Dancing with the Stars
Gossip (Page 24)

As American Idol fans wait in anticipation of tonight's elimination - although, let's face it, Lakisha Jones is a goner - another reality show bid farewell to a famous singer last night.

Not surprisingly, Billy Ray Cyrus was voted off Dancing with the Stars last night.

Booted off a show he said he never really belonged on to begin with, the country singer took his final bow thanking God and Disney for the chance to dance.

"I had a great time. I can't believe a hillbilly like me got to do this," said Cyrus, who was due on the set of his Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, alongside his daughter Miley Cyrus, later today.

"I'm grateful to all the people who helped me, but most especially Karina Smirnoff, my beautiful partner. She put up with my big ol' butt and feet."

While Billy Ray accepted his fate, others on the show were a bit more insane sensitive.

"I can't believe he's going to be gone," said Apolo Ohno's pro-dancer partner Julianne Hough, wiping away tears. "It gets harder as all these people leave."

Even Laila Ali shed a few tears, but not before she said, "I intend to be standing on this stage when everyone is gone."

Next up, Cyrus is off to work with Heather Locklear on Hannah Montana. "From one beautiful girl to another," he said with a smile. "From Karina to Heather. What more can you ask for?"

Thanks to TVSquad.com for this recap ...

Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Foxtrot) - They lacked some of the wow factor we have seen with other couples, but it was a very nice performance. Len thought Ian took a bit of a dip, calling the dance a bit skippy. Bruno agreed with him. He compared Ian to a "jumpy goat." Carrie Ann praised him for his exuberance and charm. Score: 22 (8, 7, 7).

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Waltz) - The waltz lacked the show stopper 'razzle dazzle' that has become Joey's trademark in the competition, but it was a beautiful dance, performed well. And Kym was stunning. Bruno thought it looked like a rehearsal and wanted more razzle-dazzle. Carrie Ann agreed, saying it was solid technically but lacked Joey's personality. Len thought it was elegant and beautiful. Score: 26 (9, 8, 9)

Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Foxtrot) - We think the fact that Karina Smirnoff has toned down some of the more vulgar aspects of the character was a nice plus. Carrie Ann praised Billy's improvement. Len said it had the most content of any dance Billy Ray has done, but the steps were all wrong. Bruno thought it was the deliciously awful foxtrot on the temple of doom. That's the typical crazy Bruno talk we've become accustomed to, but then he went on to say it was crap. Yikes. That's not judging, not criticizing, it's just being mean. Score: 18 (7, 6, 5).

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Waltz) - It was another beautiful performance. The waltz lends itself so well to graceful and elegant dancing. Her blowing the kiss to Muhammad Ali was very touching. The only thing we could take away from it was the finish. They just kind of stopped and walked away instead of dancing to a finish. Len called it elegant and classy, but criticized Laila's posture. Bruno thought it was excellent. Carrie Ann praised the emotion that Laila brought to the dance, calling it profound. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9).

Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Tango) - This was a very slick tango, with a lot of credit going to Julianne for the choreography. It had the basic elements of the tango, but with a fresh look that we haven't seen this season. Bruno called it electric, dynamic, and contemporary. He also praised Julianne's choreography. Carrie Ann said everything was perfect. Len thought it lacked passion and drama, saying it was a cacophony of noise, to which Bruno said he was losing his marbles. Score: 28(10, 8, 10)

To read the full Dancing with the Stars recap, follow our link ...

Shanna Moakler is an expert on many things:

• MySpace fights
• Beauty pageants
• Paris Hilton feuds
• Travis Barker tattoos

In a recent blog, though, she focused on a competition of which she used to play a role: Dancing with the Stars. Here's what Shanna had to say ...

Oh nooo.

I'm so sad. I kinda figured it was John's week to go. I was pretty sure Billy Ray had more voters with the country fans and the Hannah Montana fans ... ugh, so sad. I loved John's personality, but now it's time to get serious â€" and I knew that time was coming. Obviously John wasn't a great dancer and the show is called Dancing with the Stars so ... shedding a lil' tear for him.

Okay now ... all I have to say is 10, 10, 10! But while I've loved Laila and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (pictured) from the very beginning, I don't think they were a 30 last night. They definitely had a great dance, it just wasn't perfect. If I had to pick a winner last night, it would have gone to Joey for sure. Those dances are hard, especially when you're learning two in one week and barely get a week to rehearse â€" more like four days, and that's if you don't have any other things going.

Joey Fatone was unbelievable. He brings a different character to each dance and that's what it takes to look as great as he does each week. He looked liked he had been rehearsing that dance for weeks ... he was awesome.

As for the other guys, Apolo Anton Ohno was great, but I feel like the judges were rough on him â€" maybe because he has been doing so good? They certainly deserved better comments and better scores. It was nice to see Ian let loose; he looks like he's chilled out a little and is starting to understand that if you don't have fun with it ... it definitely shows.

