Now that Rick Perry has been eliminated, it's time to assess the elimination risk for the remaining celebrities.
You know, since there are no Rick Perry's left in the competition, someone has to be on the bottom of the Dancing with the Stars totem pole.
Quick Evaluation: Pretty sure she's going to be safe for a while
This former Olympian has been the favorite to win it all from the season premiere, and this week she could blow the roof off the competition.
In Week 4 Laurie and Val will be dancing to music from the Michael Jackson show "One". So, what do you get when you combine a clear cut favorite with some of the most iconic music and dancing the world has ever seen? A possible Emmy nomination, a trending hashtag, and hopefully not a complete forfeit by the other celebrity competitors.
From our Dancing.. Season 23 Archives
Quick Evaluation: Legitimate contender
If Randy Jackson were ever a guest judge on the show, he'd say "Yo, this dude is in it to win it!" To which most of the viewing public would probably agree.
James Hinchcliffe is a great example of what we'd all like to see in Vanilla Ice - he's 100% committed. There's nothing remaining of his race driving comfort zone, and that, and his dancing, look intentional and authentic. For him to continue on in the show, he's got to continue on this path of dance development.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"... at some point, Hinchcliffe will need to move his hips in a Latin Dance, and Sharna Burgess can make that happen."
Quick Evaluation: Trending in the right direction
She may not be a sure-fire contender, but minus one Olympic gymnast, she would be included in the Final 3 conversation.
She's taken on some tough dances so far and Gleb has utilized their combined sex appeal to win over a lot of voters. That being said, she's going to need to show a softer, and more elegant, side when dances like the Waltz and Foxtrot come up.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
Quick Evaluation: Could be facing elimination soon
The Jive has a way of exposing any lack of agility, footwork, or cardiovascular issues in a fun, but heartless, sort of way. While he looked cool, and had some good moments, Babyface was still the Jive's latest victim.
If Babyface is going to stick around, he's going to need to deliver on the uptempo dances. Consistent footwork and commitment to pushing his comfort zone will keep him in the competition.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"Now he needs to show that he can go uptempo with his dancing in the coming weeks."
Quick Evaluation: Legit Contender
Marilu has done a great job soaking up everything Derek has challenged her with. To this point, she definitely doesn't dance like she's the eldest competitor on the show.
Not to over think things. At some point, every celebrity has a physical or mental wall they must climb. We don't think the physical aspect will be her undoing, so let's hope she stays focused, and enjoys the process.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
Quick Evaluation: Bottom 2. Next week may be the end
All body shaming Julianne Hough aside, Amber and Maks played their twerking trump card, and there isn't much ammunition left.
Support from her Twitter followers. Perhaps they just don't watch the show, but she could add a few more weeks onto her campaign with a little digital support. That would give Maks the additional time necessary to hone her dance technique, so they don't have to resort to anything that may further offend people on the panel, or otherwise.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"... Amber Rose has the capability of filling out a dance frame, and lighting up the room like no one else, but the question is - will she? "
Quick Evaluation: Elimination watch over shows 4 and 5
Ryan Lochte had some solid moments in his Cha-Cha, but the routine seemed incomplete due to the misdirection tactics with dramatic lighting.
This is the week where things could pivot for Ryan and Cheryl. PureDWTS.com is reporting that they'll dance a Waltz, and this will be a dance that comes closest to life as a swimmer. The dance is known for Rise and Fall, which gives the look of floating - like swimming. The song they are dancing to is from Cirque Du Soleil's "O", which is a water-themed show. As long as they aren't wearing goggles or holding their breath, expect Lochte to make his move in week 4.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"... Ryan Lochte is an underdog in Season 23, but maybe that can work to his advantage. "
Quick Evaluation: Watch carefully, could face Bottom two by show 6
Vanilla's Paso Doble got more votes for the dramatic music and costuming than the actual dancing.
He needs to go all in on posture and presentation. That means ditching the hat, sacrificing his hip-hop reputation, and showing America that he wants to be taken seriously as a dancer. Witney has worked around the "Ice-ness" as best she can, but if something doesn't change, the Ice is going to melt (and... that's another one. Sorry).
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"Vanilla Ice needs to show us that he's more than Vanilla Ice."
Quick Evaluation: Rising contender
Smiling while dancing is one of the simplest expressions of enjoyment, yet one of the hardest things to do when you're new to the hobby. If you're capable of smiling while dancing Viennese Waltz - that says a lot, and that's just one reason why Calvin Johnson is a legitimate contender.
Wide receivers have, what's called a "route tree". Which is, essentially, all of the potential options a receiver will run on a pass play. Calvin Johnson needs to treat every dance like a different route on the tree. He may score on a route, but he's got to come right back and learn a new one to turn that route (dance) into a score as well.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"By standing tall, and finishing all of his lines, he and Lindsay Arnold, have a chance to make a Jerry Rice run at the Mirrorball Trophy."
Quick Evaluation: Safe for the next 3 weeks
Maureen's Salsa showed the viewing public that she's more than just a classy, elegant, woman. She showed that sex appeal can be delivered in a tasteful way (sorry Amber).
PureDWTS.com is reporting that Maureen and Artem will take on the Argentine Tango in Week 4, and this is where the elegance and the sexy join forces. This could be the week that vaults Maureen ahead of some early hopefuls.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
Quick Evaluation: Trending in the right direction
Sasha Faber has done a great job with Terra Jole. Not only with choreography to flatter her body type, but in his inside-out approach to the theme each week.
She may not realize it, but when a teacher has their student figured out - great things can happen. PureDWTS.com is reporting that the pair will be dancing one of the most physically demanding dances on the show: The Samba. If there was a week to lock in and trust your dance teacher - it would be this week for sure.
From our Dancing... Season 23 Archives
"Terra Jole may be a Little Person, but she joined the show to push the boundaries, not to hide behind them."
Read more about our Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Predictions
What Every Celebrity Needs to Win Season 23
Dance Off in Week 3
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