Night 1 of Season 8 of DWTS
Season eight began with two of the original contestants opting out because of leg injuries, and last minute substitutions were made for them. Guess what? Those substitutions will probably go much farther that Jewel and Ms. O’Dell…they were really excellent! Now maybe it was because they didn’t have time to get up tight, but who cares?
In my humble opinion, the “Ones to Beat” this season on Dancing with the Stars will be Giles (wow), Shawn, Lil Kim and Melissa W, the humiliated contestant from the Bachelor. The “Quick Exits” Steve O, Belinda Carlysle and Steve Wozniak. The others are kind of middle of the road, we’ll wait and see about them.
As far as the performances go, Giles and Cheryl were hips and pelvis above the rest; the judges thought so too. In fact I think Len said that Cheryl has a “winner” there. You can’t fault Olympic gold medalists – Shawn Johnson for example, while a little tight has all the moves and raw material to go all the way. The 48 hour wonder, Melissa was actually very good. This might be the year Tony goes to the finals. Look out when she and the Playboy Bunny actually have rehearsal time. Holly, the Playboy Bunny, did a mighty fine cha cha considering only 5 days rehearsal.
Surprisingly, David Alan Grier did a very nice waltz with Kym. If he loosens up, he could go far also. Denise Richards was a disappointment, sort of like the Kim Kardasian of a season ago. She has the looks and the body, but she’s awfully stiff; even Maks had to really work to make her look good. Looks like Maks and Karina will be having time to plan for the wedding. Her partner, the computer wizard, although he tried, is in for an early exit. Poor Jonathan Roberts, they really stuck him with a stiff this time. I was embarrassed for him. (Did he put on a little weight?) Speaking of sticking it to you, please, what did Lacey do to get the rehab wonder? Where is Lance when you need him.
Edyta does make anyone look good. She really has to kick it up a notch to get LT moving, but if he wakes up, he could carry on the tradition of football players. He’s no Jason or Warren, but he could last a couple of weeks. No threepeat for Julianne; although Chuck is cute and they look mighty fine together, get the bus ready, he is stiff. Speaking of stiff, here comes Ty Murray, what is it about those CW types? They show some promise but those “good ole boys” need work. I’ve saved Lil Kim for last, I’m almost afraid to criticize her, but if she can rein in the “hip hop” she and Derek could make a statement this season. We’ll see.
ABC tweaked the format a little, and the contestants will dance again next week before the elimination starts. My money is on Steve W to go first. What do you say?
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