Disney's Cody Linley doesn't make 'Dancing' finals

[November 19, 2008]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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.

___

ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

___

On the Net:

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

[Associated Press; By DERRIK J. LANG]

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.