There have been numerous reports that the show (and Susan Lucci) are furious the fans have kept her around. The Chicago Sun-Times reported ABC is concerned the audience won’t take the show seriously anymore. I’m confused. Aren’t they the ones voting for Cloris week in and week out? Shouldn’t the fans be happy their voice is being heard?

 

Bogus newspaper stories aside, it’s great to have the lady back. Her salsa was hilarious. She shook it as much as someone in their eighties can. The sheer number of turns was astonishing. And she managed to work ‘skanky ho’ into a salsa!

 

Four dances new to the competition were debuted this week. The show paired the celebs up, two per dance. Cloris’ salsa counterpart was Maurice. Judges, judges, judges – what were you thinking? Yes, Maurice improved but he was still awful. When you’re an Olympic athlete and your hips are stiffer than an octogenarian’s you’ve got problems! He’s so unsure of himself it affects every movement.

 

Another new dance was the west coast swing. I’m not sure I understand what it’s about and neither did the judges by the sound of things. Lance started things off and his partner was spectacular. He barely moved during the entire routine. The judges blamed his partner’s choreography but he did nothing to enhance his role. The moves were there but he didn’t dance with passion.

 

Neither did Toni, the other celeb with the west coast swing. There is a difference between fire and focus and Toni was all focus. She dances hard. The moves are precise. But she’s always so focused on winning that she forgets to have fun. The audience agreed with me as Toni was voted off.

Let that be a lesson to the rest of the stars: personality goes a long way!

 

Susan should particularly heed this warning. Finally the judges saw what I’ve been seeing all along. Susan has no belly fire. Her hustle was so careful I found myself yelling ‘Oh, come on!’ at the tv. She had on the sexiest dress but there was no sex appeal. She puts the ‘plastic’ in plastic surgery.

 

Warren, thankfully, showed off a real hustle. It was fun. It was funky. It had soul. He can move those hips. More importantly, Warren knows it’s all about the fans. He’s so gracious and always thanks the audience. After this week, he’s Brooke’s real competition.

 

Brooke debuted the jitterbug. As always, her dancing was flawless. Her feet are so sure she seems like a professional. Her abs were what won me over though. They were mesmerizing.

 

Cody was the other jitterbug-er. His gawkiness suits this style so perfectly. Any type of swing is about dancing in between the beat. You aren’t moving to the rhythm of the music. Cody struggled with this as he was often rushing to find the music. He was so energetic and confident that it didn’t matter. It was by far the most fun routine this season. He’s beginning to grow on me.

 

Brooke has to watch her back. Nobody can touch her skill but her personality is beginning to fade. Someone from the middle of the pack is set to pounce on her lead. It could be Cody or Warren. Or maybe Cloris will surprise us all again. Here’s hoping!

 

Who will go next: Cloris

Who should go next: Maurice

 

Who will win: Warren

Who should win: Brooke