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The Dirty “Dancing” Details
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It was Heather Mills in a walkover.
No, “Dancing With The Stars” didn’t crown the future-former-Mrs. Cutest Beatle champion Monday night. But Mills’s pretty much put to rest any of those lingering questions about possible fallout (aesthetic and literal) from her prosthetic leg. Early on in their mambo routine, Mills splayed herself across partner Jonathan Roberts’s knee and, legs extended sky-high, proceeded to do a BACK WALKOVER!
Leg still on. Case closed. And good enough for the 3rd best score of the night out of 11 couples. The only woman who performed better was Laila Ali, the world middleweight boxing champ whose fast-shaking hips clearly should be registered as a lethal weapon.
ABC has been tugging on viewers’ heartstrings relentlessly when it comes to Mills’s undeniable courage. Monday’s two-hour show featured footage of the “charity campaigner” (as she’s introduced) appearing with her partner at a fundraising event for children and at least one commercial plug for an upcoming “Good Morning America” segment on how Mills’ “Dancing” role (two whole nights so far) is inspiring other dancers with disabilities. Having seen the impact on the judges and — if ABC is to be believed — all of America, you have to wonder if some of her fellow celebrity dancers have taken note and decided they’re not above a little heartstring-tugging themselves.
Why else did birthday girl Leeza Gibbons announce “I want to be fearless at 50” (she even produced a button bearing that catchphrase; how soon before we can buy one online?). Ian Ziering publicly dedicated his Quick Step to his deceased mother (fortunately, he did her proud) and Billy Ray Cyrus made HIS routine an homage to Johnny Cash — right down to the music (“Ring of Fire”) and the lone guitar sitting at center stage.
The judges pronounced Billy Ray “Most Improved” and judging by the prolonged cheers, he’s an audience favorite. Maybe those slick Hollywood crowds appreciate his aw-shucks Kentucky attitude — In a clip from rehearsals this week, he mournfully proclaimed about the Quick Step, “It’s almost against the laws of nature.” Billy Ray still got one of the lower scores of the night, but considering how much viewer votes count on this show, it’s becoming increasingly clear he knows exactly what he’s doing out there. The good ole boy is crazy like a fox with two left feet.
Tuesday night will see the first celebrity eliminated during the live show at 9 p.m. If Billy Ray’s low judges scores don’t do him in, I predict either Clyde Drexler or — yawn — Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey will get the old heave-ho. Don’t let me influence your votes, folks, but let’s just say that there’s a reason Ms. Finnessey danced in a spangly bikini top. All that was missing was her sash and tiara. And much of anything covering her bottom. And, uh, talent.
Here’s my early favorites to take the overall crown in a sort-of/but don’t hold me to it order: Laila “Hips Don’t Lie” Ali; Apollo Anton “Oh Yes!” Ohno; Heather “Who You Callin’ ‘Yoko’?” Mills; and Joey “Joey!” Fantone.
Meanwhile, Tuesday night’s show features a veritable Walk of Shame to go with all those dancing clips. A segment called “First to Go” will feature interviews with the first celebs eliminated in the previous three editions of “Dancing” — Trista Sutter, Kenny Mayne and Tucker Carlson.
If only they’d worn spangly bikini tops…
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By nikki
March 27, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
The Heather Mills promotions were a bit too much. I predict Drexler will be the first to go. Ms. Ali will be the Queen of the dance floor. Ballroom dancing seems to be athletic in some respects. She’s a natural athlete who happens to move with grace. You go, girl!!!
By s cawthon
March 27, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
..I think Billy Ray is the best improved dancer out there. I hope he wins.He has the best personality of all. S Cawthon
By suelsc
March 27, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Hands down I thinh Billy Ray is the best one out there. He is the most real one .I think he is ——TOPS———— sue
By Alice
March 27, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Am I the only person who thought Laila looked like a cow shaking across the stage? She wasn’t Italic (that) great. Maybe an 8, but no more.
By Alice
March 27, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Am I the only person who thought Laila looked like a cow shaking across the stage? She wasn’t Italic (that) great. Maybe an 8, but no more.
By Wrkgma3
March 27, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Don’t HATE! Laila looked great and moved even better! Is there any truth to that old Queen Latifa rumor??
By Sandra
March 27, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Laila is an athlete, that’s what the competition is all about, taking you out of your zone and making you a dancer. Lord, if all cows looked as great what a wonderful world it would be.
By Sandy
March 27, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Are you saying Laila looked like a cow shaking across the stage because she’s athletic and doesn’t wear a size 2? If she looked like a cow what did the others look like? I thought she deserved the score (9) she got
By sharon
March 27, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Wrkgma3 Laila said she never met Queen Latifah.
By Koz
March 27, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Go Heather Mills - Break a leg!
By Patty
March 27, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
I think Laila should have gotten at least one 10. I agree that she is one of the best, she is absoultely the best woman of the group. She is HEALTHY, not a cow. Just because a woman has curves and isn’t a rail, everyone wants to call them a cow. It is disgusting. Go Laila!!!
By Peggy
March 27, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Personally, I think it’s time a woman won the competetion and I think Laila has a really good chance at it. Heather was quite impressive last night. The first to go is difficult.. Billy Ray has a fan base that could keep him there for a few weeks.. Clyde or Shandi maybe.. but don’t count any of the rest out just yet..
By Dave knockahomer
March 27, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Laila was absolutely astonishing! No cow ever moved hips like this lady! and lady she is…not some cow! She will win if she and partner continue to dance like she did last night! I don’t believe I, in all my years, have ever seen hips shake like that! Awesome….
first to go should be Clyde Drexler…great in basketball; not too good in dancing!
Heather is unbelievable but this is DANCING…and to me, Joey Fantone should come in second and then Heather Mills.;
but hey! there are what….8 weeks to go!? alot can happen.
GO DANCING WITH THE STARS! OUTSHINE AMERICAN IDOLS BY A BILLION
By JACKIE
March 27, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
laila all the way then joey
By RLU
March 27, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
To say that Laila Ali is a cow is just about as silly as saying Billy Ray is TOPS!!! She is beautiful and dances nicely too. I thought they all did well last night. Unfortunately, someone will leave. My vote would be Billy Ray (ugh) or Clyde (sorry). The model can go as well.
By Greg
March 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
I love Dancing with the Stars…great casting this season. I echo RLU, Clyde sorry buddy.
By Alice
March 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Sorry I said Laila looked like a cow, that is because I am a cow and I can’t dance and I’m a pig….oink, oink!
By SexyLeggs
March 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Well I believe Clyde Dexler is going to be voted off. Hey, you have to give props where props are due….Laila Ali is sexy and very feminine for a boxer. Oh yeah, she can dance too. Billy Ray has a fan base and will not be going anywhere just yet. I like Heather and I’m in agreement with Jill that there’s a blatant reason why Finnessey wore a spangly bikini top.
By T
March 28, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
To the person who said Laila Ali looked like a cow, you must be so anorexic, bullemic nut. You should pray you look like that cow, and she deserves the high scores she’s getting.
By T
March 28, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
To the person who said Laila Ali looked like a cow, you must be so anorexic, bullemic nut. You should pray you look like that cow, and she deserves the high scores she’s getting.
By T
March 28, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
To the person who said Laila Ali looked like a cow, you must be so anorexic, bullemic nut. You should pray you look like that cow, and she deserves the high scores she’s getting.