Thought I'd start a new thread only because we've been talking about it, but on the same thread as last year....

I thought Apollo and Julianna were amazing tonight, that 2nd dance of theirs - WOWSER. But, I'm obviously not an expert, because I thought "crappy" Billy Ray's 2nd dance was bettr than his first, and the judges sure didn't.

Do you think Bruno should have apologized to Billy Ray immediately, or at least when scoring his second dance? I mean, it's true, Billy Ray shouldn't be in the "semi's", but "crap" is a bit harsh. I think Bruno should've said, when judging the 2nd dance, "I didn't mean to utter that word, forgive me Billy Ray". It obviously hurt him deeply (perhaps too much, perhaps a bit over the top - to get "sympathy" votes beyond the usual Hanna Montana votes he currently gets????).

I loved most of the dances tonight, though, especially Apollo's 2 dances, and Joey Fatone's as well.

I'm off now, to get a life. Oh, until "American Idol" tomorrow night".

Cheers, Charlene

P.S. "''til tomrorow, when American Idol is on" - somebody start a new 2007 AI thread, we'll be down to the bottom 3 Wednesday!!

I agree. But I still give all my on-line votes to Laila. I love the way she dances.

Am I wrong, or have all the DWS been won by male "stars" (I use the term in quotes, as I've never heard of most of them)? It strikes me that women have a hard time winning this, as they're the ones who have to show the most grace in dancing.

I thought the camera on Laila's father was a bit manipulative. But I still like her dancing.

I agree, Crystal, she is so elegant, it's hard to believe she's the female heavyweight champion! And I also agree with the "stars" in quotation marks - LOL. Yes, I am of the understanding only men have won it so far. Perhaps it's the demographics of the show...young girls do a lot of voting (tweens).

The very first show was won by a woman, a soap star on one of the ABC daytime shows. A second "final show" that season was done between that winner and the male dancer who was runner up and he won.

I feel sorry for Billy Rae, I understand why his feelings were hurt. After this I have a lot of respect for him. And I hope he gets voted off (I'm sure he does too.)

Do you think that they watch the votes coming in during the show? Because the host said something about someone who will get a big shock tonight at the results show. That sounded to me like a hint that perhaps Billy would stay. Obviously he should not, but also obviously, many viewers find him very entertaining.

I like all the rest, they are all good. But I believe Ian and Joey will disappear from the pack leaving Laila and Apollo as the finalists. Laila is the best natural dancer. But Apollo is going to be hard to beat.

I'm not sure why Billy Ray got so upset! The funny thing was I had just said the same thing during the dance, then Bruno said the C word! Now, he shouldn't have and it obviously just kind of came out, but still Billy Ray shouldn't still be there and last night it was especially obvious!

Wendy, that is probably the right call. A couple of weeks ago, I thought it would all come down to Joey and Apolo, but Laila is getting better and better.

Don, I think Billy Ray was greatly offended by Bruno's use of that C word. Billy Ray has traditional Southern values and his kids are right there in the audience. I know that my husband doesn't think anything of it but I was raised to consider it as a word to never use. Once my husband learned how I felt about it he no longer uses it in conversation with me.

I've liked Laila from the beginning and also like Apolo and Joey very much. I expect them to be the final three. After that I'm afraid to predict.

I agree, Kathy, that word means nothing to some people, and offends others. It's like religious profanity...my co-workers, acquaintances, they think noting of (as my mother would say) "taking the Lord's name in vain". And even though I curse, and I do, I still cringe every single time I hear it, because I was brought up by a Presbyterian Minister. Certain words just bother certain people.

Having said all that, I'm glad Billy Ray's week has come. I adored him, he tried SO hard, he had such a great personality and presence, but he wasn't up to par with the ones left in the competition. It was his time.

Every week now, I'll (forgetting the past weeks performances) just vote for my favourite of the current week. They're all good.

What a fabulous show tonight! I don't want any of them to be kicked off!!! I particularly loved Apolo's first dance, the quick step (first dance of the night), and Joey's last dance, the jive (last dance of the night). Fantastico.

