By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Kim Zolciak, humiliated last week with one of the lowest scores in "Dancing with the Stars" history, found redemption in her quickstep, while Paula Deen also picked up steam with her rumba.
Almost everyone improved their score over last week with the notable exception of Nick Carter. Bindi Irwin had the top score of the night with 25 while Chaka Khan came in with the lowest at 15 and was the first one eliminated. Despite her status as the R&B queen, her fans couldn't lift her out of the basement.
Zolciak tied for 9th, beating three dancers, including Chaka, Victor Espinsoa and Gary Busey.
Tamar Braxton, a former Atlantan, continued to be in the top tier, tied for second with a 24.
Tonight will be a second elimination. Espinosa and Zolciak are in most danger of going home second. I suspect Busey will survive on personality alone.
Carrie Ann Inaba must have seen all the low scores last week and decided to be generous this week. She gave a higher score than the other two judges four times.
Nick Carter (Backstreet Boy) - He had a few clumsy, nervous moments including a slip. But he did a perfectly respectable jive. Score: 21 (7s)
Paula Deen (celebrity chef) - Honoring her hometown of Savannah, she came across far more confident with the rumba and Louis Van Amstel managed her well. Bruno: "Don't stop moving. Better, darling." Carrie Ann: "Hometown glory and a little something something! You know how to work it. But you do have to work on your turns." Score: 19 (Carrie: 7, Bruno and Julianne: 6s The crowd booed the lower scores and Paula thought for a moment they were booing her. So sensitive!)
Hayes Grier (Vine star) - He can move and while it's clear he has no dance experience, there is plenty of room for improvement after a solid foxtrot. Score: 22 (Carrie 8, Bruno and Julianne: 7s)
Chaka Khan (R&B legend) - Sadly, Chaka Khan is a pretty limited dancer. Despite her bright smile, she struggled with her foxtrot, forgetting steps and moves. Carrie said she did at least stretch her lines and felt something. Bruno said it was a step forward. Score: 15 (5s across the board)
Andy Grammer (singer songwriter) - A little sloppy but packed with verve. Score: 21 (7s across the board)
Kim Zolciak ("Real Housewives") - Kim definitely picked up her game after last week's embarrassing salsa. She seemed much more comfortable on stage this time and while Tony Dovolani kept it very basic, she kept up with him. Carrie: "You are in the game." Julianne: "Tony. Push her! That is just pushing the surface." Bruno: "She's alive!" Score: 19 (Carrie 7 and 6s from Bruno and Julianne)
Alek Skalatos (hero who prevented the terrorist on the train) - He kept up with his pro partner and did some impressive lifts. Score: 22 (Carrie: 8 Julianne: 7 Bruno: 8)
Alexa PenaVega (actress) - Judges felt she didn't connect with Mark Ballas last week. She took that advice and gave Mark a great salsa with incredible heat. Scores: 24 (8s)
Victor Espinosa (jockey) - Karina Smirnoff danced circles around him. He is clearly out of his element despite what Carrie called his enthusiasm. Score: 17 (6s from Carrie and Bruno, 5 from Julianne)
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Tamar Braxton (R&B singer, reality star) - She is a natural dancer and makes it look easy. Carrie: "A class of your own." Score: 24 (8s)
Gary Busey (actor) - His foxtrot was a slight improvement over last week's cha cha cha. There wasn't much actual dance but he was sweetly affecting. Bruno said it did resemble a foxtrot. Score: 18 (6s)
Carlos PenaVega (actor, singer) - A beautiful, elegant foxtrot. Carrie: "You're a contender." Score: 24 (8s)
Bindi Irwin (Steve Irwin's daughter) - Her tango was the dance of the night. No wonder she got the pimp spot. She brought massive energy and skill using one of her dad's favorite song by AC/DC. Julianne likes her "feisty rock star" in her. Score: 25 (Carrie: 9 - the first of the season, Bruno and Julianne gave her 8s).
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