Much to the dismay of a lot of people and the judges Natalie Coughlin (Olympic Swimmer) and her pro partner, Alec Mazo, were eliminated from the competition. I think most would agree that Ms. Coughlin was ousted due to her smaller fan base rather than her ballroom skills because she’s been performing beautifully since the first episode.

But that’s what makes this show one part exciting and one part frustrating. There are people out there who vote based on popularity instead of the quality of the performance. I should know since I’m one of them, lol. I’ve given pity votes for a poor dance because I believe in the couple and have faith they can improve next week. However, I usually only dole out the pity vote for one deserving couple and I still vote for couples that execute brilliant and flawless looking routines.

I have to agree, though, that there were other stars that were more deserving of elimination than Natalie. Alas, that ship sailed last week so it’s time to look at what happened on Episode 6.

Mya & Dmitry Chaplin – The gifted and talented singer/dancer had a willingness to learn the crazy flips and twists of the Jitterbug but her body was crying out for a massage. After Mya got her kinks ironed out she and Dmitry continued on with rehearsals and produced a cute little number featuring Dmitry as a janitor goading his maid friend (Mya) into a quick cut on the rug. This was the couples chance to show more emotion by delivering a sweet and energetic Jitterbug.

The Judges Say – Len has been hard on this couple from the start and tonight was probably his worse critique yet of the duo. He was very upset about the lengthy intro where Dmitry tries to pry Mya away from sweeping the judges’s desk. Carrie Ann still felt the emotional energy was still kind of flat and Bruno simply enjoyed it.

Aubrey Says – I understand Len’s critique but I applauded Mya’s effort to capture the fancyfree tone of the Jitterbug. It was a cute number and they’ll probably be safe this week.

Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas – Melissa gets a little help from Mark’s mother (also a professional ballroom dancer) with the Waltz. Though Melissa kept her “puppies up” throughout the performance it was not as graceful as expected. It seemed more like a step backwards into that cocoon she recently broke out of.

The Judges Say – Nice posture but she didn’t glide across the floor like a good Waltzing woman should. While Bruno and Carrie Ann didn’t hold back their critiques Len was surprisingly encouraging. He appreciated Ms. Hart’s elegant look on the stage even if her footwork was kind of dull. She’s back in the “question mark” column.

Aubrey Says – It was clunky. Everything about it was awkward. Yes, her footwork was stilted but even the gown wasn’t flowing quite right and the song was just wrong. Whoever was chosen to sing that should not have been singing that song. I still like Ms. Hart but the Waltz was not a great moment for her and might put her in the “red zone”.

Mark Decascos & Lacey Schwimmer – To help Mark get into the Jitterbug groove Lacey takes him to a Jitterbug party filled with large group of Jitterbugging enthusiasts. Lacey also tailors the acrobatic heavy dance to showcase more of Mark’s skills. The result is a high octane routine with flips, twirls and rapid fire foot action.

The Judges Say – It was good despite a little stumble at the end but overall it was a well done Jitterbug.

Aubrey Says – These two are spectacular. As long as Mark can keep up with Lacey’s pace they have a good shot at the trophy.

Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff – I know most watchers have dubbed Mr. Carter a snotty whine baby for his aftershow crying jags after bad critiques. Okay, I agree that it does make him look kinda wussy. On the other hand, you have to consider how it must feel to go from the show’s top scorer to tumbling down to the bottom two not once but twice. I mean, I thought his Argentine Waltz last week would be his comeback dance but the public thought differently.

So, Aaron comes into the rehearsal studio clad in a suit and bearing flowers for his dance partner. He is determined to be the gentleman that the Waltz demands him to be. And so he and Karina took the floor and glided around the ballroom pretty as a prom picture.

The Judges Say – Some flaws here and there but overall a good Waltz that did not turn Carrie Ann off.

Aubrey Says – I think it was pretty but then I thought the dance last week was good, too. The man is a good dancer has been doing pretty well despite some pitfalls. I don’t know how it will go with him. He’s been in the bottom two for the last two weeks so it will take more than the judges’ kind words to make America root for him again.
Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova – The Big Engine just keeps on chugging. He’s encouraged that the fans are keeping him alive because if it was up to the judges Mr. Irvin would’ve been sent packing two weeks ago. But he’s here and he’s going to fight hard to make his voters proud. He and Anna tackled the Waltz and it looked very classy and he certainly wasn’t just posing this time.

The Judges Say – Not perfect but not terrible. Carrie Ann was especially impressed.

Aubrey Says – Again, I appreciate that he’s working really hard to be the best he can be. But it’s Week 6 and there are a lot more deserving couples that have been serving it up hot every week since the premier. Yet, I wouldn’t be too surprised if his powerful NFL fanbase kept him safe for another week.

