'DWTS': Our top 5 dances, Mark Ballas sits out, Geraldo goes home
Last week's Dancing with the Stars premiere got off on the right pointed foot, and Monday the celebrities continued to impress the judges--even that poor soul who was eliminated from the competition did marginally better than the first go-around. But more news about that contestant later.
The second episode of season 22 was devoted to Latin Night and gave us performances that were tantalizing, fiery, and packed with passion. In the spirit of March Madness, the basketball tournament with its Elite 8 and Final 4, we see you and we raise you our own 5 with Fancy Footwork.
1. Wanya Morris and Lindsay Arnold
Boyz II Men II possible DWTS champion. Wanya brought the moves and what we're guessing is going to be a signature shimmy for his salsa. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Len Goodman were fans of this routine, and Bruno Tonioli said Wanya had "all the moves from A to Z." Wanya and Lindsay were awarded 24 points for their efforts. As a bonus, the R&B singer has shed 15 pounds since beginning his ballroom journey.
2. Paige VanZant and Alan Bersten (stepping in for Mark Ballas)
Mark injuring his back during rehearsals was an unfortunate way to spice up Paige's Latin Night routine. Her new partner had just two hours to rehearse before performing the salsa on live television, but you would probably never know it. The two also earned a 24 from the judges, and Carrie Ann said Paige "destroyed" her number--in a good way of course. Mark said he is awaiting test results to learn the extent of his injury, but he is hopeful that he'll return this season. Get Paige's take of Monday's episode here.
3. Jodie Sweetin and Keo Motsepe
Jodie and Keo were the first couple to dance on Monday, and from their package viewers got a taste of how much pressure the Fuller House actress puts on herself. At one point she even cried in the bathroom. Where is big sis D.J. when we need her?
When it came time to perform, Jodie was able to have fun with her samba which she danced in an amazing little, gold number. Do you lend out those outfits, DWTS? We're asking for a friend. Bruno said Stephanie Judith Tanner rose from the flames, and we certainly agree. Jodie and Keo walked away with a score of 21 for the night.
4. Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy
Our weather app says a certain GMA meteorologist is still H-O-T. Though Ginger struggled during rehearsals to find her inner swag and sex appeal, she connected with her sensuality once the music for her samba with Val started. We think Jay Z would say she got her swagger back.
Len didn't like that it took a while for the dance to start--because Ginger and Val had a flower bit--but like the routine, or like it not, they earned a 21 from the judges.
5. Doug Flutie and Karina Smirnoff
Quite a few couples earned 20 points on Monday-- Marla Maples and Tony Dovolani, Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd, and Von Miller and Witney Carson. But, we're giving our last spot to Doug and Karina for making such a comeback. Last week the two only scored 15 points from the judges, and this week their paso doble earned them 20 points.
The elimination
Though Geraldo Rivera dressed as his friend, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, for his salsa with Edyta Sliwinska, he didn't have the same voter turnout. The seasoned newsman is no longer part of the competition.
Other things:
Though Nyle blew the audience away with his performance on the first week, he and Peta received a 20 for their rumba. The couple was penalized for a lift, and Len called the routine "hectic."
Similar to an arrangement with his coaches, Von, a Denver Bronco, pays Witney $100 per minute that he is late, or whenever he... breaks wind. So far, she has racked up $1,500 which she plans on donating to charity.
Now, we're not saying that you need to cue up Hallelujah--because Doug made us believe in comebacks--but Mischa Barton really needs fans of The O.C. to vote. This week she and her partner, Artem Chigvintsev, scored a 15 with their cha cha.
Next week, the stars will perform routines inspired by their most memorable years. If Mischa and Artem want votes, they will definitely do something from when Marissa Cooper was our everything. To be sure that happens, we might wear our Ryan Atwood cuffs as we light some Chrismukkah candles.
We did get one teaser for the show's third week. Kim will reprise her role of Tootie from The Facts of Life, and might even slap on the old roller skates.
DWTS airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.