In the first major surprise elimination of the season, rapper Lil' Kim was ousted from "Dancing with the Stars" one week shy of the semi-finals.

Lil' Kim gracefully said her goodbyes to a standing ovation, after her name was announced to a smattering of boos from the crowd. Rodeo cowboy Ty Murray, who scored the least on Monday night's performance show, joined her in the bottom two.

"I think this is one of the greatest experiences I've ever [had] in my life," she said upon hearing the news.

"I think I've brought a different audience [to the show]," she pointed out. "I know people who've never watched the show and they watch the show [now]."

Throughout the season, mild-mannered Lil' Kim consistently ranked among the top scorers, and when it was announced that she would be going home, even host Tom Bergeron called it a "shock." He also told her, "I love to watch you dance."

Her professional partner, last season's champion Derek Hough, said of his partner, "I love this girl so much, and she has been one of my favorites." He also called her "an amazing soul."

The night also included numbers by three pro dancer hopefuls who are auditioning for a spot on next season's roster. In a twist, this week they took the floor with celeb competitors from past seasons. Afton DelGrosso danced a samba with former contestant Cody Linley, Mayo Alanen joined Lisa Rinna for a quickstep, and Anna Demidova performed an Argentine tango with Maurice Greene.

Other highlights of the evening included a performance by British singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum, as well as a number by the Macy's Stars of Dance.