Next Off on “DWTS” Semifinals Is…

Hope Solo gets cut; Ricki Lake, J.R. Martinez and Rob Kardashian make the finals

Hope Solo won't be headed to the finals on "Dancing with the Stars."

The U.S. soccer star and pro partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy were kicked off ABC's dancing competition Tuesday, one night after having landed in last place on the leaderboard.

Solo called her experience on the show "one of the toughest competitions I have ever been a part of."  She said she planned to channel her dreams of winning the show's mirrorball trophy toward the pursuit of an Olympic gold medal.

Despite the show of good sportsmanship after learning she'd been axed, Solo was shown in earlier behind-the-scenes clips grousing about low scores from judges.

"Kiss my booty," she said in response to one of Monday's low-scoring performances. Solo's partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, had repeatedly clashed with judges this season.

Solo's departure spared actor and Army veteran J.R. Martinez from elimination. Martinez's scores had suffered this week because of an ankle injury.

"It's time to step up," he said on Tuesday's broadcast. "I'll be ready." 

Also returning to the ballroom for next week's finals are TV personality and leaderboard leader Ricki Lake and reality star Rob Kardashian, who earned his first "10" of the season this week.

Asked Monday why he deserved to be a finalist, Kardashian said, “cause I love to dance.”

Solo joins previously eliminated contestants Nancy Grace, Carson Kressley, David Arquette, Chaz Bono, Chynna Phillips, Elisabetta Canalis, Metta World Peace (formerly known as Ron Artest) and Kristin Cavallari.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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