As for Billy Ray, the only thing they did wrong was to not stick with the rules â€" and the judges are not fans of that. (Remember last year?) They would have gotten better scores if they did the dance differently. Billy isn't the best dancer, but he is fun to watch and that can take you far.

It's getting down to the wire and I'm so attached to everyone. Next week is going to be rough to see one of these guys have to go because I love them all in different ways.

Remember to vote, and see you next week!

The following report is courtesy of TVSquad.com ...

With two dances on the agenda - ballroom and Latin - the contestants really had a chance to impress the judges this week. Or make them ill. Let's see who would follow in the one-legged footsteps of Heather Mills and put on a bad performance this week ...

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Quickstep) - Laila showed off her impressive abs during her light, graceful Quickstep performance, doing a great job. But we think her personality comes out more in other types of dance. Luckily, the judges disagreed with me, and showered praise on the couple's Quickstep. Score: 29 (10, 9, 10).

Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Foxtrot) - Apolo Anton Ohno was determined not to share first place with anyone this week. He dodged that bullet with performances that placed him in the middle of the pack. The couple's Foxtrot was elegant and romantic. No matter what style of dance they perform, Apolo and Julianne's energy and sweetness always comes through. They have gotten off easy with the judges so far, but they received some serious criticism this week. Len said that the dance was good, but not great, and that Apolo did not perform as well as expected. Carrie Ann and Bruno disagreed, but their scores were a little lower than previous weeks. Score: 26 (9, 8, 9).

Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Tango) - At last, Ian Ziering actually brought some attitude to the dance floor! The judges had been waiting for Ian to open up all season, and it finally happened this week. Both Ian and Cheryl looked incredible, and their performance was far more loose and hot than their earlier dances. Perhaps having the 90210 "alumni" in the crowd helped Ian to have more fun. Maybe he'll get a 10 if Brian Austin Green shows up. Score: 27 (9, 9, 9).

Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Waltz) - Billy Ray often relies on Karina Smirnoff to do the challenging moves, but he really phoned it in this week. He barely moved during the opening moments of the dance. The only saving grace of the performance was that the style prevented him from throwing in any of his signature vulgarity. Len thought that Billy Ray's Waltz was low on content, and Bruno compared Karina to Vanna White. Score: 17 (5, 6, 6).

To read the full recap of Dancing with the Stars, follow our link ...

There wasn't very much gold on Dancing with the Stars.

As a result, we doubt Heather Mills cared very much when she was voted off the reality show last night. After all, what was she supposed to dig?

Of course, the one-legged wonder couldn't leave the spotlight quietly. After host Tom Bergeron and his sidekick Samantha Harris announced the results, the attention-seeing ex-wife of Paul McCartney actually pulled out a prepared exit speech.

In it, she thanked the academy (funny one, Heather!!!) and then set a new bar for condescending remarks by telling viewers that "once the dancers go out they're not paid." And promised her partner, Jonathon Roberts, that she would "try to get him some great work."

Just to remind the money-grubbing former call girl: a) these dancers rake in cash just to appear on Dancing with the Stars; we'd estimate at least 1ooK/each; b) Roberts is a well-respected, highly-trained professional dancer. The guy can make money on his own, thanks very much.

Look, Dancing Heather Mills, why don't you let Nude Heather Mills get back to what she does best: Bending over for money.

Thank you to TVSquad.com for the following report ...

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Samba) - Joey Fatone and Kym had another great performance, despite some questionable music. Joey is a great performer and we thought he really stood out in the few solo bits that Kym gave him to do this week. Len called Joey a big swashbuckling guy, and that was a good thing. Carrie Ann thought it was one of Joey's best performances so far. The scores, (9, 9, 9).

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Paso Doble) - Coming off a trip to the bottom two, we thought Heather Mills was setting good with the paso. It's a dance that can really impress and Jonathan has proven that he can choreograph for her. Unfortunately, there were a few times when her lack of time to practice came through. She was working hard to remember the steps. Bruno praised her dramatic performance. Carrie Ann was critical of Heather's posture and hands, but liked the performance. Len thought she had great passion and fire. The scores (7, 8, 8).

John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska (Mambo) - This was another very John performance. Edyta was fantastic as usual and John left a little to be desired in his dancing. But he made up for much of that with his charm and enthusiasm. It's not that he did anything wrong, just that he is competing against Joey, Ian, and Apolo, who are clearly a step above. Based on what we expect from John, this was a nice performance overall. Carrie Ann thought he had some problems with the footwork. Len said John's enjoyment came out, but the routine was awful. Bruno was not impressed either. John took what might have been a little too much ribbing in good stride. The scores (7, 6, 6). Fair enough.

