Season 19 Week 2

Dancing with the Stars Season 19, Week 2 – Who’s Dancing What….and When? (Song Spoilers)

Well, well, well….DWTS tryin’ to spoil our spoilin’. Those crazy kids. Maybe some knickers were twisted by last weeks spoiling?? LOL

Hey, Lea mentioned doing something with “Back to the Future” or a “surprise” for next week – think next week is Personal Story week? 

Anyway, here are the dances and a few songs for you folks. Derek is about as subtle as a sledge hammer with his song, and DWTS spoiled Janel’s and hinted at Alfonso’s. So, just to be contrary, we’re throwing in Randy’s too. Unless they’ve spoiled that somewhere as well. Bummed that Janel is almost certain to ruin my happy memories of “Call Me Maybe”.

Anyone else think that Sadie and Mark will KILL the Jazz?? I sure do.

ETA: We’d appreciate you not jumping the gun in comments, thanks.

ETA2: Well, ABC reallllly wanted to be in charge of releasing the songs this week, as they’ve put them all in a press release, spoiling all our fun. 

Monday’s show kicks-off with a spectacular opening number featuring the full cast and judges dancing to a medley of the judges’ favorite songs. Each couple will then perform a variety of dances, including the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Jive and Rumba, to their favorite jam. (Heidi’s Note: yeah, not so much.)

Oh, and this (results show) has potential…

Judge Julianne Hough takes to the ballroom floor and will dance in a number featuring Derek Hough and the male Pros.

Antonio and Cheryl – Rumba (Song: “Adorn” by Miguel)
Vote: 1-800-868-3402

Tavis and Sharna – Cha Cha Cha (Song: “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire)
Vote: 1-800-868-3412

Bethany and Derek – Foxtrot (Song: “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3403

Sadie and Mark – Jazz (Song: “She’s Country” by Jason Aldean  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3411

Betsey and Tony – Foxtrot (Song: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3404

Janel and Val – Foxtrot (Song: “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3405

Jonathan and Allison – Cha Cha Cha (Song: “Sing” by Ed Sheeran)
Vote: 1-800-868-3406

Lea and Artem – Jive (Song: “Land of 1000 Dances” by Wilson Pickett  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3407

Michael and Emma – Samba (Song: “Girls in Bikinis” by Lee Brice)
Vote: 1-800-868-3409

Randy and Karina – Cha Cha Cha (Song: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3410

Alfonso and Whitney – Samba (Song: “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith  )
Vote: 1-800-868-3401

Tommy and Peta – Salsa (Song: “Higher” by Gloria Estefan)
Vote: 1-800-868-3413

http://www.puredwts.com/2014/09/18/dancing-with-the-stars-season-19-week-2-whos-dancing-what-and-when-song-spoilers/

I don't know what I was expecting from something called "myjam" week, but I doubt if any of those songs are ones those celebs "jam" to.  And seriously - a foxtrot to "Call Me Maybe" or "Girls Just Want to Have Fun?"  No.  Just no.  Not sure about a cha cha to "Satisfaction."  And apparently we're going to get some redneck jazz.  And also apparently Derek is no longer a pro.  Don't know what he is, but according to the press release, Julianne is dancing with Derek and the male pros.  Is the show finally giving up the pretense that Derek isn't "special?"  (Wish I knew how to do the rolling eye emoticon - I needed it after every single one of those sentences.    )

To be honest, I don't know a bunch of those songs - never heard of them.  But I am looking forward to Tavis doing a cha cha to Boogie Wonderland and Lea doing a jive to "Land of 10,000 Dances." Not sure what to think about the rest. 

I've changed my tune about Derek over the last few years.  I once thought of him as the "golden boy" who could no wrong for the judges.  The posters on the board created a rivalry between Derek and Maks - and of course, I took Maks' side.  Love that man!

Anyway, as the seasons rolled by, I began to see why Derek got the star treatment.  I've come to see what a brilliant choreographer and dancer he truly is.  That doesn't take anything from Maks.  It simply removed me from the loyalty debate.  I appreciate both of them.

