Gilles Marini

Last night we went to the taping of the DWTS finale with our friend Dylan and got an up-close and personal glimpse at the show as it unfolded.

The front row star watch was probably the best part.

Leaving the stars, and the audience in anxious anticipation, DWTS was all about filler last night.

First up, the competition for a new pro entered its final stage with Mayo being paired with Kym Johnson while Anna was with Maks. Our least favorite wannabe new pro, Afton, got the boot last week.

This week the new wannabe pro had to deliver a performance that was a test of their choreography skills.

Melissa and Tony kicked off the semifinal show with a Quickstep that was classy, classic and charming, if a little dull. “I thought it had great musicality…I thought the whole thing was a delight. It was just gorgeous,” Len began. “It was very very good...for me it wasn’t as exhilarating as it could have been,” Bruno admitted. “I’m going to agree with Bruno. It was nice. It was pretty. But I don’t feel real connection,” Carrie Ann concurred. They receive two nines and a ten (from Len), giving them 28 points to start the night.

Melissa and Tony were invited back to dance their perfect 30 scoring Samba. And, this time, Melissa’s boob stayed tucked away.

The first safe couple is Gilles and Cheryl, followed by Melissa and Tony.

This week the new wannabe pros were paired with a previous star to see if they can teach as well as they can dance.

Shawn and Mark started the night with their Quick Step. First of all, we love that they danced to Robin Williams’ song from Aladdin, “Friend Like Me.” We were having major high school flashbacks. The dance was everything you’d want from a Quick Step; it was perky, ebullient and energetic. “That was fun, joyful, carefree,” Len began. “You danced like Sporty Spice…Great job,” Bruno cheered. “Your best dance EVER,” Carrie Ann agreed. Three nines give them 27 points.

This season is far and away the most uniformly talented and loveable cast ever to appear on Dancing with the Stars.

As the finals quickly approach, the competition becomes more fierce and the eliminations more painful.

At the premiere of her husband Matthew Broderick’s new film, Wonderful World, Sarah Jessica Parker announced some wonderful news;
Mr. Big is returning for the Sex and the City sequel.

While she told E! News she’s still not sure what the plot will be, or if it involves the pitter-patter of Little Bigs, Chris Noth has signed on to reprise his role. 

She also mentioned Dancing with the Stars stud Gilles Marini might be back as Samantha’s man candy.

The SATC sequel is due in theaters May 28th, 2010.

Gilles and Cheryl are the first couple to perform their Lindy Hop. It was athletic and energetic, even though Gilles' attempts at Elvis swagger made him look more like Marcel Marceau. “Among the things the French are famous for: French toast, french kissing…and, after tonight, the Lindy Hop,” Len began. “Happy days are here again! You are a great dancer,” Bruno cheered. “This was a whole new side of Gilles, it was fantastic,” Carrie Ann agreed. They receive three nines for 27 points.

We’ve reached the point on Dancing with the Stars where the competition, once two-left-footed and gangly, has cocooned into little Fred and Gingers gliding across the floor.

The front runners are jockeying, the laggers are stepping their game up and the field is suddenly crowded with contenders.

This week on Dancing with the Stars, it was time to tackle the Paso Doble and the Viennese Waltz.