Hi, Trashies! So, it’s the semi-finals. Why is Tom trying to build up suspense about Tamar? We all knew last week that she wouldn’t be there.
Anyway, Bindi and Derek are up first with a salsa. All the footage about Bindi’s life is just her being bubbly and positive and how tough it was when her father passed away. After Steve Irwin’s death, Bindi wanted to go right back to filming because that was normal for her. It’s been her way to carry on her father’s legacy. And, as a surprise to literally no one, her family is super supportive and happy to see her on Dancing With the Stars.
OK. So that was fine. She’s done way better dances throughout this competition. Julianne says that it’s raining happiness. However, she wishes there had been more “down and dirty” because that’s what salsa is about. Then again, the music called for a more upbeat routine. For some reason, Bruno thinks this dance is what kicked off the holiday season. I guess. Carrie Ann says the obligatory “that’s the great way to start the semifinals.” Like Julianne, she wanted more edginess in the dance.
Scores:
Carrie Ann – 9
Julianne – 9
Bruno – 9
27/30
Yeah, that’s fair.
Alek and Lindsay are up next. His footage is all about him and his desire to join the military. His two best friends were with him during that train attack in Paris. It’s all very patriotic and the word “America” gets said a lot.
And the dance was just Alek and Lindsay yelling ‘MERICA! in waltz form. It wasn’t a bad dance, but I still don’t think he’s improving very much. Also, shut up, Tom. Yes, Alek and his friends were in Paris a few months ago. That doesn’t make last Friday’s events all about Alek. Bruno says something about an eagle, but then he compliments Alek’s footwork. Really? Carrie Ann thinks that was “breathtaking”? OK, then. Julianne is happy that Alek had a ballroom dance because his strength is an advantage there.
Scores:
Carrie Ann – 10
Julianne – 10
Bruno – 10
30/30
Are you fucking kidding me?
Ugh. Why do Alexa and Carlos act like not being in the competition together is the end of their relationship? Anyway, Carlos’ childhood is just a story of being a good kid and well liked by his family and friends. Unfortunately, his parents got a divorce and he hasn’t spoken to his mom in four years. Witney tries to tell him to get in touch with her, but Carlos (rightfully) says that some things take time. Then Alexa throws a bunch of praise his way.
That was easily the best dance of the night so far, but it was contemporary. That’s kind of an unfair advantage. Carrie Ann has mixed feelings about the dance. She is happy that Carlos took some risks, but he over danced with his face. I have no idea what that even means. Julianne is in agreement with Carrie Ann. It seems like Carlos and Witney are losing their connection a little bit. Bruno just heaps on the praise. The judges probably want to avoid constantly saying “straight dancing” considering the show has recently said there will be no gay dancing and that whole controversy.
Scores:
Carrie Ann – 9
Julianne – 9
Bruno – 10
28/30
I have no problems with this. If there is actual criticism, then they don’t deserve perfect scores.
Nick and Sharna are up last. Nick’s home life wasn’t all that great. There was a lot of fighting and he was desperate for attention. He thought that the money he made with the Backstreet Boys would fix everything, but it didn’t. As a result, he turned to drugs and alcohol. Then he lost his sister to a drug overdose and Nick felt responsible. That’s when he started to get himself away from drugs and alcohol.
That kind of didn’t look like a tango at all. It really looked like Nick was having a hard time even remembering the dance. Julianne was happy there was a pep talk in the middle after a mistake. Nick just never recovered though. Bruno compliments Nick and Sharna’s chemistry, but the dance wasn’t the best. Carrie Ann isn’t worried about Nick despite the mistake. She thinks he’ll be just fine in the next two rounds.
Scores:
Carrie Ann – 8
Julianne – 8
Bruno – 8
24/30
Not as bad as I thought it would be.
Tamar is still out of the competition. So, thanks for reminding us, Tom.
Now it’s time for the dance off! The winners will receive three points.
Alek and Lindsay vs. Carlos and Witney is the first dance off.
Yep, that was super obvious to literally everyone in the world. Julianne says that Alek sold it, but his musicality and technique weren’t there. Carlos was great all around. Bruno is happy to see so much manly bare chest. Carrie Ann lies when she says that it was just a matter of taste because the two were so evenly matched.