As for the music, they've always had songs that seemed impossible to apply to certain dances.  To me, it puts those contestants at a distinct disadvantage.  I also hate theme weeks - whether it be Halloween or a designated artist they must dance to.  I don't care for the superfluous.  Just gimme straight dancing with music that corresponds to the style.

Never heard of redneck jazz, but if it includes a banjo - I'm onboard.  You can always get me with harmonica or banjo.

Derek has provided some of the best choreography on the show.  But he's also provided some of the laziest choreography on the show.  Maria M's "new" jive that was horrendous and got them 9s.  I didn't think it was possible to make a jive boring, but Derek did it with her.  That was supposedly the new style, but thankfully it's never been repeated.  And he too often (for my taste anyway) relies on having his celebs make shapes with their bodies instead of actually dance.  He did it with Maria, he did it with Kelly, he did it with Amy.  He sits them on chairs and tables and other props where they dance just with their hands or feet.  It looks nice, but I want to see them really dance . . . or at least try to.  Once in a while he gets called out for it, but then they usually score his celeb high anyway, so it always ends up looking like it's just for show so they can pretend they don't treat Derek differently.  But then he does things like the "Psycho" tango that is one of my favorites. 

I don't think any of the pros are bad, and I think they're all capable of brilliance.  So while I appreciate Derek's talents, I just don't think he's all that much better than the others.  To be honest, I didn't really like any of the Macy's dances he did last season.  It would be nice if they spread the wealth around a bit and let the others have a chance to shine.  They did it a few years ago where several of the pros got to be featured doing something close to their heart.  I remember Cheryl got a chance to choreograph and perform.  I don't remember who else did at the moment, but it was nice because several of them got a chance to be front and center.

I've never heard Jason Aldean's "She's Country," so I don't know if there's a harmonica or a banjo in it.  Probably not - I don't think that's really his style.  I call it redneck jazz because that's what I pictured between the DD folks "redneck" hillbilly persona and a country song.  What else would they do?    I think Tavis and Sharna should be doing disco, though, with "Boogie Wonderland." 

I had to go google some of these songs.  "Higher" sounds great for a salsa, but I think Alfonso got hosed with "Jiggy wit it" for a samba.  It's too slow, and of course it's a rap song, which does not suggest samba to me at all.  Maybe that's really all they could do with it?  The celebs apparently chose the songs, so I guess they have to pick whatever they think will work, but why not hip hop?  They've done it on the show before, and it fits much better.  "Girls in Bikinis" is another one that seems way too slow for a samba.  Just listened to "All About that Bass" and don't see it as a foxtrot.  I mean rhythmically it works, but I think a foxtrot just screams for Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Harry Connick, Jr. . . . that kind of song and singer.  I don't like the classic look of a foxtrot to a real upbeat bubblegum-type song.

Oh well, it will be interesting to see what happens tonight!

Thanks, SLA!

SLA - Julianne's bosom was not on display last night, but I think the styling department hates her because her hair was awful.  Have no idea what the heck that was, but it almost looked like the front of it was up in those little pin curlers or something.  Not attractive.  And again she was dressed in a very pale dress, and she really needs color, imho.  But no boobs falling out.

Overall, last night was not quite as successful as the first week, but I thought only Michael Waltrip was really bad.  He seems like a nice enough guy, but that dance was not good.  Betsy was a surprise - I thought she looked beautiful and was quite graceful.  Tommy was better than I expected and still fun, so I think he'll be around a little longer.  Randy was a disappointment after last week, but I think he'll be okay.  It wasn't awful - it just needed something more.  Was not terribly impressed with Tavis either, but again he didn't stink.  He was just ok.  Also did not like Sadie's dance - I'm not sure what that was that Mark choreographed, but it didn't look at all jazzy to me.  More like a riff on a country line dance or something.  She wasn't awful, but I didn't think she was terribly good either.  Someone needs to tell her to stop with the duck lips/pouty face stuff when she's dancing. It's not sexy - it's not even attractive.  And that bright red lipstick was not attractive on her either.  I had no idea she had such a big mouth.  And please can they stop with the dad already?  Her entire package was that whole staged idiotic thing with him and the dresses.  It was painfully obvious that none of those were even being considered for their country jazz, and I rolled my eyes really hard after he vetoed that first dress.  Really, Willie?  Backs are off limits?  The dress ended above her derriere, so there was nothing immodest about it.  That whole thing clearly designed just to get his face in front of everyone.  My feeling is if he wants the attention that badly, then he can do DWTS.  (Not that I want him to!!  I'm just sayin'!) 

