NFL star Keyshawn Johnson and his partner Sharna Burgess are the first couple to be sent home this season on the show despite not being the lowest scorer.
- Sep 24, 2013
AceShowbiz - "Dancing with the Stars" has sent packing the first celebrity contestant of its 17th season. Keyshawn Johnson and his partner Sharna Burgess became the casualty of the first elimination, which was only revealed in the second week due to format change.
The results were announced at the end of the September 23 episode after all 12 pairs danced a Latin number. The scores from judges would count for this week's elimination, but viewers' votes for week 2 performances would count for next week's elimination.
Keyshawn did an enthusiastic samba, but he was of sync with his partner Sharna during the dance number. Bruno Tonioli loved it though he wasn't sure if "all of the things were legal." Len Goodman admired his effort, adding, "For me, that was better than last week." The judges gave him 18 points for a two-week total of 35 points.
Bill Nye, who ended up being the lowest scorer last week, couldn't do much to raise his position on the scoreboard. He tripped at the end of his fun paso doble with partner Tyne Stecklein which was scored 17 for a two-week total of 31 points. Carrie Ann Inaba called it a "weird, bizarre masterpiece of insanity."
Last week's top scorer Amber Riley still tops the leaderboard with a total of 51 points. Her jive with Derek Hough was scored 24 as Carrie Ann noticed there were "technical difficulties." Len said it was "terrific" but the "Glee" star needed work on her footwork.
Meanwhile, Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff's jive blew everyone in the ballroom away. Bruno gushed, "This was a performance of dazzling brilliance." The judges gave him 26 for a total of 50 points.
Elizabeth Berkley and pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy delivered a sexy samba. Len raved that it was close to perfect. Bruno and Carrie Ann also loved it although they noticed a few slip-ups. The actress earned 25 points for a two-week total of 49 points.
Christina Milian and Mark Ballas danced a fierce paso doble to Lady GaGa's "Applause". Carrie Ann said, "You were on fire! That was insane!" and Len agreed. She earned 25 points, for a two-week total of 47 points.
Jack Osbourne and Cheryl Burke's rumba was dubbed "Game of Thrones"-like by Carrie Ann. Bruno thought it was "smooth and sensuous and romantic," while Len liked it but said that Jack did "some weird things with his hands." The son of rock star Ozzy Osbourne earned 24 points for a total of 47 points.
Brant Daugherty earned 23 points for his steamy rumba with Peta Murgatroyd. "The chemistry you guys have is incredible and very fun to watch, but that's not what's so great about you. You can move ... you were wowing us," Carrie Ann commented. His total score after two weeks was 45 points.
Leah Remini danced a fiery samba with Tony Dovolani. During rehearsals, she revealed her fear that if she failed, the Church of Scientology would use it as an example of what happens to people who leave the church. But she may not go home soon since Len loved her "lovely hands." Bruno added, "Tonight, you were splendid." She earned 24 for a total point of 45.
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi danced a sexy rumba. Carrie Ann noticed that Snooki's partner Sasha Farber performed prohibited lifts, so she deducted a point from her score. Bruno, meanwhile, advised her to learn how to "act" and "sustain the character." The reality TV star earned 20 points for a total score of 43 points.
Valerie Harper had a strain in her knee during rehearsals but did not let the pain stop her. She performed a paso doble with Tristan MacManus on Monday night. Len admitted he was a little nervous about it, but praised her bravery. The judges gave her 19 points for a total score of 40.
Bill Engvall delivered a fun and energetic jive that entertained the audience. Len said he "thoroughly enjoyed" watching Bill. Bruno echoed his fellow judge, saying the routine was "so enjoyable." Bill scored 21 for a total of 39 points.
After added with viewers' votes for last week's performance, Keyshawn had to hang his dancing shoes. He said, "For a guy that's never even bobbed his head in the car, the fact that I could have the experience of dance... is something amazing to me." Thanking his partner Sharna Burgess, he added, "I wish I could have done more to help her out."
Next week, the remaining 11 couples will dance and another pair will be sent home at the end of the show. Julianne Hough will fill in for judge Len who takes a few weeks hiatus.
