Las Vegas Weekly

September 29, 2010 · 11:27 AM

DWTS photos: Michael Bolton goes out swinging (at judge)

By Robin Leach

Tom Bergeron, Brooke Burke, Chelsie Hightower and Michael Bolton on Season 11 and Week 2 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars on Sept. 28, 2010.

Photo: Adam Larkey/ABC TV

Controversy has rocked ABC’s No. 1 hit Dancing With the Stars. Just when viewers thought David Hasselhoff’s elimination last week got the show off to a shocking Season 11 start, Week 2 was worse.

Singer Michael Bolton, who was suffering from laryngitis, basically declared all-out war on judge Bruno Tonioli, who had lambasted him Monday night, saying that his jive with Las Vegas native Chelsie Hightower was the worst he had see in all 11 seasons. Last night, Michael, who was booted from the show by low combined judge and viewer voting, called for an apology over the “disrespectful and inappropriate” remarks.

Michael said his 90-year-old mother had attended the show but wound up being upset about Bruno’s put-down instead of having fun. Even judge Len Goodman, who is normally the harshest critic, ripping into Bruno, who then fired back at Len over the brouhaha. Host Tom Bergeron said Bruno was “too hard” on the ousted singer.

As if the judges’ divisions weren’t bad enough, hosts Brooke Burke and Tom went to great lengths on last night’s show to point out that off-camera boos heard Monday night were directed at the judges and not at former VP contender Sarah Palin, who attended both nights of shows to watch daughter Bristol dance with Mark Ballas.

On Monday night’s show, Michael, who appears here Oct. 15 at Mandalay Bay in the David Foster & Friends concert, used a doghouse as a ballroom prop for his dance with Chelsie to Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” Said Michael: “It was hilarious. I’d do it again in a second. It was me having fun with myself.”

Bruno’s stinging rebukes as he gave the lowest score of the show, 3, included: “Rin Tin Tin would have done a better jive. It’s the worst in 11 seasons.” The celebrities and pro dancers were clearly shocked, and TV viewers took to the Internet in droves to label his remarks tasteless and call for his replacement.

Michael demanded a public apology and a reprimand: “Bruno let everybody down. I just didn’t expect that level of disrespect from him,” the Grammy Award winner said. Len commented: “It was inappropriate. I always try to show a little bit of positive.” Bruno fired back at that, too: “What a bunch of lies! He should be a politician. My job is to point out what I see. The public can vote and get him back.”

Before he departed the studio, Michael added: “Chelsie did everything she could. I have nothing but praise for her. She’s been awesome, and I wanted her to go on, as well. … I wouldn’t change the cast of characters. They’re wonderful dancers and competitors. We bonded backstage. They are amazing people, and that will stay forever.” Chelsie said, “Michael is such a genuine person. I was really so proud of him. It was honestly such an honor to work with him.”

Producers also had to awkwardly deal with booing on the Monday night show that many viewers and media thought was aimed at Sarah Palin. An unedited tape replayed by Tom and Brooke last night showed that the boos were directed at the judges for giving only 8’s to frontrunner actress Jennifer Grey and her Las Vegas-linked partner Derek Hough.

It was the second consecutive week that Jersey Shore star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and partner Karina Smirnoff were in the bottom, so he’s determined not to be in that slot again next week. Singers Seal and Janelle Monae performed on last night’s show; Seal is part of Foster’s concert at Mandalay Bay.

Next Monday, the 10 remaining celebrity couples, who began rehearsals this morning, return for the intriguing and always dangerous “Tell a Story” through dance routines.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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