by David McAlpine

Tonight's Dancing With the Stars was filled with positivity, but not necessarily surprise. Fashion expert Carson Kressley spouted enthusiasm and gratefulness that he made it this far, but he's been two-stepping towards the bottom of the leader board, there was little shock when it was revealed he would be the celebrity leaving the ballroom.

The show kicked off with our beloved Dancing With the Stars dance troupe performing a Madonna-themed dance duel that went from chaste to raunchy in the blink of an eye. I love me some Madonna, so I wasn't complaining, and I actually enjoyed their creative take on it--whatever it was supposed to mean.

Kelly Clarkson also made an appearance in the ballroom to sing her new single "Mr. Know It All." Not my favorite Kelly song, but definitely better than her last album, so it was still music to my ears. Plus she sounds less angry and more strong singing it, which really shows how far she's come since her "American Idol" days (which, fun fact, was all the way back in 2002). She even came back a second time to blow us away with "Walk Away."

In a new Dancing With the Stars segment, dancer Charm Ladonna was profiled after she went from Compton to Hollywood dancing superstar. Madonna gave her her first break (bringing the show full circle, eh?), and she used the money she earned from going on tour to put herself through school.

To wrap up the show, The Band Perry came out to perform "If I Die Young," while Karina Smirnoff and much-missed pro (at least in my book) Louis Van Amstel did a steamy dance.

Back to the results, which came down to Hope and Maks and Carson and Anna. Sure, Hope isn't the best dancer, and I can see that she might not have the biggest fan base, but Carson & Anna have been floundering since week 1 and haven't come back since.

Fun fact number two: this is the first time in four weeks that the last place team has been voted off.

The stars hit the floor again on Dancing With the Stars, next Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

(Photo courtesy of ABC)

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