DWTS beat-by-beat
Natalie Finn

LOS ANGELES—Step in time with our Dancing with the Stars blog: When all was said and danced, Yamaguchi (30) once again stood triumphant atop the leader board; Mario (28), de la Fuente (27) and Winokur (26) had made major inroads; Taylor and Elizabeth (both 24) had taken a few steps back and Matlin (21) was left hoping the at-home voters provide the needed va-va-voom.
9:22 p.m.: If you’ve been thinking the cowboy in your life has been slacking in the sparkly embroidery and faux holster department (or if you just really want to see Mario do a cartwheel), then saddle up, because the final seven contestants are going country for the first group dance of the season. It might not get them anywhere with Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno but this hoedown/square dance melange could count for something when it comes time for the fans to pass judgment.
9:15 p.m.: “Better than good sex” was how Carrie Ann characterized Mario and the practically bedsheet-clad Karina Smirnoff’s smokin’ rumba, which, in addition to a vice-squad raid, earned the R&B singer his first 10 of the season (the sign of ultimate approval coming from Bruno Tonioli, who always appreciates a good simulated mating dance). 9:02 p.m.: And the first 30 of the season goes to...surprise, surprise...Kristi Yamaguchi! We all knew it was only a matter of time before the ice queen—who was born with club feet, she revealed as she practiced her jive—skated away with a perfect score.