Dancing with the Stars, Rick Fox Trots to the Exit, Bristol Palin is Staying (Video Link)

Dancing with the Stars Week 7 Results Show on Tuesday, November 2 followed up with another shocking elimination by announcing that Rick Fox was leaving. Fox follows in the steps of star Audrina Patridge who was sent packing during Week 6, and once again fuels the postulation that DWTS may be more of a popularity contest than a talent competition.

Rick Fox and partner Cheryl Burke generally scored in the middle of the pack during Fox' stint at DWTS, and appeared to enjoy popularity, likeability, etc. with the audience. Thus with Bristol Palin, Kurt Warner, and at times Kyle Massey earning lower scores than the former NBA star, it was a tough pill for many to swallow last night when his name was announced for elimination.

As per standard protocol, the eliminated couple was relegated to the Jimmy Kimmel show after the announcement. Funnyman Kimmel told Fox, "You said that this is harder than Game 7 of an NBA final? ... First of all, I don't think you've been in a Game 7, right?"

Fox agreed and admitted he had gone as far as the Western Conference finals. He also responded to Kimmel's comment by stating, "I prepared for that."

Click here to watch Rick Fox and Jimmy Kimmel clip.

With high-scorers Audrina Patridge and now Rick Fox leaving DWTS, the fact that Bristol Palin is still around despite scoring in or at the bottom on a regular basis becomes even more pronounced and analyzed. Speculation that Palin's mother has enough political power and influence to ensure Bristol receives enough votes, DWTS is simply a popularity contest, etc., are running rampant.

It's not certain as to why Bristol, a star with arguably the least dance talent among the cast members of Season 11, is staying. The producers of DWTS would probably say it's because she has a huge fan base whose votes are keeping her there.

However, it is certain that Dancing With The Stars continues to remain a show with a magic formula that makes it loved/hated by millions. DWTS continues to be unpredictable, is watched by the masses every week (over 21 million viewers tuned in for the debut of Season 11), and is still going strong after 11 seasons.

And most likely, by the time Season 12 rolls around, Season 11 and all its drama will be laid to rest.