Dancing with the Stars Season 9 Week 5 Performances

Dancing with the Stars tested the mettle of its stars by asking them to learn two dances this week; the Argentine Tango or the Paso Doble for their usual partner performance and a group hustle. Adding to the chaos was the fact that two professionals, Mark Ballas and Derek Hough, contracted the flu leaving their partners to practice with substitutes.

Couples Dancing the Argentine Tango

Aaron Carter and Karina Smirnoff - Following last week's dismal performance which left Carter in the bottom 2, this tango was, in my opinion, the best he's done so far. It was controlled, precise and loaded with intricate legwork. The judges were complete agreement. Score: 24

Mya and Dmitry Chaplin - Last week Mya was tied for the top score on the leader board. With another intricate performance, the judges found the routine intimate and precise but lacking any emotional connection between the partners. Score 27

Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson - Osmond revealed his moody side with a tango that was intense, sexy, and called it his best dance so far. Viewers saw a side of Osmond only imagined previously. His performance landed him at the top of the leader board. Score 29

Louie Vito and Chelsie Hightower- Improved by six points, the tango was a much better fit for Vito. Cautioned by judges to watch his "pedestrian" style of dancing, he demonstrated an excellent ability to partner, leaving head judge Len Goodman pleasantly surprised. Score 22

Melissa Joan Hart and Mark Ballas - Hart slipped a few points this week because of several missteps throughout the dance. Performing difficult choreography, she stayed in character in spite of the stumbles. Score 23

Couples Dancing the Paso Doble

Kelly Osbourne and Louis Van Amstel - Dancing to one of her father's songs, Crazy Town, Osbourne is slowly blossoming as a dancer. She danced with more authority and handled difficult choreography with seeming ease. The judges advised she stay in the intensity of the dance as that's where she shines. Score 24

Natalie Coughlin and Alec Mezo - Coughlin looked powerful and moved well but she lacks a real connection with her partner. The pair also performed a lift which is not allowed in this dance and it cost them a point or two. Score 22

Michael
Irvin and Anna Demidova - Jumping 5 points, Irvin delivered a convincing routine. Carrie Ann called it her favorite dance so far. Score 21

Mark DaCascos and Lacey Schwimmer - A four-point jump in score was the reward for the hard work in the studio. The dance was sharp, powerful and exciting. Len said a good Paso Doble has to have power, passion and performance and this had all three. Score 26

Joanna Krupa and Maxim Chmerkovskiy - Out with the flu, partner Derek Hough was unable to perform. Krupa practiced for just a couple of days and had to learn a new routine with her substitute partner. The routine began well but a stumble by Krupa nearly caused her partner to fall. Recovering well, the number was finished but not without some damage to the score. Score 24

The group hustle was critiqued by the judges but not scored. Each couple had a few seconds to perform separately from the group. The challenge to do lifts and tricks was on as each pair strove to stand out from the rest. Dressed in 70's costumes and make up, the dancers' appearance was almost more entertaining than the performance itself.

Tomorrow night's results show will feature guest performer Nora Jones performing two numbers. The Macy's Design-A-Dance has got a song, - Eye of the Tiger, a style - the Paso Doble and a former star - Sabrina Bryan. Tonight's voting is to choose the male professional partner. Also on the schedule for tomorrow night as part of Macy's Stars of Dance is a tribute to Michael Jackson which will include some of Dancing with the Stars' professional dancers. Members of the Jackson family including LaToya, will be present for the performance. The stars sitting at the bottom of the leader board this week are Michael Irvin, Natalie Coughlin and Louie Vito. Following last week's appearance in the red lights, I'm picking Louie Vito to leave this week. That's not who I'd like to see leave but it's who I think will leave.

To see earlier recaps, follow the links below:

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 Premiere - Night 1

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 Premiere - Night 2

Season 9 Dancing with the Stars Week 2 Performances

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 Week 3 Performances

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 Week 4 Performances

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 - Week 1 Elimination

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 - Week 2 Elimination

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 - Week 3 Elimination

Dancing with the Stars Season 9 - Week 4 Elimination

Source: Personal Viewing