By Mary Cavaliere

This week is the last week before the semi-finals so each couple had to dance twice to impress both the judges and the viewing audience.  During the latin dances each of the stars also had to do a bit of a solo which really added to the pressure for them this week.

I also want to give props to the pros this week (that are no longer in the competition).  The two group dances they did tonight were fantastic! 

Here's my take on tonight's performances as well as tonight's scores:

SHAWN & MARK:
Ballroom Round - Quickstep ~ That was a really fun quick step and I thought Shawn rocked it from beginning to end!  My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 27
Latin Round - Pasa Doble ~ I think Shawn did another great job with what seemed like a really difficult dance routine.  My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 29
TOTAL COMBINED SCORE = 56

TYE & CHELSIE:
Ballroom Round - Argentine Tango ~ I love how hard Ty works at it but there was just too much walking and not enough dancing for me.  My Score = 7.  Judges Combined Score = 25
Latin Round - Rumba ~ The best part of the dance was the end when he kissed his wife Jewel.  But the dancing just wasn't there.  As much as I love Chelsie, I do believe this will probably be Tye's last night.  My Score = 7.  Judges Combined Score = 21
TOTAL COMBINED SCORE = 46

LIL' KIM & DEREK:
Ballroom Round - Waltz ~ It was really beautiful except I didn't like the way it ended....it almost looked like a mistake.  My Score = 8.  Judges Combined Score = 25
Latin Round - Salsa ~  I honestly didn't think it was one of her best performances.  She seemed to be behind the music in the beginning and her and Derek were not in sync.  My Score = 7.  Judges Combined Score = 27
TOTAL COMBINED SCORE = 52

GILLES & CHERYL:
Ballroom Round - Foxtrot ~ I don't think Gilles could dance bad if he tried.  I loved every minute of this dance and as usual Cheryl's choreography rocked.  My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 29
Latin Round - Rumba ~ Normally I can't take my eyes off Cheryl when she is dancing.  But how can you NOT keep your eyes fixed on Gilles?  Len....it looked GREAT on a 55" HDTV!  My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 27
TOTAL COMBINED SCORE = 56

MELISSA & TONY:
Ballroom Round - Vienne Waltz ~ Absolutely gorgeous!  Melissa truly did look like an angel and I didn't get one negative thing the judges said. My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 27
Latin Round - Samba ~ Fantabulous!  I agree Len - Melissa belongs in the finals.  I agree Carrie - flawless!  My Score = 10.  Judges Combined Score = 30
TOTAL COMBINED SCORE = 57

I'm excited to say that Melissa & Tony is at the top of the leader board with a 57.  Both Gilles & Cheryl and Shawn & Mark are following close behind with a 56.  Tye & Chelsie have the lowest score of 46 so I will be really surprised if they aren't selected to leave the competition tomorrow night.

(Photo courtesy of ABC)

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