Dancing With the Stars Results: Ralph Waxes Off

Three dances last night including a cha cha cha where 15 bonus points were awarded.  Chelsea and Mark have the edge right now as they pocketed the 15 bonus points and they are almost assured of making the finals.

It's a photo finish for the remaining two spots.  Hines and Kym had the best scores from the judges on Monday night, but Ralph and Karina and the team of Kirstie and Maks are vote getting machines.  It's anyone's guess who might get eliminated.

If you caught the end of the preview show, the couples gave us some subtle clues as to what their freestyle dances will be next week if they make it through.  Mark Ballas had that look in his eye, I'm sure he is chomping at the bit to do the freestyle.

The encore dance tonight was Chelsea and Mark's rumba.  Again they did a great job.

Some more recap of the show last night.  Hines and Kym are first up to find out their fate.  They were perfect last night and may have to be perfect again next week.  They advance to the finals.

Up next is Stevie Nicks and she's wearing black.  She didn't sing one of her most popular songs and she started out a bit rough.  Stevie will return later in the show.

Next is Pitbull and Ne Yo with their new song.  I didn't get any of it.

The next couple called onto the carpet are Chelsea and Mark.  They won the 15 bonus points last night with their cha-cha, so there is no chance they are going home tonight.  We'll see them again next week.

Up next was another one of those stories about how dance impacts people's lives.  This one was about a young girl who's body can't fight off disease.  The girl's name is Tayla and she got to perform on the show with Chelsie Hightower and Lacey Schwimmer.  

Stevie Nicks is back to perform.  This time Stevie sang "Landslide" and she looked a little more comfortable.

Ralph and Kirstie are about to find out their fate.The scores have been added, the votes have been counted.  After all these dances, it's Kirstie and Maks advancing and Ralph and Karina heading home.

The finals and freestyle dances next week.

USTA Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs: Day 1

Sixteen Americans today began three days of play for a coveted wildcard into the 2011 Australian Open in Melbourne.

It was a mix of players.  On the men's side, a couple college players mixed in with a few upcoming pros.  In the women's draw, players like CoCo Vandeweghe, Beatrice Capra and Jaime Hampton took to the courts with newcomers Madison Keys, Lauren Davis and Shelby Rogers.

Here's how the action went today:

On the women's side.  CoCo Vandeweghe bested Madison Keys 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2010 Orange Bowl champ Lauren Davis overcame Jamie Hampton 7-5, 7-5, Beatrice Capra defeated Shelby Rogers 6-2, 6-3, and Krista Hardebeck outlasted Irina Falconi 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

In men's action, U.S. Open boys' champion Jack Sock upset top seed Donald Young 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4.  Dennis Kudla overcame Jordan Cox 6-4, 6-3. Ryan Harrison, who won the event last year, edged Michael Shabaz 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 6-4 while Tennessee's Rhyne Williams defeated Tim Smyczek 6-4, 6-0.

Lauren DavisBeatrice Capra

Dancing With the Stars Week 2 Results Show Live Blog

A question I asked myself yesterday was how low can Michael Bolton go?  As in the judges scores.  And it was pretty low as Bruno awarded Michael and Chelsie with a "3".

Not since Steve Wozniak hit the dance floor a few seasons back did anyone get a "3".

Everybody is saying Michael Bolton will be eliminated tonight and he does deserve it, but the fan's votes could save him. 

Live Blog to follow: 

9:00  A recap of last night's performances.

9:03  The team of Kyle and Lacey are put to safety and the pair of Brandy and Max are put in jeopardy.

9:05  Bruno is given a chance to defend his harsh words about Michael Bolton.  He said Rin Tin Tin could've done a better jive.

9:06  Len tells Bruno he was too harsh.  Kind of like the pot calling the kettle black.

9:07  Kyle and Lacy give an encore performance.

9:12  Janelle Monae sings her song "Tightrope".  Good singing and dancing, high energy.

9:15  Backstage interviews with Brooke. 

9:17  Replays of audience booing last night.  Not for Sarah Palin, but for Jennifer and Derek's scores from the judges.

9:20  Safe for next week is Florence and Corky and Bristol and Mark.  The Situation and Karina are put in jeopardy.

9:25  More results and fun as we find out why Tony might have to wax his legs.  Audrina and Tony are safe, but can the same be said for his leg hairs?  Jennifer and Derek of course are safe.

9:27  Behind the scenes - A look at dancer's rituals.

9:30  Macy's Stars of Dance. 

9:37  Music sensation Seal performs.  The pro dancers get to perform to Seal's wonderful music. 

9:41  A feature on how the dancers deal with the stress of competition.

9:43  More recaps from last night and the next four couples brought up to find out their fate.  Here are more results.  Kurt and Anna are safe, no surprise there.  Joining them are Margaret and Louis, maybe the most improved pair.

9:52  Rick Fox and Cheryl are put to safety. 

9:53  Three couples remain in final jeopardy.  Comercial break.

9:59  After Brandy and Max are pulled to safety, Michael Bolton and Chelsie Hightower were the second pair eliminated.  The Situation and Karina live to see another week, barely.

Next week, the couples will have to tell a story with their dances.