'Dancing With the Stars': Gavel Falls on Nancy Grace, Just Shy of the Semifinals

Four stars make their way to the semifinals, while another is shown the door with mirrorball glory almost in sight.

6:58 PM PST 11/8/2011 by Michael O'Connell

Comments

ABC

The competition is getting tight -- uncomfortably so. With only four open spots to vie for the Season 13 finale, what remains of Dancing With the Stars' close-knit cast faced its toughest elimination yet on Tuesday night.

Nancy Grace: Conrad Murray 'Should Have Gotten Murder One'

Ricki Lake's Latest 'Dancing With the Stars' Injury: A Bruised Ego

Only one competitor was only really guaranteed a spot in week 9, and that was J.R. Martinez, whose two dances with partner Karina Smirnoff earned him a perfect 60 during Monday's performance show.

PHOTOS: 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13: Rehearsals

That left Ricki Lake and Hope Solo tied for second on the leader board, followed by Rob Kardashian and, much farther down the line, the low-scoring Nancy Grace.

So did fans vote with the judges?

Yes. Nancy Grace ended her healthy run on the show, after a show of endurance that probably surprised a lot of viewers. She and partner Tristan MacManus got the bad news at the top of the hour. HLN will be robbed of her live legal commentary no longer.

Did the right dancer go home? And, more importantly, who has what it takes to make it to the Nov. 21 finale?