Stars Fell and Overcame Tragedy to Triumph on "Dancing With the Stars"

It never ceases to amaze me how cruel people can be. Some are talking real trash about the fall Maks Chmerkovskiy and Kirstie Alley took last night on "Dancing with the Stars". Despite the fact the cranky pro admitted his thigh just gave way, some still claim it was the fault of his partner. Why? It's because she is over weight.

I hate how thin people think that are morally superior to those who are not so thin? I have a news flash for them. They are wrong!

How about a little praise for Alley, who is 60, for trying to do what women half her age and weight can't do. Why is it all about size instead of about the human spirit?

Like consummate professionals, Maks and Kirstie got back up together and delivered a lovely rumba to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow?. It was the story of tragedy and triumph in Kirstie's own life. Their scores (at 21) were highly respectable given the situation.

Carrie Ann admitted that something magical happened on the dance floor in spite of the fall. Len noted that Kirstie's story line was about overcoming obstacles and that she proved she could do that by getting back up and coming back stronger than ever. Bruno called Kirstie's dancing better than ever.

The whole night was full of tragedy and triumph as the celebrities told very personal stories through dance. Sugar Ray Leonard served notice to the judges that he wasn't giving up. He and Anna delivered a strong paso doble to the song "My Perogative". He still needs to hit his Latin lines with more punch, but his fighting spirit said he was ready to punch his way to the top.

Bruno called him a raging bull. Carrie Ann praised his improvement. Len said he fought back. All of that added up to a respectable score of 20.

Wendy Williams continued to falter with a fox trot that was technically okay but performance wise dead on arrival. There was no excitement or triumph when there should have been. The story was supposed to illustrate her career from bottom to top.

Carrie Ann said she respected Wendy's strength, courage and willingness to follow her dreams. However, she thought the talk show diva took a big step backwards this week. Bruno agreed, saying the dance wasn't fluid. Len was even less complimentary, calling it a struggle from beginning to end. All of that was reflected in a dismal score of 15.

Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas, who took a beating last week for an unusual jive, decided to play it straight this week with their cha cha. They danced to a song written especially for Chelsea by her first love. It was the first time anyone noticed the star's resemblance to former pro Julianne Hough.

Carrie Ann called her a baby Julianne and said she was adorable. Bruno called the dance sexy and exciting. Len said it was the best dance of the night. The score reflected those positives at 23.

Chris Jericho wanted to keep his momentum going but decided to honor his mother come what may. He and partner, Cheryl Burke, delivered a beautiful rumba to "Let it Be". The audience loved it but the judges were somewhat harsh.

Carrie Ann called it a beautiful tribute that created an emotion as dance should do. Len said Chris had no upper body fluidity and that his lines were disconnected. Bruno said the dance was full of warmth and naked vulnerability. But he also agreed that Jericho took a small step backward for the week. The final score was 21.

Kendra Wilkinson and Louis van Amstel presented a story about love. It expressed the tale of Kendra and her husband, who had to battle prejudice and hatred to be together. Done to the song "You and Me," the rumba was ever so slightly stilted, but it is important to remember that Wilkinson is no dancer.

Carrie Ann called the routine hot, hot, hot and congratulated Kendra for continuing to explore her own sensuality. Len said he didn't like the unnecessary gyration but thought that the star had gorgeous legs. Bruno called the dance pleasingly erotic and hot. That translated into a score of 23.

Rapper Romeo and his partner Chelsie Hightower performed a rumba to the song "I'll Be There." It was a tribute to two of Romeo's cousins; both of who died at early ages. The dance was emotional and lovely.

Carrie Ann said she appreciated how Romeo committed emotionally but encouraged him to continue refining his movements. Bruno said the routine had heart and soul. He encouraged the rapper to keep improving his footwork. Len simply stated it was a huge step backwards. The couple received two 7's and one 6 for a total of 20.

Kym Johnson and Hines Ward came out ready to party with a bright and cheerful samba that highlighted the football player's sexy moves.

Carrie Ann said "baby's got bounce." Len said the dance was upbeat and that he was proud of Hines. Bruno called the routine and uplifting expression of happiness. Hines was pleased to receive the first 9 of the season. Along with two 8's, that translated to the highest score of the season as well, at 25.

Beautiful and sweet Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin did an eye and heart catching waltz to "You Raise Me Up." Petra explained that she heard the song while walking the beach to visit orphans after the tsunami that almost claimed her life. She said it reminded her that even in the darkest of times, something good could prevail.

The dance was likely the most memorable of the evening. It flowed with grace and elegance. Carrie Ann, through tears of her own, said she could tell Petra's heart was in the dance. Bruno called it like watching a vision from heaven. He called Petra an angel with not only a beautiful face, but also a beautiful heart. Len said the routine has grace, elegance and fluidity. He called it brilliant and remarked she was the new contestant to watch out for. The score echoed the positives at 25.

Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff told the story of Ralph's life, in rumba, through the song "Stay Gold." It was lovely although Ralph's hands continued to be problematic.

Carrie Ann called the dance sweet but encouraged Ralph to work on his core strength. Len said the dance was quick and clear but that Ralph's hands and feet both needed refining. Bruno said the routine was beautiful but also commented on the hand action. Clearly disappointed, the couple scored a less than satisfactory 21.

Here is the standing for the third night of the series:

Hines Ward and Kym Johnson - 25
Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin - 25

Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas - 23
Kendra Wilkinson and Louis van Amstel - 23

Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke - 21
Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy - 21
Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff - 21

Romeo and Chelsie Hightower - 20
Sugar Ray Leonard and Anna Trebunskaya - 20

Wendy Williams and Tony Dovolani - 15

While, score wise, it would seem that Williams is the logical choice to be cut during tonight's elimination, it may not go that way at all. After all, she has a strong fan base.

If Williams is saved then it is likely that the other couple in the bottom two last week, will be up for elimination again. If so, it may be Sugar Ray who has fought his last ballroom fight.