Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has a recap of last night's show.

Lenni G: It's a night of Wonder, Stevie Wonder, with all the couples dancing to Stevie Wonder hits, and I know y'all wondering how our home girl, Kellie Pickler, did.

Well, to borrow words Kellie uses when she gets excited, her performance of the quick step with Derek Hough to "Part Time Lover" was - YES! WOOOO!! YEAH!!! and BAM!!!! Carrie Ann said it was perfect in so many ways, including posture, nuance, interpretation, etc., etc.. Len called it, "The best dance of the season." Bruno found it sumptuous and superb. Judges scores - 9 from Carrie Ann, 10's (YES) from Len and Bruno for a total of 29. I know, Carrie Ann said it was perfect so why the 9 from her? Something about "too much space in the holds" which caused Len and Bruno to call CA "too finicky." Yep, way too finicky. On to the rest -

Zendaya and Val started the evening with a cha cha to "Do I Do." Len asked Zendaya to ask him, "What is one word to define great dancing?" She asked and he answered, "Zendaya." Bruno said it was, "gob smacking gorgeous" and that she could cha cha him anytime. Carrie Ann was "blown away," calling it, "perfection in motion." This girl is sooo gooood! Judges scores - 10's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 9 from Len for a total of 29.

Just when I was starting to think Bates & Anthony might easily cruise to ultimate victory, the 9th leg comes along.

Bates & Anthony leave first for Dresden, Germany. They'll head to the Ministry of Finance building and jump into a Ford Fusion (with Eco Boost!) for their next clue.

The Derby Moms can't understand why the Blondes keep working to keep Bates & Anthony around when they are such a strong team. The Blondes say they want Bates & Anthony in the final three with them. No, it doesn't make sense in terms of strategy but they're the Blondes not the Rocket Scientists.

Bates & Anthony quickly lose their lead; the train to Germany leaves late enough for all the teams to make it onboard. And then, while he was asleep, someone steals Bates' knapsack. Thankfully, Bates was smart enough to keep his passport separate. Still, someone in Germany, at this moment, is wearing Bates' boxers. Or briefs. Please let them be boxers. One of the Blondes offers to lend Bates her undies because Bates is such a sweet, kind, good hearted guy, he shouldn't have to go commando. Anthony offers his drawers too. I hope we never learn how this all got resolved.

In Germany, the Ford Fusion (with Eco Boost!) is programmed to give the Racers, three questions that will lead them to the next location. Thank goodness the questions are multiple choice or the YouTube stars, and perhaps the Blondes, would still be there now. They had no idea who said "Tear Down This Wall," who President Reagan said it to and where he was standing when he said it. After the Blondes guess correctly, they feel bad about not helping Bates & Anthony, but I'm happy to report Bates & Anthony didn't need help. They know hockey and American history. They all head to the Bradenburg Gate.

The Blondes and Bates & Anthony meet up again when the next clue sends them to a hotel; the Blondes are to follow Bates & Anthony in their Ford Fusions (with Eco Boost!). Alas, Anthony drives a tad too fast, taking a light the Blondes miss. And just like that, the steadfast alliance between the two teams falters because the Blondes think Bates & Anthony were only looking out for themselves.

After the Ford Fusion (with Eco Boost!) commercial, the teams have to base jump from the top of the hotel to get their next clue. That brings them to a detour. Train Trails involves going to a train museum and laying toy train tracks; the accompanying toy train had to ride the rails without going off track to get the clue. Font Follies required transporting giant light-up glass letters to a museum without breaking them to get the clue.

Bates & Anthony pick Font Follies and follow the Blondes much to their chagrin. Now that they no longer trust Bates & Anthony and don't want to compete with them in a foot race, they don't want them around. They all pick up their letters and when they stop to get directions, Anthony's letter 'V' falls and cracks. Anthony thinks it was perhaps a gust of wind; he might consider it was a resentful Blonde. Anyway, Bates & Anthony either have to go get another letter or go do the other task. They pick the other task. As Bates says when they're in the cab to the Train Trails: "Busted letter, busted spirit."

