Dancing with the Stars: Round Five

Previous Episode This is gonna hurt. The recap at the beginning of tonight's show was a powerful reminder of just how solidly everyone performed last night. With scores ranging from 21 to 29, everyone brought their A game. The top three scorers—Donny, Mya, and Mark—were all pretty obviously safe. (Did anyone really think Donny, with the highest judges' score of the season—two 10s and a 9—would go home tonight?)  As the night progressed, Kelly (24 points), Louie (22 points), and the person with the lowest judges' score: Michael (21 points), were all declared safe.  Which left Aaron (24), Joanna (24), Melissa (23), and Natalie (22). Whoever gets cut, it's gonna be ugly. Joanna and Melissa were declared safe... pitting Aaron Carter against Natalie Coughlin. The judges were not comfortable with this. They seemed to have a difference of opinion with the home voters, openly expressing dismay that these two hard-working and talented competitors were on the chopping block. There was no good end to this... Olympic swimmer, gold medalist, world record holder Natalie was sent home. She was clearly devastated, having worked tremendously hard to get here. Previous Olympians Apolo Anton Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson all won their season's mirrorball trophy. Tough luck for Natalie. Will she hang up her shoes or keep dancing on her own? Hear what she has to say when she talks to Jimmy Kimmel.  Highlights of the night Norah Jones sang two sultry, beautiful songs: "It's Gonna Be" from her forthcoming album The Fall, with four dancers contributing some spectacular choreography, and her classic "Come Away With Me," accompanied by Jonathan and Anna on the dance floor. ("Come Away With Me" was actually their wedding dance song.) Macy's Stars of Dance Tribute to Michael Jackson. All of the dancers expressed how much of an influence Michael had on each of them. La Toya and Jermaine, and mother Katherine were there to take part in the honor. All sixteen pro dancers performed to "I Want You Back," "Man In The Mirror," and "Thriller," showing us all how Michael's moves have become the basis of modern dance.We're still a little emotional. Bravo.   Comments from He Said/She Said "Wow! I totally did not expect Natalie to be out so soon! I guess Michael and Louie have a bigger fan base than she did. That's too bad, I was looking forward to seeing her improve each week, she is such a graceful dancer and she seemed so sad to be leaving. Who else is as surprised as I am? Usually the athletes make it to the finals and win." -- Meg Read more and join the conversation at He Said/She Said