“Dancing with the Stars”: Katherine Jenkins Triumphs on Motown Night

ABC(LOS ANGELES) — A Motown legend couldn’t capitalize on Dancing with the Stars’ Motown theme Monday night.

Gladys Knight tumbled to the bottom of the leader board following a low-scoring rumba and a quick exit during a cha cha cha marathon.

Meanwhile, Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins kept rolling along. She was the points leader for the fifth time this season.

Each of the eight remaining celebrities danced a routine to a live performance by either Smokey Robinson, The Temptations or Martha Reeves.

At the end of the show, they all came together for the aforementioned marathon, during which they danced the cha cha cha side by side. The judges eliminated the couples one by one; the first pair to get the hook earned three points, the second pair four points, and so on. Jenkins outlasted her fellow stars to win the marathon and gain an extra 10 points.

Here’s a rundown of the individual performances, in chronological order:

— Knight opened the broadcast with a slow-paced rumba with her partner, Tristan MacManus, to The Temptations’ classic song “My Girl.”

Head judge Len Goodman said Knight isn’t the best dancer in the competition, but she is the most charismatic dancer. Bruno Tonioli pointed out that Knight messed up the ending to her routine, which he said wasn’t steamy enough. Total score: 21 out of a possible 30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 24.

— Maria Menounos and Derek Hough looked like they were dressed for a fancy ball — the TV host wore an elegant white dress and gloves for their foxtrot, set to Martha Reeves’ live rendition of “Jimmy Mack.”

Menounos lost her footing a bit during the dance, which Carrie Ann Inaba said threw her off her choreography. Goodman overlooked the mistake, calling the performance a “joy to my eyes.” Total score: 26/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 30.

— Disney actor Roshon Fegan brought some heat to his rumba with Chelsie Hightower, as Smokey Robinson sang “Cruisin.'”

All three judges thought Fegan’s movements weren’t particularly fluid, though Goodman was quick to mention that he didn’t dislike the dance. Tonioli told Fegan that what he lacks in size he makes up for in “fight.” Total score: 23/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 28.

— Katherine Jenkins went with a retro look, wearing a beehive hairdo and a sexy golden dress with tassels for the samba with Mark Ballas. They were accompanied by The Temptations, who sang “I Can’t Get Next to You.”

Goodman asked the duo whether there was an earthquake or whether they shook the ballroom with their dancing. Tonioli marveled at how Jenkins could bounce and bring the funk to the dance floor. Inaba said Jenkins let loose, and the results were amazing. Total score: 29/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 39.

— Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd tackled the foxtrot to The Temptations’ “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” He even mouthed the words to the song during his dance.

Tonioli described Driver as a mix of pizzazz and confidence. Goodman said he expected fireworks from Driver and got more than that, because the Green Bay Packers wide receiver “exploded” on the dance floor. Total score: 27/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 34.

— Melissa Gilbert and Maksim Chmerkovskiy teamed up on a Viennese waltz to Smokey Robinson’s “Ooo Baby Baby.”

Inaba said Gilbert’s hard work is finally paying off. Tonioli complimented her on her wonderful rotation and her connection on the dance floor with her partner. Total score: 24/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 30.

— Jaleel White bounced back in a big way with a cha cha cha alongside Kym Johnson. The Temptations provided the soundtrack with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”

Goodman declared that after a couple of shaky weeks, White re-established himself as a contender. Tonioli called the routine “the biggest sizzler of the season.” Total score: 29/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 37.

— The fog machine was in full effect for William Levy and Cheryl Burke’s rumba. Coincidentally — or maybe not — smoke filled the ballroom as Smokey Robinson sang “Being With You.”

Tonioli said the moves were filthy, but he loved every minute of it. Goodman disagreed, saying the dance was too raunchy for his liking. Inaba felt it wasn’t Levy’s best dance of the season. Total score: 27/30. Overall score (including competition marathon): 36.

The results show, featuring musical guest Boyz II Men, airs on ABC Tuesday night at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time. Once again, the bottom two couples will face off in a “dance duel,” with the losers going home.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio