Three weeks into the competition and this season of Dancing with the Stars is already proving to be the most controversial yet. There’s Cloris Leachman, who receives the lowest scores and is the worst technical dancer on the floor, yet has been kept alive by her diehard fans’ votes. Last week, Misty May-Treanor bowed out with a serious injury. Rocco Dispirito, who was supposed to go home, was given a reprieve only because ABC needs that extra week of one of its top rated shows. There’s grumbling that he should have been kicked off anyway – fair’s fair!

The celebs voted off so far were no surprise. Jeffrey Ross was that sort-of-Z-lister that goes early every season.  He could have been Fred Astaire and low viewer vote tallies would have eventually got the better of him. Ted McGinley had no grace out there. Plus he’s the guy you hire when your show is dying not thriving. Evidence his appearances on Happy Days, Love Boat, Dynasty and Married with Children…. As for Kim Kardashian, the only shock was she made it to week two. Being famous on TMZ isn’t the same as being a real celebrity.

The remaining couples are going to have to battle for the title. Rocco and Karina will probably still be the next to go. He is an amazing chef but he doesn’t have the larger than life personality to pull in votes when his dancing is so weak. He always looks like he’s smirking. And what was with the footage of him glued to his Blackberry backstage? That didn’t win the viewers over.

The incomparable Susan Lucci brings a certain class to the show. Hard to believe that the soap opera actress known for portraying Erica Kane all these decades would be classing up a joint but it’s true. Her dancing is just a little too reserved. Yes, she had a sore ankle last week, but she isn’t letting her actress side free. If she brings a little of her character’s sass and drama to the competition she could go far. Partner Tony would be wise to choreograph a piece that shows a less elegant side of our daytime queen.

It comes as no surprise that Lance Bass can move. It’s a requirement of being in a boy band. That may be his downfall. He always looks like he’s wearing a headset and about to bust into the chorus of Bye Bye Bye. Lacey needs to take the ‘pop’ out of his every step. Lance could go all the way if he can sell his steps like former boy band DWTS champion Drew Lachey did.

The judges’ favorite couple is by far Brooke and Derek. He is excellent at matching his choreography with his partners’ strengths. She executes very well. Receiving the first ‘10’ of the season was a huge victory.

Toni and Alec are not far behind. She is competing with a heart defect and doing an admirable job. While she is technically good, she doesn’t have the sparkling personality of Susan or the genuineness of Brooke. Toni is a successful singer but has never made an impact in her acting roles. She doesn’t shine that brightly without her voice to step behind.

The award for most improvement in a short time has to go to Maurice Greene. Cheryl is the best partner to have on the show. She is the most talented dancer, the best teacher and choreographer. Maurice is an Olympic gold medalist. He has worked hard to become a dancer and each time out there he is getting a step closer to his goal. His unassuming personality may cost him some fan support but he’s an Olympian at the end of the summer of Olympic fever. That should help his chances in staying to play late in the game.

Warren Sapp is the other athlete still hanging around. Football players are trained to be swift of foot but who would have believed a tank like Warren could be such a graceful dancer. He is just so watchable. Kym is a good match for him, calm to his crazy. Personality is also a big factor with this guy. He could be the last male contender standing.

If Rocco isn’t the next to go, it could be Cody Linley. He has a huge fan base from Hannah Montana: is it big enough? He can dance but anyone over the age of sixteen must want to douse his water bottle with Ridlin. Julianne is a very popular partner to have though. She might be better known than he is at this point. She’s gorgeous, funny and talented. His partner may be able to carry him further than he should go.

Saving the best for last, there’s Cloris and Corky. Her footwork may not be the steadiest but she enjoys herself more than anyone else out there. She brings a smile to everyone in the audience with her wackiness. That is worth keeping around. The show is about entertaining and who wants to watch the dour Rocco when they could be laughing at a be-wigged Cloris? Besides, any octogenarian who can still slide between someone’s legs (and still has the desire to) is a true dancer.

Who will go next: Rocco

Who should go next: Rocco

Who will win: Brooke

Who should win: Tough call. Brooke, Warren and Lance all have the moves.