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Cha Cha) - We're not sure that Laila Ali should be giving direction to her professional choreographer, but we do appreciate how committed she is to the contest. Her self choreographed funk at the end was cute, although we're not sure it was needed. Their performance was very good without it. Len called it pure gold. Bruno said Laila is turning into a magnificent obsession. Carrie Ann said it was fantastic. The scores, (9, 9, 10).

Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Jive) - The interview segment with Karina Smirnoff was interesting. She has come around to the fact that Billy Ray has to sell these performances to the fans first, because he just isn't going to get the scores for the dance. That said, this was one of Billy Ray's better performances. He's moved past focusing on counting his steps to focusing on looking like he isn't counting his steps. Carrie Ann wasn't familiar with the steps, but liked his focus. Len appreciated that they used proper jive steps. The scores, (7, 7, 7).

Follow the link for the full recap of Dancing with the Stars ...

Several sources say that former Spice Girl and tabloid favorite Victoria Beckham is considering joining the future cast of Dancing With the Stars.

Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice, will move to Los Angeles this summer as her soccer-star husband, David Beckham, begins his contract with L.A. Galaxy.

Victoria Beckham is reportedly taking the proposal "very seriously" as the media exposure is said to have enhanced the reputation of another Brit, Heather Mills.

Although Victoria Beckham might not want to go too crazy with such comparisons, seeing as Heather Mills is a gold-digging, instructional sex tape star and former call girl with a fake leg.

An inside Dancing with the Stars source tells Britain's newspaper, The Sun, "We're halfway through the series and it has been massive. A lot is down to Heather... We really want Victoria. She's not very popular right now, like Heather Mills wasn't. That's why she'd be perfect."

"Also, she might get pals like Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lopez to watch her."

Now they're thinking. Beckham's former Spice Girl counterpart, Emma Bunton, also appeared on the original British show, Strictly Come Dancing, last year.

Who's next, Katie Price?

Thanks to TVSquad.com for this recap ...

Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Samba) - Ian Ziering is definitely capable of more attitude and athleticism, and the judges are on to him. We liked the performance and thought that both Ian and Cheryl Burke looked great. Ian's arm muscles were the most impressive of the night, but his Samba was mediocre when compared with Apolo's. Ian admitted that he had trouble getting into the character of the dance. In a few weeks, all of the dead weight will be gone, and Ian and Cheryl will need to do something to stand out. Score: 24 (all 8s)

Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko (Rumba) - Clyde's busy schedule this week included a trip to China and his travels left him with very little practice time. Early on in the competition, the judges encouraged him to take advantage of his long legs and open up on the dance floor. Clyde is still not heeding this advice, unfortunately. He and Elena's Rumba was very subdued. Elena essentially danced around Clyde, while Clyde alternated between walking and standing still. The judges showed the couple no mercy, calling Clyde the worst dancer in the competition. Score: 13 (4, 5, 4) Deserved, but ouch.

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Samba) - Heather Mills insisted that her partner get the "Steve Carell" treatment (that's chest-waxing, for those of you who didn't see The 40-Year-Old Virgin). Ironically, Jonathan's bare chest was Heather's downfall. The pair performed a lively, entertaining Samba. Jonathan wore an open muscle shirt, and Heather wore a dress that made her look like Christmas tinsel. Their performance took an unlucky turn when Heather's foot slipped on Jonathan's baby-smooth chest, sending her to the floor butt-first. That noise you heard was the applause of millions of Paul McCartney supporters. The judges gave her a break, since the rest of the dance was more than competent. Score: 21 (7, 7, 7)

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Rumba) - Joey got some dance tips from former bandmate Lance Bass and actor Alfonso Ribeiro. Fatone wanted to shed his goofy side and get into the sexy character of the Rumba, and we thought he succeeded. He was flexible and focused, and he even grabbed Kym's butt a few times for good measure. The judges gave Joey some grief for being too feminine, and Carrie Ann thought that Joey "over-performed" the dance. Bruno was the sole voice of dissent, calling the performance "strong and soft." Score: 25 (8, 8, 9)

Continue reading the full recap of last night's Dancing With the Stars ...

The following report is courtesy of tvsquad.com ...

