Another 'Dancing' star heads for the hills

[October 05, 2011]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Kristin Cavallari is heading off into the hills. The reality starlet was dismissed from "Dancing With the Stars" Tuesday.

"I'm a little surprised, to be honest," the former star of MTV's "The Hills" said after learning her fate. "But I've had such a great time and it's been an awesome experience, so it is what it is."

She and professional partner Mark Ballas earned their highest scores of the season Monday, collecting 24 points for their sassy samba and tying for third place, but fans failed to keep them in the contest.

Judges' scores are combined with viewer votes to determine which celebrity is ousted each week.

Basketball star Ron Artest, now known as Metta World Peace, and Italian actress Elisabetta Canalis were eliminated on previous episodes.

Chaz Bono, who landed in last place Monday, escaped elimination thanks to viewer votes.

"I wish I could thank each & every one of you personally for your votes," he wrote on Twitter Tuesday. "You are the reason (professional partner) Lacey Schwimmer and I ARE DANCING AGAIN next week!!"

Cher said Monday she would cheer on her son from the audience should he remain on the show another week.

Also returning to dance again next week will be Ricki Lake, Hope Solo, J.R. Martinez, Rob Kardashian, Nancy Grace, Chynna Phillips, Carson Kressley and David Arquette.

Tuesday's results show also included performances by Mary J. Blige, Estelle and a surprise appearance by Chubby Checker, who sang his 50-year-old hit, "The Twist."

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Online:

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen is on Twitter. Follow her at http://twitter.com/APSandy.

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