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Lil' Kim Steals the Top Spot on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Yet another week begins on Dancing With the Stars and it's obvious from last night's show that the routines are not getting any easier and the dancing is only getting better and faster.

Only eight contestants remain after David Alan Grier was voted off last week and, in a surprising twist, Steve-O survived, and actually wasn't even voted into the bottom two. With his consistently low scores, it'll be surprising if the Jackass star doesn't get the boot this week, especially after his performance last night earned him the lowest score of the evening.

The remaining eight were asked to dance either the rumba or the jive last night, and while the dances seemed simple for some, others, like usual, struggled through their routines.

Ty Murray and Chelsie do the Jive

Quick step type dances have usually proved to be Murray's strength in the competition, but last night his Jive fell flat. Murray seemed to struggle with the dance's timing, and a huge mistake in the middle of the routine didn't exactly help his scores. Still, the bull riding cowboy seemed comfortable, especially since pro partner Chelsie was able to mix a little line dancing into the routine. Bruno said, “The line dancing was good, then the jive started.”
Score: 18

Shawn Johnson and Mark do the Rumba

Yet again the young gymnast pulled out an impressive performance. The beginning looked a little awkward, only because Johnson seemed unable to leave her gymnastics training behind her and give into the sensual moves of the dance, but the rest of the routine was right on.
Score: 26

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta do the Jive

Football star Taylor found himself in the bottom two last week, so this week's performance really needed to show his command on the dance floor. While Taylor's jive seemed more laid back and cool than lively, Taylor looked good. His timing was perfect and he had the steps down. The judges praised pro partner Edyta's ability to incorporate a number of basic and classic jive steps and told Taylor he got his groove back.
Score: 22

Melissa Rycroft and Tony do the Rumba

Yet again Rycroft pulled out a close to perfect performance last night. Her Rumba was technically perfect, and kudos to pro partner Tony for choreographing a beautiful routine, but Rycroft just seemed absent last night on the dance floor. She was unable to disconnect from the steps and focus on her partner, there was a serious lack of emotion.
Score: 27

Lil' Kim and Derek do the Jive

With an upbeat and exciting Jive, Lil' Kim stole the top spot from usual judge favorite Gilles Marini last night. Pro partner Derek totally out did himself with the choreography for last night's routine and he not only showcased Kim's best moves, he also put himself on display. Still, Kim refused to be out shined by Derek's professional Jive, as she brought high energy to the dance floor. Judges were obviously pleased, with Bruno getting up to give her a kiss and Carrie Ann offering a standing ovation. Always grumpy Len nitpicked the fact that the routine lacked a traditional Jive feel. Also, kudos to Kim for taking an obvious jab at her prison stay by choosing the song "Jailhouse Rock."
Score: 28

Steve-O and Lacey do the Rumba

Despite the fact that Steve-O is improving, his dancing is just bringing this competition down. Still, last night's performance was undoubtedly the Jackass star's best this season. If anything he's shown that although he can't dance, he is dedicated to giving it his best shot.
Score: 16

Gilles Marini and Cheryl do the Jive

Marini pulled out a super quick Jive, much faster than any other performance that evening. Still, judges didn't seem to appreciate it, and it did seem a little frantic. Plus, their leather outfits just weren't working.
Score: 26

Chuck Wicks and Julianne do the Rumba

Like usual Wicks pulled out a good routine, but, like usual, he failed to connect to his partner on the dance floor and just seemed absent. The constant criticism of Wicks is that he's not pushing himself and that he's just not going above his obvious potential on the dance floor, yet again that criticism held true. He's going to have to step up his emotion on the dance floor to finally reach where he seems like he could be.
Score: 23