Laila Ali and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Paso Doble) - We suspected when we heard what the dances would be that Laila Ali would be doing the paso doble. They were good, but this was probably our least favorite of her performances so far. It was not helped by that music. It's the soundtrack we would expect if there was a paso doble on Tom and Jerry. We were expecting something a little darker, with more passion. Len didn't see the fire, aggression, or attack. Bruno thought it felt like a rerun. Carrie Ann agreed with Len and Bruno. 21 (7, 7, 7)

Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Waltz) - They certainly have danced well, but their chemistry helps as well. That really shined through in their performance this week. It was a very romantic dance, and we thought Apollo really held his own in selling the performance. Bruno called them the crown jewels of the competition. Carrie Ann thought it was very romantic. Len jumped on them for bad footwork and technique. It's becoming something of a DWTS tradition to hammer on the really good dancers while going easy on the weaker couples. 26 (9, 8, 9)

Leeza Gibbons and Tony Dovolani (Paso Doble) - Waltz would have been a better choice. It just fits her abilities better. The dance wasn't very good, and it lacked the fire that is supposed to be the paso. Leeza seems to be moving between her marks, as opposed to dancing. Carrie Ann thought Leeza looked awkward. Len simply called it dull, dull, dull. Bruno called it the diet version of the paso doble. 16 (6, 5, 5)

Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke (Waltz) - After watching the performance, we couldn't help thinking he might have made the same mistake that Leeza did, and may have been better served in the other dance. Not that their waltz was bad. It was very well done, and it had some beautiful moments, but we think they could have really hit one out of the park with the paso. Len called it a really good waltz. Bruno thought Ian Ziering didn't hold his character all the way through. Carrie Ann said Ian isn't breathing. 24 (7, 9, 8).

John Ratzenberger and Edyta Sliwinska (Paso Doble) - John sure is a likable guy, but he's just not a dancer. We give him a lot of credit for committing to the performance. He certainly does do a good job with the attitude, but the dancing is just not there. As he noted in his post dance interview, John is here as long as the fan vote keeps him here. Bruno thought it was a major bleep. Carrie Ann didn't understand John's performance. Len didn't think the dance suited John and called it a disaster. 16 (6, 5, 5)

Clyde Drexler and Elena Grinenko (Waltz) - This week showed again though that he is just kind of moving through the dance trying not to do anything wrong. You never get the feeling that he is putting his all into their performance. Carrie Ann thought it looked like every other dance he has done. Len didn't think Clyde was even trying. Bruno didn't see any romance in the performance. If Clyde put the same kind of energy into the dance that he put into his comments for the judges, the scores might have been better. 15 (6, 4, 5)

Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff (Paso Doble) - We can't feel sorry for Karina Smirnoff, no matter how bad Billy Ray is as a dancer. She's certainly not the first pro that has been stuck with a difficult partner. We think she needs to have a talk with Ashly DelGrosso about Master P to get a little perspective. Billy Ray seems to be the opposite of Clyde. He doesn't have Clyde's natural grace, but he beats him hands down in commitment and effort. We think the fact that you can tell that he tries so hard is driving a lot of those votes. Len praised Billy Ray for his work ethic. Bruno also appreciated the hard work. Carrie Ann called it awkward and sexy. 21 (7, 7, 7)

Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts (Waltz) - This was probably her best outfit yet. She took advantage of that great dress and had a great performance. It was a very beautiful dance and she performed it very well. Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann thought her neck and shoulders were off. Len said she did a great job and praised Jonathan's choreography. 23 (8, 8, 7)

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson (Paso Doble) - Saving the best for last, Joey and Kym Johnson were very good. More than anyone else that performed the paso doble, they really sold the fire and the passion of the dance. There is still a lot of dancing to be done, and a lot of votes to be counted, but we think Joey is now the front-runner. Carrie Ann said they were on fire. Len praised them for capturing the flavor of the dance. Bruno called it a mean paso. 28 (10, 9, 9) First 10 of the season.

First, Shanna Moakler made her selections.

Now - heading into the third round of Dancing with the Stars this week - judge Bruno Tonioli knows one thing for sure: "This year it's so close. There isn't a clear runaway person."

Instead, Tonioli says there are four stand-out dancers this season.

Apolo Ohno, for one, is "a natural," says the Italian dance maestro. "Apolo is a great performer. He just lights up the room."

Pro boxer Laila Ali "is just Miss Fascination" in Tonioli's eyes. "She's voluptuous and stunning. She's a real woman and it's wonderful to have someone so beautiful. She should be a role model."

Meanwhile, he says that Ian Ziering is "a great performer" and is "improving every week."

However, if it were up to pure entertainment alone, "Joey Fatone is great fun," Tonioli says.

Sorry, Heather Mills. You aren't among the favorites. As for those who are, the Dancing with the Stars judge says: "They're almost at the same level. They have to really polish their technique. There is a very little margin so every week if they get the dance wrong, they misjudge a performance, they do some mistakes, everything can change."

As for the weakest performer, Tonioli doesn't think NBA star Clyde Drexler is living up to his nickname on the dance floor after delivering a less-than-scintillating jive last week.

"We love him, [but] he wasn't the best dancer," says Tonioli. "Obviously Clyde is a great man. He has a huge fan base and people would like to see him."

But unless he somehow becomes as adorable as Sanjaya Malakar overnight, this will probably be the last week dancing for the ex-NBA great.