Monday’s theme for Dancing with the stars is Motown Records. Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Martha Reeves kicked off the show. The founder of Motown Records Berry Gordy was in the front row seat.
Each couple had to perform twice – a solo dance and in the cha cha dance marathon – for judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli.
Here’s how it went:
Gladys Knight was “really proud” to have made it to Week 6, and the Motown theme was, of course, particularly special for her. Her brother Bubba, an original Pip, visited her during rehearsal to give her some steps to add into her slow and sultry rumba, done to The Temptations singing My Girl. The audience loved it. The judges less so. Said Len, “If I could judge purely with my heart, you would be at the top of the leaderboard.” Bruno wanted it to be a bit steamier. Carrie Ann said the “hip action” was fantastic, but she did “kinda mess up” at times. Score: 7, 7, 7 = 21 + 3 = 24
Roshon Fegan had a hard time with the sensuality required for his rumba. When partner Chelsie Hightower asked him what sensual means, he said, “Huggy.” The two tried to be sexy as Smokey Robinson sang Cruisin’ and the crowd seemed to like it, even though he looked silly as he exaggerated the aggressive moves. Len said the movement was “clipped and jerky.” Bruno said his steps were more suited to hip-hop. Scores: 7, 8, 8 = 23 + 5 = 28
Melissa Gilbert seemed to struggle in rehearsal – as always with pro partner and taskmaster Maks Chmerkovskiy. But once she hit the ballroom floor she danced a lovely Viennese waltz to Smokey Robinson singing Ohh, Baby, Baby. Carrie Ann cited her artistry. Len praised her control. Bruno called her lines “beautiful.” Scores: 8, 8, 8 = 24 + 6 = 30
Maria Menounos danced an elegant but playful foxtrot with Derek Hough as Reeves, 70, belted out Jimmy Mack. Oops – Maria lost her footing at one point, slipping on the stairs just enough to put them out of sync. But it didn’t seem to matter much. Bruno said the dance combined “wit” and “elegance.” Carrie Ann said it was “excellent” but said Maria’s shoulders came up. Len said Maria was “a joy to my eyes” while Martha Reeves was “a joy to my ears.” Scores: 8, 9, 9 = 26 + 4 = 30
Donald Driver, wearing a bright blue suit, did a snazzy foxtrot with Peta Murgatroyd to The Temptations singing The Way You Do the Things You Do. Bruno loved his showmanship, saying, “You should be in the theater.” Carrie Ann “loved it all.” Len said Donald “exploded” on the floor, but urged Peta to work him harder. Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27 + 7 = 34
William Levy turned up the heat to dance a steamy rumba with pro partner Cheryl Burke to Smokey Robinson singing Being With You. They wound up horizontal on the floor. Bruno called it “utter filth,” adding, “I loved every minute of it.” He feared women were going to jump off the balcony to get to William. Carrie Ann was less praiseworthy, saying it wasn’t his best dance. Len thought it was “a little bit on the raunchy side” and said he couldn’t “go into ecstasy like some people here.” Cracked Bruno: “He needs Viagra, sorry.” Scores: 9, 8, 10 = 27 + 9 = 36
Jaleel White put himself back at the top of the leaderboard as he and pro partner Kym Johnson danced a rocking cha cha to The Temptations singing Ain’t Too Proud to Beg. Jaleel killed it with sharp moves and plenty of attitude, singing the words through much of it. Said Len, “You’re back.” Bruno called it “the biggest sizzler of the season.” Carrie Ann said he brought his “A game.” Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 + 8 = 37
Katherine Jenkins, sporting a beehive, and USA TODAY blogger Mark Ballas, sporting a Gavin DeGraw-type hat, continued to dominate the dance floor. They performed a jiggling, bouncy samba as The Temptations sang I Cant Get Next To You. Len called her a “midwife” because she keeps delivering. Said Bruno: “Oh baby, baby, you can bounce!” Carrie Ann praised her funkiness. Scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29 + 10 = 39
Source : USAToday.com