Aaron and Karina have used up eight of their nine lives.

I can't recall seeing anyone so gutted from leaving this show. Poor Natalie.

Wow, color me amazingly, happily surprised they didn't use the Group Hustle for the encore. Maybe the show has some self-awareness, after all, that it was more a group mess and/or were worried someone would get hurt taking a second chance on all those poorly conceived and executed lifts.

Loved, loved, loved Anna T. and Jonathan's dance - Their wedding song! - and the way they just kept swaying together in the background after it was over, while Tom and Sam took over with the patter.

I wonder what criteria they're using to determine the other two "In Jeopardy" couples, apart from the official Bottom Two. Maybe just the ol' "Which couples do we want to bolster in the voting" criterion...

No surprise Natalie gone. Sad though.

This is horrible. I feared the bottom for her, but not elimination.

I have nobody to root for now. I like Mark, but not his partnership with Lacey. I like Kelly and Louis, but I don't like her dancing.


Oh, well. At least Kym may finally get her trophy this season.

I'm pissed that Natalie and Alec left. There aren't very many likable people left in the cast now.

Loved seeing Jonathan and Anna dancing together. And it was their wedding song! *squee* Ahem.

Joanna and Derek being in jeopardy was such bullshit. The show is obviously trying to drum up support for her. Why, I can't imagine. Maybe the producers want to ensure that their golden boy makes it to the finals? This is the second time they've used the "in jeopardy" line on her.

I wish that TPTB hadn't given Jackson's famewhore siblings the public platform that they did. That said, I liked most of the MJ tribute. The only part that I really hated was Cheryl and Louis' beginning to the Thriller section. Way too fast and frantic, IMO. It literally felt like I was watching them on fast forward.

Totally rooting for Kym and Donny now. Not a big Donny fan but really, really, really believe it is Kym's turn to win it all.

You know any feelings I had about Natalie's elimination are just overwhelmed by the utter ridiculousness of the freakin judges calling out America for not voting for the best dancer when those idiots sit there with their evenly matched panels and lump most of the couples so closely it's a crap shoot. If they want the worse dancers gone they need to get out the 4 and 5 panels and say so.

I did feel bad for poor Natalie though. Most of the time to me she looked like she wasn't sure she wanted to be there but tonight she looked devastated.

I always hate when people like Louie and Michael end up outlasting actual good dancers. Pisses me off. I think that Mya, Aaron, Joana and Melissa's days are numbered no matter how well they dance. It's pretty clear that this season in particular is going to be based on who the viewers really connect to. I think that Louie and Michael are around for a while despite sucking it up. They are pulling in the votes.

I am a Mya fan, but tonight I finally had to stop justifying her attitude. She seems ice cold up there. Her coldness is palpable in every interaction she has. Have her and Dmitry ever hugged once they were declared safe? She barely has any expression at all. It's so offputting. I thought that Lacey's comment about even straight 10s not making you safe was oddly foreshadowing, especially when the next couple flashed to was Mya/Dmitry. I see a shocking elimination in their future.

The dancing by the pros was fantastic tonight. I enjoyed every routine. The MJ tribute was so well done, spoiled only by the asstastic band. Seriously there has got to be a better band out there that is available.

I hate that Natalie left over Aaron. What is it going to take to get rid of him? You could tell she was really disapointed in herself and was having a blast. I shed a few tears for her tonight. Johanthan and Anna are amazing but for me the cutest, sweetest moment was when they were just swaying while Tom talked about the next segment. Louis was so sweet during his first confessional. His connection with Kelly is adorable. The MJ tribute was fantastic!

Also loved seeing Jonathan and Anna. Best part of the show for me. Next season: Justice for Jonathan!

The Tribute seemed awfully short, for it's build up - I kinda thought: "that's it?", but I guess with so much going on, it was all they could allow for.

Very sad to Natalie go, but she and Alec never really seemed to connect so it didn't surprise me too much.

And Lacey just needs to stop talking in her confessionals. Period.

