Jennie Garth dances her last dance

Jennie Garth and partner Derek Hough failed to get the votes required to make it another week on Dancing With the Stars, despite having a “breakthrough” performance that finally earned them 10s.

The final three contestants remaining are Marie Osmond, Mel B, and Helio Castroneves.

Take a moment to digest.

OK. I’m going to be frank here. It’s time for some tough love, folks. Why are you voting for Marie Osmond?

I know she’s beautiful. That smile could power the universe for a week. And yes, she’s entertaining and fun and a bit kooky at times. And I’m sure she’s a nice lady. But she IS NOT as good a dancer as Helio, Mel B or Jennie. (Or even Cameron and Sabrina before her.)

I get that this show has turned into a popularity contest, so I’m going to appeal to those of you who are actually taking the time to vote. Marie has a huge fan base and probably scores thousands of other votes from her enormous family and friend base. So, if you want the best dancers in the finale, Helio and Mel B, then get on the phone next week, people. Because I promise you a gaggle of Osmonds will be dialing for Marie.

Mel B and Maks were so good on Monday’s show that they scored perfect 10s for both dances, and deservedly so. They have such chemistry and powerful moves, that I can’t stop watching them. Maks’ choreography was riveting. Mel’s series of walking splits was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen on the show. (Julianne’s flying flip turn last week also scores a mention.)

Julianne and Helio also wowed the crowd Monday, as usual. Once again, Helio proved that even with no dance experience or history of performing, he knows how to win over a crowd. These two are so much fun to watch that I look forward to them each week.

My final bit of tough love is for the judges. I know they’re trying to encourage all the contestants by rewarding them with high scores, but it’s time the judges gave the 9 and 10 paddles a rest. If they truly want the best dancers to end up in the finale, then they need to separate the pack. In other words, sevens and eights for “very good” dancing and nines and 10s for “excellent” dancing.

It was good to see Sabrina and Mark dancing again. But, the camera man seemed to be much more interested in close-ups of Avril Lavigne singing than the incredible dancing display occurring on the floor. Lavigne’s song “Complicated” was an appropriate choice for Sabrina and Mark to dance to, because their routine was indeed that. There were so many lifts and complicated tricks, it seemed almost like a gymnastics routine instead of a ballroom dance. Still, it was incredible.

See ya next week!

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