By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Both Georgia representatives on "Dancing With the Stars" did fine during Latin week but fell short of what they scored a week earlier.
But Latin week was especially tough, with seven out of 12 dancers ending with lower judges' scores compared to opening week. And Geraldo Rivera, channeling Donald Trump on a stiff salsa, ended up getting trumped out of the competition with another dismal score of 13 and not enough votes to keep him around.
Dalton native Marla Maples' Argentine tango was very technically clean but lacked passion. And she herself leaves a very healthy, clean life, which may contribute to how good she is.
"I did like what I saw. That bodywork is maintained to perfection," said Bruno Tonioli. But she didn't get "down and dirty. You cannot hold back. You've got to flaunt it."
Carrie Ann Inaba: "You're very elegant and classic and sophisticated. It suited you perfectly. Your lines are esquisite. What I'd like is more angles and elongation."
Len Berman: "It was polished. The lift was terrific. You gave it 100 percent."
Bruno and Carrie Ann gave her 7s again. Len dropped her to a 6 from a 7 a week earlier. She finished with a 20.
Kim Fields of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" in her second week struggled in rehearsals with her salsa dancing to "The Conga." She even cried when partner Sasha Farber said she couldn't do the turns. So they brought in Gloria Estefan to inspire her via Skype.
She ultimately did a credible salsa but the judges noticed a big mistake.
"You lost track in the choreography at one point," Carrie Ann noted. "But what I love about you is you're a natural performer. You've got to own it."
Len: "You attack it. You go for it."
Bruno: "When you're having fun, we're having fun. When you make a mistake, cover it up. Don't let us see you made the mistake."
She got a 7 from Carrie Ann and 6's from Len and Bruno for a 19. She landed in a two-way tie for 9th place with Antonio Brown.
Mischa Barton had the lowest score after Rivera with a 15. Doug Flutie was greatest improved, moving from 15 to 20. Two top dances: Wanya Morris and Paige VanZant (despite losing Mark Ballas to a slipped disc just two hours before performance time), both with 24s.
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Marietta's Angie Keilhauer was ousted on "The Voice" Monday during the very first knockout round.
The cruise ship singer took a rather risky move picking Sam Hunt's "Take Your Time," which is more "talky" in the verses. She was very spirited and confident but final high note was a bit shaky.
Here's her rival Paxton Ingram, who Blake Shelton chose. He was superior, solid across the board.
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Ken Laurence of Atlanta is doing well on "Project Runway All Stars," much better than he did on the original show. After six challenges, he has not been at the bottom a single time and has been in the top three four times, winning one challenge.
He has also kept his focus on the dresses, not on drama so far. He is clearly positioned to be in the finals at this stage.
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