ETA

Word. I like the entertainment factor, but sometimes wish this show was less about fanbase and more about dancing. But it is the nature of the beast...

With Jonathan and Anna doing such a beautiful dance why did they have to have outside dancers for Nora's first song. By the way the choreography to that was terrible. Also WHO keeps voting for those damn football players? How many NFL fans watch this show?

So Aaron Carter is the cockroach of this season. Bleh!

Personally, I loved Natalie, but there's something very cold about Alec that rubs me the wrong way. Still, poor Natalie. I wanted her to make it past the halfway point. I liked her. I think she would have done better with someone like Jonathan or Tony.

Jonathan and Anna were absolutely lovely. I want them to dance every week.



Yup. And I'm a Mya fan too, but I feel no warmth, no enjoyment. That's why Kelly will always be more fun to watch, even if she's technically imperfect. Hell, I hate Donny, but I even prefer watching him over Mya. And that hurts me to say.

I loved the Michael Jackson tribute dance. That was really entertaining and great.

I didn't think either Natalie or Aaron should have been in the Bottom 2 nor go. But while I did expect Natalie to be in the bottom, I definitely wasn't expecting her to go. Just two weeks ago, I thought she was a contender to go Top 5. I'm disappointed she was eliminated so soon. She's definitely a great dancer and should have lasted longer. :(

I like Michael and Louie, but I think they should be the next two to go.

No! Oh, I just...damn. This is what I get for not voting, thinking Natalie's Olympian status would pull her through. And she was so heartbroken, too.

I'll have more to say when I can stop whining to myself about this.

Seconded. If you want to separate the good from the bad, then do it. Don't leave it up to fanbase, then complain about it.

Also loved the Anna and Johnathan dance. Felt so bad for Natalie when she said that she loved it but she didn't show it and she was sorry. How very sad. She deserved a longer stay than Louie or Michael.

You know, I did vote for Natalie last night online...or tried to, anyway. Something seemed wrong with the voting mechanism, so I finally gave up. Not sure if my votes were counted as a result. OMG CONSPIRACY!!

I would rather that Louie have gone. Or Michael, but more so Louie.

I hated, I'm sad for Natalie.

Mj tribute was awesome, I loved when they showed Shawn and Mark cha cha.

MJ tribute = Win

I was really hoping that Aaron would go home. Such a shame for Natalie.

And yet again, I find it hilarious that people get pissed off when the lesser talented dancers stay a little longer. It is "Vote for your favorite" not "Vote for the best". Just because some people have bigger fanbases shouldn't bother you. It's how the show goes. If it was simply for the best, they wouldn't have the fan vote.

This is bullshit!!!

Bruno and Carrie Ann weeping and moaning about how unfair that Natalie is in the bottom--when they were the asshats that gave her such low scores to put her there. I am still not over Bruno complaining last night that Natalie and Alec did not create the ambiance of Spain and the bullfight in their Paso---How in the HELL can anyone evoke Spain and bullfighting from the song American Woman?????

Louie and Michael could not compete with Natalie EVER if the voting were based on talent and performance--but DWTS voters still seem to value cuteness and NFL fame over dancing.

Too bad Natalie...you will be missed.

Aaron is the "celebrity" equivalent of a cockroach! GO away. Just go!! I hate that he is still there and Natalie is gone. Total bullshit. %$!%#"#"!!!

LOVED Jonathan and Anna dancing to "Come Away with Me". How utterly romantic. They are beautiful together. I loved that they swayed together afterwards too. They are lovely. *sigh*

Not sure I like Norah Jones's first song. I couldn't really hear her and those dancers were massively distracting.

LaToya Jackson was bizarre. What was with that speech/intro? She is an odd duck. Really liked the tribute though. It was fun to see all the Pros together. But I admit, I missed the Vincent Price laugh at the end of Thriller. Got to have the laugh! I love that bit.

Damn Kym. I'm really enjoying her partnership with Donny and I positively loathe Donny. But I love Kym! I'm actually okay with them making the final.

The backstage segment was fun and it was especially fun to watch it leap from week to week.

