Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ane (Episode 104)

It’s Motown night, kids, and one member of Team Carrie Ann or Team Bruno was sent packin’.  But before America’s votes were revealed, we were treated (or subjected, however you see it) to two performances by both teams.  Scheming his revenge attack on Carrie’s Ann ‘chorus line’ comment last Monday, Bruno decided to have a single performer take the lead for this week’s ladies’ number.  Lacey was deemed the chosen one for TB’s rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Freedom.”  And while she is an amazing singer, I feel like she’s already gotten her fair share of the spotlight over the past two weeks.

Carrie Ann caught the same vibe and questioned Bruno’s decision to not let all of his team members shine.  She also made a great staging point—since Lacey was using the microphone as a prop, she should’ve been consistently signing into it.  Her failure to do was distracting and took away from the authenticity of her performance.  Nobody likes a lip syncher, and that's what she looked like she was doing at times, despite singing completely live.

Recovering from Chris’ microphone mishap last week (does anyone else think he looks like Talan from Laguna Beach??  They both have no-neck syndrome!), Team Carrie Ann quickly got to work on their assigned Motown hit, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”  In matching tan suits and purple hoodies (for real, American Apparel has to be an unofficial sponsor of this show), the team had a solid group performance with a surprise twist.  Mid-dance they busted out a bit of stomp dancing, but as Bruno pointed out, their synchronization left a lot to be desired.  What could have been a great number fell short due to a lack of tightness.  Still reeling from Carrie Ann’s earlier comments, Bruno didn’t waste any opportunity to lash out at TCA, and added that they need to get it together and become a sleek, cohesive group.

With the first elimination looming, coaches Carrie Ann and Bruno began mentally prepping for the tough decision of who to send home.  Timid Tony and Charity are on Bruno’s potential elimination list, while Carrie Ann has her eye on Alyssa, Elizabeth and Bradley.  Charity and Bradley are totally the weak links in my opinion; neither have vocal skills to stand up to the rest.  Plus, I like Alyssa and Elizabeth (though she may start to grow old in the coming weeks!).

For their second number, TB performed to “Caught Up.”  Weak vocals and a tired old cane dance left the audience wanting much more.  Based on applause alone, the in-studio group was definitely feeling TCA’s earlier performance more, despite their shortcomings.  But, of course, Bruno thought his team did a wonderful job and was the ever-supportive coach.  He congratulated Phillip on his performance and gave special love to Zack, who Bruno said makes everything look so smooth and effortless.  Carrie Ann admitted this was a very difficult song to sing, especially with their ambitious choreography; however, she felt that their vocals were pitchy.  Agreed!

Finally, it was time to see which team would be losing a member.  Drew said it was very close vote, with Team Carrie Ann coming out just ahead of Team Bruno.  Thus, TB was forced to line up and sweat it out under the bright lights while their leader decided who would be sent home.  Bruno’s first choice to remain was Lacey, thanks to her awesome lead performance tonight.  Phillip was saved next along with Tony, and naturally Zack was also granted a pardon.  This left Kelsey and Charity in the bottom two, and each tried to hold their composure during a final performance for Bruno.  Alas, it was Lacey who was able to capture Bruno’s heart and Charity who was sent home.  Telling her team she loved them and would miss them, Charity exited the stage with tears in her eyes. 

Next week, another hopeful will be eliminated and Taylor Swift will perform.