So after years after denigrating Dancing With The Stars, considering the ABC show to be a total cheesefest unworthy of my TiVo’s time—especially compared to the sheer choreographic brilliance that is Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance—I must confess: I’ve been tuning into DWTS every week this season.

Participation by one aging Go-Go aside (Ms. Carlisle went-went pretty quickly), I originally found myself glued to DWTS‘ eighth season because several former SYTYCD faves (Dmitry Chaplin, Chelsie Hightower, and Lacey Schwimmer) had been chosen to show these so-called stars the ropes (er, the moves). It was actually Lacey’s second time as a pro on DWTS, since she’d danced with Lance Bass in Season 7 (they ultimately finished third).

As a bonus, other SYTYCD alums Pasha Kovalev, Anya Garnis, and Lacey’s brother Benji have graced the DWTS stage in recent weeks, accompanying the musical performances that are part of the Wednesday night results show. But with Dmitry and Lacey paired with two-left-footers Holly Madison (The Girls Next Door) and Steve-O (Jackass), respectively, their screen time was fleeting. Currently Chelsie Hightower is the sole remaining SYTYCD rep, paired with rodeo champ/husband of Jewel, Ty Murray (who could, in fact, show Chelsie the ropes).

And while Ty is surprisingly good (and yet somehow still awkward), the contestant who’s really converted me into a DWTS true believer is rapper/former Fed inmate, Lil’ Kim. Expectations for the diminutive hip-hopper couldn’t have been any lower coming into the competition, but she’s proven herself adept at every dance style thus far, from the Argentine Tango to the Viennese Waltz, winning both the judges’ praise and audience votes. (Lil’ Kim has said that DWTS was her cellmates’ favorite show.)

Check out Lil’ Kim and partner Derek Hough doing the Paso Doble from Monday’s show, and see if you’re not similarly impressed at both her commitment and mastery of the dance:

So, yes, I’m seeing Stars, at least while Lil’ Kim is still in it to win it (alas, Country cutie Chuck Wicks just got the boot). With my first love So You Think You Can Dance returning for its fifth season on May 21 (the new promo premiered during American Idol), my TV dance card won’t get a break from being full for the next few weeks.