First, there was the controversy over booing following Jennifer Grey and Derek danced the jive. Jennifer and Derek’s performance was outstanding. They received the highest scores of the night, three sets of 8, but when they left the ballroom for their post- dance interview there was the distinct sound of booing.
Derek and Jennifer were perplexed, obviously pleased with their scores.
Immediately following the interview, viewers were sent back to the ballroom with Sarah Palin, on-hand to cheer on daughter Bristol Palin.
Viewers were left with the image that the audience was booing Sarah Palin, and that is the story the media ran with. However, Dancing with the Stars put Boo-gate to rest on the DWTS 11, episode 2 show on Tuesday. They showed an unedited camera shot in which it was obvious that the boos were aimed at the judges for giving Jennifer and Derek a score of only 24.
Boo-gate on DWTS is resolved, but the media circus is not over – Michael Bolton, who was voted off on Tuesday night, is angry about his treatment by Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno.
Of Michael Bolton and Chelsie Hightower’s performance on Monday night, episode 2 of DWTS 11, Bruno said that it was the worst jive he had seen in 11 seasons. It was harsh, but true, which is what Bruno is paid to do.
Bruno and Len are often controversial when it comes to their treatment of stars on DWTS, but seldom do celebrities get their shorts in a bunch like Michael Bolton, complaining about his treatment by Bruno. In what has become known as Bolton-gate, Michael Bolton is demanding a public apology from Bruno.
Michael Bolton is obviously embarrassed by his performance on DWTS 11. He didn’t do a good job during week 1 or week 2. He is a singer. It is okay that he can’t dance.
It’s not okay that, having agreed to be on Dancing with the Stars 11, and knowing what he was getting in to, he now expects an apology from Bruno. Michael Bolton has taken a hit to his pride and doesn’t know how to recover outside of lashing out. It only makes him, not Bruno, look bad.
Viewers knew Bruno’s comments were tacky, even Len told him he was out of line. That was really all that needed to be said. It would have been better for Michael Bolton to walk away quietly than put on his celebrity panties and act like he was somebody who deserved to be treated.
Bolton-gate is a ridiculous attempt by Michael Bolton to save face. He should let it go, walk away from DWTS 11, and be done with it.
Honestly, no one but Michael Bolton thought about Bruno’s comments five seconds beyond his having made them. No matter what Bruno said it was time for Michael Bolton to leave Dancing with the Stars and get back to singing.
Further Reading on Dancing with the Stars, season 11:
Dancing with the Stars, ABC
Dancing with the Stars 11, Cast
Dancing with the Stars, season 11, week 2 Recap and Review
DWTS to Bolton – You Don’t Deserve an Apology, TMZ.com
