DANCING WITH THE STARS Showdown: Halfway Point Elimination!

Last night was a night of high scores and personal bests for the DANCING WITH THE STARS celebrities, and also marked a few milestones for the show itself: the halfway point for this season, and the show's 1000th competitive dance. With all that in mind, it's no wonder that the contestants brought their A-game, and for many, the performance was the highlight of their season thus far. Read a recap here if you missed the show!

For the elimination episode tonight, Toby Keith performs two of his country hits, a more understated performance than usually takes center stage at these elimination shows, but nonetheless an effective end to "American Week."

After the usual recaps, the three celebrities who are in jeopardy are revealed to be Kirstie Alley, Chris Jericho, and Petra Nemcova. "No wonder I'm so grumpy," Len says, "There's no justice!"

Kirstie, Chris, and Petra all look, well, petrified. I don't blame them - Kendra should have definitely been standing there in any of their places. Although she noted in her behind the scenes footage that her dance had ben meant to show that she's happy and "Yankee Doodle Dandy", it just doesn't come across and she really never seems to be enjoying herself. 

Kendra wasn't in jeopardy, though, and Tom sends Kirstie back to join her and all the other safe contestants. As always, someone must go home, and this week it's Petra Nemcova being sent packing.

Petra is the picture of grace even as she's ousted from the competition. She tells Brooke and Tom  that it was an amazing opportunity - not only for her, but because her Happy Hearts Fund grew through the exposure granted by her appearance on the show.

What's up next for DANCING WITH THE STARS? Well, Pia Toscano (the contestant behind this year's shocking elimination on AMERICAN IDOL) is announced to be the music guest. It's an interesting choice, to say the least, uniting two of the biggest shows on television. Monday, however, the contestants will be dancing to their guilty pleasure songs. Who will rise to the challenge and who will falter? Find out next week!

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"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.