Erin Andrews Reviews 'TV Themes Week' on Dancing with the Stars with Movieline
Erin Andrews, Movieline's trusty new Dancing with the Stars commentator, has processed all of this week's dance madness, which included Bristol Palin's gorilla suit, a Bewitched throwback, and a triumph for Brandy and Erin's former partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. And she's ready to talk! Let's chat with the ESPN hostess about her feelings on this week's episodes.
So, Erin: Kitschiest episode ever! I wanted Bergeron to come out in an I Dream of Jeannie costume.
I thought it was so much fun! I was dying watching it and thinking to myself, "If this was my season, I wonder what they would've given Max and I. Because you know they choose the themes based off of the relationships. Brandy and Maks got the Friends thing because it's like, testing their relationship. It makes sense that they did the fun, silly one with Bristol because they needed her to kind of get out of her shell. I was dying to know what ours would've been.
What do you think they'd have chosen for your cast?
You know we would've gotten Baywatch.
I was going to suggest Moonlighting for you.
Totally. Or maybe Grey's Anatomy? Something with surgeons?
Your old partner Maksim had a great week with Brandy, earning the highest score of the night. What was your reaction to that?
I know Maks had a tough week because his grandmother passed away. Obviously they didn't show that in the feature. [Based on] everything that I heard from him, the show really helped him out with dealing with that. So I was happy to see [Maks and Brandy] not fighting and getting along. I haven't met Brandy yet, but I know how much everybody puts into that. By the time Monday comes and you see the feature they've put together, it's like -- if you've been fighting all week, you've finally gotten through the week, and then you see the feature where you've been arguing -- you're like, "Gosh, really? This is the focus?" That's why I kind of felt bad for Derek and Jennifer. You work so hard, and then you see, "Oh, crap, we're going to be fighting. This isn't good." So I was happy Brandy and Maks had kind of gotten their act together.
Last week you said that Brandy needed to stop and listen a bit more with Maks. Do you think she did that?
It sounds like she kind of figured out that he's a perfectionist. I made this comparison at the time: He's like a lot of coaches that I look up to in the sports world. He demands a lot of his students. When you come into that show being the best that you are in your profession and you've got someone who's demanding of you and you don't know really what you're doing, it's very hard and you become very insecure. So you have to kind of figure out your groove in the relationship with him. I don't know if I ever figured it out. It looks like she kind of figured it out. And you know what? The competition is getting tougher. She's going to have to learn two dances. It tests you and tests your patience. She's still going to have to learn about how to handle him, but I'm glad it looked like they got off to a better start.
Do you think he needs to adapt to her just as much as she adapts to him?
Oh, I absolutely think every professional has to adapt to their students. Maks had to figure out how testy I got, and he knew that if my blood sugar was going down, it was time to get out of there and go get a coffee or a smoothie, because I wouldn't pay attention and I'd get crabby. He knew not to have practices too early in the morning because I was exhausted. He knew when I needed to be fed, he knew what things to joke with me about and when to push me, absolutely. Both sides have to figure out what the best way to work together is.
It's funny that Audrina forced herself to eat an onion and ruin her breath this week to help deal with the pressure of a romantic dance. Are the "romantic" parts of a routine nerve-wracking? Did you think about them a lot ahead of time?
Well, there's two things about that. I would always get in trouble on that show for chewing gum. I was always insecure about my breath. It's just something that bothers me in my life now, like when I interview athletes or coaches. Dancing with this gorgeous man for seven hours a day, I was like, "My breath cannot smell." So I constantly had to have gum in my mouth. The producers would yell at me and be like, "I need you to take the gum out because you can't be chomping on-screen." And I'd say, "No, I'm sorry, I don't want my breath to smell with him." So when Audrina did this onion thing, I was like, "I am so confused." That would not make me want to be romantic! Maks wouldn't come near me if I didn't have gum in my mouth, and I'd push him away and say, "My breath smells, don't come near me."
The romance part -- if you saw Bristol, you know how they want her to be passionate and stuff like that -- I find it to be really hard! It was really hard for me, especially with Pam [Anderson] on our cast. She could make anything sexual with anything. I was like a 15-year-old schoolgirl, I felt so stupid. I didn't think I looked sexy; I think I looked like a tomboy. So I can really identify with Audrina and, you know, Carrie Ann saying to her, "You've got to show more in your face." I think she said, "From the neck down you're great, but you've got to show more in your face." It's really, really hard. Especially when Tony had said that the dance was supposed to be like they're making love? How do you do that to The Hills theme? I was so confused!
