Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (Episode 101)

"Putting their reputations on the line and their friendship to the test," Dancing with the Stars' favorite judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli are on a mission to find America's ultimate performers. From a coast-to-coast search, thirty finalists were invited to Los Angeles for a week-long crash course in singing and dancing (it's all very American Idol). A final performance (now we're headed into High School Musical territory) decided which fourteen hopefuls would proceed to the competition.

Under the tutelage of Carrie Ann and Bruno, these kidlets will be molded into two super groups. Each week, the teams will perform and the viewers will vote for their favorite. The losing team will then have one member eliminated by its captain (Carrie Ann or Bruno).

So what makes Carrie Ann and Bruno qualified to judge signing and dancing? For those of you who are too busy to IMDB, here's the lowdown: Turns out our little Carrie Ann is something of a pop star in Japan. She also has the titles of Fly Girl, Madonna tour dancer, Ricky Martin video chick and actress/choreographer on her resume. Bruno's been around the talent block as well, choreographing for the likes of Elton John, Duran Duran, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney and hosting Strictly Come Dancing and DanceX in the U.K. He's also no stranger to signing and acting. On top of it all, both are executive producers of Dance War. Busy, busy!

First up were New York City try-outs. Hundreds showed up for the Central Park open call, and a freestyle round was held to narrow the pool of applicants. Those chosen proceeded to a solo song/dance performance round. The first person profiled was 20-year-old Monica, who had a serious case of stage fright. Immediately upon taking the stage, Monica closed her eyes and launched into her song, but Bruno wasn't having any of that and forced her to face the crowds. In the end, her signing was strong but her dancing wasn't "funky" enough for Carrie Ann.

Quandrel from Buffalo, however, made the cut. His dancing reminded our judging duo of Leroy from Fame and was solid enough to land him a spot in LA. Meanwhile, 22 year-old Ashley from Boston wasn't so lucky. Taking the stage in pink sparkly cocktail dress (that made Bruno "fancy a cocktail"), Ashley performed a "My Girl"/"Baby Love" melody that impressed the judges, but they weren't loving her dancing. Deemed a "faker," Bruno and Carrie Ann passed despite knowing that it's easier to train a dancer than it is a singer.

Host Drew Lachey also tried his luck and slipped into the solo round. Decked out in a blue nylon jogging suit, wig, sunglasses and a straggly goatee, Drew "fooled" the judges for a few bars of "My Girl" before being foiled (as if we couldn't spot that nose anywhere!). Poor Drew even looked embarrassed to be involved in the lame set-up.

On to Los Angeles! Since no one blew Carrie Ann or Bruno away in NYC, the twosome was on the prowl for for some stars on the West Coast.

First to capture Carrie Anne's heart was Shari from D.C., a larger (by Hollywood standards) girl with a spark. Ultimately, she didn't make the cut, but the judges loved her energy. In the midst of the solo performances, a storm forced the try-outs into an extended break. But 25 year-old pre-med student Zack kicked things back off later in the day. Prefacing his solo by saying this was his last stab at performing before immersing himself in school, Zack tackled a Michael Buble song with charm and ease. Bruno dug his gentlemanly vibe and both judges agreed that his voice and dancing ability made him a natural for the competition.

After Marquis (who came to the audition on a whim and made it on to the LA round) and a slew of male performers, Carrie Ann and Bruno began to wonder where the talented ladies were hiding out. That is until 20 year-old Elizabeth showed up. With green eyes that melted Bruno's heart and a personality to match, Elizabeth's performance was a hit despite her weak dancing. With the voice and look there, Elizabeth's sincere promise to Bruno to work hard on her dancing bought her a spot in the next round.

Next up, Corina and Alyssa wowed the judges with their powerhouse voices, while Angela (self-proclaimed "totally not a singer") won the hearts of the judges with her adorable dancing and personality and extremely unique voice.

Last stop, Nashville! Sporting cowboy hats, Bruno and Carrie Ann were ready to take their last group back to LA. Most notably were Megan, Kelsey and Mary Ellen, cutsey best friends from Louisiana hoping to make the trip to LA together. Each made it on to the solo round, but Kelsey and Megan left a tearful Mary Ellen in the dust en route to LA, only to be comforted by Drew Lachey.

Bruno and Carrie Ann weren't feeling satisfied with Nashville's turnout come mid-day. But as was the case with Zack, Philip, a 24-year-old waiter, came to the rescue. Belting out "Amazing Grace" in honor of his grandmother, Philip's charisma lifted the judges' spirits and earned him a spot in the LA.

The chosen thirty finally made their way to Los Angeles for a series of intense practices before the definite fourteen would be chosen. Carrie Ann warned them to be hungry, hard working and hell bent to get on her or Bruno's team and brought in the best dance and vocal coaches to hone their skills. Each of the thirty were taught a simple and basic routine at Carrie Ann's request, so that she could see what they could individually do to spice it up. But once the night before the final performance came around, Bruno was disappointed in their quality of work. Delivering a threatening speech, he advised them that talent alone wasn't enough to earn them a spot on a team, they needed determination.

The performance was sub par. Some were standouts (Zach, Mariel) while others disappeared into the background (Quandrell, Angela). Sadly, Bruno and Carrie Ann had to bid adieu to some of their personal favorites, including Angela and Quandrell, but were excited about their final fourteen. Chosen were: Charity, Zack, Phillip (despite being a bit overwhelmed during the week in LA), Mariel, Allysa, Max, Corina (even though Carrie Ann thought she was more interested in the boys than rehearsing), Lacey, Kelsey, Tony, Marquis, Chris, Bradley, and cute ol' Elizabeth.

The whole group performed live in Hollywood to Jennifer Lopez's "Let's Get Loud" and next week we'll find out how they'll be broken up into teams. Carrie Ann said diversity is her strategy and to expect some underdogs on her team, while Bruno said he's working to make his team capture the heart of America.