Kristi Yamaguchi, Jason Taylor Triumph On ‘Dancing’

“Dancing With the Stars” began week two of competition, giving all the contenders an opportunity to take to the ballroom once more, before a Tuesday double elimination show tomorrow.

The evening began with movie star Steve Guttenberg, who danced the mambo with his redheaded partner, Anna Trebunskaya.

“I can see you’re trying so hard, but tonight it didn’t really work for me,” Judge Len Goodman told Steve before the couple picked up a score of 16 out of 30.

Up next was Latin heartthrob, Cristian de la Fuente, who quick stepped with two-time “DWTS” champ Cheryl Burke.

“There was one or two little foot things, but I must say the speed – it was faster than wind [British slang for gas] from a duck’s bottom,” Len said as the duo netted 20 out of 30. “The trouble was it had a bit of a wildness about it.”

Tennis champion Monica Seles had taken partner Jonathan Roberts with her to Japan, but the judges didn’t see it reflected in their mambo.

“Ahh Monica, you know I love you, but I have to tell the truth — sometimes it seems like you are running on an alternating current,” judge Bruno Tonioli said as the duo netted just 15 out of 30.

Magician Penn Jillette and partner Kym Johnson then took to the floor, hoping to work some magic on the quick step. They didn’t.

“You had a go, but the footwork was really, really, really bad,” Bruno said as the couple scored 17 out of 30.

Priscilla Presley then took to the stage, mambo-ing with Louis van Amstel.

“You are so glamorous and so sexy… I wasn’t sure what you were going to do with the mambo, but you have it,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba said as they received a 21 out of 30.

It was the quick step for Shannon Elizabeth and partner Derek Hough.

“Best dance so far tonight,” Len raved as they picked up 24 out of 30. But not for long.

Edyta Sliwinska said she made the “craziest routine” she’s ever given anyone, for her partner — NFL star Jason Taylor. Their steam routine quickly stole the raves of the audiences and the judges.

“You’re a winner,” Len said

“You are the ‘Mambo King’ tonight, strong and gentle, smart and smooth, always musical and always in control,” Bruno then raved as they netted a hefty 27 out of 30.

Marissa Jaret Winokur had to follow his winning performance with her quickstep with partner Tony Dovolani.

“You made me smile. You are lovely and bubbly and the quick step is just that,” Len said. “I thought it was a great improvement on last week.”

Their score? 21 out of 30.

Radio personality Adam Carolla, who had trouble the first week, took to the stage next with Julianne Hough for the mambo.

“What you’ve done, you’ve revisited, re-imagined and re-performed the mambo in a way I’ve never seen it before,” Bruno said. “You’re not a natural dancer, but you made me laugh… and that’s a plus.”

Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez then did the quick step.

“I think you’ve got great potential to go a long way in this competition,” Len said as they scored a 24 out of 30.

Kristi Yamaguchi took on the mambo with partner Mark Ballas; his girlfriend (and Season 5 partner) Sabrina Bryan cheering them on from the audience.

“I think the other couples are going to have a really hard time beating you in the scores,” a stunned Carrie Ann said. “Have you really never done this before?!”

“You’ve done it again,” Len enthused as the couple picked up another 27 out of 30, tying Jason for the highest score of the night. “Fantastic!”

Finally it was R&B singer Mario on the ballroom floor, performing the quick step with Karina Smirnoff.

“Well it’s Mario and the Queen of Sheba. That was so charismatic,” Bruno said as they took home a 26 out of 30. “You did a fantastic job. I think you could be a winner in the competition.”

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