Teen Star Kicked Off "Dancing"

LOS ANGELES — Cody Linley won't be graduating "Dancing with the Stars." The 18-year-old "Hannah Montana" actor and his professional partner, Julianne Hough, were eliminated Tuesday from ABC's popular dancing competition.

The pair received a total score of 46 out of 60 from judges for their paso doble and salsa routines Monday. After viewer votes were combined with the judges' scores, the Disney actor was dismissed.

"Oh my gosh," a choked-up Linley said after his ouster. "I mean, words can't even explain the true amazing, growing, learning journey that I've had on this show. I can't show my appreciation anymore to Julianne. I can't say thank you. I love her so much. This opportunity has been so amazing."

For part of the competition, Linley was paired with professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska when Hough missed two weeks of competition because of surgery to remove her appendix. Hough rejoined Linley for Monday's semifinal round. The pair received the judge's lowest scores. After their paso doble routine, judge Bruno Tonioli said it was "not good enough."

"I'm so proud of you," Hough said to Linley before the duo took to the ballroom floor for their last dance. "I've had such an amazing time with you. This has probably been the biggest journey that any of these couples have had out here. I cannot wait to see what his opportunities are going to be after this show."

The three remaining contestants _ model-actress Brooke Burke, singer Lance Bass and former NFL star Warren Sapp _ will compete for the show's mirror ball trophy in next week's finals. On Monday, the celebrities will perform two routines, including one dance set to the same music for each couple. The seventh season champion will then be crowned Tuesday.

Previously dismissed celebrities include: Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene; actresses Susan Lucci and Cloris Leachman; singer Toni Braxton; chef Rocco DiSpirito; reality TV star Kim Kardashian; actor Ted McGinley and comedian Jeffrey Ross. Greene's fellow Olympian, volleyball player Misty May-Treanor, dropped out of the competition after rupturing a tendon.

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ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

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On the Net:

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancingwiththestars

Comments

[rcampbell]

Julianne seems to be nicely developing her image as the multi-talented entertainer she is. She's stunning to look at, is an incredibly versatile and creative dancer, can sing more than just a little and has an engaging bubbly personality.

Cody developed about as far as he poosibly could as a dancer, but he's just not at the Warren/Lance/Brook level. As for the snide comments above about Brook Burke, she is simply without question the best dancer this season. Lance has come a very long way, has some legitimate dancing ability, is entertaining and emthusiastic, but will finish second in my opinion. Warren Sapp is a marvel the way he moves 300 pounds around the floor. He's a joy to watch, but alas, I believe he'll place third.

[jalowe1957]

Like Edward R. Murrow once called television, "Democracy at its ugliest."

If the Nielson ratings don't deep-six you, then the votes by text-messaging will.

[davidsandiego]

i think cody would like to be an item with julianne

[mbh78213]

Julianne is two years older than Cody. At their age, that's a huge gap in maturity. I don't she'd take him seriously.

[LiberalBuzz]

Everyone knows this season has been in the bag for the talentless Burke. She is great eye candy but however it happened, the show was put in for Burke, and it was talked about since day one that she would walk away with it in hopes of somehow reviving a flagging if not DOA "career". Better talent has already gone.

[SunnyT]

I was pleased to vote for Cody, and I don't normally do that kind of thing. I thoroughly enjoyed his funny, upbeat personality, his poise, gutsiness, and his dancing. He can be very, very proud of his hard work and his performances throughout the DWTS process. How wonderful for you, Cody, and also wonderful to see that good things can come to good people. Congratulations! Wishing you continued successes!

[leticia32]

Julianne Hough should have her own TV show. She is awesome