Mario’s Surprise Dancing Elimination

May 7, 2008

It may have been Dancing with the Stars‘ 100th episode celebration, but someone still had to go home.

All eyes were on Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani
(the couple with the lowest score, 50/60, going into last night’s results show) as the next pair to be eliminated, but in a mild upset Mario and partner Karina Smirnoff became the eighth couple voted off DWTS.

Being the youngest contestant to grace the dancefloor, the 21-year-old R&B singer was a class act when it came time to say his farewell–even personally thanking his fiercest critic, judge Len Goodman.

After telling the crowd, “I’ve had a great time, a great partner and great competition,” Mario said: “Len, thank you for all the comments you made. Ultimately, you helped me become a better ballroom dancer. The comment about me being an inspiration to young people, I want to say that the real great ones are the young men and women fighting for our country…I had a ball. Thank you guys.”

Mario found himself in the bottom two with NFL star Jason Taylor, who until this week’s competition had been a darling of the judges and the viewers.

So heading into next week’s semifinal are Marissa & Tony, Kristi & Mark, Jason & Edyta and Cristian & Cheryl.

But last night’s show wasn’t just about saying goodbye, viewers got to see some of their favorite dancers and contestants from seasons past came back to help celebrate the 100th episode, including Julianne Hough and Apolo Anton Ohno, Mel B. and Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Mario Lopez, who pre-taped a performance with the cast of A Chorus Line.

Tell us: Were you suprised Mario and Karina were eliminated? Who do you predict will go into the final two? And what was your favorite moment of DWTS‘ 100th episode celebration?

KELSEY McNEAL/ABC

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Stephanie May 7th, 2008

I liked Mario, but I just can not stand Katarina, she ALWAYS acts like a sourpuss! When Mario Lopez lost, she threw a hissy fit (c’mon Katarina, he was up against one of the GREATEST football players or our time, bigger fan base and more charm than Mario! And after seeing last night’s performance, it’s obvious to me he’s had more dance training than he admitted to), when she was paire with Billy Ray Cyrus, she was SO MEAN to him and then this season during the results. It doesn’t matter what celeb she is paired with, I won’t vote for them because of her and only her! Bye Katarina, don’t let the door hit ya on the butt on your way out! Good luck to Mario though, you were a cutie pie!

Leah May 7th, 2008

Kristi deserves to win she is the best dancer on the show!!!

MB May 7th, 2008

I agree, It’s not abouting the dancing anymore, it’s who the fan’s like most. Which is Sad. Marissa should have gone home, she is the worst dancer at this stage. We all like her, but it should be about the dancing!!!

Tina May 7th, 2008

Mario and Derek are about the same age and notice how much more mature Mario is. Thanks for supporting our troops, as well,Mario. You won major points. You’ve got class!
As for Marissa, it’s a dancing competition. Not a “who’s nicer” competition. And there are actually some people who do vote based on talent, not on popularity.

Tia May 7th, 2008

I don’t think Karina was being a brat when she waved bye bye to the viewers. I think she just really knew it was going to be her and Mario. It is a shame that Mario left this week because he deserves to be there. I mean I like Marisa and her excitement is great, but come on the girl is not the best dancer. I am jumping on the Jason Taylor bandwagon, he is a good dancer not to mention a complete hottie!

Bea May 7th, 2008

The dancing has to be perfect with no mistakes now. Mario’s fot work was off. Karina seems to always rolls her eyes when the scores aren’t right. I too, think it is time she sits out next season.

Kelli May 7th, 2008

My favorite moment of the show was the Rascal Flatts performances! I love those guys! I also enjoyed Apollo and Julianne’s dance! They looked great together! I was surprised to see Marissa was safe. Thought she’d be in the bottom.

Stephanie May 7th, 2008

Forgot to add that I agree with you Terri, Maks is a big ole spoiled brat too!! Glad he’s gone too! I also want to point out that Marissa and Cristian are the most improved dancers this season. I also want to remind everyone that every season the best dancer has won with the exception of last season’s elimination of Sabrina. That eleimination can’t be blamed onthe judges, her fans didn’t vote for her like they should have. Season 1-Kelly Monocco was the most improved, Season 2-Drew was by far the best, Season 3-Emmitt Smith was the most charismatic and charming and he did a great job and won it honestly IMO, Season 4-Apollo Ono was BY FAR the best dancer of that season, last nights performances proved that by far. Season 5-Helio was the best once Sabrina was gone. MelB was OKAY, but not “all that” plus, once again just like Katarina, Maks ruined that with his hissy fits and bad mouthing other dancers. Every season, the best dancers and/or personalities have won. This is a competition, but you have to make the audience like you as well as learn the dances, Katarina and Maks need to learn that. It’s not that difficult of a concept!

DWTS addict May 7th, 2008

How can you say it isn’t supposed to be a popularity contest? That is what 1/2 of the show is. 1/2 poplular vote, 1/2 judging scores. Cheryl and Christian should have gone. I can’t stand Cheryl!!! But that isn’t why they should have been gone…the judges are giving him sympathy scores…because he is dancing with one arm. It makes the dances look ridiculus! And I am tired of seeing Cheryl in the news this past week with all her drinking. What an example to set to her YOUNG fans!

SUZUKIGIRL May 7th, 2008

YES, I DID SEE KARINA ROLLING HER EYES. WHAT A WITCH. SHE DID THAT WHEN SHE GOT VOTED OFF WITH MARIO. SHE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NEXT SEASON!!!!

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