Here we are in the all-girl finale of our “DWTS” all-star season. It’s only an hour and each couple has to power through two dances, so let’s just get to it. It’s gonna be one speedy episode, so don’t blink.
Kelly & Val
The Background: Kelly feels a lot of pressure redoing a dance — in this case, the paso double. She’s going to be so perfect they’ll have no choice but to give her tens! I hope so.
The Dance: Oops, she lost his grip at one point. Minor, though.
The Judges: Len loved the band. Okay, okay, get to the point. He thought this was her best dance in week three, and it’s her best dance now. Bruno thought she burned the floor. What he saw was artistry and polish, and she even covered the slight mess-up with the hands. Carrie Ann is so proud of Kelly. She feels she’s shown she deserves to be here.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 9.5, Len – 10, Bruno – 10
Hey, she finally got tens! I’m not sure she really deserves it given the hand slip, but hey, she really has improved so much. I think the judges can be forgiven for being soft (with the exception of Carrie Ann, of course).
Melissa & Tony
The Background: Melissa & Tony reminisce about their injuries. They’ll be repeating their samba. They got nines during week three, but they could be tens this week. Tony hopes the other teams are sweating it. She’s the only finalist who hasn’t won previously.
The Dance: I don’t love their samba rolls. Honestly, I think they didn’t get tens last time in part because she doesn’t have hips.
The Judges: Bruno thinks she’s deliciously irresistible. He loves to see her confidence. Carrie Ann thinks her abs are ridiculous. It was fabulous. Len thinks she captured the party vibe.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, Bruno – 10
Shawn & Derek
The Background: They’ll be doing the quickstep again, as it was their statement dance. It’s also the dance that the judges dinged them on for not maintaining hold, doing lifts and the rest. This is a huge risk — and maybe not such a smart one.
The Dance: Still such an amazing dance. I hope this pays off for them. It really does kind of blow everyone else out of the water.
The Judges: Carrie Ann is disappointed they didn’t follow the rules. Len is also disappointed. Bruno is sad he’s bound by the rules.
Shawn tells Brooke she’s okay with their decision, because they loved that dance and hey, she wanted to do what made them happy. Sigh. It’s a shame they’ll work so hard and still end up with crap scores (well, not really, but for skill and stamina alone, they deserve perfect scores).
Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 8.5, Bruno – 9.5
Time for freestyles!
Kelly & Val
The Background: Kelly will be doing aerial work and the routine is jam-packed. But Kelly is just so happy to have formed such a friendship with Val. She doesn’t want her journey with him to end! Well, I thought it wouldn’t.
The Dance: Whoa. She really is doing aerial work. They’re dancing to “The Time of My Life,” and with a choir, and it’s over the top, but it works.
The Judges: Len thought the opening was spectacular, but it lacked a little originality. Bah. Bruno loved the blend of Cirque de Soleil with “Dirty Dancing.” He thought they were totally in tune. Carrie Ann thinks it was the perfect dance, and it was a happy ending to a beautiful love story.
Brooke wants to know — the show’s about over, so give it up! Is it showmance? Romance? What? Kelly says there’s still another day. Dammit!
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9.5, Bruno – 10
Melissa & Tony
The Background: It’s going to be a contemporary routine, which isn’t something that usually ends up in the finale. It’s a huge risk, according to Melissa. The risk really may be that she’ll get dropped on her head. Still, she wants to wow people. Well, getting your head cracked open on national TV is definitely wow.
The Dance: I think there’s a reason people don’t usually do contemporary in the finale. I don’t love this. It’s well done, but joyless.
The Judges: Bruno thought it was the perfect setting to showcase Melissa’s qualities. She’s a gem. Carrie Ann thinks she hit the freestyle jackpot. Len thought it had passion. Really? Huh.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, Bruno – 10
Shawn & Derek
The Background: The Fierce Five will perform with them to support Shawn. It’s Shawn’s redemption! She’s so grateful to Derek for giving her the will to live after she retired from her sport. Well, not will to live, but she was depressed and this show definitely restored her fighting spirit.
The Dance: Wow. I don’t care that they essentially threw the first dance, at least from judging perspective. Shawn should win this.
The Judges: Carrie Ann thinks she’s incredible. She didn’t disappoint. Len thought it was a gold medal performance. Bruno thought it was fierce, flawless and brilliant. They’re so right.
Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, Bruno – 10
So, who are you voting for? Do you think people are voting for the stars they know, the celebrities they like, or real dancing talent?