Even though our favorites are gone, the show (and our blog) must go on.  Anyway, we still enjoy watching "Dancing With The Stars."

Gilles Marini, Ty Murray, Shawn Johnson and Melissa Rycroft are the remaining celebs competing for the mirrorball trophy. And after last week's upset of Lil' Kim being booty bumped from the competition, tensions were high in rehearsals. Everyone knew they really had to bring it to the ballroom this week, but all those nerves may have affected their performances. 

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani
Dances: Cha Cha & Quickstep

Melissa and Tony Dovolani really wanted to capitalize on the success of their Samba, so they focused on its similarities with Monday's Latin dance.

"Cha Cha is very similar in attitude like the Samba: fun exciting and flirtatious," said Tony.

Unfortunately, they didn't bring that same flair to floor last night. At this point, the dances are all wondeful in terms of technique, but what will make a great performance is the extra flavor that each star will put into the steps.  In our opinion, Melissa's Cha Cha was a little lukewarm...but she was working that hat.

They didn't do bad, but we know they can put a little more 'tude in the Latin dances.

"I like my Cha Cha full-thrust and full-on, and in this routine, at moments, you were sensational," said Judge Bruno Tonioli. "But at times you don't sustain that energy."

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba agreed with Bruno, and she added that the footwork was inconsistent. This definitely wasn't the same quality as the couple exhibited last week.

"I liked it, but not as much as I was hoping to," said Judge Len Goodman. "It's not the standard of your Samba."

Melissa and Tony's Quickstep was a little better than their Cha Cha, but then again, they had a lot more work to do to improve their Ballroom technique. Len pointed out last week that if they could just tighten up Melissa's footing, they would be on point.

"Last week one of the competitions main frontrunners was sent home, so it's crunch time. I'm going to push Melissa harder than ever," said Tony.

"Tony has whipped my feet into shape and hopefully they're ready to carry me into those finals," Melissa said.

She and Tony did an airy number that was lighter than most Quicksteps, and they pulled the moves off well.  Of course, the thing that they were most concerned with was getting Melissa's footing to be more defined.

"Your feet are much improved, I thought the whole thing was a delight," Len said.

The other judges weren't as impressed. 

"Very, very good, [but] this is the semi-finals. For me, it wasn't as exhilarating and crispy as it could have been, " said Bruno.

"It was very nice and it was very pretty. You are a beautiful dancer, but I feel what's weird is it's not connected to your soul," Carrie Ann commented. "Like it doesn't give you joy to do it."

Even though their reviews weren't so great, Melissa and Tony still got 55 out of 60 for the night.