Paso Doble or Waltz on 'Dancing With the Stars'

March 10, 2007 — -- Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars" saw its first perfect 10 of this season's competition.

Joey Fatone, one of the early favorites to win the contest because of his experience dancing with the boy band 'NSync, stole the show.

Fatone and his partner danced a powerful Paso Doble, wowing the judges and the audience. They received the first standing ovation of the evening, with Fatone's friends fellow 'NSyncer Lance Bass and actor Alfonso Ribeiro clapping wildly in the wings in support.

Fatone said he improved this week with the help of his partner and an unlikely coach -- his daughter, who came to this week's dance practices with a ruler and a whistle, and whipped her dad into shape.

Last week the judges told Fatone to work specifically on the appearance of his backside, saying he needed to improve his dancing posture because his butt stuck out too much. Fatone said that he couldn't help it, and that he was Italian.

Apparently those backside issues were pushed to the back burner this week after a performance the judges all agreed was fiery and exciting. Even judge Len Goodman, who was often the most critical of the evening, said it was the best Paso by miles.

Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and his partner received the second-highest scores of the evening for dancing a waltz. Judge Bruno Tonioli called the two the dream team, and they looked it.

The other notable performance was by country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who was told last week that he was trying too hard and appeared to be counting out the beats of his dance steps.

Billy Ray Cyrus' 'Achy Breaky' Effort

This week, he brought down the house with his Paso Doble. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba called his performance, "Oddly awkward and sexy and hot and strange, all at the same time."

The other judges agreed that while he wasn't winning them over with his technique and perfection, he had shown vast improvement and they could see his effort and passion.

Rounding out the bottom of the dancing barrel were Leeza Gibbons, Clyde Drexler and John Ratzenberger.

The judges told Gibbons she looked great for her age but said her dancing was lackluster and dull. Goodman even said it was the "worst dance." Inaba added that she looked unsteady and awkward.

Goodman was a little harsh on NBA Hall of Famer Drexler, accusing the former baller of not giving it his all. Tonioli said there was more romance between Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell, and also questioned Drexler's commitment.

Asked backstage by co-host Samantha Harris what he thought of the judges' comments, Drexler replied that he was upset and wouldn't be there if he wasn't committed. He also added a dig of his own, noting that the judges' words seemed a little "rehearsed."

Goodman told "Cheers" alum Ratzenberger that his dance was a disaster. Ratzenberger took their harsh critique in stride.

Heather Mills, Laila Ali and Ian Ziering found themselves in the middle of the pack this week.

While the judges cited many highs and lows in Monday night's "Dancing," their scores are not the final say on who will be headed home. It's up to viewers to make the ultimate decision.

Tonight's show will reveal which contestants will be dancing their way into our hearts next week.