Poor Natalie. She looked so defeated and sad. Stupid Aaron!! HATE.

I agree with this. According to DI (unofficial of course) the in jeopardy people were dead on except for Joanna/Derek switched with Louie/Chelsie. Of note Mya in all her awesomeness (ha) was just out of the in jeopardy bunch.



I didn't see anything wrong with her confessional this week. She said that they were just behind Mya, Mark said that they were so close they could sniff her. She replies deadpan "you sniff her, i'll watch". Then when they did the other bit she provided the voice over while they flipped through the other couples. Saying that "You could get all 10s and not be safe" to which Mark added "Yes because you need the audience to vote". I'm not sure what was objectionable in there but mileage will vary.

I'm more disturbed by Mya's continued iciness to Dmitry. She ought to be brimming over with affection for the guy. Her career has been at a standstill for a while, she's paired with a hot guy who's choreographing smoking routines for her week after week and she still hasn't warmed up. This could be a huge restart to her career and put her back into the spotlight if she showed some animation. It's just frustrating at this point.

I think the judges are following the old TV rule that if you want to get people to do something they don't want to do - Don't Get Mad, Get Sad. They think guilting America will be more successful than angering them by giving their favorites low scores. I do think that next week they're going to have more separation. Plus, they have one elimination to themselves.

I'm not really surprised at the elimination. Natalie wasn't able to stand out, in terms of personality or dancing. And that's deadly in this competition.

But the judges have consistently scored Michael low and he is like a zombie. He won't die.

The fog machine Lacey used was obvious for tonight's MJ tribute. It was terrific along with Jonathan and Anna's dancing. BTW, Lacey, we get it. You are a rebel. Yet again dancing without shoes. I was surprised they did not show Chery/Drew's "Thriller" paso. But seeing Monique/Louis, reminded me how much Monique is underrated among the female celebs on the show.
On to what stunk tonight. I have never been so gutted about an elimination and Natalie's emotions just got to me. I was pissed at Len's comments because when they bunch the scores like that, this is what will happen. It is season 9, they know how it works.

I have decided to root for Kym/Donny because Donny is quite appreciative of Kym and he is sharing the spotlight with her, the best he can. I also want to see Kym finally win.

I second this. At least until someone tells her it's probably best not to sneer at her partner's funny line about "sniffing" on Mya's top-of-the-leader-board trail



Hard to believe Carrie Ann of all people - who's been harping on 'connection with your partner' a lot this season - doesn't get why America might be over someone who is completely lacking in that department, however 'fluid' she may be.

Who the fuck is voting for Aaron?!?! Who?! Stop it already! Just stop.

Dear Producers: First Toni and Alec, now Natalie and Alec. Take a hint for the 2nd time. Alec has zero personality, so how can he pull any personality out of his partner? Plus his choreo sucks. Please bring on practically any pro dancer besides him (even Corky!), but don't bring Alec back. Poor Natalie....

I'm just so sad for Natalie. Despite the complete and total lack of chemistry between her and Alec, I could tell she really enjoyed being on the show and learning the dances. I do put a square 75% of the blame on Alec. I think any of the other pros would have done better by her.

Why oh why couldn't the dance off have been this week?

Jonathan and Anna were lovely as usual. I loved Anna's twirls.

Woot! Joanna/Aaron/Donny final 3 here we come!

I was willing to give Alec a chance, but he stunk with Natalie who had tons of potential and the personality. Alec can sit out a season or two and bring back Fabian. They had Natalie go first and that awful paso and tons of score bunching, it was perfect for a "shocking" elimination. I am just pissed.

I think we are going to get a Donny/Mya/Mark D. or Kelly final 3. I can live with that possible final 3. If MJH and her giant fan base gets her there, I will be pissed. She is already staying past her expiration date. Or if Aaron continues to be saved. Though next week starts the double elimination. I figure Michael will be out and if not out being the lowest combined scorer, he will be out in the "dance off".

It was suppose to start this week but because of Tom Delay's injury which resulted in two eliminations earlier in the season, they pushed it back a week. Though technically, Natalie would have been out regardless. It would have been between Aaron and whoever was third from last.

