Some early favorites fell out of favor as “Dancing With the Stars” entered its third week of competition on Monday night.
Robust NFL defense player Jason Taylor, who in recent weeks had been tipped for the top, found himself on the receiving end of criticism from the show’s judges.
Though he looked polish during the jive alongside partner Edyta Sliwinska, judge Len Goodman wasn’t having any of it.
“One week you’re a rooster, the next week, you’re a feather duster. That’s life,” Len said as he offered them just a 7 out of 10.
The couple did manage better scores from both Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba who both gave them 8s, for a total of 23 out of 30, although they were four points off of their last week’s score.
Though Jason stumbled somewhat, it was good news again for former Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi.
She and her partner, Mark Ballas, once again ended up at the top of the leader board after Monday night’s dance.
The two took on the tango and their intense performance had Bruno raving.
“Sharp! Clean! Clear! Always delivered with extreme precision,” Bruno said as the two picked up a 27 out of 30.
Also having a good week was Latin heartthrob Cristian de la Fuente, who tackled the jive with Cheryl Burke.
“Your legs were a little loose. They could have been sharper… but, the best dance you’ve done so far,” Len enthused as they picked up 25 out of 30.
However, singing sensation Mario, who danced the tango with partner Karina Smirnoff, had a rough time.
“For me it was a mess,” Len said as the couple picked up just 21 out 30. “It lacked posture, the footwork was terrible, the hold was bad.”
It was also a rough week for Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur. She appeared, almost in tears, after receiving criticism for her jive with partner Tony Dovolani.
“That was boring,” Carrie Ann said. “You won a Tony [award]! You know how to fight.”
“Marissa, for a performer of [your] caliber, I was watching something that looked like a rehearsal,” Bruno said as the audience booed. “I’m picking on you ‘cause I know you have the talent to do better.”
It was less of a roller coaster evening for the rest of the “Dancing” cast.
Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez’s jive received 21 out of 30, the same score netted by Steve Guttenberg’s tango with Anna Trebunskaya.
Shannon Elizabeth’s jive with Derek Hough took home a 24 out of 30, while Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough also tangoed to 21 out of 30.
And as for the oldest competitor on the dance floor, Priscilla Presley, took 26 out of 30 for a sexy tango with her partner, Louis Van Amstel.
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