Thank Goodness for DVRs: American Idol & Dancing with the Stars

OK, so I watch Dancing with the Stars, too – don’t hate me!

Tonight is the results show, which is a compilation of last week’s dancing and this week’s dancing, to determine who is the first celebrity booted off in Season 9.

My infatuation with Dancing with the Stars is much different than my obsession with American Idol. First, on DWTS, I actually know some of the people who are competing. Second, I love seeing the crazy costumes they come up with every week. Yes, the dancing is good, too, but who doesn’t want to see which guy gets put in pink socks or salmon shirt? As for the ladies, you know everyone is just waiting for another wardrobe malfunction like Kelly Monaco (my General Hospital girl!) had in Season 1.

I think Tom Bergeron is one of the hardest working hosts in television today – maybe only second to Ryan Seacrest! Between America’s Funniest Videos, DWTS, and the occasional game show thrown in, he’s on TV almost as much as Regis Philbin! And Tom is funny! I love when he cracks himself up with a joke or really loses it over something one of the judges says.

Like last night, Len the cranky judge, said Pam Anderson was titivating, which means all dolled up (or tarted up, depending on which dictionary you use). Tom got a kick out of that and you could just see the wheels turning as he tried to come up with something clever to say – he didn’t.

Anyway, in my opinion, the competition this season is already split down the middle between who has a shot and who has to go home. Here’s my take, in no particular order:

Pamela Anderson (Damian): She’s great at throwing all the sexy stuff out there, but she can really dance. But she freaked me out a little last night – it didn’t seem like she could get out of her Marilyn Monroe character. Fans will keep her around she deserves it.

Niecy Nash (Louie): Surprisingly Niecy is very light on her feet. Louie is a great teacher and I think she’ll be around for a while.

Aiden Turner (Edyta): The hunk from All My Children, not as smooth as I thought he would be. I feel bad for Edyta. She’s so good and she never gets a great partner. She’s only been to the finals once with fellow AMC hunk Cameron Matheson. Maybe Aiden will surprise us.

Kate Gosselin (Tony): Kate is such a diva! Poor Tony, the nicest dancer on the show, actually quit! OK, so it only lasted about 2 minutes, but still! She has no rhythm and no talent. She should go home and take care of her kids instead of just blowing them kissing and mouthing ‘I love you’ every time the camera pans to her.

Evan Lysacek (Anna): I am a big fan of Evan’s. I loved watching him win gold at the Olympics. I’m not such a fan of Anna’s, but it’s about time she got a partner with some potential. I think Evan has a chance to win the coveted mirror ball trophy, mainly because he is used to learning lots of routines, he has rhythm, and he’s not afraid to put in long hours to perfect a routine. I think Evan will be in the final 3.

Shannen Dougherty (Mark): Sorry, Shannen. Not a fan of 90210, not a fan on DWTS. I don’t think she fits with her partner, and I don’t think she has much rhythm. She may have a week or two left, but that’s about it.

Chad Ochocinco (Cheryl): They have good chemistry, mostly because he’s a flirt and she likes attention, but he doesn’t take criticism very well. I think he was really embarrassed last night and wanted to just walk off the show. I don’t think he has the talent to be around for much longer.

Buzz Aldrin (Ashly): Yes, we all admire Buzz as an American hero, but dancing, really? I also feel bad for Ashley. She just came back this year after being away for several seasons. She has to be thinking, “I came back for this?”

Erin Andrews (Maks): I love Maks. I know, everyone loves Maks – especially Maks. I think he will whip Erin into shape, but I don’t know if it will be enough to win the whole enchilada. She’ll be around at least 5 or 6 weeks.

Jake Pavelka (Chelsie): A bachelor does not a dancer make. Yes, Jake is nice to look at. Yes, he’s trying his best. Good thing he got the prize in the other competition, because I just don’t think he best is going to get him very far in this one.

Nicole Sherzinger (Derek): My favorite to win. Nicole is from the Pussycat Dolls, so she already has a lot of dancing and stage experience. I know, every other contestant who has had dancing experience says it’s not the same, but I can’t help but feel it gives her an unfair advantage. Agreed, she doesn’t have ballroom or Latin experience, but she does have stage presence and the know-how of learning dance routines. That goes a long way against someone who acts or is only a celeb because of a reality TV show.

All that said, I think Shannen is going home tonight. We’ll have to watch to see if I’m right.

And if that wasn’t enough…..it’s performance night on American Idol! Thank Goodness for DVRs. I’ll probably watch Idol and record DWTS. I’ll have my recap on both tomorrow! Until then, get the popcorn, we’re going to be in for a bumpy ride!