Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Betsey Johnson's utter enthusiasm and impressive dexterity for her age couldn't stop her from getting eliminated fourth Monday night on "Dancing With the Stars."
Last week, the incredible 72-year-old fashion designer tied for 8th out of 11. Her judges' scores week three matched Antonia Sabato Jr. and was ahead of both Michael Waltrip and the eliminated Randy Couture.
Despite the sad departure news, we did finally get Alfonso Ribeiro to reprise "The Carlton" and the world was right. Not surprisingly, he got his first perfect scores across the board after a couple of disappointing weeks. "Lead with the hands and come over the top," he noted about the technique.
Len Goodman was out again and there was no technical "guest" judge but a new innovation: "Dancing With the Stars" adds for the first time immediate votes from the United States (or at least those on the east coast.)
Interestingly, America's judging was comparable to those of the judges. In the case of Bethany Moto, Antonio Sabato Jr. and Michael Waltrip, America was slightly more generous. This indicates a sign that the viewers are generally giving that trio more help.
In the case of Lea Thompson. the judges shockingly gave her a higher score. This might indicate softer support for her than you'd expect.
Year that inspired her: 2002 when a close friend died
Dance: Rumba
Song: "How Will I Know" Sam Smith cover of Whitney Houstin classic
Overall: Sexy and sultry, with just minor technical issues.
Scores: 9s across the board, fourth place with the judges
Year that inspired him: 2004, when "Mean Girls" came out
Dance: Samba
Song: "Milkshake" Kelis
Overall: Not his strength. His hip action was not there and he lacked style and bounce, was flatfooted. Carrie Ann Inaba called him "one dimensional."
Scoress: 6s across the board, lowest of the night, ranked 10th
Memorable year: 1975, the year her daughter Lulu was born and her marriage ended
Dance: Jive
Song: "Love Will Keep Us Together," Captain & Tennille
Overall: Fun and sweet as always. Carrie Ann: "Phenomenal." Julianne: "Impressive." Bruno noted a mess up near the end.
Scores: 8 from Carrie, 7s from Julianne, Bruno and America, tied for sixth
Memorable year: 2009, the year her friends began bullying her and she started YouTube, helping her regain her voice
Dance: Rumba
Song: "Try" Colbie Callait (live)
Overall: Emotional and strong. Julianne got tearful but said it lacked enough rumba concept. ("It's okay, sis," Derek said.) Bruno: "Message on the spot" but hip action "wasn't quite right."
Scores: Judges offer 8s, America gives her a 9. Ranked fifth.
Memorable year: 2001, when he won the Daytona 500 but Dale Earnhardt died.
Dance: Quickstep
Song: "Givin' It Up For Your Love" Delbert McClinton
Overall: Easily the worst dancer left in the bunch and given his limited skills, this wasn't bad. Bruno said it was "recognizable" as a quickstep but otherwise, not very good. Carrie said it petered out after a strong start.
Scores: 6s from the judges and a more generous 7 from America.
Memorable year: 2003, the year her father was diagnosed with cancer. They condensed holidays into a few days including "Christmas" where he danced with her. "The way he died taught me how to live," she said.
Dance: Contemporary
Song: "Dance With My Father" Luther Vandross
Overall: Made me cry, though not as much as Lea. So gorgeous, so elegant. Carrie Ann: "I will remember that dance forever." Bruno: "Exquisite"
Scores: three 10s and a 9 from America. 2nd.
Memorable year: The year he was in a video with Janet Jackson, which began his career as an actor.
Dance: Samba
Song: "Love Will Never Do" Janet Jackson
Overall: Fundamentally, he is just a mediocre dancer who compensates with sex appeal. Julianne said he's getting more comfortable but there is a "space that is around you that you have to fill up." Carrie Ann said he dances "little."
Scores: Three 7s and an 8 from America. 7th.
Memorable year: 2003, the year he went to prison for transporting drug paraphernalia across state lines. "I learned how to live one moment at a time."
Dance: Jive
Song: "Jailhouse Rock" Elvis Presley
Overall: Not as good as his tango last week as he showed his age, but it was very physical and he did a nice Elvis guitar hip twist. Bruno noted how hard the jive can be but said "No chain can bound your free spirit." Carrie Ann: "Enjoyable" and "easy on the eyes" despite some errs.
Scores: 7s across the board. 8th.
Memorable year: 2012, when "Duck Dynasty" debuted and her whole family's fame has blown up.
Dance: Samba
Song: "Hunter" Pharrell Williams
Overall: She is incredibly sharp as a dancer and a spot in the finals is virtually ensured at this point. And this was worth the price of admission just to see Mark Ballas in a "Duck Dynasty" beard. Carrie Ann: "Ducks gone wild!" Julianne: "Perfect combination of content and concept."
Scores: 9s from Carrie Ann, America and Bruno and a 10 from Julianne. 3rd.
Memorable year: All the years on "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" from 1990 to 1996. But he felt it pigeon-holed by the role Carlton. He fell out of love with him but as time has passed, he has gained perspective and appreciated Carlton and the "dance." "My number one goal is please the fans and give America what I feel they've been asking for since the beginning of this show: the Carlton!"
Dance: Jazz
Song: "It's Not Unusual" Tom Jones
Overall: Come on ! We got the Carlton! What more anyone ask?
Scores: 10s across the board. 1st place.
Next week the show is in "switch up" mode which means the celebrities will swap partners.
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