Meanwhile, the Newlyweds, who said at the start of the leg that they couldn't believe they hadn't won more legs, wins this leg after the completing the road block, which involved going into a labyrinth in some janky nightclub, with the password being "Kennedy," as in "Who said, Ich bin ein Berliner." Guess what they won? Yep, a 2013 Ford Fusion (with Eco Boost!) each.

The YouTube stars, by the way, had no idea Kennedy said that, even though that speech is on YouTube. And isn't it great that rather than learn it in school, they learned it on a competition reality show?

Bates & Anthony get the train around the tracks on their 9th attempt. They are in last place and they need a miracle. It comes in the form of the Derby Moms who are lost on the way to the nightclub and also don't know the President Kennedy is a Berliner. Anthony knows it though and he ends up working with one of the Derby Moms to make it through the labyrinth, setting up the foot race the Derby Moms have dreaded.

Bates & Anthony beat them to the finish line, but it's OK. It's a non-elimination leg.

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has thoughts on the latest dancer sent home from the show.

Lenni G: Really fantastic opening to the show last night featuring pros and the troupe in an "outer space" routine choreographed by Mark and Derek. The staging was amazing as was the dancing.

We also had entertainment from The Band Perry, Selena Gomez and Kerli. Yep, that Kerli! And Kerli's hit song also got the benefit of some great choreo from one of the best choreo people around, the incomparable Stacy Tookey who we first met on "So You Think You Can Dance."

On to the results - Kellie and Derek, Zendaya and Val, Jacoby and Karina, Aly and Mark, Sean and Peta, and Andy and Sharna were declared safe, leaving Ingo and Kym, Victor and Lindsay, and D. L. and Cheryl in jeopardy.

After Ingo and Kym went to safety, Victor and Lindsay (again) and D. L. and Cheryl (first time) were in the bottom two. And then, somewhat surprisingly, D. L. and Cheryl were eliminated from the competition. Have to say that, though his "dancing" never really improved from the first week, his attitude certainly did. Super turnaround, my friend, and, glad "you had a ball."

I'm really looking forward to next week when we have the first team dances. Team captains, Kellie and Zendaya, will each choose three other couples and then each team will dance together to either a paso doble or a samba. And, since it's Stevie Wonder week, the music for the paso will be "Higher Ground," and the music for the samba will be "Superstition."

Clearly, next week's show is appointment television!

-Lenni G

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has a recap of last night's show.

Lenni G:

As I said last week, this week's format was "side-by-side" which I was a bit confused about. Well, last night we learned that a star and his/her pro partner would be dancing "side-by-side" with a pro and his/her pro partner. Credit for this unique idea, which I thought worked well for some, not so much for others, goes to Coach Len.

Our homie, Kellie Pickler, was one of the stars who benefited from having a female pro on her team. She and Derek did a fox trot which was Kellie's first strictly "ballroom dance" of the season. She was obviously nervous and Derek was not happy with her in rehearsal. Pro Anna, dancing with Pro Henry, stepped in with some fabulous advice that resulted in a terrific performance.

Carrie Ann called Kellie a "million dollar dancer." Len said she turned the fox trot into the "hot" trot and put the "oo" in smooth. Bruno thought she had all the glamour and humor of Jean Harlow. I have to think that only 60-somethings and above -- and Bruno -- would know what a comparison to Jean Harlow meant but, as a 70-something myself, I can assure you that it was very good comparison. Judges scores - 9's from all three for a total of 27.

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has thoughts on the latest dancer sent home from the show.

Lenni G: Though last night's results were not unexpected, I have to say that the performance by JLo and Andrea Bocelli certainly was, at least to me. Their voices fit together perfectly! I am admonishing myself for having so little faith in "Jenny from the block." Moving on ...

Couples declared safe were: Ali and Mark, Zendaya and Val, Kellie and Derek (YES!), Jacoby and Karina, Ingo and Kym, Sean and Peta, and D. L. and Cheryl.