MJH is getting by on her big and loyal fan base while Michael and Louie are getting by on their charm and personality. But agree that all three needed to leave before Natalie.

Melissa and Michael deserved to be in the bottom two over Aaron and Natalie. There's no way that it's justified that terrible dancers like Melissa, Michael, and Louie consistently avoid the bottom two.

I'm not sure how they could show clips of MJ dances and not show the Thriller Paso. Did I miss it? Seriously? I realize the pros were dancing to Thriller as well, but that's probably the most well known dance set to MJ music we've seen on this show.

I would have liked the MJ bit better without the hype and I did notice that Lacey seemed to be the only female not wearing shoes. Though I didn't see Chelsie. She's the other one who tends to go barefoot, but I didn't notice her feet. I guess that is Lacey's thing.

I'm upset about the results, or as upset as I guess I can be on this show, but I totally expected the outcome. That should certainly put to the rest the whole Natalie didn't want to be there argument. I do think perhaps she would have been better served by a different pro though.

Michael scored a 21, 1 point behind Natalie and 3 behind Aaron. Yes it was the lowest score but it would have been very easy to overcome with the current voting process. If the judges want to make sure Michael, for instance, gets sent home a score more indicative of his ability (say a 15 or a 16) would have given someone like a Natalie a fighting chance to overcome a more dedicated fanbase. YMMV

Do you really think the judges would have kept Natalie over Aaron when they so obviously liked his dance last night?

No, they didn't show the Thriller Paso and I thought that was a BIG mistake on the shows part.

I think Aaron is every bit as good a dancer as Natalie and he had a good week in both the AT and the Hustle, so I don't think he should have gone home either based on dancing ability.

Having said that, I would rather watch Michael or Louie than Natalie or Aaron. They are just more interesting and fun. Before you hate me too much, I don't vote, but I understand the outcome.

I noticed the barefoot thing, it seemed to be Chelsie and Lacey both. I think they were the two doing the flips right? I know Lacey did for sure and I thought Chelsie was the other one. Repeated flips in heels might be a bad idea with DWTS's history lol. All they need is another season of ankle injuries. When they got down to the floor portion, they all had on shoes again.

I had a feeling Natalie was going home, but I'm still disappointed. She showed so much potential. In part, I blame the producers because I think they tried to make it look as if Natalie and Alec had a difficult relationship, when in fact I think they probably got a long great but both had very subdued personalities, making them come across as cold toward each other which is sometimes off putting to viewers. Also, it makes them less memorable in a sea of so many fish. And Aww!! She looked so crushed too! I'm sure if she hadn't gotten along well with Alec she wouldn't have been so devasted but probably somewhat relieved that she wouldn't have to work with him anymore.

The MJ tribute was fun, and Jonathan and Anna dancing together. MORE OF THIS PLEASE!

Tasya, Chelsie was wearing shoes in the MJ tribute. I thought she was barefoot at first as well.

I think they didn't show the thriller paso because they were going to use the song in the tribute.

I disagree but I certainly see your point. If Aaron had gone home tonight, I'd imagine the outrage would be considerably more muted.

The problem is that this season has two Helio's in Michael and Louie. You'd think that would split the "personality" vote, but I think they're helped by the fact that there are some celebs with a definite "ceiling" like Aaron and Joanna.

I thought the MJ tribute was definitely overhyped and all the banter with the pros beforehand talking about his influences was unnecessary. After all the MJ love from people more influential than the dancers (ie. I'm talking the Madonnas and JayZ's of the world, etc) over the past few months it made that whole montage seem kind of trivial.

Plus, I know I will get reamed for this, I thought that if the SYTYCD PTB orchestrated something, it would have been better. JMO!

Hey if Shawn Johnson winning wasn't enough reason to change the voting process than nothing will. Hearing Michael Jackson's brother saying that over used line about there will only be one Michael Jackson made my teeth grind. If there were TWO Michael Jacksons then the uniqueness factor is gone don't you think?