Kelly Osbourne & Louis van Amstel – Where’s the best place to take a woman after she’s had a sprained foot scare? Why, to the trapeze training camp of course! To help Kelly get over her fears and hesitations Louis forces Kelly to try the trapeze as a confidence builder. When the two perform their Jitterbug it’s not entirely clear if the trapeze trip made things better or worse for the rock star.

The Judges Say – Practically the same thing they’ve been saying since Week 2. They like Kelly and believe in Kelly but something happens out on that floor when she starts off good and then looses her “oomph” and then she struggles to get back on track again. Her Jitterbug was peppy but the footwork was tragically flat.

Aubrey Says – I hate to say it but I gave my pity vote to Ms. Osbourne this week. When compared to the other Jitterbuggers Kelly looked like she was in the beginner class. I think she might’ve been worried that she was going to bust her foot again and in the case the couple should’ve chosen the Waltz instead. Kelly and Louis are extremely likeable the worst that will happen is that they’ll end up in the bottom two but their supporters won’t let them fall off just yet.

Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower – I don’t mean to insult the Louie Vito fan clubs out there but I’m trying to recall his Jitterbug and I’m coming up blank. The only thing I remember is that his pants were showing off his butt very well. Again, I apologize to the Vito supporters. Not trying to be mean. Just being honest. Sorry.

The Judges Say – I don’t remember that either. Isn’t that just terrible? Maybe I went to the “john” and missed the whole thing. I dunno.

Aubrey Says – He’s cute and “A” for effort but he’s still kind of clunky in the foot department. The trophy is not for stars with clunky footwork. Again, I’m very sorry.

Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough – Totally recovered from last week’s flu symptoms Derek reunites with Ms. Krupa for the Waltz. Joanna’s been burning the screen lately with some very sultry Latin dances but she had to turn on a classier kind of charm for the Waltz. It was pretty, dream-like and she glided.

The Judges Say – Best Waltz of the evening. Technically and emotionally gorgeous, as usual.

Aubrey Says – The model can dance. Who knew?

Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson – The two take a break from romance to tackle the spirited Jitterbug. After watching Donny sweat his oldies away Kym takes him to a special event where children with down-syndrome get their dance on. It was probably the most heartwarming moment of the night to see Donny and Kym teaching the kids some techniques and then having the kids school them on some cool moves.

The theme of Donny & Kym’s Jitterbug was a railroad so there was a lot of choo-chooing going on. But Donny didn’t faint and it was nice to see him smile again after that icy scowl he developed for the Argentine Tango last week.

The Judges Say – Though Len didn’t enjoy the train theme too much all three judges agreed it was a very good Jitterbug.

Aubrey Says – Another amazing performance from Mr. Osmond. I’d be really shocked if it was anything less than great.

Group Dance: The Mambo Marathon

This week’s group dance was in the form of a “Mambo Marathon” where all the couples would take to the floor and perform in their own special spot. The judges would gradually pluck out couples that were underperforming. Each couple would receive points depending on their ranking and the last couple dancing would receive the highest score.

It sounds like it would be a headache to film but the camera guys did a pretty decent job covering all the couples. If you missed it I would encourage you to check out the recap because it was a fascinating sight. It possibly might’ve been more enjoyable without the over-the-top trash talking clips before the marathon. Although I did like Mya’s warning to Michael Irvin, “If Michael accidentally bumps into me he better accidentally be wearing a cup”. Oh yeah, that’s a keeper. I can think of a few jerks to use that line on in the near future.

Here’s how it turned out:

Couple / Rank / Score
 
Michael & Anna / 9 / 2
Louie & Chelsie / 8 / 3 
Melissa & Mark / 7 / 4 
Kelly & Louis / 6 / 5 
Mark & Lacey / 5 / 6 
Donny & Kym / 4 / 7 
Aaron & Karina / 3 / 8 
Mya & Dmitry / 2 / 9
Joanna & Derek / 1 / 10 

This week there is supposed to be a double elimination so two couples will be sent to Washout Lane. The weakest performances in my book belonged to Louie Vito since I don’t really recall what he did except his butt, oh and when he ripped off his sleeves while standing on top of the judges desk. Otherwise, it wasn’t so hot. Kelly Osbourne is in the middle for me. I love her personality but her simplified footwork on the Jitterbug wasn’t so hot when compared to what Mark Decascos or Mya did.

Michael Irvin’s luck could run out this week which would be a shame since his Waltz was a little more than competent. And Aaron Carter has landed in the bottom two even when he’s served up a judge pleasing routine so I don’t know about him either. This will be yet another major mystery until elimination night.

DWTS Season 9 Stars & Pro Partners, Episode 6

Michael Irvin & Anna Demidova
Louie Vito & Chelsie Hightower
Kelly Osbourne & Louis van Amstel
Joanna Krupa & Derek Hough
Melissa Joan Hart & Mark Ballas
Aaron Carter & Karina Smirnoff
Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Mya & Dmitry Chaplin
Mark Decascos & Lacy Schwimmer