ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" semi-finals May 17, 2010

ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" semi-finals May 17, 2010
Photo credit: ABC

Dancing with the Stars semi-finals aired this evening on ABC. With four contestants remaining and only three slots available for next weeks Dancing with the Stars finals, you can bet the competition was stiff. 

Each of the Dancing with the Stars semi-finalists were required to learn two separate dances this week, consisting of a "Ballroom" and a "Latin" routine. During the "Latin" routine, the Dancing with the Stars instructor stepped aside so that the celebrity partner could dance solo, thus showcasing their dancing skills.

How did your favorite Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist perform?

Erin Andrews and Dancing with the Stars instructor, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, performed a Viennese Waltz that was beautiful to behold. The continuity of movement made the routine graceful, earning Erin a giant step through the door toward the finals.

Next, Erin and Maksim performed a powerful Paso Doble. Bruno Tonioli described Erin as "a hot chick with an attitude". Len Goodman, always the traditionalist, thought the routine was a "funky monkey dance", but he came through in the end, scoring for talent instead of the routine.

Erin's "Ballroom" score, 27 of a possible 30 for her Viennese Waltz.
Erin's "Latin" score, 29 of a possible 30 for her Paso Doble.
Total score, 56 of a possible 60 for Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist, Erin Andrews.

Nicole Scherzinger and Dancing with the Stars instructor, Derek Hough, performed an Argentine Tango which brought Carrie Ann Inaba to tears and made Len Goodman hungry. The performance reminded Len of his grandmother's apple pie, but Nicole was more delicious.

The Cha Cha Cha was Nicole and Derek's next dance routine. Nicole made the routine look effortless, as if it all came naturally to her. Nicole's solo showcased her talent to the extent that Dancing with the Stars judge, Bruno Tonioli, dubbed her the "sexylicious queen of the Cha Cha Cha".

Nicole's "Ballroom" score, a perfect 30 for her Argentine Tango.
Nicole's "Latin" score, 29 of a possible 30 for her Cha Cha Cha.
Total score, 59 of a possible 60 for Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist, Nicole Scherzinger.

Chad Ochocinco and Dancing with the Stars instructor, Cheryl Burke, performed a Waltz. Chad has been heavily criticized this season, partly due to the fact that he has no prior dance experience. Through pure determination, Chad has improved. The Dancing with the Stars judges found Chad's Waltz fantastic, performed with fluidity and refinement.

Chad's Samba was not as impressive. The routine was difficult, but Chad made it through the dance, completing the steps as choreographed. The one redeeming moment was when he ripped off his shirt, finishing the Samba, bare from the waist up.

Chad's "Ballroom" score, 27 of a possible 30 for his Waltz.
Chad's "Latin" score, 25 of a possible 30 for his Samba.
Total score, 52 of a possible 60 for Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist, Chad Ochocinco.

Evan Lysacek and Dancing with the Stars instructor, Anna Trebunskaya, performed a Fox Trot that was totally entertaining. Usually, Evan has a problem blending his personality with the dance. Tonight however, Evan let go of the zombie stare and just had fun. What a difference it makes when you add personality to artistry and musicality.

Evan and Anna's Paso Doble was amazing, earning them high praise from the Dancing with the Stars judges. "The Paso is a man's dance", stated Len Goodman, "The man should dominate...attack with aggression. You did it, that was incredible."

Evan's "Ballroom" score, 29 of a possible 60 for his Fox Trot.
Evan's "Latin" score, a perfect 30 for his Paso Doble.
Total score, 59 of a possible 60 for Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist, Evan Lysacek.

Watch ABC's "Dancing with the Stars", Tuesday night at 8/7 for tonight's semi-finals voting results.