TV Review: DANCING WITH THE STARS – Season 12 – Week 4

By PAMELA HARLAND / Contributing Editor

Posted: April 11th, 2011 / 11:57 PM

Stars: Chelsea Kane, Kirstie Alley, Hines Ward, Petra Nemcova, Romeo, Sugar Ray Leonard, Kendra Wilkinson, Ralph Macchio, Chris Jericho,
Network: ABC, airs Mondays, Tuesdays
Original Telecast: April 11, 2011

Tonight was Classical Night on DANCING WITH THE STARS, meaning all the celebs had to dance to instrumentals, making it a tad more difficult to keep the rhythm. Most were able to adjust easily which again makes this season the most competitive in DANCING WITH THE STARS history.

Six out of the nine couples are in the top three positions! And any of those six couples has a chance at winning. It’s amazing and rewarding to finally see a real competition. Ralph Macchio moved back up the leader board to tie for second with Hines Ward while Chelsea Kane grabbed the top slot for her first time. Isn’t it nice when the celebs are sharing? Every week we have a new leader and a new contender. In third place Chris Jericho, Petra Nemcova and Romeo all share the bronze DWTS spot this week.

Chelsea Kane (Disney Channel Star) and her partner Mark Ballas
She performed to the music well and she is without question a gifted non-professional dancer. Len Goodman gave kudos to Kane for her talent but did not like the contemporary choreography for the Viennese Waltz. Bruno Tonioli thought it was magical. Carrie Ann Inaba thought Kane was officially in her stride.
Scores: Inaba – 9, Goodman – 8, Tonioli – 9, Harland – 8

Hines Ward (Football Star) and his partner Kym Johnson
Ward was in full-on attack mode with his Paso Doble. Inaba thought Ward was in the “zone”. Goodman said Ward certainly was determined. Tonioli saw a killer instinct in Ward.
Scores: Inaba – 9, Goodman – 8, Tonioli – 8, Harland – 8

Petra Nemcova (Supermodel) and her partner Dmitry Chaplin
Although she had a hard time dancing angrily for her Paso Doble, she nevertheless seemed to capably take on the challenge. Goodman took an impassive approach to his criticism saying he was more impressed than depressed about her dance. Tonioli called her the femme fatale. Inaba saw Nemcova as being on a roll … to somewhere.
Scores: Inaba – 8, Goodman –7, Tonioli – 8 Harland – 7

Romeo (rapper/actor) and his partner Chelsie Hightower
He is intense. He is impressive …well, physically and yes the boy can move, but not always in the right way. Goodman saw great passion in Romeo’s Paso Doble. Tonioli said it was action packed and six packed – referring to Romeo’s abs. Inaba saw some swagger going on.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Goodman – 8, Tonioli – 8, Harland –8

Kendra Wilkinson (Reality TV Star) and her partner Louis van Amstel
Poor Kendra. As hard as she tries, she just doesn’t seem to be impressing the judges. Tonioli told her to LIVE IT! Inaba gave Wilkinson credit for trying in her Viennese Waltz. And Goodman gave half credit to her saying it had flow.
Scores: Inaba – 6, Goodman – 6, Tonioli – 6, Harland – 7

Ralph Macchio (Actor) and his partner Karina Smirnoff
His hands DID NOT look like spatulas tonight. He was charming and debonair on the dance floor performing a heartfelt Waltz. Tonioli cooed about the how achingly romantic it was. Inaba gave props to Macchio for being so honest in his performance. Goodman applauded Macchio, saying … “he’s back!”
Scores: Inaba – 8, Goodman – 8, Tonioli – 9, Harland – 9

Chris Jericho (Wrestler) and his partner Cheryl Burke
He certainly got the aggressiveness of the Paso Doble down. Some refinement was missing though. Still Tonioli thought Jericho’s Paso was excellent. Inaba too, thought he was very connected to the music, but Goodman thought the music conquered him.
Scores: Inaba – 8, Goodman – 7, Tonioli – 8 Harland – 8

Kirstie Alley (Actress) and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Kirstie…Kirstie…Kirstie! If only for the pure spontaneity of her dancing with Maks do I want her around. That in itself would be enough. She lost her shoe this week while Chmerkovskiy lost her last week after a muscle spasm. Her Waltz was sweet despite the snag. Inaba laughed it off calling Alley the queen of the unexpected mishaps. Goodman told it to her straight saying everything she does needs to improve. Tonioli was tender calling her amazing.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Goodman – 7, Tonioli – 8 Harland – 8

Who’s going home: Oh Kendra, it looks to be you this week. Chin up, boobs out and pray that you can knock out Sugar Ray tomorrow night. It’s your only hope.

Who Has Legs To Take Home The Mirror Ball: There are actually, count them – six contenders! Chelsea Kane, Ralph Macchio, Hines Ward, Chris Jericho, Petra Nemcova and Romeo! Who will be in the top slot next week? Stay tuned!

For photos of tonight’s performance, see the gallery below.