Even if they did use the song in the tribute, IMO, the Thriller paso is the song and dance more viewers, even casual, positively associate with DWTS.

I agree the show could have just scored Louie or Michael lower, as they deserved and Natalie would have had a more legitimate shot of still being here. Next week's double elimination will probably be Michael leaving with Aaron and whoever else dancing in the dance off which Aaron surviving again.

Re: the end of Jonathan and Anna's dance, others have mentioned how the two kept swaying together after the dance was finished. I missed that the first time around, so of course I had to go back and rewatch. I noticed then that there was also a second where Anna patted Jonathan's side in a very affectionate way as they were swaying. That practically turned me into a puddle of "aww"-ing goo. Ugh, I'm such a fangirl of these two, lol.

Well, if Helio winning three seasons before wasn't enough...


This week was mostly a wash, IMO. Both of the big hyped dances of the week, the group hustle and the MJ tribute, fell kind of flat.

Instead of bringing Sabrina back, I'd rather see Natalie get one more go with a different pro during a results show.

YES, please. He took a deaf woman (albeit one with natural rhythm and movement) to the halfway point. Surely he could have taken Natalie, someone with great natural ability and a workable personality, further. I'm quite pissed, and I'm blaming Alec. And at the judges, for continually bunching all of the scores up and getting all bent out of shape when those people end up in the bottom two. What was that tirade about, you three? I saw Natalie's elimination coming the minute I saw the scoring recap last night. For shame.

America... for voting for Aaron and Louie... WHY? Aaron is just a desperate douche, and Louie seems like he only cares about being stoned or getting into Chelsie's pants. Hope these two go next week, and that Melissa and Michael go the next. These two can't dance either but at least they grate on me slightly less than the first two.



I completely agree with this. She is a wonderful dancer. But I feel absolutely nothing when she dances, or otherwise in interviews, backstage, during elimination, etc. Just no warmth. I would be very interested to hear why she decided to do the show. She doesn't act all that excited to be learning a new area of dance, she doesn't act all that excited to be in Dmitry's presence... it's quite bizarre to me. I'm all for people doing the show to try to launch (or relaunch) their career, but the distance is kinda offputting, just like you said. I really don't hate her, I'm just kinda surprised at her demeanor. Not sure if she'll make the finals... and really don't think she will win if she gets there.

No disco encore! Thank goodness for small favors. I did enjoy Donny and Kym's AT again. I am so on the Donny/Kym train now... dear God in heaven, I would have put a bullet in my head had I said that before the season started. But paired with the fact that I absolutely adore Kym and really, really want her to win (and to FINALLY have a non-Ballas/Hough pro champion), and that Donny has been surprisingly likable to me. He's had a few cringe-worthy moments (Bruno...), but overall not nearly as desperate as I imagined. And he actually is very good, especially for his age. They partner together very well. Donny/Kym FTW!

Re: Lacey in the confessionals: it's not always her words, but it is always her attitude: imo, she only ever seems to yet again demonstrate an utter lack of belief in their partnership.

Other note: what was up with the camera people today? There was a camera man cutting in front of another early on in the show, and then those unnecessary shots of the stage from the catwalk... I found it distracting.

I love watching Jonathan and Anna dance. They are just such a joy to watch. Their performance was the highlight for me. I just wish Norah Jones' rendition of "Come Away with me" had been a little more lyrical. like without the guitar.

The MJ tribute dancing was well done but I agree with others who have said that it was too overhyped with the testomonials, et. al. I especially loved the zombie dance at the end. That was cool.

Re: The tribute dancing. Did anyone else feel as if Karina had the female role in the Derek/Mark dance solely to keep her and Maks separate? The reason I think this is because usually when Mark/Derek do a breakout dance with the two of them, they have been joined by either Lacey, Chelsie or Julianne. The whole youth thing. The other reason is that the only other part she could have had a solo moment in was choreographed by Maks and they wanted to stay far the hell away from that. Then of course the entire group part was done by Cheryl so no interaction there either. I'm going to be very interested to see if they are both back next season.