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Week 2:

The biggest dance-off in the history of Dancing with the Stars: 14 pairs faced off tonight at rapid fire pace with only four days to prepare. Last week, some of the stars wowed us out of the gate. Some others—though not quite polished—impressed us with their attitudes and determination. But tonight all that first night giddyness was gone, and you could feel the stress, tension, and celebrities' nerves on edge.

In clips, we saw Debi, Aaron, and Mark clashing with their partners under the pressure. On the dance floor, Tom, Kelly, and Michael faltered. With legendary musical director Baz Luhrmann filling in for Len, the judging was a little unpredictable. It was tough out there. But in the spotlight, it became clear that everyone had been rehearsing overtime all week, and their hard work showed. They stepped up the energy, and, for the most part, exceeded expectations.

There were two standouts, however. Scoring 9's from all the judges, Aaron & Karina dazzled with an energetic smile-inducing Quickstep to the theme from The Muppet Show (accompanied by Animal on the drums!), and Mya & Dmitry wowed the crowd with a spectacular jazzy Jive to Touch and Go's Would You...? that Bruno compared favorably to watching Josephine Baker and Clark Kent perform.

Top Three Scores

Aaron & Karina: 27
Mya & Dmitry: 27
Donny & Kym: 25
 

Highlight of the night:

Aaron Carter, resplendent in a Kermit green tuxedo, with partner Karina Smirnoff in a fluffy, fuzzy, puffy skirt, having the best time ever (!) commanding the dance floor accompanied by Muppet music, with Animal and Gonzo looking on. (This wasn't Aaron's first muppet encounter—he and brother Nick sang with Elmo on Sesame Street in 2003.)
 

Comments from Meg and Karl at He Said/She Said

(re: Tom) "I was strangely enjoying this and then the end, oh the end. The beginning wasn't bad, and Tom was doing quite well, even getting comments like 'distinguished,' 'determined,' and dancing with 'grace.' Then the near disaster of Cheryl splat on the floor." -- Meg

"I hope Debi lasts a long time. I really like watching her. She seems like she could fly off the handle at any moment. In the best way." -- Karl

Read more and join the conversation at He Said/She Said