That left Victor and Lindsay, Lisa and Gleb, and Andy and Sharna in jeopardy. After the usual break, Andy and Sharna were declared safe, which meant my prediction for the bottom two was right. And then, not surprisingly, Lisa and Gleb (pictured above) got their tickets for the Bye Bye Train. Props to Lisa for her very gracious parting remarks.

One last note to D. L.: Your heartfelt comment that you have become so "invested" in the competition was terrific.

So, next week the couples will dance in a side-by-side format which I really don't understand. Therefore, hope y'all will join me in finding out what that means come next Monday.

-Lenni G

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has a recap of last night's show.

Lenni G: Last night's theme, "The Best Year of Your Life," really brought out the best in some of the stars. And, since I'm incredibly biased when it comes to our home girl, Kellie Pickler, I'll start with a review of her incandescent rumba with Derek Hough. Her best year was 2011 when she married song writer, Kyle Jacobs, who was on stage singing the song he wrote for her, "Say I Do." (LHM, bring me another box of tissues!)

As Carrie Ann said, she made, and makes, such gorgeous pictures with her movements - a true "work of art." Len pointed out how "immersed" she was in the dance and that the music was wonderful. Bruno's comment said it all - "A sequence of magical images scored to the soundtrack of love." It was just, WOW. Judges scores - 9's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 8 from Len for a total of 26. Now for the rest ...

It's almost time. The sixth season of "Mad Men" begins Sunday night (9 on AMC) and I know what you all want: spoilers.

You're all just dying to know about really important plot developments to "enhance" (so you say) your viewing experience on Sunday. I swear, if I've had one person ask me if Don Draper's ad agency has expanded to include a new floor in their building, I bet I've had a hundred. Well, just stop it because I'm not telling you.

Seriously, what is wrong with you, because that would totally ruin Sunday night's premiere! Which is very good, and I wouldn't say that if it wasn't true. It's two hours long and it has characters from the show! Characters who go to work and drink and smoke and sleep around (SHOOT! Now you know what's going to happen!!).

Why don't you look at some publicity photos below -- if you're sure you're not going to be thrown by the fact that Don still has hair and Joan still has both of her eyes. And don't forget, Sunday night at 9 on AMC.

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has the lowdown on last night's elimination.

Lenni G: Other than the results, my favorite part of the night was a taped dance routine from choreographers Nick Flores and R. J., which featured not only great moves, but those same great moves backwards. Love it when technology and art come together for a great show.

We also had songs from Huey Lewis and the News as well as Demi Lovato, and lots of dancing from lots of folks.

Viewers votes resulted in Zendaya and Jacoby being chosen as Prom King and Queen. Judges scores and viewer votes also resulted in Zendaya and Val, and Jacoby and Karina being declared safe for next week. Others safe included Kellie and Derek, D. L. and Cheryl, Sean and Peta, Victor and Lindsay, Ali and Mark, and Ingo and Kym, which meant that Lisa and Gleb, Andy and Sharna, and Wynonna and Tony were in jeopardy.

It was another great night of dancing for North Carolina native Kellie Pickler. Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has the full recap below.

Lennie: It was Prom Night and once again our homie, Kellie Pickler, and her partner, Derek Hough, were brilliant dancing a jive. As Carrie Ann said, it was the fastest routine she'd ever seen and was just "ridiculously amazing." Bruno loved how crisp, tight and precise the whole thing looked. Even Len had to declare her, "Queen of the Prom." I would go one step further, Len, and declare her, "Queen of the Night." Judges scores - 8's from Carrie Ann and Bruno, 9 from Len for a total of 25.

Ali and Mark started the evening with a Viennese waltz that looked great. Len said he was very impressed. Bruno was swept away with the romance and great expression. Carrie Ann commented on the amazing quality of movement. I just love how Ali's personality is growing every week and that she's gotten away from being a robotic gymnast in her performances. Judges scores - 7 from Carrie Ann, 8's from Len and Bruno for a total of 23.

