Lifetime

Michelle Lesniak Franklin, the winner of "Project Runway."

Michelle Lesniak Franklin got her last kill on "Project Runway." The "lone wolf" was crowned the winner of the team-themed 11th season, besting fellow finalists Stanley Hudson and Patricia Michaels with a nearly flawless collection inspired by her experience struggling to survive on the competition.

"It was the strangest experience ever," the scrappy Portland-based designer told TODAY.com. "It really is a Petri dish, and you learn so much about yourself over the course of time."

Stanley, unfortunately, didn't learn from his "time management issues" and barely managed to dress his models minutes before the show. "He's so incredibly talented," said Michelle. "It kind of fell apart for him at the end."  

While Stanley and Patricia were frantic in the workroom, Michelle had time to relax and enjoy her completed collection.

"I just really like to be prepared and always put my best foot forward," she said. "Not that the other designers didn't take this seriously, but perhaps I took the weight of the seriousness heavier than they did. I was just really smart about it. It's 'Project Runway' -- they can throw three more challenges (at contestants) in one day, so I wanted to be prepared for that."

She was also prepared to hear criticism from the judges for her graphic bleeding heart sweater, which Tim Gunn loathed and begged her to remove from her collection. Instead, the judges all loved it -- so did she make the mentor eat crow?   

"When we were watching the runway backstage on the television, and it walked down the runway, he was like, 'I totally take back what I said,'" she recounted. "He's like, 'It's stunning!'"

She also got sweet revenge after the judges bashed her design for the Miranda Lambert challenge.

"The one judge comment you dread to hear is 'I question their taste,' -- and they 'questioned my taste' (when critiquing) my leather vest and this leather fringe necklace," Michelle shared, adding: "H&M just made that necklace! So yeah, that was funny to me."

Michelle herself brought plenty of funny to the show, from her spot-on Nina Garcia impressions to her candid remarks about her fellow contestants.

"Sometimes it came across as mean," she said with some regret. "I know at one point I said that Tu couldn’t sew for s---. Well, that dress he did was terrible, but Tu is actually an incredible sewer. And an incredible technician. I ended up apologizing for that."

"I think a few people had hurt feelings, and for the most part I was really straightforward with them," she continued. "I'd tell them before (the 'confessional' interviews) even aired:  'Hey guys this is what I said. And this is what I meant by it.'"

Not everyone has been forgiving, though -- especially Daniel.

"When someone takes a ball from you in kindergarten, you go to first grade (and) you need to let go of it," she said, referring to the emotional mustachioed designer's overreaction to her comment about his pink jacket. "You need to not hold a grudge and get over it."

Michelle promised more fireworks when the gang reunites in next week's reunion special.

"There are some adults, designers on this show, who haven't quite figured out how to grow up," she said.

Do you think Michelle deserved to win "Project Runway"? Tell us on our Facebook page!

FOX

Candice Glover, Angie Miller, Kree Harrison and Amber Holcomb remained safe on "American Idol" this week.

In “American Idol: The Complete Waste of Time” edition on Thursday night, nobody got sent home, Lee DeWyze and Stefano Langone sang live, and Drake came onstage for a homage bit with Candice Glover but not to perform himself. It was like someone challenged the “Idol” brass to spend one show trying to do everything wrong.

We still got results, as Candice and Amber Holcomb were revealed as the two lowest vote-getters after Wednesday’s show, but in a twist obvious to anyone who owns a calendar and a copy of the TV schedule, it was an elimination-free evening. Otherwise, as Ryan Seacrest explained, the show would finish a week early because the judges never used their save. Somewhere out there, Curtis Finch Jr. is yelling that Nicki Minaj should have stuck to her guns on that March 14 show and stayed off the stage until the other three judges agreed to keep him. Also, take a bow “Idol”voters, because for now the judges agree that you are perfect.

But not to worry, Ryan said, all of those votes still count. They’ll be added to next Wednesday’s votes and whoever finishes at the bottom is gone for reals. So it’s still good for Kree Harrison that she rebounded to finish in the top two despite some lukewarm feedback, and Angie Miller is still a lock to make the top three.

With all apologies to the live acts, both of whom had their moments, the entertaining portion of the night was limited to a five-minute stretch in the middle of the show that began with Jimmy Iovine discussing being attacked last night.

