Dancing with the Stars 2010 Semifinals: Evan Lysacek Powers it Up, Great Scores A-Plenty

The four remaining celebs all brought their shiny A-games to the Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals Monday evening. Competitors Erin Andrews, Chad Ochocinco, Evan Lysacek and Nicole Scherzinger each offered up two dances for judges' scores and much-coveted audience votes. Whose star glowed the brightest of all during the march toward next week's finals? Here's a detailed recap from this superfan mama.

The first round of the Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals started with ESPN's Erin Andrews and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Viennese Waltz. The duo proclaimed themselves "focused" during rehearsals, with both set on making the finals.

First off, Erin is indeed incredibly "bendy", as Bruno Tonioli noted last week. Her extensions during this dance were just beautiful and amazing. I thought their dance had a lovely theatrical element as well, which was nice to see. All around, I liked it! Head judge Len Goodman said "you just made a giant step through the door" toward the finals. Bruno praised her "fluidity of lines" and her "continuity of movement", while Carrie Ann Inaba appreciated her continued weekly growth as a dancer. Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals round one scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27. (Funny story: Bruno inadvertently flashed a 10-paddle, oops.)

The Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals continued with an Argentine Tango from pop star Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough. During rehearsals, Derek struggled with a neck injury, and the pair worried over its implications on their chances. Really, they should never worry. Bruno and Carrie Ann love them a pop star.

It was hot nad passionate, as I expect all dances from Nicole and Derek to be. It was very, very good. But not perfect. And for a chick who has pro dance training, I expect perfection. Sorry, it's true. But the judges will lap it up like milk and honey. Bruno called her "a divine enchantress" and went on with his usual weird pop star love schpiel. Carrie Ann said "you brought me to tears" and then teared up. Gag me. Gag. Me. Len called it "more delicious than my grandmother's apple pie". Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough's Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals round one scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.

NFL star Chad Ochocinco and partner Cheryl Burke kept the Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinal action going with a Waltz. Likely the longshot to make next week's finals, the pair needed a spot-on performance to earn the top notch judges' scores they'll need to have a shot.

Chad and Cheryl delivered a lyrical, pretty routine, and Chad wore a nice smile through much of it. But with that said, it didn't blow me away. It's hard to go after Nicole the pro, after all. Carrie Ann, in a singsong voice, said "you just nailed the Waltz" and praised his "fluidity, refinement". Len noted that he's the only one with no dance experience in the semis, and called his Waltz "fantastic". Bruno called him "a star". Wow, higher praise than I'd have guessed. Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke's Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals round one scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27.

The first round of the DWTS season 10 semifinals concluded with a Foxtrot from gold medalist Evan Lysacek and partner Anna Trebunskaya. Evan vowed to work on getting his "personality" into his dances, and shared videos of his cute toddler nephew with Anna for inspiration.

Evan and Anna's dance was adorably theatrical, playful and fun. It could've come straight from a Broadway stage. Len loved seeing Evan's "happy go lucky side". Bruno called him "sparky with a capital S" and likened the pair's vitality to that of "Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney". Carrie Ann bought their connection and thanked them for heeding her earlier criticisms. Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya's Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals round one scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29.

With the opening ballroom round in the books, Nicole and Derek lead the way with a perfect 30. Evan and Anna trail by a single point with 29, and Chad and Erin are tied with 27 each.

The Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals continued with the evening's second round, which featured Latin-style dances. In this round, each of the contestants were required to perform a solo. Oooh!

First up was Erin Andrews with a Paso Doble. In the pre-dance segment, her childhood dance teacher noted that doing Dancing with the Stars was Erin's way of showing women that she didn't need to be a victim (as a result of her peephole video scandal). Her dad said he was happy to see the smile on her face when she danced. The whole thing made me tear up: You go girl.

Erin and Maks were hot! Woohoo! That's really all I can say. Bruno called Erin "a hot chick with an attitude" and said she was "amazing" and "stunning". Carrie Ann noted that Erin was "finally into her power". Len said he didn't know what to make of it, and called it "a funky monkey" kind of Paso. Oh Len, pull the stick out of your behind. Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy's Dancing with the Stars 2010 round two scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29.

The Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals continued with round one leader Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough's Cha Cha. Nicole has turned in some amazing performances this season, but this wasn't one of them. It felt weird, somehow, like there was actual dance content missing. But of course, the judges always love her so I expect nothing less now. Carrie Ann noted that "it all comes so naturally" to her, while Len criticized the solo for not showing off enough Cha Cha. He did note that they need to make the final. Bruno stood and said something ingratiating. Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough's Dancing with the Stars 2010 round two scores: 10, 9, 10 = 29.

Up next? Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke's Samba. Although I appreciated Chad's shirtlessness and the musical selection (Alejandro), there was something awkward about the dance. Great effort, though. Great effort. Len noted that "for a really tough dance, you did a great job". Bruno said "I'm torn between admiration and bitter envy. I will never take my clothes off again". Carrie Ann said that although his technique was lacking, "your soul had everybody workin' it". Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke's Dancing with the Stars 2010 round two scores: 8, 8, 9 = 25.

The Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals concluded with a Paso Doble from Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya. Holy crap. I'm rarely rapt by a dance, but this was freaking awesome. Dominance, power. WOW. Bruno called it "strong and artistic". Carrie Ann loved his "guttural, powerful movements". Len called it "fantastic" and praised Evan for dominating Anna. (Hahahaha.) Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya's Dancing with the Stars 2010 round two scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30.

With one of the best the Dancing with the Stars semifinals ever in the books, tomorrow night's elimination is almost too close to call. Evan and Nicole are tied with 59 out of a possible 60, and should be shoo-ins for next week's finals. Things are a little dicier for Erin, who scored 56 points, and Chad, who came away with just 52. Although I maintain that Erin is the better dancer of the two and should get the third spot, I also admit that Chad has done an admirable job as someone with zero dance experience entering DWTS season 10. If there's a bottom two identified, Chad and Erin will be in it. But who will get the axe? I'll guess Chad, but it could easily be Erin. Decisions, decisions.

Be sure to vote for your favorites online at ABC.com. Then tune in tomorrow night for the Dancing with the Stars semifinal results show. Or you can just check in with me. You know I'll be watching.

Sources

Dancing with the Stars 2010 semifinals, May 17, 2010, ABC