The pressure is mounting and the drama just keeps coming on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars"! Week three found only nine contestants competing after Olympic volleyball champ Misty May-Treanor suffered a dramatic injury to her Achilles tendon, forcing her to drop out of the competition.
Coming out on crutches and bandages at the end of the show, Misty explained that she "heard a pop during the Lindy Hop" during her Friday rehearsal. "I felt like I got hit in the back with a baseball bat," she said, adding, "I ruptured my Achilles tendon." However, Misty ensured, "I am out, but I am not out for cheering the competitors." The athlete said she is going into surgery tomorrow and will be on the sidelines for some time.
The All-American Jive and the traditional Viennese Waltz were the dances du jour, and while some stars nailed their dances, others still found themselves finding their feet in the competition.
Wearing an ace bandage due to an ankle injury, Susan Lucci danced the jive with partner Tony Dovolani, but the judges, while acknowledging her injury, were disappointed with the soap queen's lack of confidence. "You seemed a bit timid," said judge Carrie Anne Inaba. "I want to see you much more courageous and a little more confident." She gave the couple a 7. "You looked a little unsteady with the steps," agreed Bruno Tonioli, "but I think you're going the right way." Another 7. "I think you have a kept a constant stand throughout," said Len Goodman. "You have done a very good job." Yet another 7, for a total of 21.
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer broke out of the gate with the Viennese Waltz. Len has been tough on the former *NSYNC performer, and this week was no different: "Flat-footed, posture was poor," were his first comments off the bat; still, he noticed improvement and offered up a 7. "It lacked the freedom you usually have," said Bruno. "I'd like to see the sparkle you two had last week." He gave another 7. But Carrie proclaimed, "I thought it was fantastic; great moves," and gave the couple an 8, for a total of 22.
Star sprinter Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke danced the jive and received their best score by far in their first dance of the night: 24. "You're kind of like a wild, untamed beast," said Carrie. "It's nice to see you as a contender." "Great choreography; I thought that was your best dance," offered Len. And Bruno said, "You can rock when you want to. Well done." All three judges delivered a score of 8.
Chef Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff danced their waltz to the strains of "What's New Pussycat," putting Len in the spirit as well. "Overall I thought it was a pretty good job," he said: a score of 7. "I think you are the most improved of all the dancers," said Carrie Anne with a 7. But Bruno was not pleased, calling their effort "a bit of a lump of mashed potatoes" and adding, "You've got to break out of the bad habits." He gave them a 6 for a total score of 20.
Superbowl champ Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson glided on the dance floor with their waltz, and the judges swooned: "I think I have a crush on you. I was blown away," said Carrie Anne. "Big, smooth and beautiful. You just get it," said Bruno. While Len said, "I thought this dance [would be] your stumbling block, but you're giving those skinny people [a run for their money]." With scores of 9, 8 and 8 for a total of 25, they earned their best score yet.
"Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley and Julianne Hough shucked with the jive, but while they started off strong, the judges agreed that they had a weak finish. Len said it "got repetitious" and gave a 7. Carrie Anne said their "energy was high," but was a bit put off by Cody's step-counting and gave them a 7. Bruno admonished, "You've got the talent -- use it." With another 7, the pair earned a respectable 21.
Grammy winner Toni Braxton and pro partner Alec Mazo rocked the Viennese Waltz with heavy period costumes -- and electric guitar. But their gambit failed to pay off with two of the judges. "This I didn't enjoy much," said a cranky Len. "You don't need gimmicks and things; you're a good dancer." He gave them a 7. "You don't need to overproduce," agreed Bruno. "You've got it all; just show it." Another 7. But Carrie Anne liked it, and responded, "I got it. It becomes a matter of taste when you go this far," reminding the audience that they tapped into the scandal of the original Viennese Waltz. She served up an 8, for a total score of 22.
Oscar winner Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas injected some silly energy into the evening when they got extremely goofy with the jive -- to huge applause. "To call this wacky would be the understatement of the year," said Bruno. "It is beyond comprehension. That's all I have to say." Carrie agreed: "I definitely asked for Crazy Cloris, and [that's what I got]. They were completely off their rockers. What you lacked in technique you made up in charisma." Len pointed out that they actually got some of the steps in their crazy routine before Cloris' removed wig took center stage. Crazy! Not surprising, the smiling couple earned a low score of 16.
Despite a few behind-the-scenes fireworks, Brooke Burke and Derek Hough have scored highest with the judges so far, and tonight was no different. Dancing the Viennese Waltz to the soothing strains of John Mayer's "Daughters," the couple effortlessly performed on the dance floor, ending with a kiss from Brooke for her own daughter in the audience. "You are quickly becoming my favorite dancer," said Carrie Anne. "It's a pleasure to watch you." Len enthused, "Simply the best dance of this season so far." And Bruno raved, "Dazzlingly beautiful. It just comes out of your body in such a natural way. Beautiful choreography." Brooke and Derek earned the first 10 of the season -- from Len, no less -- and with a 9 from the other judges, 28 was the score to beat for the night.
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