“So here I am, onstage for the first time in my life on a live TV show, the entire audience is booing me, and from the judges’ panel here comes Nicki Minaj coming at me like a middle linebacker,” Jimmy said. “Turns out that my incredible charm, charisma and style win the day. I gotta tell you something – I think [Nicki] is sweet on me.”

“Is this a mutual crush?” Ryan asked.

“I didn’t want to tell the world. I was kind of waiting until ‘Idol’ was over to reveal that my new sugar daddy is Jimmy Iovine,” Nicki said.

Despite Jimmy’s plug, no NFL team selected Nicki in the first round of the NFL Draft, which was airing at the same time on another network. She’s really more of a cornerback or free safety anyway.

Seconds later, just as Candice was grimacing thinking that for the second night in a row everyone was talking about someone else on her designated critique time, Ryan said that Drake couldn’t be there, but had an audio message praising Candice for her performance of his song last night. Just when everyone started thinking “wow, the sound quality is way better than any ‘Idol’ phone message replay ever,” he walked out onto the stage, and the reaction of Candice and the other three girls was priceless. He then walked around for awhile, realized that Ryan really was not going to beg him to perform, and went away.

If you missed it, don’t worry. All four “Idol” finalists will be back next week anyway.

Related content:

• Judges love Amber and Angie on 'Idol'
• 'Idol' bids farewell to Janelle Arthur

Fox

Amber Holcomb on "American Idol."

If you’re an “American Idol” conspiracy theorist, you were handed some solid ammunition for your arguments Wednesday night. But one guy isn’t playing along with the script.

The judges certainly seem to be setting up an Amber Holcomb-Angie Miller finale, drowning them both in praise. They love how much Amber has grown since the early shows, and in fairness to them she’s the clear winner in the Most Improved category. But the praise over the past few weeks has been overwhelming, and that continued Wednesday.

“You’re just like this blooming flower, Amber. You’re blooming for the world to see,” Nicki Minaj said.

Keep in mind that that comment came after Amber’s version of “MacArthur Park.” You might ask why anyone would ever choose that song in a singing competition, even if America suffered a massive brain cramp and demanded a one-hit-wonders theme this week. Put it like this – in “Dave Barry’s Book of Bad Songs,” the humorist names it the absolute worst song ever for a reason.

Jimmy Iovine disagreed with the level of praise, because there’s only so much anyone can do with a song that schlocky. In response, Nicki decided to use much of the time allotted to her after Candice Glover’s performance to instead bring up Amber again and critique Jimmy’s critique. After the other judges were done, Ryan Seacrest brought Jimmy onstage to defend himself.

“She can’t sing corn like that. Just my opinion. But I think you guys were smoking a little bit of the green icing on that MacArthur Park cake, because it was just so far from what she should be doing,” Jimmy said. Which … well, duh.

But he continued by calling the panel out. “What you don’t want to do is say that Candice was better than Amber on that particular round.”

That hit home.

“Candice was better,” Nicki agreed, while Mariah was outraged that Amber was to be blamed for the song choice as though singers have not been blamed for song selection since season one.

“Then say it!” Jimmy responded.

And for some reason the judges got mad. Nicki got up out of her seat as if to charge the mound, with Randy Jackson close behind. But no punches were thrown, and Candice finally got to go offstage and mutter about how Nicki had told her an hour previously “What I don’t want to happen to you is to have people see you as an old-fashioned artist” after she sang “Find Your Love” by Drake, released way back in 2010. And how Keith had just complained “Man, are there any one-hit wonder songs from at least the last decade?” after her version of “Emotion.”

But at least Candice could take solace that she was treated far better than Kree Harrison, who heard Randy complain that “I guess I was waiting to hear something else from you this week,” when she finished Susan Tedeschi’s “It Hurt So Bad.”

"That performance is not going to give you what you need for next week. That is not a top-four worthy performance," Nikki agreed, then doing her part to making sure the Fox censors pay attention in concluding,  “I don’t want to blow smoke up your –--“

Nicki was even harsher after Kree's second song, insinuating that she was going home. But Kree had much better luck that time with both Randy and Mariah. The latter promised to download her “Whiter Shade of Pale” right away because she needed it on her phone.

The singer everyone agreed on was Angie Miller, who went back to her strengths early with Jessie J’s “Who You Are.”

