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DWTS: Playing chicken with a train -- and winning

Our "Dancing with the Stars" blogger Lenni G is pretty thrilled about last night's finale. And we're guessing Donald Driver fans were thrilled they got to see a repeat of the football star's "Playing Chicken with a Train" dance, complete with another live Cowboy Troy performance. Here's Lenni G's recap:

As the Pointer Sisters would say, "I'm so excited and I just can't hide it." What a fabulous finale!

All the Stars were back for some more dancing. My particular favorites were Sherri and lots of guys shaking it big time to "It's Rainin' Men, Hallelujah," and Gladys and Tristan looking totally classy to the tune of "Best of My Love."

Gladys got a second moment on stage singing an absolutely gorgeous rendition of "Memories" from "The Way We Were." Note to show producers - bring this amazing lady back soon and often.

DWTS: A nearly perfect night of dancing

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G recaps a busy -- and nearly perfect -- night of dancing:

It's finals night of the best season of DWTS and it certainly didn't disappoint. For the first of two dances, each couple did a judges' pick, described as a style they had done previously that the judges felt needed some improvement.

William and Cheryl, with an assist from Bruno (surprise, NOT), did a cha cha that sizzled (as usual). Len called it, "as good as any cha cha he had seen in 14 seasons." Bruno said it was a delicious "Cuban cocktail," and that William's hip motion was "sex on legs." Carrie Ann congratulated William on adding sophistication as well as sharp and defined moves to his always present "magic." Judges' scores - 10's from all three for a total of 30. So, the evening starts "perfectly."

DWTS: From a talented field, a surprising elimination

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G weighs on on last night's surprising elimination:

It's a night when, as Tom Bergeron put it, no matter who stays or goes, "It's gonna suck!"  True, very true.  Leading up to the "sucky moment," we had ...

Cheryl and William with an encore of their perfect samba from Monday night.

Alanis Morissette with her new song, "Guardian."

Carrie Underwood with her new song, "Good Girl."

Julianne Hough and Mary J. Blige with a spectacular song and dance number from their new movie, "Rock of Ages."

And then we had results.

DWTS: A night of personal stories and great dancing

Our "Dancing with the Stars" expert Lenni G recaps a night of fabulous performances:

I got what I wanted - an incredible night of dancing from all four couples and some amazing life stories for each of the stars. Everybody did two dances - one ballroom, one Latin - and everybody was just plain fabulous.

William and Cheryl (right) started with a tango that really got the evening off right. Of course, Len wanted more "holds" but thought it was terrific overall.  Bruno called William the "master of the house" and the "dictator of the tango." Carrie Ann affirmed that William is "more than just a pretty face." I would have added that the area below his face is pretty pretty too. This is one good looking, great dancing couple. Judges' scores - 9's from Carrie Ann and Len, 10 from Bruno for a total of 28.

DWTS: Half-Pint out in double elimination show

Lenni G fills us in on last night's double elimination episode of "Dancing with the Stars":

It was double elimination night and there were a few scary and nervous moments for everyone. Top scary moment - Judge Len in nothing but a Speedo. Really, a Speedo! Top nervous moment - Katherine and Mark in jeopardy.

We also had fun moments, including Dance Center with Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice and the Speedo Guy. And, we got to see a "Stars of the Dance" tribute to Dick Clark. Loved it that the show invited quite a few of the original Bandstand kids to view the tribute in person. And, and, the judges chose the trio jive routine from Karina, Donald and Peta as the encore dance. Terrific choice judges! On to the results...

'Dancing with the Stars': A busy night on the dance floor

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has a report from last night's eventful show.

Last night was BUSY!  Each couple danced as a pair, and then each couple danced as part of a trio, with the third member being either a previously eliminated Pro or member of the DWTS Troupe.  

Starting off the evening, Donald and Peta did a great tango.  Len called it a "1st round knockout," saying it set a very high standard for the rest of the couples.  Bruno loved Donald's aggression and power. Carrie Ann pointed out the dynamic shapes but wanted more drama, which she got when Donald walked over and gave her a big kiss. Judges' scores - 9's from all three for a total of 27. After the comments they made, the judges needed to pull out the "10" paddles. Huge mistake, judging people.  In the trio round, Karina joined Donald and Peta for a fan - freaking - tastic jive.

DWTS: Cruisin' through Motown Night

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G gives us the scoop on last night's Motown-themed show.

It's Motown night and we have Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and Martha Reeves singing their hit songs for the dancers. We also have a group called Human Nature who will be touring the US doing Motown songs. Um, still trying to figure out why a group doing Motown covers is called Human Nature. But I digress.

Great start to the night with The Temptations singing  "My Girl" for the rumba from Gladys and Tristan. Len said that if he was voting with his heart, Gladys would be at the top of the leader board. Yep, she would be. Bruno loved her star quality but wanted more "steaminess." Bruno loves "steaminess." Carrie Ann told Gladys that the night belonged to her and that she would pay money to see this dance again. Me too. Judges' scores - 7's from all three for a total of 21.  

DWTS: Season's first Dance Duel is a mess

"Dancing with the Stars" blogger Lenni G has the latest on last night's Dance Duel and elimination.

Last night's entertainment included Train, accompanied by a terrific Cheryl and Louis routine, Sheila E. with her drums, etc., and Selena Gomez with the Scene but no Justin Bieber.  

Judges chose Maria and Derek's salsa for the encore dance which expanded a bit on the first performance. Derek still lost his shirt but planted the big kiss on Carrie Ann, not Maria. Maria, not to be ignored, planted a big one on Bruno. Oh my, a four-way!  Let's move quickly to the results...

DWTS: Latin dances set stage for tonight's elimination duel

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G on last night's sultry Latin dances:

I got my wish people. Last night's Latin dances were all accompanied by Latin music! And, we had the incredible Carlos Santana on stage the whole two hours doing his Latin thing. Well done DWTS folks!

Jaleel and Kym began the evening with a samba. Len loved Jaleel's rhythm and also told him he had his "bum going like he was chewing toffee." Now there's a picture. Bruno loved the "wiggle" as well, adding that it appeared Jaleel had a Mimi Me inside operating it. Carrie Ann loved his attack and fire. Nothing like a good "bum" to get the party started. Judges' scores - 8's from all three for a total of 24.

Melissa Gilbert (pictured here with Maks) made a brave return to the dance floor after suffering a mild concussion and whiplash last week. Her salsa with Maks seemed a little tentative, though I have to give her props for coming back. Bruno told her she always goes to the "max" but that she needs more control. Carrie Ann complimented her on gaining confidence over the season but also mentioned her lack of control. Bruno liked her rhythm and feel for the dance. Judges' scores - 7's from all three for a total of 21.

DWTS: A tearjerker night with high-scoring dances

Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G has some thoughts on last night's episode.

To quote Judge Len, last evening's performances were "awesome." Lowest score of the night - 24. Yes, people, I said 24! And we had the first tens of the season! The dancing was all about the stars most memorable year so you know knew from the start it was going to be a multiple tissue event.  

First up, Jack and Anna with a samba celebrating Jack's daughter "finding" him in 2011. Len liked Jack's rhythm and felt it was the best dance from him so far. Bruno said he really "got the party started." Carrie Ann felt he "uplifted the room" but wanted to see more. I'm still not into Jack though it was a nice story. Judges' scores - 8's from all three for a total of 24.
 

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