Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke Top Leaderboard On 'Dancing'

Access Hollywood - May 11, 2009 6:38 PM PDT
Story photo: Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke Top Leaderboard On 'Dancing'A shirtless Gilles Marini struts his stuff with partner Cheryl Burke on Monday's 'Dancing With The Stars' ABCAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- After weeks of struggle in the ballroom, Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke returned to the top of the leaderboard on Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars."

The "Sex and The City" star and his professional partner had the judges swooning from the start of competition on Monday after tackling a graceful waltz that British judge Len Goodman commended.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Gilles Marini: From 'Sex & The City' To 'Dancing' Superstar

"I'm giving you a sitting down standing ovation," he said as the pair took home 30 points.

But later, their second dance of the evening - a super-sexy salsa -- had judge Carrie Ann Inaba on her feet.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Shawn Johnson- From Olympic Gold To 'Dancing' Darling

"That was Gilles Marini at his best. That is a dance you can bring to the finals," she screamed as they took home another perfect 30, for a total score of 60. "I want to see you here next week."

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her ballroom partner, Mark Ballas, also came out strong, scoring 30 points on their first dance - an Argentine tango, which Carrie Ann said was full of "passion." But, the couple's second dance, the jive, fell short of expectations.

"It kind of got a little heavier," Carrie Ann said of the number, which saw Shawn and Mark jumping on different beats during the opening. "It felt like it was going through mud."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Dancing With The Stars': The Portrait Shots!

The dance cost them four points, leaving Shawn and Mark with a 26, and a total after two rounds of competition of 56.

Melissa Rycroft and her partner, Tony Dovolani, came in third, scoring 28 for their quickstep and 27 for their cha cha, for a total of 55 out of 60.

Ty Murray and Chelsie Hightower placed fourth on the leaderboard taking home 26 for their Viennese waltz and 23 for their samba for a total of 49 out of 60.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Melissa Rycroft: 'Dancing's' Comeback Kid!
PLAY IT NOW: 'Dancing's' Gilles Heats Up The Kitchen (May 4, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Melissa Rycroft - Gilles Marini - Shawn Johnson

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  • jane d
    It was a sad ending for the dancing with the stars..It doesnt matter how good you are if u dont have a fan base, it means dont join in because you will not win in the end. To me that was the message. It was sad because Gilles was the best. I hope they will change the guidelines in selecting the competitors.. Can't compare a 17 to a 60 in dancing or a known and an unknown person.. just my
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 5:47 AM PDT
  • yingpennyli
    Melissa, sh-melissa! god! She's a good dancer but she's inconstant. One week she's at the top, the next week she's at the bottom! She shouldn't win.
    report abuseposted May 16, 2009 3:50 PM PDT
  • awchew
    Melissa sucks, what a butt kisser, Shawn is FAT and Ty needs to go.
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:47 PM PDT
  • StelHrseRyder
    Melissa all day any day ! She got the royal green wennie ( shafted ) in pts from the judges. Like I stated elsewhere, A woman won last yr so they have to keep it even, so looks like a guy will win this yr and cheryl will claim her 3rd trophy. I think its time they give Editah (sp) a younger guy, she's a great dancer and she always gets the big awkward guys.She's got the best body o
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 9:02 PM PDT
  • Eileen
    Yes, Melissa is technically a good dancer, and she may have better moves, but its also about personality and charm and Gilles clearly has it, plus he moves well. I like the choices they have made with music as well. There is a popularity element to it, for sure.
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 8:56 PM PDT
  • LaLa
    sometimes I think these judges purposely say they have seen errors that we didnt see. Carrie ann told Shawn and Melissa they didn't seem connected to the dance and didnt smile enough...the next dance Melissa was doing her best to keep her happy face on and it cost her a few points. Carrie is too ga ga over giele..he is a good dancer but melissa is the best and I hope takes the trophy home
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 8:46 PM PDT
  • Suzie
    You've got to be kidding the judges need to go - do they think we are all stupid!!! Gilles did't even come close to dancing as well as Melissa - throw the judges out and get some that are fair!!!
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 7:59 PM PDT
  • Suzie
    You've got to be kidding the judges need to go - do they think we are all stupid!!! Gilles did't even come close to dancing as well as Melissa - throw the judges out and get some that are fair!!!
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 7:59 PM PDT
  • Suzie
    You've got to be kidding the judges need to go - do they think we are all stupid!!! Gilles did't even come close to dancing as well as Melissa - throw the judges out and get some that are fair!!!
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 7:59 PM PDT
  • Suzie
    You've got to be kidding the judges need to go - do they think we are all stupid!!! Gilles did't even come close to dancing as well as Melissa - throw the judges out and get some that are fair!!!
    report abuseposted May 11, 2009 7:59 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 15  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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