“I'm standing up in spirit, my train is caught on the bottom of my chair!" Mariah said. She therefore extended her own record for number of excuses for not joining the other judges in a standing ovation.

“You made me forget that was a Jessie J song. You made believe it was an Angie performance,” Randy said.

And after her version of Julie London’s “Cry Me a River?”

You came out tonight to snatch some wigs off some heads,” Nikki said. “Tonight was your night.”

“Angie wins the night, hands down!” Randy said.

Think they all want her in the finale?

Related content:

• 'American Idol' bids farewell to Janelle
• Judges to America: Vote for Amber!

Trae Patton / NBC

Usher's supposed dramatic steal was really pretty dull.

Promos for “The Voice” before this week began promised us something shocking. One of the new judges, the commercials claimed, would do something crazy with one of their steals. Since Shakira had already used both of hers, this meant Usher was the coach to watch.

What would he do that would cause chaos? Would he try to steal one of his own singers? Poach someone before one of the other coaches had made up their mind? Not use his steals at all and go into the knockout round with fewer singers? Ask to bring someone back from the blind auditions and insert them directly into the knockout round? The possibilities were endless.

And ultimately meaningless.

On Monday, the most controversial thing Usher did was wait until the last possible second before using his first steal to nab C. Perkins as he was dejectedly making his way offstage. On Tuesday, he went all wild and crazy and … picked a singer who sang in a language he didn’t understand.

The Earth kept on turning.

This was after the marquee battle of the night, courtesy of Team Shakira, who had the matchup of Latino singers in Mary Miranda vs. Cathia.  After some mildly interesting sniping back and forth, they took the stage to sing Shakira’s own “Antes de las Seis.”  Those not familiar with Shakira’s music may have nevertheless guessed from the title that the lyrics are in Spanish, but the coaches were impressed nonetheless.

“Didn’t understand a word, obviously, but I felt all of it,” Adam Levine said. “You’re both amazing singers.”

Next up, Blake Shelton. “It’s a little bit out of your territory,” host Carson Daly noted.

“What on Earth does that mean?” Blake said.

“That means you barely speak English,” Carson responded.

Zing!

But don’t sell him short. Blake can be egotistical in multiple tongues.

“I didn’t know what you all were singing about, but I’m pretty sure it was about me,” Blake said.

He got the boost he was looking for. “I wrote that song for Blake. He’s broken my heart so many times,” Shakira responded.

Miranda Lambert won’t be happy with that.

Usher took a different tack. “I don’t know if it was a bad thing or just narcissistic on her part to pick her own record to have you sing,” he began, but got no further before Shakira interrupted with a lengthy and spirited defense.

“Never get into an argument with a Latin woman,” Usher said.

And then, perhaps to make it up to her, he stole Cathia after Shakira declined to pick her. So all’s well that ends well, even if it’s not exactly what NBC promised.

What did you think of the episode? Tell us on Facebook.

Related content:

• 'Voice' is dominated by the art of the steal
• Shelton: 'Voice' panel as strong as ever

“The Voice” continued its battle rounds on Monday, and again much of the night was dominated by the steals, particularly Usher’s attempt to use them.

Adam Rose/NBC

Usher and Blake Shelton watch C. Perkins and Kris Thomas perform on "The Voice."

Usher has had bad luck this season in failing to succeed in his attempts at thievery, and the show didn’t start off well for him when Luke Edgemon surprised the other coaches by giving Monique Abbadie all she could handle in a Team Shakira matchup and had the other three coaches salivating.

“What is not to like about Luke? He’s awesome,” Blake Shelton said. “I thought Luke won that battle.”

“I thought he did too,” Adam Levine said.

Trae Patton/NBC

Shakira talks to Luke Edgemon and Monique Abbadie.

If that was an attempt to use reverse psychology to get Shakira to keep Luke instead of a woman that all four coaches turned around for at the blind auditions, it didn’t work.

“I think I’m going to make a strategic decision, because I certainly hope you’re going to steal one of these two contestants,” Shakira said. “Because you seemed so excited about Luke, I’m going to choose Monique.”

Blake hit his button for the steal right away. Usher waited longer, but had a trump card to play as the only other coach besides Shakira to pick him at his audition. Surely that early love would be a big selling point.

