Dancing With The Stars Winners and Results Of Week 9

When the dancers started their first dance, everyone knew that the competition is going to be very close. This is where the losers from the winners are separated.

Shawn Johnson -- Shawn performed a quick step for her ballroom dance and I thought it was fun, fast and fantastic. Perhaps more importantly, Shawn looked like she was enjoying herself which could result in more viewer votes for the tiny dynamo. Unfortunately, Mark decided to break hold halfway through which is a no-no in the quick step and as a result, he and Shawn only got a 27/30 on what could have been a perfect score for a near perfect routine. For her second routine, Shawn did a paso doble, which could have been disastrous as it requires a passionate, aggressive intensity that Shawn doesn't exude naturally. However, she managed to pull it off with clean, precise dance with some great flamenco action in her solo. Len wasn't entirely wowed, however, so he only gave Shawn a "9", while Carrie Ann and Bruno both gave her a "10", resulting in a 29/30 for the paso and a 56/60 overall.

Ty Murray -- Ty's Argentine tango was exactly what it needed to be -- precise, intense and passionate and he was rewarded for his efforts by a "9" from Len. Still, with only an "8" each from Carrie Ann and Bruno, Ty's score of 25/30 may not be enough at this point in the competition, especially since ballroom is his strength. In the latin round, Ty had to perform a rumba and a solo and to be honest, I was worried for him as he does not have a history of being able to do the hip action necessary for latin dances, especially for one as sensual as the rumba. Sadly, my fears were realized as Ty's rumba was too stiff to be sexy, although his tenacity in putting in his best effort was adorable as always. At the end of the dance, Ty danced his solo for his lady, Jewel, who was in the front row cheering on her man and it was both charming and sweet. However, as Len so aptly put it, in the "first dance, you were a peacock, and in this one, you're a feather duster". Unfortunately, Ty's score of 21/30 for his rumba only gives him a 46/60 overall, which puts him in last place and at risk for going home tomorrow night.

Lil' Kim -- Kim's first dance tonight was a waltz and although it was smooth, it seemed a little lacking in feeling and was almost uncomfortable to watch. As Bruno put it "you tried to be a lady but you're more comfortable being a tramp" and as a result, Kim only got a 25/30 for her waltz. For her latin dance, Kim got to do a salsa and in the lead-up, Len warned that if Kim's salsa wasn't hot enough, he stated "I'm going to go off and pickle my walnuts!" Well Len, I think your walnuts are safe as Kim's salsa was smoking hot, although I have to say, I didn't appreciate the mental image that Len's words produced! Kim's bionic booty was back in action and in his critique, Len told Kim that "you and salsa go together like spotted dick and custard. it's delicious!" Once again, I am left speechless by Len but Kim earned a 27/30 for her salsa, giving her a 52/60 overall.

Gilles Marini -- First off, I just have to say that Cheryl's dress for the foxtrot was to die for, in my opinion. The combination of the sequined leopard print halter dress with the red trim and lining, plus the red satin elbow-length gloves was outstanding and Gilles and Cheryl's foxtrot was pretty good too! It was smooth, elegant and sexy but the judges seemed divided in their opinions. In the end, grumpy Len only gave Gilles a "9", while Bruno and Carrie Ann each gave the dance a "10", resulting in a 29/30 overall. In the Latin round, Gilles got to dance a rumba, a dance which he has been looking forward to performing from the beginning. However, in his solo, it looked like he tried to hard to be sexy as he did a weird sliding step with his feet that didn't really work. Trust me Gilles, you don't need to try to be sexy -- you just are! As a result, Gilles and Cheryl only received a 27/30 for their rumba, giving them a 56/60 overall, which ties them with Shawn and Mark for second place.

Melissa Rycroft -- Melissa was back in action this week, although it was obvious at times that she was still in pain. I thought that her Viennese waltz with Tony looked like they were both walking on eggshells, as if they were waiting for something bad to happen. Also, I have to say that I wasn't loving Melissa's Loretta Lynn'ish hairdo. Apparently, the judges weren't completely wowed either as they gave Melissa a 27/30 for her first dance. For her second dance, Melissa performed a samba and in my opinion, it was her best dance yet. It was fun, flirty and it looked as if she and Tony just relaxed and went for it, which was great. Carrie Ann called it "flawless" and apparently the other judges agreed as Melissa scored a 30/30, giving her a 57/60 overall and putting Melissa in first place.

Also revealed tonight was the fact that Genya Mazo was eliminated from the competition to be a professional dancer on the next season on Dancing With The Stars, based on viewer votes from last week. Tonight, we found out which celebrities the remaining three pros will have to teach to dance for the next part of the competition. Afton DelGrosso was paired with Cody Linley from Season 7, Anna Demidova was paired with Maurice Greene, also from Season 7, and Mayo Alanen got the incredibly toned and buff looking Lisa Rinna from Season 2 as his celebrity partner. It will be interesting to see what happens with the pros are finally paired with celebrities as this will probably be the most challenging part of the competition and may be the most crucial in determining who will have what it takes to be on Dancing With The Stars.

Unfortunately, I think Ty Murray's time has come to go home and while he is not the best dancer, I will miss his spunky, "can do" attitude. However, seeing as this is Dancing With The Stars, anything can happen so who knows what will happen tomorrow night?!

By Melissa, who blogs at Library Jurisfiction