Dancing with the Stars: Live Blog

Farewell Shannon and Derek

10:05 PM

Well, Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek Hough are heading home tonight - but first they have to stop by Jimmy Kimmel's.  As dance partners their work was sometimes overshadowed by rumors (that are apparently true) about their relationship, and there was the infamous blow-up at their low scores in Week Six, but overall I thought they did a good job. 

I did notice that Tom Bergeron asked Derek quite pointedly how he liked working with Shannon as a dance partner.  That was kind of funny.

Shannon & Derek may be going home, but at least they have each other, right?

Next week:  More drama on the dance floor, and hopefull less lyp synching!  Will The Guchi regain her top spot, or will rising star Jason Taylor play King of the Hill?  Is this going to be Marissa's last week, or will Mario exit stage left next week?  And can Cristian dance at 100% with his injured arm?   Come hang out with me next week and we'll find out together.

More elimination action

10:00 PM

Jason and Edyta are safe, but Marissa and Tony as well as Shannon and Derek are in trouble...

Who's going home this week...?  Shannon & Derek are going home.

They have a gracious interview, Shannon's trying not to cry, and then... the Dance of Shame.

Shannon starts crying on the dance floor as all the other dancers converge and hug.

Before the elimination...

9:58 PM

An interview with Cristian - during the samba, he ruptured a tendon on his bicep.  Cristian had an MRI and he needs surgery to repair it, but he's consulted with a surgeon and they can delay the surgery so he can dance again!

They're safe!  They can dance again!

The elimination continues...

9:52 PM

The Guchi and Mario are coming back, but what about Cristian and Cheryl?  Who is safe this week?

Tom lists off the couples in danger of elimination, builds it up really big... and then we cut to a commercial.   You can hear the crowd going, "Awww!"

Rehearsal flashback sequence

9:51 PM

A behind-the-scenes look at all the couples learning their dance.  Challenging under normal circumstances, the rehearsals this week were double hard because they had to do two dances.

They rehearse in the studio, then go through camera blocking where they dance on stage and the production staff can decide where to place the cameras. 

The countdown to the show begins, and apparently everything goes black and white and scary music starts.  That would make it difficult to focus...

More Def Leppard

9:47 PM

I love Samantha's intro for Def Leppard, she gets all rock 'n roll there for a second.

On the floor, some International Rhythmn Champions.  I don't know what that is,  but clearly it means they're good dancers.  They're very good, they've got some crazy pretzel moves and lifts.

Samantha's Dress

9:42 PM

What do you guys think of Samantha's dress tonight?  I think she looks great, much better than the shoulderless dress last night. 

I'm not 100% sure about her hair, though...

The next safe couple...

9:40 PM

Mario and Karina are safe!   That's great, he was in the bottom two last week.  They did a good job this week, they deserve to stick around.

More Dance Center

9:39 PM

Kenny mistakenly calls Kristi "The Yam" when we all know it's The Guchi.  I'm glad they pointed out that Mark makes crazy facial expressions when he danced.  But no, Kristi is NOT a robot - she may be a cyborg, though.

Tony Dovoloni gets a mention for his blindingly white teeth.

Len and Jerry like Jason Taylor's chances, but Len thinks he needs to stretch his choreography.  Kenny claims Jason has a flatulence problem, and offers video of evidence.  Fart jokes = always funny.

The Guchi and Jason Taylor Interview

9:35 PM

Kristi is happy with the way they danced last night and isn't concerned about losing the top slot.  Jason said they were just pacing themselves...