Legendary boxer and former champion Sugar Ray Leonard has become the third celebrity casualty of Season 12 of the hit FOX TV dance extravaganza, “Dancing With the Stars.” Although he was eliminated, it wasn’t by knockout.
Throughout the competition, the 54-year-old had been quite agile on his feet as well as entertaining. Highly critical show judge, Len Goodman, even lauded Leonard as “the heart of the show” as he was bid final farewells. His third-round elimination followed that of radio personality Mike “Psycho” Catherwood (round one) and TV talk-show host Wendy Williams (last week’s round two).
Although his performance last night of a Viennese waltz with red-haired professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya lacked the technical precision the judges sought, they still described him as having “sparkle,” “cartoonist charm” (most likely due to his very animated facial expressions) and having “entertained from start to finish.” Goodman said the boxer turned “from Sugar Ray Leonard to a Sugar Plum Fairy,” referencing the classical music to which Leonard and Trebunskaya had danced.
Despite the compliments, Leonard and his partner netted a mere 21 of 30 total points and, apparently, did not acquire enough viewer votes to remain in the competition. The other African American contestants still vying for the dance championship is rapper-actor Romeo and Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward, who usually takes the stage to howls and a backdrop of black and yellow “Terrible Towels” waving frantically in the audience. Both Romeo and Ward have received high marks and positive reviews from the judges.
Grammy- and Oscar-award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson was the special live performance guest on this week’s DTWS elimination show. Her appearance was nearly as stunning as her skin-tingling performance of two of her songs from her latest project, I Remember Me.
In long locks, a shiny, loose-fitting, purple mini dress that gathered at her very-slimmed-down waist and matching ankle-strapped stilettos, Hudson passionately sang “Don’t Look Down” and “Feeling Good” at two different points of the show as professional dancers twisted and turned, leaped and sank to her soulful sounds. Not surprisingly, she received a standing ovation after each selection. Show host Tom Bergeron reminded viewers that Hudson’s summer tour begins June 16.
As he was throughout his time on the show, the ever-gracious Leonard, sounding somewhat like a pummeled boxer being interviewed after a match, had this to say in parting:
“I put up a good fight … I’ve met great friends and great people on a great show. I love the spirit of the show, the spirit of the people and what this show stands for.” The brief interview was followed by a flood of hugs and kisses with his dance partner, waves to the audience and a playful slow dance. As most eliminated contestants do, he later appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” –arnell pharr
“Dancing With the Stars” comes on Mondays and Tuesdays on FOX. Check your local listings.