Charlene

Yes, it certainly was a fabulous show! And I agree with you, Charlene, about both the first and last dances of the evening being so full of excitement and high energy. What great entertainment. Could they give out 3 or 4 first place sparkling ball trophies this year?

I'd be happy with any of the final 4 winning, and I'm like you - wish they could share the "Disco Ball". I'm also very excited, because I thought I'd miss the "finale"...I'm heading overseas on May 27th. But for some reason, they're having it next week, with the final 3 couples. That's a bit odd, but it works for me. I get my "Dancing" finale AND my "American Idol" finale "fix", then off to Europe. Ah, life is good!!

Oh it really was a great show last night! I want them all to win, too! :app:

I really liked the "raunchy" dance and their blue costumes were just the right choice. :)

Yes, Sue, the "raunchy" dance was fabulous too. I can't believe Len was an old stick in the mud, and didn't give Apolo the 10. Yet Laila got 6 ten's, and I thought she wasn't quite as good, (just my own opinion). I do love her dancing, she just didn't have that "Apolo" edge to her last night - yet outscored him!

Charlene I fully agree with you...I was shocked when Laila got 60 points and Apolo got 59! They were both great, but she didn't have the zing in my opinion.

Boy this is going to be tough now! All four of the remaining people are really good! It was a great show last night and I too was shocked that Len didn't give Apolo a 10 on that one!

So, who is it going to be tonight? My favorites to stay are Joey, Apolo, and Laila, but not necessarily in that order! However, it could be any of them to go as well, it is just that close! What say you?

Yes, Don, I'm with you. Having said that, Ian danced the best he'd ever danced last night - and I think actually the judges have been really tough on him all season. But, overall, if SOMEBODY has to go, I think it should be him. In that "backstage with Ian" part prior to the dance, it seemed as though he was going to cry when the life coach was there. He really has tried hard, and maybe this is the first time in his life he wasn't "golden"?

My overall favourite at this point is Apolo, but I'll see what happens in the "3 way final". What an exciting semi final! I'd ramble on, but I have to go feed addiction #2 - American Idol (oh, and the Dancing results show....does it get better than this for me?? LOL)

Charlene

Well, Don, we were right! We have the final 3. And now we'll see what happens next week. Are they having a "gold", "silver" and "bronze" final this year? As they do in real dancing competitions? They must be, it's the only answer to the "final 3". That's good, I like that, no "winner and loser", just a gold, silver, bronze finish.

I'm very happy with the final three. My husband is rooting for Apolo. I'd be happy with any of these three winning first place but probably Apolo, Joey, Laila - in that order.

We leave for a study tour in Israel tomorrow so I'll miss so many finals that I follow: Dancing with the Stars, American Idol and The Bachelor. I'll at least know who gets into the finals of Idol. My husband and I both want Jordin to win but Melinda is an extremely close second choice. I favor Tessa on The Bachelor but liked all of his final four choices.

Very tough decision. All were outstanding last night. I agree that if someone had to go, unfortunately, Ian was the one. He did a great job, nonetheless.

That Apolo cha-cha was mucho caliente! Joey's jive was outstanding! Laila is incredible. They're all winners as far as I'm concerned!

Yes, I felt like Ian was the one who needed to go last night of any of them.

In one way it would have been nice for Cheryl's partner to win to give her a 3-peat, but I also feel like one of the other professional dancers and their partner need to win.

I am not really in favor of one of the three, as they are all mahvelous, yet maybe I give Apolo a bit of an edge for being my favorite.

Kathy; I am with you on hoping the Bachelor picks Tessa...I really like her. Bevin seems to be a fake in some ways and I am not sure she truly loves him.

OK, so who is it going to be?

My favorites from the very beginning were Apolo and Joey, but Laila has been awfully good.

