Dancing with the Stars Top 11: Rankings and Recap

The men and the women danced side by side on Dancing with the Stars last night, and while the women made overall stronger showings, it was a man who came out on top.

Is it just me, or is the overall talent level much higher at this point in the season than it has ever been before?

Here we go with the rankings...

1. Helio Castrovenes
This mambo was on fire! After a mighty fine fox trot last week, Helio was once again in the front of the pack, smokin' up the floor with Julianne Hough, who has quickly become the best choreographer/dancer in the competition (and you just know that Cheryl Burke is none too happy about that!) Helio danced with an authority, sexuality and manliness that is rarely seen on this show -- and I loved every minute of it!

2. Sabrina Bryan
It's always nice when a contender has a great first week and is able to follow it up with an equally impressive second dance, and Sabrina has done just that. Such pep in her step! She flew around the floor, nailing the quickstep with the precision of a professional. This Cheetah Girl can definitely pounce!

3. Mel B.
From Scary Spice to Lady Spice -- genius! She more than lived up to her new name, gracefully executing the quickstep in a way that still incorporated a bit of her fieriness. Helio and Sabrina may be the top contenders at the moment, but Mel is right on their heels.

4. Marie Osmond
The look of joy on Marie Osmond's face is transcendent -- how could you not smile from ear to ear while watching this performance? She went at it with such abandon and vigor that I fell a little bit in love with her last night, Mary Murphy-face be damned!

5. Jane Seymour
Yes, this mambo was probably a bit more prim and proper than one Sabrina or Mel might deliver, but for a woman in her 50's to commit so heartily to this sexy Latin dance, and for the most part pull it off, is enough to impress me.

6. Floyd Mayweather
The champ was in fine form last night, executing the quickstep with much more precision than I expected him to. His posture is a bit wonky, but that smile is adorable, so if Karinna can continue to crack the whip, he should have no problem staying in the ring for at least a few more rounds.

7. Cameron Mathison
The judges made a good point -- Cameron looks so good, his dancing is bound to disappoint by comparison. Still, I thought this was a step up from last week's showing, although he does have a bit of that Ian Ziering stiffness going on. He could continue to improve, though, in which case I wouldn't rule out a Top 5 or 6 finish.

8. Jennie Garth
Oh, Kelly Taylor, how I love thee! She's stuck with probably the least commanding dance partner, her dancing is a bit tentative, and that fall at the end was unfortunate, but how could I not root for the bitch from 90210?

9. Mark Cuban
A marked improvement over last week, I definitely admire Mark's drive and determination. Still, though, there's something a bit creepy about the billionaire, and unless he becomes a bit more likable, and quick, he's gonna get shown the door.

10. Albert Reed
Using your dead grandfather so early in the competition? Shame, Albert, shame! I'm glad your grandmother loves you -- 'cause I sure don't!

11. Wayne Newton
I'm not sure what was most embarrassing about this performance -- Wayne's horrible dancing or Cheryl's horrible outfit. Both were total nightmares.

Check back in a bit for my elimination prediction.

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