Yeah, "Unwritten" is not a sexy song.
Not at all!
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Comments
I think Florence did a wonderful job dancing. Palin needs to go. She should of have been the one to go. She hated the dance (her words), she couldn't remember the steps. Are people blind? Florence hit her mark every time. Florence should have continued. I am mystified that people would continue to vote for someone that doesn't even care whether she knows her steps or not. She acted like she didn't care. Personnally, I think she is tired and doesn't want to be there. What is she going to do for next week when she has to learn two dances.
Jennifer Gray needs to stop and grow up. All the whinning really turned me off. I didn't even want to vote for her because of her whinning. I admired her before, but she went straight down.
Erin great article and I pretty much agree and go along with everything you said.I'm rooting for Brandy and Maks and she is finally settling into her own and Maks is doing very well with her considering what he has gone through this week( he' a pro) I'm not a big fan of all these themed nites I think the quality of dance is lost.The quickstep that you and Maks did S10 was dance from begining to end this S11 his quickstep with Brandy they sat for a good min and a half both at the begining and at the end (as Len would say to you guys wasted bars sitting)and they still got 27 same as you did in S10 (jmo)I also think some of the music they have to dance to is crazy I hope Maks wins the MBT and then gives his to you . You should have had it last Season. I think Maks and Brandy are doing fine ,but he looked much more happy and comfortable with you Looking forward to seeing you at the show with your paddles Maks will crack up!! Love you girl you are the best!!
Erin, please don't ever say again that Brandy is better than you. Just don't.
Season 10 was the first time I ever watched DWTS all the way thru and you and Maks were the reason. Even though the judges scores for you made me throw things at the TV, I still watched you and voted for you.
This season they are underscoring Kurt and I'm throwing things again, but still watching and voting for him and Anna.
Bristol seems tired of this scene and who can blame her. She's a single mom with a toddler and this has to be exhausting for her. Glad she tried though.
Kyle has reached his apex for me. I'm no longer entertained. Sorry. Jennifer may have reached her apex too soon. She's going to have health issues if she doesn't watch it. If she can calm herself down, she will probably win. She's an excellent dancer. Brandy and Maks are not doing it for me. No it isn't because she isn't Erin....I'm just not moved by their dances. At all. Maybe it's because the judges want her to win so badly that I'm turned off. Audrina has had one really good dance and the rest have been average, but not spectacular. I can't remember them, and that's not good. She seems to have lost some confidence. The music missing four beats can do that to you. She coped well though.
Now, I get to "darling" Kurt Warner. I want to see him in the finals. He has come the farthest of anyone and he flat out entertains me. He also dances the entire dance and doesn't just stand there with his handsome face, perfect smile and great physique and shake something or other while his partner dances around him. HE DANCES ....and gets into character. He performs the entire time. He should be the one everyone else is worried about. But I guess they know the judges don't want him to win. Millions of women have discovered him so hopefully we can keep him dancing. I'm a sports fan so I knew who and what he is, but a lot didn't until he put his dancing shoes on. Guys have always liked him. After all, he's a man's man.
Looking forward to seeing Erin and Evan in the audience of dwts with their paddles next week. Be sure to bring your 7 paddle. Would love to see Erin and Kurt dance together. That is my wild wish for next week. My wild wish last week came true.... the guys actually talked for a couple of hours....about something besides football too. Perfect.
Look forward to your analysis next week, Erin. Thank you for doing this.
Bristol Palin has been so over-praised by the judges. Guess politics comes into play even in Dancing With the Stars. It's time for her to go to Alaska
Maks is doing the best he can but Brandy is so ego-driven that I give him points for not just killing her.
Florence got robbed. Palin should have gone.
If the Situation hadn't gone the previous week (younger audience demographics), I wonder if Bristol wouldn't have gone this week (also skews younger). I think the producers fear that all the finalists are going to be 'old' and they'll lose ratings.
"I think the producers fear that all the finalists are going to be 'old' and they'll lose ratings."
Unfortunately, this could very well be true. That said, Bristol's exit is completely happening next week.