I am going to go out on a limb and say that I think Joey will win it all. He has been very energetic and entertaining and seems to be a real crowd pleaser. I also appreciate the fact of seeing a big guy move so well, even with a big TUSH! Maybe there is still hope for me! LOL

I think that Apolo is probably a little better dancer and is very athletic, but I think Len obviously has an issue with him and maybe they don't get the respect because of their ages. I also think that sometimes he comes off being just a little cocky. Call it the Mario syndrome! Maybe it's just me!

Laila could surprise everybody though. She can sure bust some moves for a big girl. She has excellent footwork, the judges obviously like her, and could be a sentimental favorite because of her dad.

So, who do you pick?

I think both Laila and Apolo deserve it, and they are both really great. Too bad they can't both win. I enjoy watching them both, but Apolo and his partner I enjoy the most. Joey doesn't do a thing for me--and he started with an unfair advantage.

My guess is the winner will be Apolo or Joey...JUST A GUESS! They're all great and deserving!

My guess is the winner will be Apolo or Joey...JUST A GUESS! They're all great and deserving!

I agree with Marcie!! Apolo or Joey.

I loved Joey tonight, his freestyle was spectacular, I wanted to dance along with them (but would've torn some muscles I'm sure...). Apolo always shines, in my eyes. I actually wasn't particularly fond of Laila's dances tonight, but she remains "favoured" to win, according to interviews with Cheryl and other dancers voted off earlier.

But it's been a great year for the show, I'll not be disappointed whatever the result.

And I want that trophy in my family room! LOL.

Charlene

P.S. See you on Wednesday, Ray, Ray, Pat, Pat and Penny!

Also, as I was lazing about on the long holiday weekend, sipping wine and reading "People" magazine, I read that young Juliana has called off her August wedding! Hmmmmm. Either she decided she's too young to get married (she's only 18!) or that glint in Apolo's eye is for a reason!!! They're such a cute couple, I can "see" them together.

Is anyone else trying to vote online? The site keeps bumping me off.

Yes, Crystal, I'm trying and it won't "take".

Five votes for Apolo from me. Although we don't get to watch the show until Friday, I know that Len probably scored Apolo too low.

edited to add:

Five votes for Apolo from Arlene, too. :D

It was a great performance tonight wasn't it.

I don't usually watch but all of you have "hooked" me on "Dancing".

Laila may be the "crowd" favorite but IMO, she doesn't deserve to win based on dancing abilities. I think Apolo is the best and deserves to win but Joey is great too. If either wins, I think they're deserving. If Laila wins, it's because she is so nice and likeable and definitely the sentimental favorite.

Well my daughter voted for Apolo over 10x. My phone, her phone, the house phone...LOL. I find it funny you found Apolo a bit cocky...that's how i felt about Joey. Goes to show you.

Who finds Apolo cocky, Arlene? I'll have to read over the thread. I don't find Apolo OR Joey cocky or arrogant, I think they're both very likeable personalities. I really hope one of them wins (I did get online at last, and I split my votes, couldn't decide which of the two).

Yay Margo, another devotee!!!! You picked a good year to start watching it, this is the best year ever.

After last night I want Apolo to win, but Joey is great too. As the rest have said Laila is very good, but I feel the guys have a bit of an edge yet she may win.

I think all three showed last night that they are NOT professional dancers. All of them were somewhat awkward at times. That being said, if you watch *them*, and not their partners, I think Laila has the most natural talent. But Apolo and Julianne sure are cute together!

Yessssssssss! I was very pleased with the results, could've been either Joey or Apolo fo rme, but technically overall, I think I was kind of hoping for Apolo, because I was downright pleased when he won.

What a great season!!

Charlene

P.S. And Jordin on American Idol, for sure. Should've been Melinda, but now that she's gone, I'll say Jordin was fabulous!

Boy, I think this was the best of all the finals. It is a shame that there could only be one winner, but Apolo and Julianne were great and really deserved it!!!

I think we just gave it away for those on the west coast. I was going to wait. Yep I thought the best person won and my daughter is ecstatic. LOL

Waaaahh I fell asleep right before the end and missed it! :mecry: