Dancing With the Stars
Mario & Karina Smirnoff
Eliminated April 6

How did you feel after some of the harsh comments you got from Len over the weeks?
Mario: I have already sent the invite for Len to meet me in the boxing ring, so we are going to settle our problems on the stage. The finale could be a boxing match. But those comments just made me want to work harder.
Karina: I wanted to take Carrie Ann out last season, and if Mario also takes out Bruno, next season there will be no judges. But Bruno can stay, we love Bruno.

But how did it feel when you got your first 10 a few weeks ago?
Mario: It felt great; just climbing up that ladder. I always wanted better comments from the judges for us, but it felt great to be able to come back every week and get into the dances.

What will you take from the show?
Mario: It was a great opportunity and was a lot of fun. I made some cool new friends, and Karina and I are hitting the studio to make an album [laughs]. I always said when I get kicked off the show, I am putting Karina on the payroll and will get a salary every week to teach me to dance.
Karina: Oh, so sweet — I can be your private dancer, a dancer for money.

What did you like best about working with Karina?
Mario: I had fun with her. Good times, bad times. Even when the stuff was really tough for me, I still had fun with her. I feel like she is a great teacher and really has a love for ballroom dancing. I have a love for music and there is a strong passion there, and when I saw her passion for dance, it made me want to do it more. If I could teach her how to sing, I would.
Karina: But I am absolutely hopeless. There is no chance for that.

Did your body change from all the dancing?
Mario: I lost 7 to 10 pounds and feel I am in the best shape I have ever been in my life. I am also learning how important rest is and eating is. I feel great. It was great training, especially the group dances we did, as it helped your brain to retain more information. The more you can retain, the better, and that is what dance is about. And it's fun performing with everyone.

What's next?
Mario: The tour is next and my album. I am working on a new project that should be done this summer, and I am looking to have a new single out by the end of the year. Films, anything I can get my hands on. I am going hard, man — never stop. I have a lot of stuff going on and love to express myself in different ways, so you will definitely see more of me. Definitely in my stage performance, I will be incorporating some of the moves I have learned. Performance has a whole new meaning to me now. When it comes to focus and flexibility, I am noticing all that more now.

How are you two going to keep in touch?
Karina: We will pretty much move in together.
Mario: We will see each other pretty much every day.
Karina: But I will miss his attitude — he's always positive, strong-minded, but always kind. Oh, and him licking his lips, that is my favorite thing he ever did.
Mario: But I will be back for the finale. I have no regrets at all.