I liked Jonathan's dance, but I really want Allison to tone it down.  She moves beautifully, and she's a very talented dancer, but last night there was no nuance in her dancing at all.  It was all hard, sharp and powerful, which is not what the dance called for.  I appreciate that she wants to put her own stamp on the choreography, but she still needs to display some subtly and shading.  I hope she sticks around a while longer so she can get a chance to learn and grow a bit more, as I do like her.  Still part of me wishes they had given Jenna from the troupe a chance or otherwise gotten an actual ballroom dancer as a pro. 

I thought Bethany did well considering her ankle.  I didn't like it quite as much as the judges did, but it was enjoyable.  And I give her credit for standing on that bass!  Loved Alfonso - not as good as last week, but still pretty impressive and very enjoyable.  Lea did great with her jive, and I'm liking Artem as a pro.  "We need to get this."  "No, you need to get this.  I already got it."  Laughed out loud at that one.    I liked Janel and Val; thought their dance was very enjoyable, and she was toned down this week, which was good.  And I liked Antonio's rumba.  Much better than his last effort, and I was glad that Cheryl didn't go the all-out sexy route.  Very nice choreography from her, I thought.

Not sure who will go home tonight.  Just based on dancing alone, I think it should be Michael, but he may have a big fanbase from Nascar.  After him, I would say Tavis or Betsy maybe?  Would still like it to be Sadie just because that seems to be the only way to get rid of the dad, but I think she'll be around a while.

My opinions are mostly short.

Randy & Karina: With fine tuning, there's lots of potential here. He's the beginner type I like to see evolve.  There were some good moves, but also, some bad.

Janel & Val: Cute routine.

Lea & Artem: Wow! So proud of her!

Michael & Emma: Painful to watch.

Tavis & Sharna: Lifeless.

Alfonso & Witney: Wrong music. That wasn't enjoyable.

Bethany & Derek: I liked the routine - and her.

Betsey & Tony: OMG! I was giving Tony kudos for her hair and makeup before the dance even began. He transformed "Baby Jane" into a woman of elegance. And her reaction to the comments and praise was heartwarming. I smiled the entire way through. She radiated a newfound beauty.  I think Tony may have delivered a gift more precious than gold.  "I'm really pretty?"

Antonio & Cheryl: I don't know why, but I don't care for him. It might be his type. The dance was a "meh" for me.  He reminds me of John Stamos - and I don't care for him either.

Tommy & Peta: I take back what I said about the oldsters not being inspiring. What a surprise!

Jonathan & Allison: I thought she hogged the stage. Him?   The performance was a "meh" for me. Then again, it seemed Allison was in front of him most of the time.  She's a talented dancer but this routine was all about her, with Jonathan left in the background.

Sadie & Mark: It's difficult to believe she's only danced alone in her bedroom. This girl is a natural. But I didn't care for the routine.  And mustang, I think she has too many teeth - or big teeth.  Don't know which but I was watching her mouth and the duck lips seem "forced" forward.

Side comments:

I'm impressed with the transformation in Cheryl - the weight loss, etc. Freckles showing - the girl-next-door.  She looks fantastic this season.

Randy's dance critique: I think Carrie Ann was looking for an orgasmic reaction to watching him.  This woman needs to get laid before she sits at the judge's table.  She's an embarrassment. 

Julianne really needs a gift card to a hair salon. I realize that "bed-head" and spikey, wrapped ponytails are "in" but to me, they just make people look too lazy to brush their hair.  Why not add the eye goo and dried drool for the complete effect?