Maks has always been my favorite pro on DWTS..basically the reason I started watching the show starting with season four;so of course I enjoy watching he and Brandy this season. Unfortunately,I think the show is terribly bland this year. Last season,was by far the best ever,because of you and Maks. You had a compelling story to tell,that added a whole new dimension to what is basically a show about celebs learning to do dance routines. I don't know if you or Maks realize what an impact you both had on a large portion of the viewing audience. You were both great together,on many levels. I was truly dismayed by the way you both handled the "romance rumors" however. I,as well as a lot of others,I would bet,thought you both really "toyed" with your fans and supporters,by being evasive and coy all season. To bad you didn't know how to handle it a little better,and just be straight forward and honest. Again,I just think you both really didn't realize what was coming across that tv screen to the viewers,and we overly glib. Last year,I voted and voted and voted,as I have done every year for Maks and his partners,always wanting them to win,especially you two. This year,for the first year ever,I'm not voting for anyone,just enjoying the show,such as it is.
Erin you were better than Brandy. Maks was so much happier when he was dancing with you. Erin still wish that it ws not a showmance and wish you were dating Maks. All of the vierwers saw the love you two had for each other especially Maks seems to still have for you Erin, you make him happy and such a nice person not the bad boy of the ballroom. Can't wait for Monday to see you in the audince. Hope you come back for the 200th show and can dance with Maks. Also wish they would let you do the dance center segmant you would rock that Erin you are so funny at times we love you Erin.
I couldn't begin to compare the way Erin dances verses Brandy. But, I admit I've enjoyed both ladies. Some dances moreso than others. I won't pretend to know Brandy's personality so I'll leave judging it up to others. Too many people have said the same thing about Maks when he is compared to Derek. I love him and will always support him. If he is so miserable being with Brandy, why would he work with her after the show is over? He said it in a recent interview. He should just count his losses and move on. Maks is dedicated to ballroom dancing and I'm so glad he helps to keep the spotlight on it. I always thought that Karina coming back had a lot to do with Maks mood. Her fiance was constantly in her trailor. I've seen on the message board where people were voting for him and Karina to be the chosen ones to dance. They thought that it would be funny to see how he would react to having to dance with her again. Who knows??? Only Maks is in charge of his happiness. I think that he's man enough to handle any situation that comes his way.
I'm sorry to say, but I think Brandy is one of Maks' best partners. I think in the beginning they did hit a rough patch, but now you can sense that they're chemistry has grown. Their chemistry is up there with Laila and Mel's. Plus, he himself said they have a lot in common and have a closer connection than any other partner he had in the past.
In watching last season, I personally saw more tension there with you, Erin, (while dancing with Maks...You never knew when to "just be silent, listen to his constructive critism, and learn...You always had to "get in the last word) Sorry! I thought you were a great dancer, but many weeks, I gave you either "one point or "none", just because of your "attitude". Maks seems very "gentle with Brandy, and she learned very quickly to "just "trust him"...They have good chesistry the last few weeks! She appears very "appreciative and humble" after every interview...Much like "Nicole" from last seesion...People "like that"...Attitude is everything, and I think that will help her "win it" from people votes each week...I agree with comments above...Kurt Warner is a great Dancer, has come a long way...His personality is "Tops"...I give him at least half my votes EVERY week...Bristol should have went last week...But, last night, "she did do much better"...Yes, after seeing "jennifer "pout and storm out on Dereck...I think she lost a few fans, for sure...Again, "Learn to accept critism "gracefully"...I goes a "long way" for winning points "with the viewers"..NowI wish "everyoe would get on line, their phones and VOTE each week...It is the "only way", we can help our favorites when the "judges" are totally unfair"....Oh, Erin, you "are a better dancer than Bandy".....It was "your mouth" that killed you those first 4 weeks...Sorry
I love watching Brandy & Maks, they're my fave couple. I wish people would stop trying to turn it into something more. She has no interest in him in that way b/c he's already in a relationship with last season's partner. i do agree that they have great chemistry and its based on the passion and love of dance. i love that brandy is holding off from sex, im impressed with that. i hate when dancing partners start screwing each other, thats so tacky. keep in mind that maks himself said that they (he and brandy) have a closer connection than any other partner he had in the past.
I enjoy seeing the chemistry between Brandy and Maks. I think they work nicely together but I think that occurred only because they took the time to know and understand each other. It's Brandy's turn to shine now and she is pretty humble about how well she is doing. They will get my vote just for their dedication and work ethic. I do hope that they are voted all the way to the mirror ball.
the only part that is not bland is maks and brandy..i don't whatthe producers would have done if brandy was not casted this year
anyone would be happier around erin..she is kinda jenny mcarthy /jim carey kinda funny..if you were around erin you would laugh too. that is just npt brandy's personality, i don't think she should be faulted for it...plus it would be kind of akward if erin made jokes and maks didn't laugh.
really! are he and erin bf and gf?