by Kristal Bailey

 

Tonight is the semi-finals! With only four celebrities left, everyone needs to bring their A-game and their fans need to come out support, because it truly is anyone’s game at this point. It’s a battle between the two high scorers, the crowd pleaser, and the come-back kid.

 

Celebrity: Brandy

Professional Partner:  Maksim

Dance: Paso Doble

Breakdown: It was interesting to see such an intense dance to the pop hit “Fireworks” by Katy Perry. Len loved it, while Bruno thought she was aggressive and angry. In fact, she was so into the intensity of the emotion that some of the finesse fell to the wayside. Carrie Ann thought she was gorgeous and had the nice elongated carriage that she had previously knocked her for. They dedicated their routine to a story that has been getting a lot of press lately – bullying. They just wanted to show those that are bullied that they will come into their own and be a “firework.”

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 9 

Total: 27/30

 

Dance: Argentine Tango

Breakdown: The video package about Brandy’s sad past was really well done. With commentary from Whitney Houston, Kelly Rowland, and her family it was inspiring to see her story. Len loved her extension and lines, but most of all he appreciated the atmosphere of the dance. Bruno thought it was full of flavor with great emotional depth. Carrie Ann saw it as a moment where everything came together just perfectly.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 10 Bruno: 10 

Total: 30/30 (57/60 on the night)

 

Celebrity: Jennifer Grey

Professional Partner:  Derek Hough

Dance: Cha Cha

Breakdown: Set to one of Jennifer’s favorite songs, “Mercy” by Duffy, you could tell she was having a blast on the dance floor. Bruno commended her for having all her movements on point, with excellent feet placement. Carrie Ann has been waiting for her to do the Cha Cha all season and was not disappointed! Len thought she accomplished everything: charisma, great technique, and fun.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 10 Bruno: 10 

Total: 30/30

 

Dance: Waltz

Breakdown: She also had a troubled past in terms of car accidents, previous injuries, but she’s always wanted to dance. Her neck injury from the 80s has been an issue all her life, and in order to hold up on the show she got screws and and a graft to stabalize it. She’s gone through a lot just to get on this show, which she’s loved for years. Bruno thought this was a gem of a waltz, with stunning quality of movement. Carrie Ann loves dance because she feels the body never lies, you can see into people’s souls. With the simplicity of choreography and heart she put in to it, it was one of the most beautiful waltzes to be on the show. Len thought it was fabulous and like a dream. Fabulous reviews all around.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 10 Bruno: 10 

Total: 30/30 (60/60 on the night)

 

Celebrity: Bristol Palin

Professional Partner:  Mark Ballas

Dance: Paso Doble

Breakdown: For someone who usually lacks intensity, this must be the hardest dance she’s had yet. Carrie Ann loved it so much, she had her come up for a hug. It’s what she’s been asking for all season. Len calls her “Bristol the Pistol” and thought she had all guns blazing this week. Bruno saw her become a tigress tonight! He loved her Flamenco-Spanish lines. The audience and judges loved her, but enough for her to make it to the finals next week?

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 9 Len: 9 Bruno: 9 

Total: 27/30

 

Dance: Waltz

Breakdown: Bristol has had a rough of couple years since her pregnancy happened in front of the eyes of America. Dancing with the Stars was her chance to be in the public eye while having some fun, instead of as the pregnant 17 year old or the single mom activist that she’s become. Carrie Ann thought there was a disconnect between her and the emotion of the Waltz. Len didn’t agree with Carrie Ann at all – thought it was musical with haunting movements. Bruno commends her on having the biggest journey this season than any other contestant.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 8 Len: 9 Bruno: 9 

Total: 26/30 (53/60 on the night)

 

Celebrity: Kyle Massey

Professional Partner:  Lacey Schwimmer

Dance: Samba

Breakdown: Len loves their work ethic – no backstage drama or lost focus. He also commented on his “bionic bum” because it’s got more bounce than anyone else on the show. Bruno calls him irresistible, with great charisma and he’s just fun to watch. Carrie Ann thought it was an amazing blend of fun and bounce with technique.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 9 Bruno: 10 

Total: 29/10

 

Dance: Argentine Tango

Breakdown: Kyle’s been working since he was 8 years old, but it wasn’t all easy. At very nearly the last moment, before he and his family were going to call it quits and move back to Atlanta, he got the role on That’s So Raven. His charisma got him the role, a spinoff, and this spot on Dancing with the Stars. He’s so young that I’m sure we’ll be seeing him even after this season ends. Len doesn’t think that anyone else has ever come out with so much attack and enthusiasm as Kyle. Bruno loved the masculinity coupled with that usual cheeky grin. Whatever happens, Bruno has dubbed him Season 11 Mr. Charisma. Carrie Ann is reminded of Emmett Smith, who had momentum and energy going into the finals and took home the trophy.

 

Scores: Carrie Ann: 10 Len: 9 Bruno: 10 

Total: 29/30 (58/60 on the night)

 

Jennifer Grey is perfect on the night and at the top of the leader board. Bristol is again at the bottom, but that’s been the story for the past six weeks now and yet she’s still here. Who will make it to the finals?

 

Tune in to the live Elimination show tomorrow on ABC at 9/8 c.

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

Follow Kristal on twitter at http://twitter.com/kristal_bailey