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Dancing with the StarsSeason 8

Season eight of Dancing with the Stars premiered on Monday, March 9, 2009, as part of ABC's spring line-up. The show generally followed the format of previous seasons, with 13 couples, although there were some changes, including two new dances, and an occasional dance-off between the bottom two couples, in order to determine who will be eliminated. The show was again hosted by Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris. Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba all returned as judges again this season. Originally, the season was advertised as the first U.S. season where a husband and wife would compete against each other: rodeo champion Ty Murray and singer-songwriter Jewel. The two had married the previous year after a ten-year courtship. However, just prior to the series, Jewel fractured both her tibias and was unable to perform. She was replaced on the show by Playboy model Holly Madison. Murray chose to continue on the show, and Jewel appeared during the season as a special musical guest. Nancy O'Dell, the then co-host of Access Hollywood, was also originally announced to be on the show, but was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a torn meniscus, which required surgery. She was replaced by Melissa Rycroft, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader who won season 13 of The Bachelor. She only had two days to practice her first dance.

Episodes

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    E01 Episode 801

    Mar 9, 2009

    Season eight begins with an all new set of dancers and an all-new feature in which a dance off will be held between the bottom 2 couples facing elimination during the early rounds.

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    E02 Episode 802

    Mar 16, 2009

    Week two of performances finds the contestants dancing the salsa or the quickstep.

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    E03 Episode 802A

    Mar 17, 2009

    The results from the first round are revealed. Jewel (who was forced to leave the show due to an injury) joins the show for a song, along with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Also included is a Busby Berkley inspired from choreographer Michael Rooney, plus the seasons first dance off held between the lowest scoring two couples.

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    E04 Episode 803

    Mar 23, 2009

    Week three finds the performers dancing the fox trot or the samba.

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    E05 Episode 803A

    Mar 24, 2009

    The third results show also has a performance by singer Adele and the duo Hall & Oates.

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    E06 Episode 804

    Mar 30, 2009

    Week four's performances include the Argentine tango and the Lindy Hop.

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    E07 Episode 804A

    Mar 31, 2009

    The fourth round of performances has led to two more contestants being released.

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    E08 Episode 805

    Apr 6, 2009

    Week five performances has the contestants dancing the paso doble or Viennese waltz.

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    E09 Episode 805A

    Apr 7, 2009

    Week five brings another elimination for one team, after Grammy Award singer Etta James and Demi Lovato each sing, while the second Macy's Stars of Dance perform.

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    E10 Episode 806

    Apr 13, 2009

    Week six in the competition finds the performers dancing the rumba or the jive.

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    E11 Episode 806A

    Apr 14, 2009

    The results of round six are revealed, along with a performance from Rascal Flatts.

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    E12 Episode 807

    Apr 20, 2009

    Week seven finds the contestants participating in a 1960's themed group dance.

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    E13 Episode 807A

    Apr 21, 2009

    Week seven finds one more dancer removed from the show, along with a performance from Natasha Bedingfield and the Irish music group Celtic Women.

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    E14 Episode 808

    Apr 27, 2009

    Week eight of the competition finds the contestants dancing as a single and as a team.

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    E15 Episode 808A

    Apr 28, 2009

    Week eight of the competition finds one more voted off. Also, a performance by Robin Thicke, and the professional dancing competition continues.

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    E16 Episode 809

    May 4, 2009

    Week nine finds the remaining contestants having to perform in two different dance styles.

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    E17 Episode 809A

    May 5, 2009

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    E18 Episode 810

    May 11, 2009

    Week 10 finds only four dancers remaining as they have two new dances to learn.

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    E19 Episode 810A

    May 12, 2009

    The results for week 10 are revealed as one more dancer is eliminated. Also, a performance from Raphael Saadiq; the Design-A-Dance elements are revealed; and the two finalists are compete in the professional dancer competition.

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    E20 Episode 811

    May 18, 2009

    Week 11 is also the final week of performances for season 8, as each of the three remaining couples will dance the paso doble and a freestyle routine.

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    E21 Episode 811A

    May 19, 2009

    The season eight finale finds the remaining three celebrities performing a third dance before a winner is announced. Also featured during this episode is a roast of the finalists by Jeffrey Ross, a singing performance by Lady Gaga and the winner of the professional dance competition is announced.

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