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Dancing with the Stars: The Top 10 Routines

May 16th, 2008 Lisa Cannavo Leave a comment Go to comments

“WHAT AM I GOING TO DO UNTIL SEPTEMBER????”

And so begins my seasonal whining…

Mind you, the finals aren’t for a few days; and I have been temporarily distracted now by my side obsession David Cook (’stache or not..that soul patch does wonders; fyi-had picked him for the Final Four the night of his audition). But as I actually decided to take advantage of a reality show free night and bake blueberry muffins (a box of Jiffy mix is 58 cents at Walmart); my hockey fan bf plopped himself in front of the TV and watched Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final (Flyers 4; Penguins 2..boo-YA!!). And then I remembered…there was a Very Special 100th Episode. And in that episode, Len,Carrie-Ann and Bruno all agreed on the Top 10 Routines of the past 5 seasons. So if I get antsy for the announcement..I have something to find on You Tube.. Let’s reminisce….

10) Season 1 (Week 6)-Kelly Monaco/Alec Mazo:Freestyle

The lowest scorer of the season whose soap fanbase was so strong it kept her from elimination. As the “General Hospital” fave watched celebs like Evander Holyfield, Trista Sutter, and Joey McEntyre get eliminated; it was down to her and J. Peterman himself: John O’Hurley. And the last time anyone checked..a trip to the Congo was not on the agenda. In a complete 180 degree turnaround..Kelly and Alec delivered a freestyle that Bruno dubbed the “Hottest Latin American Potpourri”. It earned them a perfect 30/30; and Kelly the undisputed champion of Season 1 (and currently the lone female to have taken the mirrorball trophy).

9) Season 5 (Week 4)- Sabrina Bryan/Mark Ballas: Paso Doble

To this day, this couple’s early elimination is still one of the most talked about stunners on the show. However, in just 4 weeks into his rookie season, Mark created a routine for the two that was seeping with emotions. It blew not only the audience away, but the judges as well; they were awarded with a well-deserved 30/30. And let’s be honest, we’re still rooting for these two almost a year later.

Season 3 (Week 9) Emmitt Smith/Cheryl Burke: Cha cha cha

His stellar reputation on and off the field made the Dallas Cowboy legend a fan favorite from the get go. But Cheryl needed to make sure Emmitt could get over his self and become the suave ballroom dancer that she knew he could be. In a dance that had Carrie-Ann yelling “Ride,Emmitt, RIDE!” during the judges’ crtiques; the two would go on to get that 30/30. And Twinkle-Toes would go on to add Season 3 Champion to his list of accomplishments. And for the record..his beard is NOT whack..

7) Season 4 (Week 9) Apollo Anton-Ono/Julianne Hough: Quickstep

From the minute these two met; the sibling-like relationship shared was just on the surface. Deep down, they both were in it to win it. As Julianne danced her rookie season with the Olympic Gold Medalist; it was apparent that a victory was in the cards on just the technical level alone. The quickstep that kicked off week 9 set the standards for the evening; even causing crotchedy Len to call it “fantastic”. A perfect way to kick off a perfect drive for that eventual mirrorball trophy.

6) Season 4 (Week 7) Joey Fatone/Kym Johnson: Jive

You got to give Kym credit where due. Going from Jerry Springer in the previous season to a boy band member is not only a sweet deal; it ensures oneself as an early favorite. Joey Fats enhanced his reputation as a showstopper and ultimate entertainer by his consistently sharp performances all season. The jive performed was a combination of freedom and control *as well as being in sync..insert rim shot*. The 30/30 reminded all competitiors (including Laila and Maks) that they weren’t laying down yet. They remained an electrifying pair until the end, finishing the season as runner-up behind Apollo and Julianne.

5)Season 5 (Week Helio Castroneves/Julianne Hough: Quickstep

The Boy From Brazil (and probably one of Len’s Top 3 fave male contestants) showed us all that not only were his teeth bright; but he could rock the yellow in this zoot suit riot of a routine. This was my favorite performance of the season and it paved the way for the Indy 500 champ to win the title as well as give Julianne the distinction of being a two-time champ.

4) Season 2 (Week Drew Lachey/Cheryl Burke: Freestyle

It was very easy to imagine..but could it be done? A former boy band member whose wife is due to give birth anytime and whose more famous brother just seperated from his even more famous wife had a lot to contend with. But now approaching the finals; Drew and Cheryl were up against Jerry Rice and Stacy Keibler. With the pressure on, Cheryl created a dance that utilized all Drew learned this season into an insane and brilliant routine that will never let anyone hear “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” the same way again. And it was that dance that not only sealed Stacy’s surprise fate; but go on to pave the path for the trophy. Now Drew was not going to be known as Nick’s brother or Jessica’s soon-to-be-ex-brother-in-law; he was going to be primarily known as Season 2 Champion.

3) Season 2 (Week Stacy Keibler/Tony Dovolani: Samba

She was a cult favorite known for her skills as a WWE Diva. And those legs… However, in a short few weeks, she became known as The Weapon of Mass Seduction. One of the most gifted contestants to ever grace the ballroom, Stacy’s background in ballet made her a natural in certain routines. The chemistry shared by her and Tony set the standards for future contestants and an all-time favorite of the judges. And a frequent stalking by George Hamilton. I challenge females who watch the show to not admit they wanted to come back as her in their next life!! While we all were bummed that she placed 3rd, Stacy always will be remembered as the one who Was and Always Will Be…

2)Season 5 (Week 7) Mel B. and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Paso Doble

Scary Spice and the Ukranian Latin Ballroom Champion had an intensifying relationship from the moment they were introduced. But they did agree on one thing:they wanted to win. The duo were the highest scoring of all couples in Season 5; and one such routine that earned them a perfect 30 had Len lost for words. The routine had everything and more. And I think it was that dance that amped up the scary to the next level for the Spice Girl..

1) Season 3 (Week ) Mario Lopez/Karina Smirnoff: Tango

A perfect score eluded the couple throughout most of the season. Whether it was Mario’s rebellion to certain routines or Karina’s daring to question the rules of the sport she knew well; it all came to a head one fateful night. And to create the perfect dance of emotions; the essential ingredients had to be just as perfect:music,mood,and atmosphere. And it fit. This dance was a surprise selection for Len, who gave the rebel a 6 when it was first performed. However, dimples notwithstanding; Mario & Karina got their 30/30 as well as a 2nd place finish for the season. But everyone knows they rocked the joint that night…

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