But put yourself in Luke’s shoes.  When you hear the following sales pitches:

Blake: “What is it not about Luke? Are you kidding me? He’s awesome.  That was one of the most energetic, pitch-perfect performances in the battle rounds that I’ve seen in a long time. It was amazing.”

Followed by Usher:  “I think that, you know…

[five-second pause, broken by Blake saying, “Well that’s a good point.”]

Usher (continued):  “You know, I really feel like Luke did an incredible job, and given the fact that I pushed my button the first time … the decision is up to you.”

Who would you have picked?

Not surprisingly, Luke went for the coach who seemed to really want him over the one who kinda sorta liked him, or maybe just had those two steals burning a hole in his pocket.

Usher did finally succeed on stealing someone from Team Shakira later in the show, but even that was dramatic.  After  C. Perkins lost his battle to Kris Thomas, the coach was silent until he walking off the stage shaking everyone’s hands. Just as he reached Usher’s chair and reached out to shake hands, Usher pushed his button.

“I really feel like he has talent that we have yet to see, and I let him sit in it a little bit so he’d be reminded what it feels like to not have it, so he’ll never take it for granted.” Usher said.

Nor will he take his heart beating for granted after that scare.

Adam also got into the act, nabbing  Orlando Dixon from Usher. So if you’re keeping track, only Usher has a steal left heading into Tuesday’s battle round finale.  At least that means he can’t lose another popularity contest. 

Related content:

• Shakira haunted by cutting contestants
• Hey 'Voice' fans, quit tweeting me nude photos

Michael Becker / FOX

The "American Idol" judges would really like America to start voting for Amber Holcomb.

Nicki Minaj’s va-va-va voom dress stole the show on "American Idol" Wednesday night, chosen with the apparent goal of giving the male viewers a reason to keep watching the show even with all the guys eliminated from the competition. But while the judge avoided a wardrobe malfunction, it remains to be seen whether she and the rest of the “Idol” crew succeeded in their second aim – getting Amber Holcomb a spot among the contenders.

The judges would really like for Amber to start getting some love. She was the second-lowest vote-getter a week ago, her second time among the bottom three since the top 10 were named. But she survived thanks to the judges’ month-long Send Lazaro Home campaign. 

Still, with only the other four women to compete against, there are no more subpar men to bail her out on a night she’s uninspiring. With Nicki in the lead, the judges have tried their best to win support, but the constant comparisons to a young Whitney apparently aren’t enough for an audience who is either too young to really remember Houston in her prime, or are old enough to remember those days and not forget how great she actually sounded compared to any of the “Idol” hopefuls.

But you can’t say the judges aren’t trying their best to be good press agents for Amber.

“We’ve got an Amber Alert going on!” Keith Urban said after her first performance, the version of “Without You” that Mariah Carey covered in Amber’s birth year of 1994. Then he immediately remembered what that term actually signified and tried to recant. “I don’t know why I said that. I wish I hadn’t.”

Nikki was the surprisingly harsh judge who flat out didn’t like that vocal – it was way too low for Amber's comfort zone. But the judge more than made up for it later, as did the other three as they put on the hard sell at the finish.

“It was simply perfection,” Nicki said of Amber’s version Barbra Streisand’s “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” “I really, really hope that America gets to see inside of this beautiful human being that stands before me because I don’t think I get the credit that you deserve. You’re always giving me young Whitney Houston. I love you.”

“You sang the I don’t-know-what-out of that,” Randy followed. “I hope that America gets it right and sees … this girl does not belong at the bottom. You’re like this young Rihanna with a giant voice.”

“Classic. Beautiful.  Elegant,” Mariah Carey said. “If America doesn’t get this … as one American to another, you’re potentially a massive star. Thank you for this performance.”

Poor Keith, scarred from that Amber Alert line, could only come up with, “It was elegant and beautiful. You knocked it out of the park.”

So for those of you keeping score, the judges compared Amber to Whitney Houston and Rihanna, and said you would be bad Americans if you didn’t vote for her. Oh, and she also got to sing last. If this doesn’t work, next week, look for one of them to write a program that hacks into Facebook accounts and forces them to vote for Amber.  Desperate times clearly call for desperate measures.