One good thing about having four judges - it cuts the time for Bruno's extravaganzas. LOL.

Who's the guest judge while Len's away? I think someone said, but I've forgotten.

Well, I never heard of the guy who will be guest judge.  Anyone?

Not surprised Tavis was sent home, but I thought it would be Michael.

I'm finding the fast pace of the results night enjoyable.

Never heard of him either.  Googled him and apparently he's a comedian and actor.  I've never seen any of the movies he was in, though, so that didn't help.  And the name meant nothing to me.  Over at the ABC board, people were asking who he was as well.  So I'm thinking if DWTS was hoping this would boost ratings, it might have backfired. 

Finally got a chance to watch the results show last night.  Tavis was probably the right person to go because of attitude, but in terms of dance, it should have been Michael.  Once again I loved seeing and hearing the backstage stuff.

The one exception was Mark and Sadie.  I'm not sure what we were supposed to think about that, but it annoyed me.  The criticism, such as it was, that she received was very mild.  Mostly Len saying it didn't work for him.  If it causes her such distress that she's sitting there all mopey and downcast reminding herself she's a "tough little duckling," then she has no business being on the show.  What is she going to do if she has an off-dance and gets some real criticism?  And I was annoyed with Mark for choosing to diss Len rather than take that moment to explain to Sadie that she did a good job but not everyone is going to like everything and not to sweat it.  You can't please all the people all the time.  But Len's point was a good one - I know I had the exact same reaction - it didn't work for me.  From reading some of the boards, it didn't work for a lot of people.  Just dismissing it as Len doesn't know jazz or country was understandable, but it was the easy way out and ultimately is not really going to help Sadie learn to deal with this show or with criticism in life, which is inevitable.

No big surprise that Janel got the encore over Lea.  Ditto that they wanted to see Mark's audition tape and not Tony's, as Tom suggested.  Their fans aren't going to tweet.  I really wish the show would get over their fascination with using Twitter - it leaves out a large percentage of their audience, and I seriously doubt it's going to get them a lot of new, younger viewers.  Unfortunately, I seem to remember reading somewhere that Nielsen takes into account twitter traffic or something as part of their ratings now, so I'm assuming this is to bump up the ratings and is probably here to stay.

Loved the dance with Val, Peta and Karina.  Really nice.  I also liked Julianne's dance with the male pros.  Too bad about the lift, though.  Val said that they'd done it several times without incident, but the fall in rehearsal seems to have shaken them both, so they just couldn't really let go. 

The other dance?  I just didn't get it.  I've never heard of the song or the singer, and I honestly could not understand a word she said except the occasional 1-2-3.  So it was a big nothing for me, and the dance seemed like just a lot of frantic running around.  There were some really nice moves in the dance, but overall it was just a big hot boring mess for me. 

I thought the A-Z of DWTS was fun.  Thoroughly enjoyed that.  And as I said I loved the backstage glimpses and the pros talking to their celebs during the dance.  I miss that so much. 

So next week is Movie Night.  That's one I usually enjoy a lot.  One of the better theme nights, imho.  Apparently the switch-up is back as well.  Don't get that one at all.  It was a whole lot of nothing last season; can't imagine why they thought it was worth repeating.  But since it's all done by Twitter, I won't be able to take part.

I agree that Michael should have gone home.  Can NASCAR (sp) fans really be watching this show????

Sadie's favorite song did NOT fit jazz in any way, shape, or form.  It was a complete bust.  And you're right.  Mark shouldn't have blamed Len.  I got the impression from Sadie's expression that she was expecting much higher scores.  Could you believe that hip action?  Wowsa.

I don't have Twitter and never will.  I couldn't even vote on STYCD because there were no phone lines.  I'm not coming in here and firing up the computer to vote. 

Julianne's dance was irritating to me.  I don't like that many people flitting around all at once.  Unless everyone's in sync, I don't care for production numbers at all.

I did love the new opening with all the judges dancing their way onto the floor.

The dance with Allison & Maddie has gotten mixed reviews.  It was too "out there" for me.