Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008

• Nov 18, 2008 10:25 PM ET
• by Mickey O'Connor

Who will make it to the finals, and whose Dancing with the Stars dream will be cut just short? Monday's "surprising turn of events" have made Tuesday's results perhaps the least predictable of the whole season. While Brooke and Derek stumbled in their jive, they made up enough ground in their salsa to keep them from occupying the basement spot. This week that dishonor went to Cody and Julianne, in their first week reunited after her unexpected surgery. Warren and Kym continued to charm the crowd and the judges, despite obvious technical shortcomings, and Lance and Lacey delivered two solid dances, one with Lance wearing only one shoe.

First up, Aretha Franklin is here to sing "Chain of Fools" with terpsichorean accompaniment by Karina Smirnoff, Dimitri Chaplin, someone really Russian-sounding (sorry, Comrade!) and our own Louis van Amstel. It was fun, and I'm sure it's some kind of ballroom sacrilege to say this, but part of me wishes we could just watch Aretha sing.

I find it tedious to recap the contestants' reactions to their scores, but when Warren says something like "when Fat Boy gets warm, there's no stopping him," I'm contractually required to make a note of it.

Her debut album, Spirit, has sold more than 4 million copies, and she'll be performing on the American Music Awards on Sunday on ABC. That's why Leona Lewis is here to sing her ubiquitous mega-hit "Bleeding Love," while Maks and Karina pantomime the lyrics with their smokin'-hot bodies. Thankfully, there was no actual blood.

Let's check the leaderboard:
4. Cody and Julianne: 46
3. Brooke and Derek: 49
2. Warren and Kym: 49
1. Lance and Lacey: 57

Len says Cody is enthusiastic. Bruno says Lance brings great creativity. Carrie Ann says Warren is a natural charmer. Brooke is the most polished dancer with great technique, says Len.

She sings too?! What can't Julianne Hough do? She sings "My Hallelujah Song" accompanied by Lacey, Marc and Derek. She sure is pretty (sigh). I have definitely found religion tonight. Lacey is kind of a spaz on the dance floor, huh? Again, I find the dancing to be distracting, but it was cute to see Derek singing along to his sister's song.

Now five-time Grammy winner John Legend is here to sing "Green Light" from his hit album Evolver. I wonder what he's "ready to go" do right now, hmmm? The dancing in formation reminds me of a school dance, but like they are represented in the movies, not in reality. Overall, and correct me if I'm wrong, the choreography seems dangerously amateur.

Moms! Warren's mom is cute. As is Cody's. Brooke's husband, Baywatch's David Charvet, is falling in love with his wife all over again. And Lance's grandpa is so proud. Sniff. Tear.

Reigning champions Kristi Yamaguchi and Marc Ballas are here to dance while the Queen of Soul sings "Respect." Aretha is, of course, perfection. As you all know, I didn't watch Dancing with the Stars last season, but is it really fair to include a figure skater in the mix? I mean, that's really close to a ballroom dancer, and no ice! I'm guessing Kristi wiped up the floor with everybody, because she's really good.

Smack talk? Boo, no, they all compliment each other in a boiler room filled with dry ice. Filler. Wait, they sneak some in while I'm in the kitchen getting a "snack." And I missed it!

Lance and Lacey are... IN THE FINALS!
Brooke and Derek are... IN THE FINALS!
Cody and Julianne are... STILL IN JEOPARDY!
Warren and Kym are... STILL IN JEOPARDY!

Cody and Julianne are... OUT!
So Warren and Kym are... IN THE FINALS!

Aw. Cody is gracious and gives credit to Julianne, who is now tearing up, and who says they will be lifelong friends. Their last dance is really sweet and funny. Those crazy kids!

On to the finals! Do you think America made the right choice?

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