his all to save what he had left after injury for the live show.  I do believe the judges agreed with me.  Judges Score = 14 / Combined Score = 31

Lil’ Kim (Rap Recording Artist) & Derek Hough ~ I thought Len was a bit harsh in his assessment of this QUICK-STEP.  To me it was the best one of the night.  The only thing I didn’t like was that Lil’ Kim’s mouth was wide open for too much of the dance and I found it distracting.  But overall she did a great job.  Judges Score = 23 / Combined Score = 44

Melissa Rycroft (Reality TV Star) & Tony Dovolani ~ Wow!  Melissa looked absolutely stunning and I have to agree with the judges.  This was not only the best SALSA of the night, but it was the best DANCE of the night.  Melissa has surely earned her right to be part of this competition.  Jason, eat your heart out!   Judges Score = 26 / Combined Score = 49  

Gilles Marini (Actor) & Cheryl Burke ~ Gilles not only proved he can dance the QUICK-STEP with class and elegance, but he also showed us that he would make a great Superman in a major motion picture as well.  I loved it!  Judges Score = 27 / Combined Score = 51

Scoring at the top of the leader board is still Gilles & Cheryl (27 / 51), Melissa & Tony (26 / 49), and Shawn & Mark (24 / 47).   At risk are Steve & Karina (17/ 30), Steve & Lacey (14 / 31), and Ty & Chelsie (20 / 34).  My favorites for the night were the same as last week……Melissa & Tony and Gilles & Cheryl.

You can read more of Mary’s television blogs at www.myspace.com/italiangirl57

(Photo Courtesy of ABC)

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