The Celebrities Prevail on "Dancing with the Stars"

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" plugged along last night despite the fact that two of their pros had been hit with the flu. Supermodel Joana Krupa faced a last minute substitution when her partner, Derek Hough, could not perform because of illness.

Last night was fun to watch because the celebrities performed one of the two favorite dances of the season - - the Paso Doble or Argentinean Tango. Even though their solos were difficult and a group dance routine was also required, the stars managed to prevail, delivery some of the highest scores to date.

Up first was Olympian Natalie Coughlin with her pro partner, Alec Mazo. The team performed a powerful Paso Doble. Unfortunately, Natalie's performance just didn't ring true. It seemed far too contrived.

The judges agreed saying Coughlin was an "accomplished dancer" that unfortunately lacked "aggression" and "passion." Still, their scores were decent. They received two 7's and one 8 for a grand total of 22.

Up next was the star the judges bashed mercilessly last week, singer Aaron Carter. He and Karina chose the Argentinean Tango. The performance was superb. Even the judges agreed.

Carrie Ann said he was "grounded," "dramatic," and "in control." Bruno said he had "focus," "control," and "technique." Len Goodman said Aaron had come back to him and was "no longer lost." Still, the scores weren't as good as I thought they should have been, with three 8's totaling 24.

NFL pro, Michael Irvin, told his pro partner, Anna, that he owed it to the fans to do the best job he could. He felt, but for their votes, he would have gone home last week.

Dancing the Paso Doble, Irvin used every ounce of strength and courage he had to deliver the dancing performance of his life. It was impressive.

The judges agreed, saying he had put his "game face on," and was "remarkably expressive." They called it his best dance to date. Again; however, the scores seemed low at three 7's for a total of 21.

Judge favorite, singer Mya, along with her pro partner, Dmitri Chaplain, choose the Argentinean Tango. While it was technically proficient, it lacked some of the passion of other performances.

The judges said they "liked it" and that it was "intricate, precise, and sophisticated." They also felt that the performance lacked an emotional connection.

In this case; however, the scores were high. The couple received three 9's for a total score of 27.

Mark Decascos, along with partner Lacey Schwimmer, went for the Paso Doble, which proved to be an excellent choice. The dance was powerful and yet enjoyable to watch.

The judges said he was "on it," "powerful," and "exciting." Head judge said the Paso needed three things - - "posture, package, and performance" and that Mark had brought all three to the floor.

The scores reflected the positive comments with two 9's and one 8. The couple was happy with a strong total of 26.

Donny Osmond, in spite of the fact that he opened a Las Vegas show during rehearsal time, proved he had the goods. Dancing an Argentinean Tango, Osmond gave it every ounce of his being to pull off one of the best dances of the night.

The judges said the "tango loves Donny," and that he had "intensity and passion." They called it his best dance. Their scores were equally amazing with two 10's and one 9 for a total of 29.

Snowboarder, Louie Vito, along with his pro partner, Chelsie Hightower, also chose the Argentinean Tango. It was good, but not great.

The judges said the dance "set the mood," and "was great story telling." They praised the way that Louie partnered Chelsie and called it his "best dance."

The score were strong with two 7's and an 8. The couple was pleased with the total of 22.

Melissa Joan Hart hoped to keep the momentum going after her outstanding performance last week. She and Mak chose to do the Argentinean Tango. It was good, but it was clear that Melissa lost her footing a time or two.

The judges said that she "brought the character to the floor" but said there was no connection between the dancers and that the dance lacked the seduction needed to make it stand out. Still the scores were respectable with two 8's and a 7 for a total of 23.

Next on the dance floor was Kelly Osborne and her pro partner Louis Van Amstel. It was okay, but lacked believability.

The judges said that Kelly lost her character off an on and that she struggled with the difficult choreography. They said the dance required "more authority" and "intensity." But the scores were strong, totaling 24.

The last solo of the evening was Joana Krupa with her replacement partner doing an Argentinean Tango. It was good until Krupa lost her footing, which was obvious.

The judges said she did well under the circumstances and that "the glamour was there." The scores were strong with three 8's for a total of 24.

For the group dance, everyone performed the Hustle. It was fun to watch and full of life and vitality. The judges praised Mark and Donny for sticking out.

So who will hit the skids tonight? That is a hard one. Everyone performed strongly this week. Still, someone must go no matter his or her strengths.

First, let's deal who will likely find themselves in the bottom. According to judges' scores, that should include Irvin, with a 21, along with Coughlin and Vito at 22.

I disagree. I think Irvin's fans will save him once again. I believe the bottom two will definitely include Vito along with either Hart or Osborne.

In the end; however, I believe it its Vito's turn to go. However, anything is possible and even those harboring higher scores could find themselves in trouble this week. We'll just have to wait and see.