By Mary Cavaliere

The show started with news that made me want to tune out. Melissa injured herself in rehearsals this week and did not compete tonight during the actual show. Unfortunately the judges had to score the last rehearsal where it was obvious that Melissa was not giving 100%. That's the bad news. The good news is she WILL be able to continue in the competition.

 
This week is something new we've never seen before on the show......team dancing. There were two teams of three couples...and it was Team Mambo vs. Team Tango. One set of team points was awarded which was added to each couple's individual scores for tonight's individual performances.

 
Here's my take on the individual performances:

 
Gilles & Cheryl danced the Pasa Doble. I don't know how Kim did that last move without tearing something. Every step was perfection and Derek's choreography was great as usual. My Score = 10. Judges Combined Score = 28

 

Lil' Kim & Derek danced the Cha-Cha-Cha. Another great dance and Chuck is definitely moving up on the sexxxxy scale! I didn't notice what the judges commented on regarding Chuck's arms. My Score = 10. Judges Combined Score = 26

 

Chuck & Julianne danced the Samba. The dance itself didn't thrill me but Shawn was, as usual, on point. My Score = 8. Judges Combined Score = 27

 

Shawn & Mark danced the Jive (during rehearsal). I don't think it's really fair that the judges have to remove points for things that are not perfect in the rehearsal but those are the rules. Melissa I'm sure would have gotten a 9 or a 10 from me! Judges Combined Score = 21

 

Melissa & Tony danced the Salsa. Wow. I just LOVED that choreography! Ty is such a trooper....comfort zone or not, I think he killed it tonight!! I also think Len's comment was totally unecessary. My Score = 10. Judges Combined Score = 24

 

Tye & Chelsie danced the Jitterbug. I can't say that I loved it but I still love Gilles. He was a little behind Cheryl at the beginning of the dance and the whole thing looked a bit frantic to me. My Score = 8. Judges Combined Score = 27

Here's my take on the team performances:

 

Team Mambo which consisted of Tony & Lacy (filling in for Melissa), Shawn & Mark, and Chuck & Julianne. I know Lacy was there for window dressing but I just love watching her dance so that was the best part of this group dance for me. The end was absolutely hysterical for me as well because the guys did a parody of what Justin Timberlake does in Beyonce's Put A Ring On It music video. I have NO clue what Carrie Ann was talking about....the dancing was great throughout. My Score = 9. Judges Combined Score = 25

 

Team Tango which consisted of Gilles & Cheryl, Ty & Chelsie, and Lil' Kim & Derek. This dance was unbelievable. The choreography was brilliant and to me it looked like six pros out there not three pros and three stars. I have to agree that they beat Team Mambo. My Score = 10. Judges Combined Score = 28

 

With the combined scores of the individual dances and the team dances, at the top of the leader board was Lil' Kim & Derek with a 56, and at the bottom was Melissa & Tony with a 46. I hope the fans pull through for Melissa & Tony this week because I don't think an injury is enough of a reason for Melissa to be sent home. Both Chuck and Ty did such a good job this week your guess is as good as mine as to who is leaving the competition tomorrow night.

(Photo courtesy of ABC)

 

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