DANCING WITH THE STARS Showdown: The Third Elimination

After a night of classical pieces on DANCING WITH THE STARS, the attention shifted - momentarily, at least - to the usual results show performances. This week featured Jennifer Hudson and violinist David Garrett (who also performed on last night's show). Of course, the big question was which of the celebrities would be sent home. With no truly mediocre performances last night, would Sugar Ray's heart be enough to keep him in the competition? Had Kendra's dislike of classical music paved the way to her swan song? Let's find out!

The first pair announced to be unsafe are Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas, despite their high scores from the judges (twenty-six). They've consistently given performances that, if not technically perfect, were certainly interesting; it seems unlikely that they'll be heading home, but stranger things have happened.

Petra Nemcova and Dmitry Chaplin join Chelsea and Mark in jeopardy, leaving only one spot left for three of last night's weakest dancers - Sugar Ray Leonard, Kendra Wilkinson and Kirstie Alley - although host Tom Bergeron makes a point of saying that it's not the bottom three.

Finally, after the usual time fillers (including a performance from AMERICAN IDOL success story Jennifer Hudson) Tom announces that Sugar Ray Leonard and Anna Trebunsakaya complete those who will be in jeopardy for tonight's elimination.

And indeed, with the lowest scores out of the three in jeopardy, it's Sugar Ray and Anna who get sent home. Sugar Ray carries his positive attitude all the way to the end, very graciously answering his exit questions before taking to the stage one last time.

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. Wireless customers with AT&T may also text message their votes by texting the word "VOTE" to the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast, until 8:00 a.m., PT the following day. Fans may cast the maximum limit of votes for each voting method.

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Photo Credit: ABC/ADAM TAYLOR

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