SAN ANTONIO – It's been more than two months, but we have finally reached the end of this season of "Dancing With The Stars." This is the show that REALLY matters. But like the other elimination shows, it doesn't get down to business. The show started with a performance that included the couples who were eliminated before the finale.
Here's where the top three stand:
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- Rob & Cheryl - 57 points
- Ricki & Derek - 54 points
- JR & Karina - 54 points
Next, we're treated to a recap of Monday's performances. I'm telling you right now, I don't care which couple wins. They're all good!
Lady Antebellum performed "Dancing Away With My Heart."
Ricki & Derek were the first to dance. They decided to bring back their Psycho-themed tango. The first time she did this dance, I thought Ricki was pretty flawless. This time, it was absolute perfection!
Len said it was one of the most memorable dances of any season. He liked it the first time around. This time, he loved it. Bruno said it was more than a tango - it was "a grand, cinematic extravaganza." He said the dance was unforgettable. Carrie Ann said Ricki has proven she is a fighter who never gives up. She said Ricki's dance was beyond perfection.
Current leaders, Rob & Cheryl, brought back their fox trot. They did this dance during the third week of the competition. You remember that, right? When no one thought Rob would be in the finals? There was just a brief moment where it looked like Rob got ahead of himself, but otherwise, he was pretty darn smooth.
Bruno said Rob was smooth (except for a little slip). COPY CAT! Carrie Ann said Rob has grown so much. Len said the little slip doesn't mean anything. He said Rob has the best footwork of any guy he's seen on the show. He said Rob's confidence has also grown.
JR & Karina decided to bring back their jive from week two. They took out the parts the judges didn't like the first time (a lift and the lindy hop steps). I liked it with the lifts and lindy, but I loved this! So much energy! I almost got up off of my sofa - almost!
Carrie Ann said JR had a rough time, but she called him a "catalyst for joy." She missed the lift. Len said JR did what he asked him to do. He said JR has a sparkling personality and lights up the room. Bruno said it was energetic, fast-paced fun.
Here are the scores:
The scores were added to Monday's scores. Ricki & Derek are in the lead with 84 points. Rob & Cheryl are in second place with 83 points. JR & Karina are in third place with 82 points.
We have our first time filler! It's the judges and their behavior we don't see during the show.
With a little more than one hour left of the elimination show, the third place couple is FINALLY revealed. Ricki & Derek. Wow! I still don't want any of the couples to go, but this shocks me.
Time filler #2: the judges talk about what it will take to win the competition and they size up the top two couples. FF.
The top two couples will dance to "Shake Your Bon Bon" for their instant samba. JR & Karina will perform first. They're off to practice, so we get some more time fillers. Time filler #3 is a recap of the season (in case you haven't watched a minute of the show, this one's for you). I am seriously questioning my memory. I have completely forgotten/blacked out Meta World Peace and Elisabetta being on this show.
Meta & Peta took their turn on the dance floor. I guess he's been practicing (certainly not playing basketball) because he's not bad.
Elisabetta & Val performed next. She was better than I remember (and I clearly don't remember things). I should go back and read the earlier recaps.
Kristin & Mark performed a new routine. It was a jive full of lifts and tricks. It was good, but not finale good. Maybe it would have been better if they made it this far?
Chynna & Tony performed their Mission: Impossible dance. Oh. The one where Chynna froze. I have my fingers crossed for Chynna's sake! There is no sign of Chynna forgetting her steps this time! I can't help but wonder how far she would have gone if she danced like this in week four. Total redemption!
Carson & Anna performed a new dance. I mean, I guess you can call it a dance. It's one of those drunk uncle dances. You know the type - the rhythm takes over and he does lots of pointing and gesturing while making faces. If I'm not mistaken, Carson might have done some lip biting, too (his own). He also danced with the guys. Oh. Carson spanked himself. Family show, no?
Time filler #4 was dedicated to the themes. The dreaded themes! FF.
Nancy & Tristan brought back their Broadway week dance. I wonder if this was Nancy's choice? She had better dances than this! She looked like she was having fun, so that counts for something.
Chaz & Lacey performed a new dance. Lacey's dad also danced with them. I don't know what was happening here, except there was a whole lot of booty shaking.
David & Kym performed a new dance with the DWTS Troupe. This was so much fun! I want David to get into some musical something! Wait. Can he sing? If not, maybe they can just find him a part where he dances and says silly things.
Lady Antebellum returned to perform "Need You Now."
Time filler #5: it's a recap of the last three weeks.
Hope & Maks performed again. I'm not sure why they chose their quick step. I would have rather seen their Toy Story dance. Now, the secret's out: no one from DWTS consults me.
It's instance dance time! JR & Karina shimmied first. I was so caught up in it, I couldn't tell what happened when the music started over, then Rob & Cheryl came out. Both were good! I want a tie!
Len gave them a standing ovation. Bruno said JR can turn it on at will. He said Rob learned how to use his bon bon. Carrie Ann said it was fun. She said they're both winners. I don't believe that means there's going to be a tie.
Now, the scores. JR & Karina scored 30! Their total is 112. Rob & Cheryl scored 30! Their total is 113. The viewer votes are being tallied to determine the winner.
The champion is... JR & Karina! Good for Karina! It's her first mirrorball trophy!
That's all for this season. I have a few months to decide if I'll be back in March for Season 14. I probably will. Thank you for allowing me and my odd opinions to recap the show each week!
You can watch the show online here.