“Dancing” probably gave quite a few fans a scare when the show revealed the three contestants who remained under the spotlights of doom Tuesday night.
In jeopardy were Chelsea Kane, Kirstie Alley and Kendra Wilkinson. As fans who have been following this season know, “Girl Next Door” star Wilkinson has repeatedly escaped elimination, and not because of her cheery demeanor and fault-free footwork. No, Wilkinson apparently has a big enough fan base to keep her on the show while better wannabe ballroom hoofers have packed their bags.
So it would have been no huge surprise for her to beat out fellow fan favorites Kane and Alley. (No more of Kane’s adorable personality? No more of Alley’s infectious laughter or her pro partner Maks-Yum after only seven weeks? Ack!) Either of those exits would’ve been difficult to bear.
But alas, Wilkinson’s luck ran out just as her dancing – and her attitude – were showing nice improvements.
On Monday, judge Carrie Ann Inaba said the reality star's tango was “nothing but sophistication,” while head grump Len Goodman complimented her on handling the tough choreography so well. Wilkinson’s score of 31 wasn’t the best, but it also wasn’t her worst. (Alley and Romeo tied for the lowest score of the week.) And just last week, she delivered a spicy samba that had the judges literally begging for more. She also received her highest score with all that shimmying.
Wilkinson delivered a graceful exit, saying, “I’ve lasted seven weeks, seven weeks longer than I ever thought I would last. ... Baby Hank, I’m coming home for you. I’m not the best dancer, but I’m the best mom.” Just like Chris Jericho got last week, I think that deserves an “awwww”!
Next week, the remaining stars will once again be performing two dances, and one of them will be -- dun dun dun! -- the instant dance! Yes, it’s back! (And that could be baaaad news for Alley.) Also returning will be season 11’s sore loser, Michael Bolton. Let’s hope he and judge Bruno Tonioli can manage to avoid talking to each other this season.
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