The Karate Kid Goes Home: Recap/Review, "Dancing with the Stars - The Results Show," Week 9 Semi-Finals

So here we have it dance fans. Ralph Macchio, aka “The Karate Kid,” is going home. Although I predicted it in yesterday’s Recap/Review, I have to say I’m a little disappointed. I loved watching Ralph grow into a wonderful dancer this season. No matter what happened, he’s still a winner in my book.nFor a recap of the evening’s events, including the first hour of the show, read on.

First, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed watching Dancing with the Stars-Freestyle in the hour before The Results Show. It was so much fun to see former champions Warren Sapp, Donny Osmond, Apollo Anton Ohno, and current commentator Brooke Burke talk us through their experiences with the freestyle routines they did in seasons past as we relived them on screen. Later in the show the pros talked about how necessary it is to make the best choices for the freestyle, from music to costumes to choreography. Lastly, season two champ Drew Lachey came back and performed his winning freestyle routine with Cheryl Burke – the performance the viewers chose as the greatest freestyle in the history of the show – and what fun it was to watch! It was as good as the first time around, if not better!

Finally, Ralph and Karina, Kirstie and Maks, Chelsea and Mark, and Hines and Kym were introduced, and talked about the music they’d be performing to next week, as well as giving us some peeks into their secrets for the dance. Hines told us since he never got to watch the halftime show while he was playing football, he wants to be “the band during the halftime show.” The music he and Kym will be dancing to a mash-up of Jackson Five songs. Sounds like it’s going to be fun! Kirstie jokingly said she and Maks were “planning a lot of aerials,” but then got serious, saying “We’re just planning to show people you can be perfect however you are.” Kirstie, however, chose not to reveal the song, and Maks laughingly said he had no idea they were planning aerials. Karina said she and Ralph were “going to go back to the point in life where it all started in dancing with old school.” Ralph clarified with “A call-back to what we launched with the Fox Trot, old Hollywood, maybe Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, that kind of stuff. You know, sort of what Donny did.” They’ll be performing to “Bandwagon, the Movie.” Chelsea said that since she and Mark were scolded all season for doing things out of the box, “now that there is no box, it’s our time to go clean, traditional … we’re gonna have a lot of fun with this.” Mark commented he wasn’t buying that at all. Neither was I from the look on Chelsea’s face!

OK, now to the actual results. To start off the second hour, head judge Len Goodman chose Chelsea and Mark to perform their Rumba again. It was just as beautiful and sensual as last night. After watching a clip of Hines and Kym’s two dances last night, Len Bergeron revealed they were going to the finals. The crowd went absolutely wild over this, as did I! I’m thrilled to be watching Hines next week. I love his infectiousness and his absolute joy in dancing.

Before we went any further, we were treated to a performance by Grammy winner and Hall of Fame member, Stevie Nix, whose highly anticipated CD, “In Your Dreams,” is available now. Singing the single, “Secret Love,” I remembered why I loved her so much back in the day. Her voice is just as distinctive and to tell you the truth, she doesn’t look all that different! Pros Dmitry and Anna, along with Damien and Peta, performed side by side beautifully.

Next up for elimination were Chelsea and Mark, and the ballroom erupted when Len told them they were going to the finals! I’m so happy as I think she really deserves this.

Backstage, Brooke Burke spoke to the two couples about the other dance they’ll be doing next week – the judges’ pick. For Hines and Kym, it’s going to be the Quick Step, which he’s looking forward to. For Chelsea and Mark, it will be the Samba. Chelsea seemed a bit nervous because it’s going to be a whole new routine and new song, contrary to Hines and Kym who will be repeating their second week performance to “Part Time Lover.”

This week’s story of how dance has made an impact on the lives of young people revolves around 13-year-old Tayla Kelly, an aspiring dancer. By the age of 3-1/2 months, Tayla was hospitalized for the first time. She has since been diagnosed with primary autoimmune deficiency disease, which means it’s almost impossible for her body to fight off bacteria and infections. As her mom explained, Tayla only has a 60% chance of making it to age 16. Anywhere she goes, she runs the risk of catching an infection which may possibly kill her. Tayla decided from a very early age she didn’t want to be like the “Bubble Boy.” She is happy, has been “living, dancing and winning,” according to her mom. Trysten Kelly, her 7-year-old younger sister, told us how much she looks up to Tayla as a role model, and how excited they all were when DWTS pros Chelsie Hightower and Lacey Schwimmer showed up at Tayla’s dance studio and danced with her. Tonight, Tayla was here performing alongside Chelsie and Lacey, and what a fabulous job she did! The routine was fun, lively and the three girls were totally in sync. What an inspiration Tayla is! She actually brought tears to my eyes as she realized her dream of dancing tonight. And how adorable she was when she responded to Tom’s question of how she could be so relaxed on live tv. “I don’t know, I just pretend no one’s watching.” Spoken just like any other normal teenage girl.

It was fun and informative to hear the stars talk about the turning points for them this season. From the falls to the injuries, from the highs to the lows, it was interesting to hear their thoughts, and watch the clips of each couple.

Back to perform was Stevie Nix with “Landslide,” a classic Fleetwood Mac hit. I closed my eyes listening to her and I was immediately transported back in time and oh, those were the days! Tony Dovolani and Cheryl Burke did a beautiful, very sensual dance in the background, doubling my pleasure.

The last revelation of the night, of course, involved Kirstie and Maks, and Ralph and Karina. Tom announced dancing in the finals will be Kirstie and Maks, meaning Ralph and Karina were going home. I feel very sad for him, as I believe he’s a great dancer. He’s come so far, it’s hard to see him go. What a stand-up guy too, as he expressed how grateful he was for this opportunity and thanked Karina for being a fabulous teacher and a great friend.

So, dance fans, it’s Kirstie and Maks, Chelsea and Mark, and Hines and Kym in next week’s finals. I predict Hines will be win – there I said it. Honestly, I’ll be happy no matter who wins. I love them all.

See you here next week, Monday, at 8/7c for the final of Dancing with the Stars, which will only be one hour long.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!