Five superheroes
The tough part is who the judges would like America to vote off instead, since all five of the women have “super powers” (per Nikki).  But someone has to go, and Janelle Arthur is their Aquaman compared to the Fantastic Four. Nobody had much good to say about her second song, a crowd-pleasing romp to Dolly Parton’s “Dumb Blonde.” Maybe they were offended that she picked something up-tempo instead of the ballads that dominated the night.

As for the others, Angie Miller gave a shout-out to Boston before her first solo, which earned her the crowd’s love but also had the judges talking about the bombing instead of her performance. She got nothing but praise on her second solo, Beyonce’s “Halo,” to remove all doubt as to her status.

Candice Glover started with a solid cover of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up,” and followed that with the Mariah-Whitney hit “When You Believe.” That was a bold strategy, going with a former “Idol” judge and a current judge back-to-back, but it paid off. Kree Harrison went from the Black Crowes' “She Talks to Angels” to Celine Dion’s “Have You Ever Been In Love?” but the judges used that to praise her versatility rather than asking her what kind of album she’d actually want to release.

But despite all the high praise for the contestants, the big takeaway of the night from the was that the judges was simple: Start voting for Amber.  

Are the judges pushing too hard for Amber? Who do you think had the best performance of the night? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

More in The Clicker:

• Dr. Phil grills 'Teen Mom' Farrah on her behavior
• Colbert, Stewart salute Boston, mock 'maniacs'
• D.L.  Hughley on 'DWTS' exit: My heart is sad, but my knees are happy

ABC

Lisa Vanderpump's time in the ballroom with pro Gleb Savchenko has ended.

Lisa Vanderpump didn't quit "Dancing With the Stars" -- she was voted out.

Considering how ill she was -- she fainted during practice and was vomiting in her trailer during most of Monday's performance show -- many believed that the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star would withdraw like Dorothy Hamill did in week one.  

But she remained, and was the last star standing alongside Victor Ortiz when host Tom Bergeron asked to "cue the dramatic music" (such a card, that guy). The pro boxer will continue to fight for the mirror ball trophy, while Lisa and partner Gleb Savchenko are leaving the ballroom.

While her family (including Giggy) applauded from the audience, Lisa insisted she was leaving on a high note.

"Just to be included with this (wonderful) group of people," she told co-host Brooke Burke-Charvet, "I'm really happy. It's been six long weeks -- boy, has it taken its toll. It's been the hardest thing I've ever done."

"I was given a gift dancing with (Gleb)," she added. "He's been so patient.  I'd like to thank my castmates -- they've been amazing and made it so much fun."

ABC shook things up by declaring six couples safe -- including "Bachelor" star Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd -- in the first third of the show. Before the last commercial break, Tom revealed that comedian D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke were also safe. Then underdog Andy Dick and his partner, Sharna Burgess, were quickly plucked from the trio of couples in jeopardy.  

The first "safe" couple, Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas, were also selected to perform an encore of their Monday dance. (Len Goodman joked that he'd coached the Olympic gymnast all day on how to improve her backflip.)

Other standouts of Tuesday's results show:

• Brooke's baffling dress, the inspiration for hundreds of Twitter jokes about her "thong" necklace. (If it were a two-hour show, maybe "Brooke's thong" would have its own Twitter account.)

• Blind dancer Brilynn Rakes' beautiful performance with Derek Hough.

• Anna Trebunskaya returning to dance with Val Chmerkovisky during Jennifer Lopez and Andrea Bocelli's duet.

• Peta Murgatroyd and Tony Dovolani performing while Brad Paisley sang "Southern Comfort Zone" (not "Accidental Racist").

• Val dancing with Karina Smirnoff. Maybe not a highlight, but still enjoyable because of their awkward pairing.

Next week will introduce a brand new theme: Len's side-by-side challenge! Each couple will have to dance alongside returning pros including Maks Chmerkovisky, Chelsie Hightower, Tony Dovolani and Tristan MacManus.

Did the right dancer go home? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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• Co-stars talk Lisa's health scare at 'Dancing With the Stars'
• Lisa Vanderpump goes 'Dancing With the Stars' despite fainting
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ABC

Lisa Vanderpump and Gleb Savchenko

The "Best Year of My Life" night on "Dancing With the Stars" was a celebration for all the stars -- especially Lisa Vanderpump. After falling to the floor in a dead faint during practice Friday and skipping the show's rehearsal Monday, the Real Housewife made a last-minute decision to perform.

