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Amber and Nikita dance
Amber Davis and Nikita Kuzmin have yet to score 10 points by Craig or Shirley. They are trying again with another fast-paced number, after Blackpool’s quick move last week. It starts a slow burn, then explodes into action. Bright as a button with bags of energy, sharp feet and fast legs. Her weight goes nicely with her fringed coral dress, which emphasizes the speed of the dance. Flicks, kicks, flips, swirls, and body undulations. A powerful, jam-packed dance number. Also an audition for the musical Tina.
song: Proud Mary by Tina Turner. Originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1969, it was covered by Ike and Tina Turner two years later, and later became one of Tina’s signature songs. Alexandra Burke achieved that in 2017, scoring 39 points and taking a one-point lead when she repeated that in the final. There is no pressure.
First top 40 ever for both. Claudia assures everyone that Carlos is fine and they cry happy tears. “Hold it,” she adds.
Referee grades: 10, 10, 10, 10 for a total of 40 points. Join us She’s at the top of the A-list and, having turned 39 last week, she’s in top form. Carlos is crying too. “She likes dancing more than me,” he sighed.
Judges’ comments: Karen is emotional. Huge reception in the studio. “That dance just got you into the Champions League, baby,” Craig says. “Girl, honestly, that was a step forward, and that was it, I knocked it out of the park,” Motsi says. “She’s got a shot at everything, and she’s progressing so fast and so well, Carlos, you’ve made her such a beautiful dancer,” Shirley says. “Celebrate your story, a-may-zing,” Anton concludes. Could an ideal 40 be a possibility?
Choice of couple Karen and Carlos
Blackpool’s Paso Doble raised the roof of the Tower Ballroom and scored a near-perfect 39 points. Can former lioness Karen Carney tempt the now less popular Craig Paddle? Partner Carlos Go presses her hard, setting his sights on the final. The song means a lot to Kaz as an anthem of self-acceptance. The opening line, “My mother told me when I was little, we’re all born stars,” resonates with her mother’s support of her early soccer career. Graphic clothing with bows and brogues. They worked with choreographer Jake Lee on this routine and did everything in it: street commercials, hip-hop, moonwalking, body popping, breaking, and the Charleston, a spot of cane ritual. Unleashing a sense of freedom and self-expression. Out of sync in places but singing together, endless energy and it’s joyful.
song: Born This Way by Lady Gaga. She described her 2011 hit as her “anthem This Is Who The Fuck I Am” and emerged from a giant egg to perform it at the Grammy Awards, as you would.
Referee grades: 7, 7, 7, 7 for a total of 28 points. A bit harsh? Bal had a busy week in EastEnders which limited her training time but she was reluctant to use that as an excuse, which is admirable.
Judges’ comments: “Apart from the mistakes and hesitation in the legs but there is a lot to like,” says Anton. “It was a bit brash and very emotional but the timing was good and I loved the way you presented it,” says Craig. “Julian darling, that was the best opening I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing.” “Some strong parts but also weak parts,” Motsi says. “Great kicks and flicks, I made mistakes but an exciting number, I prefer the spins and I sold it well,” Shirley concludes. “It’s okay, I’ll come back and do it again at the prom,” Pal says wryly. Seven and eight, shall we say?
Balvinder and Julian’s dance
EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal finished last on the leaderboard in Blackpool, so she may need miracles to escape her fifth dance. She’s the only remaining star who didn’t get a 10. She was worried about the pace of the dancing but Charleston in Week 2 was a great showing, which is a promising sign. Savior theme and a lot of absurdity to start. Jive is a favorite of her professional partner Julian Caillon, and his choreography mixes a lot of swing, lindyhop and jitterbug. Not to mention the amazing jump over Pal’s head. Kicks, flicks, tricks and nice combo, but bounce and sharpness are lacking at some points. Lots of walking from Bale. It drives beautifully. Power flags near the end but a fun, retro-themed routine.
song: Back Where We Started by Maxine Nightingale. The 1975 funk song was covered by Sinitta in 1989. It was created by co-writers Pierre Tubbs and J Vincent Edwards while driving to Charing Cross Hospital, where Tubbs’ wife was giving birth to their daughter.
Referee grades: 9, 9, 9, 9 for a total of 36 points. Higher at the midpoint.
Judges’ comments: “Katya took the choreography to a new level, great dynamics, needed more fluidity but loved the chemistry and narrative,” says Shirley. “Lyrical and wonderful, you were a hardcore boy and lacked a bit of romance but I’m nitpicking, you’re a huge talent,” says Anton. “The hips lacked fluidity and the resistance in the grip was missing, but the passionate, artistic flair loved it,” says Craig. “I loved the storytelling, keep doing what you are doing, what a powerful duo,” Motsi concludes. Nine in each round?
Rumba Luis and Katia
Actor Lewis Cobb and his professional partner Katya Jones achieved the second best 40 points of the series in Blackpool – the closest anyone has ever scored a maximum of two goals. Now, make a big change in speed where they slow it down. Lewis may be the famous person with the highest score in the competition, but he has yet to get 10 points from Shirley for Latin. Can the notoriously difficult Rumba do the trick? Start with some ground work, then move to the emotional and exposed number. Its continuous movement and strong weight transfer. Rhythmic, getting the basics right and driving hard. Maybe not quite earthy and grounded enough but it is sensual and expressive. Spins galore. Lifts, drops and tricks. Sizzler.
song: Falling by Harry Styles. The 2020 piano pop-soul song, co-written and produced by Harry’s longtime collaborator Kid Harpoon, was created by the duo within an hour. It has been covered by fellow X Factor alumni Little Mix, as well as Kelly Clarkson and Gabrielle.
Referee grades: 8, 8, 9, 9 for a total of 34 points.
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