Each couple performed the final ballroom or Latin dance that they have not yet performed on the show, as well as the always popular freestyle dance. The third dance is the "megamix" challenge. In it, the three finalists faced-off in a group number made up of three dance styles: the Viennese Waltz, the Samba and the Jive, all choreographed by “Dancing with the Stars” alum Nick Kosovich.
Kelly and her professional partner Louis Van Amstel led off the evening's performances with an Argentine tango. Head judge Len Goodman commented, "You epitomize what this competition is about. You have very little or no dance experience, but you made it to the finals. I thought you came out and danced right up there." Bruno Tonioli said, "You have been the revelation of this season. I never would have thought as you [first] came out that you would end in the finals. [But you have been] dedicated and hardworking. For me though, at times, your free hand was a little loose. Nevertheless, it was very good." Carrie Ann Inaba told them, "After working with you, I am so proud of you. You came miles ahead. There was an intimacy and an intensity [to the dance]. It was very sophisticated." The couple was awarded 26 out of 30 points.
Then, last week's top scorers -- Mýa and Dmitry Chapin -- danced a passionate Paso Doble. Bruno raved, "The power of Mýa unleashed for all to admire. Fearless! Flamboyant! You've got the power of the Paso Doble out there for everybody to see." Carrie Ann praised, "I dub you the queen of the Paso Doble. Very dynamic. Very hot. Just what I wanted from you." Len agreed, adding, "You come out like there is no stress. You danced it full out. My favorite Paso Doble was Mel B and Max and this is right up there with it." Mýa and Dmitry started out the night with a perfect score: 30 points.
Next up were Donny and Kym Johnson, who showed the judges they knew how to cha cha cha. Carrie Ann asked, "Where did those hips come from? What a breakthrough in the finals: the hips busted out. I love the energy." Len joked, "Ding, dong, Donny. That was a cha cha cha. Bruno must have worked his magic. It is a tough dance. Overall, very good." Bruno didn't rate the dance, but praised Donny's professionalism, saying, "I shouted at him for an hour. No attitude. He took on every comment." Donny and Kym scored 27 points.
The second dance of the evening was the group megamix challenge with all three couples on the floor at the same time. Len declared, "I thought this was going to be so easy to judge. But, no. It was really difficult how close you all are. There is no clear winner heading into the winner's circle. You all did spectacularly well." Bruno commented, "Mýa, you can samba. Kelly, your waltz was amazing. Donny, at times, I thought you were a professional ballroom dancer." Carrie Ann also told Donny that she was impressed with the way he kept up with the two professional dancers. Then she said, "Mýa, I love when you do the Latin dances. You make my hips go boom-boom." And Kelly, the grace you bring to the Viennese waltz. I love the line of your back." Mýa and Dmitry took first place for 30 points, Donny and Kym placed second for 28 points, leaving Kelly and Louis in third position with 26 points.
The freestyle round began with Kelly and Louis dancing to "I Will Survive." Bruno reassured Kelly, who slipped during her routine, saying, "One thing is for sure, you never looked more beautiful than tonight. You had all the glitz and glamour of the disco era. Sometimes people fell on the floor. It was part of the night at Studio 54." Carrie Ann commented, "The freestyle is giving us what we want to see. You are a survivor. When you fell, you got back up. [When you flubbed], you smiled. You remind us of who we want to be." Len pointed out, "The freestyle is your time to shine. There were a few worrying incidents, but you smiled through it. I thoroughly enjoyed watching you." Because of the errors, the judges scored them 24 points.
Mýa and Dmitry then returned with a dance number to a song from 'Hairspray.' Carrie Ann rated it: "High energy, fun, but not outstanding to me. If you do 'Hairspray,' you are competing with that imagery in people's minds. In my mind, it didn't showcase you." Len agreed "100 percent with Carrie Ann. There was a sameness about it, and it never went anywhere. I was expecting something." Bruno added, "You had the vivacity and the joy, you were right on the beat, but at this stage, from you, I was expecting something more spectacular." Mýa and Dmitry earned 27 points from the judges.
The final dance of the night was Donny and Kym's freestyle. Len praised, "That was an absolute showstopper." Bruno raved, "Mr. Show Business at his best. You are the master." Carrie Ann enthused, "I love the freestyle. There are some memorable freestyles. Tonight, welcome to the Hall of Fame for the freestyle." The judges' praise turned into a perfect score: 30 points.
Tune in Tuesday night at 9 p.m. on ABC when each of the three finalists will dance one more time for judges'-only scores. Then the new "Dancing with the Stars" champion will be announced. Entertainment will be provided by Grammy Award-winning artist Whitney Houston.
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
Comments (3)