Fittingly, she and partner Gleb Savchenko chose "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang for their cha-cha, an homage to daughter Pandora's wedding (with a cameo by Giggy the Pom!).

Although the pair's score of 18 placed them at the bottom of the leaderboard (tied with Victor Ortiz), Lisa said, "Just the fact that we got through was good enough for me," adding that "it's not how many times you fall, but how many times you get up (that's important)."

Whether she'll get back out on the dance floor remains a question mark: Even if she earns enough votes to stay, the reality star could still withdraw from the competition.

According to her doctor, she was suffering from fever and the flu, and there could be "dire results" if she pushes herself too much.

It will be difficult to say farewell to any of the dancers after their rousing routines Monday night.

The most inspiring dances were performed by stars honoring their families -- all of whom participated in some way.

Comedian Andy Dick stole everyone's hearts -- and 21 points from the judges -- with his moving tribute to his daughter, Meg. "I put (my kids) through hell," he said about his struggles with alcoholism. He called the past year the "best ever" because of his sobriety and a chance to earn redemption with his children. After his and partner Sharna Burgess' Viennese waltz to Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," judge Carrie Ann Inaba was crying so hard she couldn't speak. Even harsh critic Len Goodman showed his soft side, telling Andy that whatever happens in the competition, "you'll go out a hero." Aw.   

Len even had room in his heart for D.L. Hughley, the subject of his harshest -- and most controversial -- criticism this season. Commending the comedian for his hard work and practice, Len also praised the "elements of fun" and "content" in his foxtrot -- including D.L.'s hip-grinding solo at the judges' table. "But if you think I'm going to kiss you where you pointed," Len added about the star's ribald gesture, "you're out of luck."

When D.L. saw sevens on all of the judges' paddles -- for a total of 21, his highest in the competition -- he fell to his knees in shock and wisecracked, "That's higher than my SAT scores!"

Another highlight of the night came from Jacoby Jones, whose Super Bowl victory paled in comparison to the 2012 birth of his son -- to whom he dedicated his foxtrot. The tiny tot adorably danced along with his dad from his seat in the audience, especially when the NFL star concluded with a flashy solo just for his firstborn. "You have a real shot at winning this," praised Carrie Ann, and he and partner Karina Smirnoff earned a total score of 24.

Kellie Pickler dedicated her rumba to her "sacred" wedding ceremony to Kyle Jacobs -- who performed alongside her, strumming the acoustic guitar and singing the song he wrote for their special occasion, "Say I Do." Although the judges agreed that the country crooner's spectacularly moving performance was "beautiful," they criticized her "staccato" and "clipped" movements. Still, she and partner Derek Hough tied for second place with a total score of 26.

Rounding out the romantic tributes were soap star Ingo Rademacher and "The Bachelor's" Sean Lowe. Ingo and partner Kym Johnson danced a Viennese waltz in honor of his wife and kids. And although he earned only 23 points, Bruno Tonioli called his routine "dashing and deeply romantic" and Carrie Ann raved about how "adding love" to his performance allowed him to blossom.

After Sean's "steaming" Viennese waltz with partner Peta Murgatroyd, the reality star kissed his new fiancée, Catherine, in the audience. Although the judges generally praised his effort, he earned a score of 20, with Carrie Ann warning that "the lift police is back." Watch out!

Victor, Aly Raisman and Zendaya all paid to tribute to their career successes, with varying results. Victor's paso doble, recapturing the moment he first became a boxing champion, earned him only 18 points and a tie with Lisa for last place. "You punched the living daylight out of the paso doble," quipped Bruno, who complained, "You're supposed to dance it, not destroy it!"

Zendaya fared much better with her tribute to the year the Disney star was "discovered." Her and partner Val Chmerkovskiy's sexy samba kept the 16-year-old near the top of the leaderboard with a score of 26, drawing particular praise from the judges for Val's choreography.

But Olympic champion Aly and partner Mark Ballas earned the highest score of the night -- and the competition so far -- with 27 points for their contemporary routine. After Len pretended to critique the gymnast's back flip, Carrie Ann said she was "mesmerized" by her "perfection of emotion."

It was an emotional night all around! Which dance touched you the most? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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More in The Clicker:

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AP (2), Getty Images

Anna Nicole Smith, Steve Irwin and Mindy McCready.

