'Dancing With the Stars' Recap: Week Two Performances (VIDEO)

J.R. Martinez may have been the least known star when Season 13 of 'Dancing With the Stars' premiered last week, but after two stellar performances in a row, this war veteran turned soap opera star may just be the one to beat.

J.R. had me thoroughly entertained throughout his lively jive performance. Dare I say, it even looked like a dance that could easily appear in week seven or eight -- and the judges knew it. Karina's choreography included a risky, yet well-executed, lift that judge Carrie Ann Inaba felt should have been saved for a later performance, so she automatically deducted a point.

And even though J.R. out-danced every other star on that dance floor, Len Goodman said that the dance was more lindy hop and less jive. (Jive or not, it was still pretty fantastic, right Len?) Bruno Tonioli was the only judge on J.R. and Karina's side, commenting that J.R. was "a natural dancer."

With J.R. at the top of my list, joining him is former television host Ricki Lake, who surprised everyone -- even herself -- with her ultra-technical jive, which landed her at the top of the leaderboard. But Ricki has one very big (and blonde!) advantage in this competition -- Derek Hough. Seeing Ricki and Derek on the dance floor made me realize how much I missed the three-time 'DWTS' champ's skill and precision last season, and it looks like he's back and better than ever this season.

After all, he seems to be working Ricki pretty hard. The actress has already shed 12 inches in three weeks, which means I can't wait to see what she looks like when she makes it to the finals (because she totally is, right?!). Also, could Derek and Ricki seriously be any cuter?

Meanwhile, last week's golden girl, Chynna Phillips, learned a harsh lesson this week: If you want to play it safe in week two, then don't show off in week one. The judges' expectations for Chynna's jive were set pretty high after her sophisticated waltz last week, but unfortunately, the judges were underwhelmed.

Maybe the singer can learn a thing or two from Nancy Grace, who was on a mission to redeem herself after her sad cha cha last week, and that's exactly what she did -- before she flashed the audience, that is. It's okay Nancy, it was only a nip slip. It happens to everyone.

Nancy's quickstep, while certainly not perfect, showcased her solid improvement from last week, and the judges took note. Tough guy Len even gave the television personality and prosecutor an eight. Although, if Nancy continues to break down during practice sessions (and cry -- doesn't she know there's no crying in dancing?!), I'm not sure how far she'll make it. However, she does have the luck of the Irish on her side in the form of her adorable partner, and 'DWTS' newbie, Tristan MacManus. Watching Tristan try to help Nancy bust out of her comfort zone could turn anyone into a softie -- even Nancy! Seriously, has anyone seen her cry before?

Winning the award for most improved this week is Robert Kardashian, who finally put his insecurities (and his "man boobs") aside to really enjoy himself on the dance floor. Not to mention that judge Carrie Ann Inaba probably made his year when she announced, "It's official, Rob Kardashian is a better dancer than Kim Kardashian." I could almost see the tears of joy in his eyes. Did you hear that Kim? You may have more fame, more money and more sex tapes than your little bro Robert, but do you have the Mirror Ball?!



Okay, so maybe I don't think Rob can win the coveted Mirror Ball, but I do think he has the potential to get to week four, and that's something that his sister Kim just couldn't do.

Other notable performances go to soccer star Hope Solo's "fun and flirtatious" jive and reality starlet Kristin Cavallari's quickstep, which was reminiscent of "old Hollywood glamour" and had Bruno "twinkling with pleasure" -- his words, not mine. Even though, Kristin had a great performance (I mean, how can she not with Mark Ballas at her side?), I just can't seem to root for her. Maybe it's because I was always more of an LC girl ('Laguna Beach,' anyone?), or it could be that she just doesn't seem to have as much fun as the rest.

Leave it to Len to put things into perspective. The often critical judge hit the nail on the head when he said, "Some of worst dancers are the most fun to watch." While Kristin may have looked like Norma Jean, she lacked Marilyn's sparkle.

Then there's Carson Kressly, who I could honestly watch dance all day. He may not have the skills or the technique or even the rhythm, but he has the most spirited personality in the bunch and is a delight to watch on the dance floor. As Carson would say, there's no such thing as too much sparkle.

And now to the biggest disappointments of the night. Chaz Bono started off strong last week, but he let his knee injury get the best of him this week. While I have to commend Chaz for not giving up, his quickstep was more like a slowstep -- a very, very slow slowstep. But it's hard not to root for Chaz. Bruno put it best when he said it was like "an Ewok dancing with Princess Leia." And who can eliminate an Ewok?!

Finally, poor David Arquette. Just when he gets one thing right, he messes up another. David looked much more himself this week, shiny suspenders and all, but unfortunately, the technique just wasn't there. At times, it even seemed like he was running into his partner Kym Johnson. However, I didn't feel like he was as bad as Elisabetta Canalis, and I disagree with the judges scoring her above David. She may have improved, but her attitude seems awful. Between getting into spats with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy and barely showing any emotion on the dance floor, I have no idea how she deserved a score of 21.

But now it all comes down to whom the viewers voted for. Do you think your favorite is safe? Tune in for Tuesday night's results show to find out.

'Dancing With the Stars' airs Mondays and Tuesdays, 8PM ET on ABC.