Tag Archives: All My Children

Martinez’s Fantastic Freestyle Dance on DWTS…

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J.R. Martinez may have faltered slightly during his first dance in last night’s Dancing with the Stars finale, but he harnessed his Latino power to reach perfection in his freestyle routine…

The 28-year-old wounded-Iraq-veteran and All My Children star and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff shook their bon bons to a salsafied version of Kat DeLuna‘s hit song “Whine Up.”

J.R. Martinez Dancing with the Stars Final Freestyle Dance

“In the freestyle, Karina and I decided to do a salsa-inspired routine because of the fact that I am Latin,” said Martinez.

The routine featured several flashy tricks from the El Salvadoran-American dancing sensation and his partner, including elaborate twists and turns. Their biggest risk: a dangerous neck straddle!

“Karina wanted to do this lift where I hook my leg to her neck. She’s had surgery on her neck before and I just think it’s too dangerous.”

The “go big or go home” mentality paid off, as Martinez and Smirnoff earned a perfect score of 30.

Unfortunately, the dancing duo’s cha-cha to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” earned a shockingly low 24, which Martinez blamed on the ankle injury the suffered last week.

”I was too soon in my steps and I think I panicked because I did roll my ankle in my shoe. I just went and took a step too quick,” said Martinez. “The cha-cha was something I was doing well all week. I had it, but I was off and I found myself one step ahead of her. I knew I was going to be penalized for that.”

Martinez and fellow finalist Ricki Lake are tied for second place going into tonight’s show, three points behind leader Rob Kardashian.

Martinez: Dancing’s First Hispanic-American Winner?

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Despite a poor showing during this week’s performances due to an ankle injury, J.R. Martinez has made it to finals of Dancing with the Stars in his quest to become the first Hispanic-American to win the show’s coveted mirrorball trophy.

JR Martinez

For the first time this season, the 28-year-old wounded-war-vet-turned-actor and his partner Karina Smirnoff saw themselves in the bottom two during Tuesday’s results show after their third place showing on Monday.

But it appears Martinez’s public support is stronger than ever as soccer star Hope Solo was the celebrity sent packing.

Upon learning he was moving on to next week’s finals, the former All My Children star took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

During backstage interviews, Martinez said he was “frustrated” with his hurt ankle.

“The expectation was still high for myself despite the injury,” Martinez told Access Hollywood. “All week when we were rehearsing, it was like ‘oh man if I nail this…it would be an opportunity to show America a different side of J.R. Martinez than what they’ve gotten to know.’”

Martinez could now become the second Latino and first Hispanic-American winner in show’s 13-season history. He’ll compete against Ricki Lake and Rob Kardshian in next week’s finale shows.

 

Meet Marshal Martinez…

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It seems like everything’s coming up roses for Dancing with the Stars contestant J.R. Martinez… Literally!

The 28-year-old wounded-Iraq-veteran-turned-actor, who recently appeared on the cover of People magazine, has been named the grand marshal for Pasadena’s 123rd Tournament of Roses.

JR Martinez

The former “All My Children” star will lead the procession of floats on January 2, 2012, as well as toss the coin before kickoff at the 98th Rose Bowl game in honor of all wounded military personnel.

The Tournament of Roses Association says Martinez is a perfect fit for the “Just Imagine …” parade theme because of his courage and dedication to helping all Americans facing challenges.

The El Salvadoran-American Martinez says he’s grateful for the opportunity to share his message of hope and possibility.

Image courtesy of William Bichara Photography.

Martinez Gets the Cover Treatment from People…

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Before the start of “Dancing with the Stars” this season, J.R. Martinez may have been a relative unknown to most Americans. But now he’s gracing the cover of People magazine, after winning the hearts of millions in two short months on ABC’s hit celebrity ballroom dancing competition.

“I’m being blessed in so many ways, and it’s because of the energy I’m putting out in the world,” says the wounded-war-veteran-turned-soap-star, who survived an explosion in Iraq while serving in the U.S. Army in 2003.

J.R. Martinez People Cover

In People’s latest cover story, the 28-year-old “All My Children” actor says he considers himself blessed to have experienced the trauma. If he hadn’t driven his Humvee over that land mine, “My life would not be what it is today: full of joy, happiness and positivity,” says the El Salvadoran-American war hero.

The blast may have burned more than 40-percent of his body and required more than 30 cosmetic and skin graft surgeries, but it also taught him to embrace life to the fullest. Martinez’s positive attitude and killer ballroom dancing skills have led him to the top of the leaderboard on “Dancing with the Stars” and straight into America’s hearts.

“When you show people who you really are and you’re genuine, you don’t have to force positivity,” says Martinez, who is confident with the man he’s become. “I’m not your typical person walking down the street. I’m cool with being different.”

For the complete story on this inspiring hero, make sure to pick up this week’s issue of People.

Martinez Sambas to the Top of the DWTS Leaderboard…

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Hey may say he doesn’t know how to be sexy, but former “All My Children” star J.R. Martinez does know how to shake his bon-bon…

Performing a sizzling samba and even playing the drums to Gloria Estefan‘s “Conga” on Monday night’s ‘80s-themed “Dancing With the Stars” performance show, the 28-year-old wounded-Iraq-veteran-turned-actor showed just why he’s a frontrunner.

Martinez and his dancing partner Karina Smirnoff received a total of 28 points from the judges, including the pair’s first 10, to earn the highest score of the night.

Martinez tapped into his Latin roots to get “inspired” and perfect the complicated Brazilian dance.

“One of the advantages that I think I have in the Samba this week is the fact that I am Latin,” said Martinez in the pre-dance clip. “Being raised by a single mother, I was always dancing with my mother and I think that will help me do well with the samba.”

Meanwhile, Smirnoff pushed him hard to help Martinez capture the dance’s sexual energy.

“It’s funny, she kept telling me, ‘Be sexy here! Be masculine!’ and I would do something and she’s like, ‘That’s not sexy! That’s
not masculine!’” said Martinez after the dance. “And I was like, ‘I don’t know how to be sexy!’ I really don’t. It’s not my thing. I don’t think I’m a sexy and masculine type of guy, but tonight, it was fun.”

Boy, did the judges respond to the pair’s high energy dance!

“You were like a loin-shattering sex machine,” said Bruno Tonioli. “You had so much fire down below, it was like a volcano!”

Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba told Martinez just how hot she thinks he is: “Hey papi, muy caliente!” she said. “That is the way to dance that samba.”

If the dancing pair survive tonight’s elimination round, Smirnoff says they’ll tackkle a quick step for next week’s Broadway-themed performance show.