Dancing with the Stars — Season 8
Season eight of Dancing with the Stars premiered on Monday, March 9, 2009, as part of ABC's spring line-up. The show generally followed the format of previous seasons, with 13 couples, although there were some changes, including two new dances, and an occasional dance-off between the bottom two couples, in order to determine who will be eliminated. The show was again hosted by Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris. Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba all returned as judges again this season. Originally, the season was advertised as the first U.S. season where a husband and wife would compete against each other: rodeo champion Ty Murray and singer-songwriter Jewel. The two had married the previous year after a ten-year courtship. However, just prior to the series, Jewel fractured both her tibias and was unable to perform. She was replaced on the show by Playboy model Holly Madison. Murray chose to continue on the show, and Jewel appeared during the season as a special musical guest. Nancy O'Dell, the then co-host of Access Hollywood, was also originally announced to be on the show, but was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a torn meniscus, which required surgery. She was replaced by Melissa Rycroft, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who won season 13 of The Bachelor. She only had two days to practice her first dance.
The eighth season launches with a fresh cohort of dancers and a novel addition to the competition: a dance-off will determine which of the bottom two couples avoids elimination in the initial rounds.
In the second week of the competition, the dancers showcase their skills with either the vibrant rhythms of the salsa or the precise elegance of the quickstep.
The results of the initial round are now known. Jewel, who previously had to withdraw from the competition due to injury, returns for a performance, alongside Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The broadcast also features a number inspired by Busby Berk…
By week three, the dancers are typically mastering the fox trot or the samba.
The third set of results also features performances by singer Adele and the duo Hall & Oates.
The fourth week of the program features performances of the Argentine tango and the Lindy Hop.
Following the fourth round of performances, a further two contestants have been eliminated.
In the fifth week of competition, the contestants showcased their skills with either the dramatic flair of the paso doble or the elegant sweep of the Viennese waltz.
The fifth week of the competition results in the departure of one team, following performances by Grammy-winning artist Etta James and Demi Lovato, and the second showcase from Macy's Stars of Dance.
By week six of the competition, the dancers are immersed in the rhythms of the rumba or the jive.
The outcome of the sixth round is now known, accompanied by a musical performance from Rascal Flatts.
In the seventh week, the competitors showcase their talents with a group dance inspired by the vibrant fashions and rhythms of the 1960s.
The seventh week of the competition brought the elimination of another dancer, alongside performances by Natasha Bedingfield and the Irish ensemble, Celtic Woman.
In the eighth week of the competition, the participants perform both as couples and as a collective unit.
The eighth week of the competition has brought another elimination. Amidst the drama, Robin Thicke offered a performance, and the professional dancers continue their journey.
In week nine, the final contenders face a demanding challenge: they must showcase their talent in not one, but two distinct dance forms.
By week ten, the competition has narrowed to just four dancers, who now face the challenge of mastering two entirely new routines.
Week ten’s results bring another dancer’s departure. The episode also features a performance by Raphael Saadiq, the design-a-dance challenges are unveiled, and the final two competitors face off in the professional dancer competition.
The eleventh week marks the concluding performances of the eighth season. The three remaining couples will each present a paso doble and a freestyle dance.
The season eight finale features the final three celebrities in a third dance performance before the victor is revealed. The episode also includes a comedic roast of the finalists by Jeffrey Ross, a musical number by Lady Gaga, and the anno…
