DANCING WITH THE STARS Showdown: 'The Beginning of the End'

Tonight DANCING WITH THE STARS took a trip back to the 80s with The Bangles, shoulder pads, and big hair dominating the episode. At this halfway point in the competiton, the pressure is on for the contestants to show that they've improved their moves. Who rose to the challenge? Find out now!

In true 80s fashion, The Bangles get things started with a medley of "Eternal Flame" and "Walk Like An Egyptian." Hope Solo and Maks will dance the Tango to a painful cover of Bon Jovi's Livin' On a Prayer. Though Hope's without question one of the more athletic contestants, Len isn't a big fan of the dance this week - but sees potential: "You're too willowy," he tells Hope. The other two judges, though, are more positive and the pair walks away with eights across the board for 24 points.

Carson Kressley and Anna are set to follow. Carson's problem has never been entertainment (he brings enough personality to his dances to go around and then some) but he's never had the technique to back it up. This week he seems to be doing a little better, even tossing in a cartwheel, but it's still not quite there. "This was a crowning acheivement," Bruno says, "in madness." The two earn two sixes with a seven from Bruno for a disappointing total of 19 points.

Nancy Grace and Tristan take on Spandau Ballet's True, and while Nancy's still not looking as though she's having any fun. "I want to see real passion when you're dancing," Carrie Ann says, and Nancy earns her highest score of the competition with 22 points.

The Bangles return to sing "Manic Monday" just before JR Martinez and his partner Karina take the stage. "Everyone's seen JR," he says, "But they haven't seen Jose Rene Martinez." JR's Samba gets the praise of all three judges as the pair guns for the top of the leaderboard, and it earns a perfect ten from Bruno for a total of 28 points.

A very lime green Rob Kardashian and Cheryl hit to the ballroom floor next and it's definitely one of Rob's more focused showings - the first time he's seemed fully committed to a performance. Though it's still a little choppy, he ends up with 25 points coming from two eights with a nine from Carrie Ann.

Chaz Bono hopes to get some inspiration from Lacey's former dance coach - her father Buddy, who tries to show Chaz that anyone can shake it on the dance floor. It seems to help during a hard-working performance, and although Chaz has a long way to go to the top of the leaderboard he earns 21 points in all sevens.

David Arquette and Kym are next. After a full-out effort from both of them dancing to "Tainted Love" and decked out as rockers in leather, the judges are more positive than they've been about David so far in the competition. "It's the beginning of the end of the competition," Len tells them dramatically; Carrie Ann Tells David to work on his musicality, but awards David an eight along with Bruno plus a nine from Len for 25 points.

John Waters stops by to lend support to the star of 1987's HAIRSPRAY, Ricki Lake. She and Derek channel an 80s prom with less finesse than last week's Psycho-inspired number, but Ricki's one of the better dancers in the competition and a regular presence at the top of the leaderboard. She receives 24 points, and JR takes the top of the leaderboard this week.

Tomorrow tune in for a bundle of 80s themed performances as well as to find out whose trip down memory lane will be their last on DANCING WITH THE STARS!

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"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.

 

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