Did you “Believe” that Cher came to judge tonight? She came in with two performances, both of high caliber and unlike Julianne Hough was willing to rock the boat with occasionally higher scores. This definitely benefited some of the less technical celebrities that gained artistic points.

Round One

Corbin & Karina - Argentine Tango - Karina had to make choreography by herself this week because of Corbin’s engagements. Karina hoped to teach Corbin as much as possible but she was forced to stop every few seconds as his phone rang. As the first Cher performance began, the opening with the wig was cute though Karina was spending too much time in the spotlight as the professional. I appreciated the seedy quality of the performance. Karina’s legs were amazing though I didn’t think Corbin did enough in the dance. Corbin didn’t seem as confident with his leg placement as he normally does. Was there a lack of chemistry or acting on Corbin’s part? The judges loved his performance quality, but his passes were occasionally missed. Cher had nothing but positive feedback. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Leah & Tony - Viennese Waltz - Leah was ecstatic for not having Len around for a week as she hoped that artistry would help with scores. The couple loved the innocence of “I’ve Got You Babe” and they tried to match Cher’s story. I thought that Leah in hold was nice, but only because Tony was dragging her around. Leah lacked a bit of push that she always does when she’s not trying to be a vixen. There was a sweet nature that I appreciated and a flow that she didn’t have weeks ago. The judges thought the hold needed to be tighter and her musicality needed help. Cher loved the interpretation. Score: 25 (8,9,8)

Brant & Peta - Foxtrot - Brant was taping for Pretty Little Liars this week as Peta joined him on set. Peta was convinced that they would fail if they couldn’t get their act together; Brant was overwhelmed with other commitments almost like Corbin. I thought this Foxtrot was a faster tempo than a regular Foxtrot and a bit more challenging for Brant because of that. Peta tried to overcompensate as she normally does, but at least Brant extended his arms out as wide as possible. I thought his side-by-sides were the strongest Brant has ever done this season. Cher and the judges love the star quality, but while he has improved, his knees and lines need more finishing. Score: 27 (9,9,9)

Elizabeth & Val - Jazz - Val pointed out that the couple was stressed out because the music that was originally selected got changed to “Bang Bang” after Val already choreographed the routine. Elizabeth was under the pressure of both the practice and the impact of the steps making her cry. I liked the use of the DWTS corridor. I appreciated the intensity of the performance though some of the movements had possibly too much attack where Elizabeth lost some of the finesse. The judges appreciated the aggression, but her timing needed help and she was one-dimensional. Score: 25 (8,9,8)

Bill & Emma - Disco - Bill was ready to leave for Snooki but appreciated his fans. He was nervous about doing Cher proud and knew that Cher was looking for performance value. I thought the side by side-action was weak until after the couple did the death spiral on the floor. Bill’s acting skills really came in play as his performance was much better because of how goofy he accepted the dance to be. The lifts were great though Emma was really the one looking beautiful; credit goes to Bill for being able to lift her though. The judges knew that there were moments that were good, though some were laughable especially when he was off-beat. Score: 24 (8,8,8)

Jack & Cheryl - Tango - Jack was excited to get his first 10 last week and he realized how enthused he was for this competition. Jack’s neck had issues in the beginning, but once the couple got onto the dancefloor, the two looked pretty good. I still think that some acting skills would be helpful because Jack looks like he doesn’t breathe when he dances. His footwork has improved and he’s starting to peak at the right time. The judges appreciated the growth and that he delivered proper classic tango. Score: (9,9,9)

Amber & Derek - Rumba - With Amber’s injury, she had to use her visual learning skills to allow her to not put too much pressure on her knee. She also knew that she needed to act girly and sexy to match the song. I liked the silly opening and the Derek reveal. I think that their moments had a sexual undertone perfect for the dance. I thought that with an injury Amber was covering it up pretty well. I think that Amber could have been sharper in several of the motions, but Derek’s going a great job covering up the injury. The judges appreciated that she looked like she was in charge; Carrie Ann expected more for Week 8. Score: 28 (9,9,10)

Round Two - Dance-Offs

The rules were simple for the dance-offs: The contestant with the highest score (cumulative of there was a tie) picks their opponent, the chosen opponent picked the dance style (Cha-Cha, Rumba, or Disco). With a score of 28, Amber & Derek were immune from the dance-off and elimination.

Heat 1 - Corbin vs. Elizabeth - I appreciate that Corbin went up against someone that was equal to him instead of going the easy route. Corbin started and he was sharp as he looked more like a pro and he had the upper hand because he’s performed the cha-cha last week and looked tight with his motions. I like that Karina dipped Corbin. Elizabeth took a little time off of the top but the Cha-Cha was one of her strongest routines before as well. Her motions were sharp this week, but there were several points where Elizabeth looked like she was waiting for Val to get her to the next step.

Judges Score: Corbin & Karina, Corbin & Karina, Corbin & Karina

Heat 2 - Brant vs. Leah - Rumba - I loved the carriage that Brant has presented this week, but I think Peta was a bit too indulgent with her motions and forgot to focus on Brant. I thought that their tempo was great. Leah tried to be equally as indulgent but she still lacks the quickness that she needs. The couple’s pot-stir wasn’t the best motion, but Leah committed to it.

Judges Score: Leah & Tony, Leah & Tony, Brant & Peta

Heat 3 - Jack vs. Bill - Disco - Jack & Cheryl opened up and had way too much fun with this performance. Jack was off time but I think that was the charm of the performance. The lifts and the fun choreography was enough to forgive Jack’s confusion. Bill & Emma closed the challenge and he looked like the drunk uncle at the wedding. He was committing to the performance. I think my biggest issue was that the Disco routine was too similar to his previous Disco routine.

Judges Score: Jack & Cheryl, Jack & Cheryl, Jack & Cheryl

The bottom two contestants were Brant & Peta and Jack & Cheryl. Brant & Peta were eliminated.

Final Scores

High
Amber & Derek - 28 (immune)
Corbin & Karina - 30 (27+3)
Jack & Cheryl - 30 (27+3)

Low
Leah & Tony - 28 (25+3)
Elizabeth & Val - 25
Bill & Emma - 24