‘Dancing With The Stars’: Apolo Anton Ohno and Emmitt Smith Say Goodbye

(Jason Merritt/Getty Images For MAXIM)

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Every time there’s a double elimination on Dancing With the Stars fans are left shocked, but this week’s double-whammy was historic.

Monday’s semi-finals was chock full of goodness with Melissa Rycroft channeling Wilma Flintstone for her caveman hustle, Kelly Monaco’s partner, Val Chmerkovskiy showing off his goods in a tiny speedo and Apolo Anton Ohno highlighting his impeccable technique with a beautiful rhumba to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.”

Though it landed Apolo in third place with the judges, it wasn’t enough to advance him to the finals. But ever the champion, the speed skater spoke from the heart, telling the crowd: “This competition was hard from the beginning and Karina’s…taught me so much about myself.”

Later on he tweeted his love to his fans who supported him throughout the season.

To all the fans who supported us and carried us so far-Thank u! I gave 100% every week, grown, shown, & had an absolute blast. #zeroregrets
—
Apolo Anton Ohno (@ApoloOhno) November 21, 2012

His partner, Karina Smirnoff also thanked the fans for all their love and support.

Sad 2 leave, but happy 4 an amazing season, incredible partner @ApoloOhno and lots of priceless memories. Thank u all 4 voting 4 us! Love u!
—
Karina Smirnoff (@Karina_Smirnoff) November 21, 2012

Next fans were forced to say goodbye to Emmitt Smith, who was tied for last place with Kelly. The soap opera actress looked shocked after the football star’s name was called and realized it was not her who was going home.

Emmitt though was a good sport about his elimination.

“It has been a tremendous experience,” he said. “Season three was something else, but this right here takes it over the top.”

Though his partner Cheryl Burke didn’t get a chance to defend their title this time around, she agreed that working with Emmitt again was well worth it.

Love u guys thank u for all of ur support!!' So proud of @EmmittSmith22 he worked so hard. It was amazing to be dancing with him again!
—
Cheryl Burke (@CherylBurke) November 21, 2012

Host Tom Bergeron also mourned the loss of Emmitt telling the crowd, “After tonight, this show’s lost a chunk of charisma.”

With both guys out of the way, the ladies–Shawn Johnson, Melissa and Kelly– are gearing up for the first ever all-female final.

While the night left some fans disappointed, The Wanted tried to brighten things a bit with a medley of their songs “I Found You” and “Glad You Came.” Though the guys looked dapper in their suits, it was Paula Abdul who controlled the night, continuing the ladies streak of schooling the guys.

The singer, who appeared as a guest judge earlier in the season, performed four of her hit songs as part of her “Dream Medley,” which included “Forever Your Girl,” “Cold Hearted,” complete with the scaffolding from the original 1989 video and “Straight Up,” which featured a larger than life Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

The highlight of the night though, had to be Paula’s multimedia art performance to “Opposites Attract,” which reunited her with MC Skat Kat.

Hopefully the remaining ladies took a few notes on Paula’s performance to help them in next week’s finals where they will perform one of their favorite dances from the season, along with a freestyle dance.

Who do you think’s going to win the Mirror Ball Trophy (now with extra bling!): Shawn, Melissa or Kelly?

Voted off:

Pamela Anderson (week 1)

Joey Fatone (week 2)

Helio Castroneves and Drew Lachey (week 3)

Bristol Palin (week 4)

Sabrina Bryan (week 6)

Kirstie Alley and Gilles Marini (week 7)

Apolo Anton Ohno and Emmitt Smith (week 8)

- Shannon Carlin, CBS Local

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