With Kate Gosselin and her wooden limbs, and Jake Pavelka and his oily abs, gone and nearly forgotten from the competition, the playing field on "Dancing With the Stars" has become a lot more even.

What Nicole Scherzinger lacks in warm, bubbly personality, she makes up for in extensions (of the arms, not the hair), and what Niecy Nash lacks in skill, she more than makes up for with jokes about her jiggly parts. To me, there isn't one absolute standout at this point, and there isn't an absolute worst. It's anyone's guess who'll go home Tuesday. I'd personally be least sad to see Evan Lysacek leave (I still don't "get" him) but dude scored a perfect 30, so that would be criminal.

Erin Andrews and Maksim Abcrunchowsky: Despite judge Len Goodman's negative comments last week about Maks' shirtlessness (with which, for the record, I wholeheartedly disagreed), Maks was dead-set on stripping down again for this week's quickstep, "just a little bit." While the rehearsal footage made it seem like he'd be pulling a Pukevelka, it ended up that he and Erin just whipped off some black material to reveal flashy red costumes underneath for their routine. On the dancing front, Monday was the first night I watched Erin and didn't think, aw, look at her trying so hard. She was actually, authentically good. Len said it was her best dance yet. Bruno Tonioli called it "slick" and "lightening fast," but criticized Erin's tense shoulders. Carrie Ann Inaba loved Erin and Maks' body contact--owOW!

Scores, all 9s. Total: 27.

Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke: Look everyone, it's Kate Gosselin's former partner Tony Dovolani! He's free! Tony stopped by Chad's rehearsals to help the footballer with his Viennese waltz and it paid off. Bruno called Chad a "gentle giant." Carrie Ann said "there's nothing sexier than watching a man find out how to be tender." And Len said Chad's arms were full of fluidity and that he should remember Monday, because it was the night that he (Chad) became a contender.

Scores, in Carrie Ann, Len, Bruno order (always), 8, 9, 8. Total: 25.

Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough: Nicole dedicated her waltz to her aunt, who has Down's syndrome. No snark here for such a heartfelt sentiment. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention those wrist scarves. Why not just wear sleeves? The performance was definitely not Nicole's best -- she stumbled in a few places -- but she's still killing it out there. And her aunt was in the audience cheering her on! Carrie Ann said Nicole is the best celeb dancer they've ever had on the show, but there was a connection missing between her and Derek tonight. Len asked to see Nicole in his trailer. Perv. Bruno said there were mistakes because the routine was so difficult, but that it was still "amazing."