I'm posting this for Adrienne, who dutifully recapped "Amazing Race" on the eve of a week-long vacation.

Leg 7, Botswana and Bates & Anthony leave first. They must drive to a village for the clues.

The guys seem entranced by Africa. Bates says last night instead of counting sheep, he counted lions.

Meanwhile, the Blondes reveal their love for God, noting that He is at the center of their lives. It's starting to looking like a hookup with Bates & Anthony is not going to happen unless they put a ring on it.

On the road, Bates & Anthony get a little lost; when they stop for directions they're told that they should get help finding the village because there's a tricky bend in the road. Anthony confirms that navigation isn't their strong suit; it's a lot easier getting around when they have someone to follow or as he puts it 'cheat off of.'

Their Blondes might feel the same way. They get stopped by the police for speeding. One Blonde is confident she can get them out of it; she's talked her way out of tickets before. But apparently, Botswana is the only country in Race history where blonde hair is not revered. The po-po and the po-po's supervisor ain't going for it. They've got to go to the station and pay a fine. The brunette Derby Moms drive by the scene without so much as a 'hey, you OK?'

It could be worse, the Blondes could be the Newlyweds who can't even find the SUV they're supposed to drive.

While all that's going on, Bates & Anthony manage to find the village and the first clue. It contains a fast forward, which if completed, offers the chance to skip every other task and head to the pit stop. All they have to do is stay upright on a pair of water skis for one mile in crocodile infested water. Bates isn't confident; it seems he's had an unsuccessful water skiing experience. But Bates & Anthony decide to give it a try. "What's the crocodile situation?" Bates asks as they head out into the murky water. Anthony makes the unfortunate remark that to the crocodiles they might be 'Italian sausage.'

Bates struggles to stay up, but he finds his center of balance and stays locked in that position. Bates & Anthony make the mile without getting eaten. They can head to the pit stop. Bates is proud that he stayed upright on the skis, 'plus I got to take my shirt off.' He's offering a little something for the ladies, he believes, but ahem, it's not that much. Sorry, dude.

Later, we're treated to Bates in his drawers relaxing on the boat as they head to the pit stop. "You can't get better scenery than this," he says. 'And Africa is nice too." It's official: Bates is going for a TV show.

After enjoying scenes of wildlife, Bates & Anthony get to the pit stop first. They get $7,500 each. It's their third first place finish of the Race.

Their Blondes aren't so lucky. They get to the police station only to find out the Botswana po po won't take American dollars. One Blondes gives $100 to a stranger to exchange for her and prays that he comes back. He does.

Just after they leave the station, the Newlyweds, finally find their car, get snagged in the Botswana speed trap. This causes Mrs. Newlywed to emasculate her husband; apparently real men can find a car and avoid speeding tickets. She's already called him stupid and gotten him to co-sign on that insult.

So, it's surprising that when they pay their fine and are leaving the police station and Mr. Newlywed backs up and hits a pole, denting the bumper, she doesn't start calling him Susie.

The YouTube stars meanwhile have joined the Blondes in their religious fervor now that they are frustrated from having to use a map rather than a GPS. They are praying to Jesus that they are going the right way, and thank God when they see the Newlyweds. They figure it's a two-person race for last place.

There's a detour; Brains involves a horseback safari where the teams ride past metal cut-outs of animals. They must memorize the order of the animals, then duplicate that order with tins to get the next clue. Brawn involves carrying stacked wood in a donkey drawn cart. The challenge was getting the donkeys to move.

In the end, the detour undermines the Asian Girls. They start at the donkeys and can't get them to move, so they switch to the safari. They keep missing one metal animal cut-out, so they go back to the donkeys. They end up last and they are eliminated.

They won't cry, crying, they say, is for bitches. (Did they just call Quivering Lip Father a bitch?) They saw some cool stuff, went some cool places and going to Africa was a priceless experience.