Almost since its inception, modern reality television has been plagued by tragedy.

In recent weeks, three people linked to hit series have died. "Buckwild" star Shain Gandee died April 1, the same day Thierry Costa, staff physician for the French version of "Survivor," killed himself. In his suicide note, Costa said "unjust accusations and assumptions" about his medical treatment of contestant Gerald Babin, who suffered a fatal heart attack on the first day of filming, harmed his reputation.

"Survivor" was haunted since its inception. The first contestant voted out of Sweden's "Expedition Robinson," which Mark Burnett adapted for his U.S. "Survivor" franchise, committed suicide weeks after returning home from the Malaysian shoot. 

Dozens of reality stars have passed away in the past few years, but here are nine of the most tragic deaths:

1. Shain Gandee, 'Buckwild'
MTV suspended production of the reality series hours after the body of its 21-year-old star was found, along with his uncle and another man, in his truck in Sissonville, W.Va, April 1. The men died from carbon monoxide poisoning when the Ford Bronco's exhaust pipe became submerged in mud during an off-roading excursion. Gandee and many of his spirited co-stars were filmed "mudding" -- racing and spinning their four-wheelers in the mud -- during the first season of the controversial series, decried by some critics as the "Redneck Jersey Shore."

2. Russell Armstrong, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills'
Star Taylor Armstrong discovered the body of her estranged husband, 47, hanging in the bedroom of his Los Angeles home Aug. 15, 2011 -- weeks before the Bravo series' second-season premiere. The couple's marital problems -- including allegations that Armstrong assaulted his wife -- featured prominently in the series.

3. Mindy McCready, 'Celebrity Rehab'
The troubled country-music singer, who committed suicide in early 2013, became the fifth cast member to die after participating in Dr. Drew Pinsky's VH1 series. But Pinsky, an addiction specialist, said the show is not to blame for the deaths of McCready, Rodney King, Jeff Conaway, Mike Starr and Joey Kovar. "These diseases -- advanced addictions -- have the same prognosis as cancer," he said on "The View." "If you don't participate in treatment in an ongoing fashion, the prognosis is really bad." 

4. Joey Kovar, 'The Real World: Hollywood'
The 29-year-old bodybuilder (who also appeared on "Celebrity Rehab") was found dead of a suspected drug overdose in August 2012. He memorably left the 20th season of MTV's reality hit in the middle of filming to enter a 30-day treatment program for substance abuse and alcoholism.

5. Steve Irwin, 'Crocodile Hunter'
The beloved Australian wildlife expert was fatally wounded in 2006 while swimming with a stingray during filming in the Great Barrier Reef for another TV show. After the creature pierced him in the chest with its barbed spine, the 44-year-old Australian icon was pronounced dead at the scene.

6. Phil Harris, 'Deadliest Catch'
The 53-year-old salty sea captain suffered a massive stroke aboard his boat, the Cornelia Marie, Jan. 29, 2010, and died on Feb. 9. The Discovery Channel's hit series, which followed the dangerous exploits of crab fishermen, chronicled Harris' last days during its sixth season. The show suffered a second loss a year later when the body of deckhand Justin Tennison, 34, was found in his Alaska hotel room.

7. Rachel Brown, 'Hell's Kitchen'
The 41-year-old aspiring chef died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in 2007 after appearing on the second season of Gordon Ramsay's cooking contest. Three years later, Joseph Cerniglia, 39, who appeared on the harshly critical celebrity chef's "Kitchen Nightmares," leapt to his death from New York City's George Washington Bridge.

8. Paula Goodspeed, 'American Idol'
The Paula Abdul fan, who performed during "Idol's" Texas auditions in 2005, was found dead in her car from a suspected drug overdose near Abdul's home in November 2008. Goodspeed had legally changed her first name as a tribute to the judge. In addition to personalized license plates reading "ABL LV," a photo of Abdul was found hanging from her car's rearview mirror.

9. Anna Nicole Smith, 'The Anna Nicole Show'
The former Playboy Playmate and octogenarian billionaire's widow died at age 39 on Feb. 8, 2007, from a prescription drug overdose. Just five months earlier, her 20-year-old son, Daniel, died from an accidental overdose -- just days after Smith gave birth to daughter Dannielynn. Her E! reality series, which aired for two seasons in 2002-2003, also featured her attorney boyfriend Howard K. Stern, who lost a paternity dispute with Larry Birkhead over Dannielynn and was prosecuted for conspiracy in obtaining illegal prescriptions for Smith. (His conviction was overturned.)

