Tensions were high heading into the ballroom tonight on Dancing With the Stars.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy lashed out at the judges for what he felt was an unfair critiquing system after Len Goodman called Hope Solo's rumba her worst dance yet. Chaz Bono left the floor demoralized after Bruno Tonioli compared him to a cute fuzzy penguin—one too many comparisons to a round little animal, Chaz felt.
And wouldn't you know, both Hope and Chaz ended up in jeopardy, thereby cranking up the drama from the previous evening and making us all wonder if Chaz's lack of technique was finally going to send him home on the same night he spoke up. Or would Maks, if Hope was eliminated, once again imply that this season would be his last?
Maks' apology—not to mention his admittance that the show isn't his alone—was well-timed, because he's sticking around.
Instead, Chaz and Lacey Schwimmer were eliminated after a long run that was surprising if you factor in dancing ability (see: Nancy Grace) but then not at all surprising when you consider the loyalty of the fans in his corner.
"I took so much away from this," Chaz said. "This was an amazing journey that really pushed me and showed me that I could do so much more than I ever thought I could."
"I came on this show," he continued, "because I wanted to show America a different kind of man. And I know that if there was somebody like me on TV when I was growing up, my whole life would have been different. So I dedicate everything I did to all the people out there like me, and especially the kids and teens who are struggling. You can have a wonderful, great life and be successful and happy."
"You get all 10s for that, my friend," said host Tom Bergeron.
When faced with the penguin replay earlier in the night, Bruno shook his head as a sign that he certainly didn't mean to offend Chaz. While we understand Chaz's point of view, this isn't the first time that Bruno's come under fire for one of his runaway metaphors, so...we believe he wasn't trying to be mean.
Whether he was completely insensitive is another story, however.
Meanwhile, Hope and Maks, who may not have even had the second-lowest vote tally, are safe for another week, along with David Arquette, Rob Kardashian, Nancy Grace, Ricki Lake and J.R. Martinez.
The shenanigans will be even scarier than usual next week, starting with Monday's special Halloween performance show.
Did the right star go home tonight? Are you surprised Chaz was around this long? Sound off in the comments section!