Winokur Exits "Dancing" With A Smile
Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur was voted off "Dancing With The Stars" Tuesday night, but she exits the show a winner.
The plus-sized actress had said earlier in the season that her goal was to prove to people "that you don't have to be a size-zero to dance."
She proved her point by lasting long enough to be one of the final four contestants in this week's semi-finals. She also proved something to herself.
"I've never felt sexier in my life. Just going through this ride, I feel like I can pretty much do anything," she said.
Winokur and her professional partner, Tony Dovolani, got the lowest scores from the judges Monday night, earning 52 out of 60 points for their quickstep and rumba.
The Tony-winner wiped a few tears away from her eyes but never lost her smile as she said farewell at the end of Tuesday's show.
"I want everyone to go out and do something fun," she said. "Do something that makes you feel sexy and shake what your mama gave you."
The three remaining couples will go into next week's finals with only one point separating each position.
Photos: "Dancing With The Stars"
Olympic skater Kristi Yamaguchi had the highest score, earning 57 out of 60 points. Actor Cristian de la Fuente was right behind her with 56, and NFL star Jason Taylor followed one point behind with 55.
As always, Tuesday's show featured performances to help round out the hour.
Choreographer Travis Payne and his dancers performed as the Grammy-nominated Omarion sang a medley of songs from Michael Jackson's "Thriller".
A capable dancer and singer, Omarion performed some classic Jackson moves. He wasn't quite able to fill the King of Pop's sequined socks, but those are admittedly very large socks to fill.
The show also featured the final round of the children's ballroom competition, with the winners of the contest's three age groups competing.
To make up for the varying levels of technique, the viewing audience was encouraged to vote for the couple they found the most entertaining. Winners of the kids' competition will be announced next week during Tuesday's finale.
Aaron, who along with his partner Rashell won the nine and under round, summed up the experience as only a kid can.
"No matter if we lose or win we were still on TV," he said. "But winning is the best part!"
By Judy Rosen