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Jordan Strauss / AP file

Demi Lovato.

Amid a major judges overhaul for season three of "The X Factor," there will be at least two familiar faces looking back at the contestants -- one of them smiling.

In addition to "X Factor" mastermind Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato will be back in a judge's chair for the third season of the Fox series.

PHOTOS: 'The X Factor' Finale in Pictures: A Country King, a Teen Diva and a Girl Group

The pop singer, who joined the singing competition in its second season, was the youngest judge on the show and mentor to the Young Adults category.

"I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on 'The X Factor,'" said Lovato. "Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel. I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better."

'X Factor': Ryan Seacrest Asks to Guest Host, Simon Cowell Wants Demi Lovato Back

Season three of "X Factor" began the first round of auditions on March 6 in Los Angeles. So far, replacements have not been named for exiting judges L.A. Reid and Britney Spears, nor have co-hosts Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian been confirmed to return. Open auditions for season three continue in New Orleans on April 14, followed by Long Island, N.Y., on April 25 and Denver, Colo., on May 14.

PHOTOS: An 'American Idol' to 'X Factor' Timeline

"I couldn’t be happier that Demi wants to come back this year," said executive producer Cowell in a statement. "She’s a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year. Even though she can be really, really annoying -- I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists. I'm especially pleased she’s back even during her world tour!"

Lovato has had a busy 2013 already. The first single off her currently untitled fourth studio album, "Heart Attack," debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes chart in 18 countries (including the U.S.) and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (the second-best Billboard debut of the year).

'X Factor': Melanie Amaro's Debut Still in Limbo as Tate Stevens, Emblem3 Release New Music

Though Lovato was the first mentor knocked out of the competition, with all four of her acts sent home early, she was a hit with audiences. Even in studio tapings, the former Disney star was the subject of constant and deafening screams, and countless signs. Her fanatical followers stayed glued to Lovato’s every move and offered words of praise and encouragement via social media, making her one of the most obvious fan favorites on the panel.

Earlier this month, during an appearance on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, Cowell confessed that he hoped Lovato would return to the series. "We’d be crazy not to have her back," he said, adding that "I liked having Demi on the show" and that "she’s fun to work with."

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• Fox boss: Britney Spears 'did a really good job' on 'X Factor'

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E!

"What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" is the title of E!'s new docu-series about the oddball Olympic swimmer -- and a question no sane person should adopt as a personal motto.

"I want everyone to be in my shoes," says the self-proclaimed fashion icon, displaying a pair of his famous electric green high-tops, in an extended preview for the show. Is he speaking metaphorically or just advertising his brand?

Some other revelations from "Lochtenation":

• "You really have to put the emphasis on the 'J'": A pronunciation guide to his never-caught-on catchphrase "Jeah."
• "I don't even remember what I got at the Olympics": His confusion about how many medals he won at the London Games.
• "Describe player": The 28-year-old bachelor's response when asked about his reputation as a ladies' man, and followed by shots of his many bar conquests.
• "I won't give up on love": His explanation for his, um, dedication to "dating."
• "Don't duplicate. Just recipitate": ???

"What Would Ryan Lochte Do?" premieres April 21 on E!.

Will you be watching? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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MTV

Kailyn Lowry.

"Teen Mom 2" star Kailyn Lowry is pregnant again, her sister-in-law told In Touch Weekly. 

The 21-year-old is said to be expecting her second child, first with husband Javi  Marroquin.

The news comes just a day after the reality star was shown assaulting then-boyfriend Marroquin in a controversial episode of the MTV docu-series. The couple reconciled shortly afterward and married in September 2012.

According to Lidia Marroquin, the 20-year-old military man's sister, "They're overjoyed! When Kailyn told Javi, he cried."

Although the baby, due this fall, wasn't planned, "they weren't preventing it, either," a friend of the reality star told the magazine.

Kailyn's co-star, Leah Calvert, 20, recently gave birth to her third daughter. She and her second husband, Jeremy, welcomed Adalynn on Feb. 4.

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• 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' get fighting mad in finale
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