Cloris Leachman's crazy ballroom antics are finally over. She and partner Corky Ballas were eliminated last night after a shoddy cha cha that left the judges fed up. But no matter how few dance steps she managed to pick up along the way this season, Cloris leaves behind a whole new fan base and a great message that age ain't nothin' but a number. 82 is the new 52!

What's been touted as the most injury-prone lot in Dancing with the Stars history, once again lived up to its name Monday night.  Two-time champion Julianne Hough (and partner to Cody Linley) joined the casualty ranks when she revealed she'd immediately be leaving the show to undergo surgery as a result of endrometriosis.  Also making headlines, Lance Bass staged a comeback, and Brooke Burke's foot injury gave her a great excuse for falling out of first place.

After an iffy West Coast swing performance on Monday night, Toni Braxton found herself on the chopping block alongside Susan Lucci.  Unfortunately, the daytime vet and her army of Erica Cain fans had the advantage, and Toni was left to her take her final dance.  So upset by her elimination, Toni bowed out of the customary media blitz that follows each Tuesday "Results" show.  Sorry 'bout cha, Jimmy Kimmel!

Monday night marked the half-way point of season seven, giving the judges license to launch full-blown critiques.  As the dances get more difficult--this was the first week ever for the hustle, jitterbug, salsa and West Coast swing--the scoring benchmark rises.  Cody, Brooke and Warren measured up, while Susan and Toni fell behind.

Not surprisingly, swing champ Lacey Schwimmer was given her hallmark dance to teach partner Lance Bass.  While her expertise should have made it a breeze to pass down some new tricks, Lacey managed to only showcase her own talent.  As she literally danced circles around Lance, he was left to meander, struggle and even fall on his booty.  The judges warned Lacey to channel her attentions to making Lance look good, not herself, and sent her packing with a score of 21.

Despite a second chance at safety, chef Rocco DiSpirito and partner Karina Smirnoff were forced to say their ballroom goodbyes last night. Unable to uncover his musicality, Rocco's sweet nature and good looks weren't enough to win over the judges or the at-home voters. But, I have a feeling he may have won his partner over! I want the dirt now that they're off--my trusty tabloids better uncover some details, stat!

Going into week four of the competition, the judges warned it was time to get tough.  Performance needed to take a back seat to technique in order to catch Len, Bruno and Carrie Ann's eye.  Most contestants smartly took note and delivered textbook tangos and sambas--even crazy Cloris!

Maurice Greene and Cheryl started off the night with a disco-flavored samba.  Outfitted in matching afros, the duo threaded in loads of iconic '70s moves but it wasn't enough to impress the judges.  They've tired of the fun bits and need to see some refinement from smiley Maurice, who took home a score of 20.  (Sidenote: Anyone catch Cheryl's story in People this week?  Girlfriend may not look her typically toned self, but she's not fat!  Yeesh.) 

If anything good came out of Misty Mae Treanor's injury-induced departure from Dancing with the Stars, it's that Rocco DiSpirito will be on hand to serve another round next week. 
 
Although the celeb chef and cutie extraordinaire came in last place when the combined judges' scores and at-home votes were revealed, Rocco and Karina were spared elimination--as were all of the remaining couples.  The bad news is that all scores from this week will roll over to next, meaning Rocco needs to bust a serious move in order to hang on.

In one quick snap, Misty Mae Treanor's promising stint on Dancing with the Stars has come to an end.  Rehearsing the jive with partner Maks on Friday, Misty's Achilles tendon ruptured, leaving her unable to compete and in need of surgery.  In spite of the pain, Misty hobbled back into the ballroom last night to make an in-person exit announcement while the other contestants looked on in sympathy.

Jumping ship this week was Kim Kardashian.  Losing the final safety spot to partner Mark's father, Corky, and his partner Cloris Leachman, Kim departed gracefully, saying she's pleased to have made her father proud.  Then she locked and popped in a mini-rendition of her Sir Mixalot routine, as only Kim could do.

Toni Braxton didn't have to wait until the bitter end again to find out she and her partner Alec were safe another week.  Also surprised to hear their names called were Rocco DiSpirito and his partner Karina.  Shocked to make it past elimination, Rocco sweetly thanked those who voted for believing in him and promised to give twice the performance next week.  I'm gonna have to dust off the old phone and vote for Rocco come Monday--he's too stinkin' cute not to!

Dancing with the Stars is all about 'firsts.'  Every season has a slew of 'em, and last night we saw the first time contestants undertook the difficult paso doble or rumba this early in the competition. *golf claps*  Well, it may not be the first time someone fainted (Hi, Marie!), but it'll do.

First up, Toni Braxton and her partner Alec performed the rumba.  Sporting another sparse outfit, Toni has fully embraced the mantra of the ballroom: Less is more except when it comes to sparkles.  The judges were happy with Toni's showing but warned her to work on the basics.  The theatrics can only carry her so far, and they surely didn't prevent Carrie Ann from spying two lifts within the number and bumping Toni and Alec's total score down to 23.