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'The Biggest Loser' finale: Olivia Ward weighs in as the winner
In quite possibly the most unique season of "The Biggest Loser" ever, 35-year-old opera singer, Olivia Ward, took the title and this season's $250,000 prize.
The New York City resident lost 129 pounds from her starting weight of 261 to knock out both her sister, Hannah Curlee, and the third place finalist, Irene Alvarado, for the win. She was a force to be reckoned with from the very beginning of the competition. And her desire to elevate her career from being typecast in the opera world drove her.
Her sister, 32-year-old human resources rep, Hannah, came in second place with a total weight loss of 120 pounds from her starting weight of 248 pounds. The Nashville gal had once been an athlete on her way to a pro career when a devastating car accident ended her sports career with a serious back injury.
We're not surprised that the two sisters placed first and second as they proved to be tough competitors individually, yet they were even more competitive (and inspiring) together.
Portland native Irene came in third with a 116-pound weight loss from her starting weight of 255. For most of the season, she flew under the radar, but opened up toward the second half of the season to prove she was definite competition. Coming into the finale, she was the last "Biggest Loser" on campus and chose the order of the final weigh-ins.
It was a tight race to the finish for the at-home prize. In the end 59-year-old administrative assistant from Bountiful, Utah, Denise "Deni" Hill, edged out the much younger Austin Andrews, 21, for the win.
As we mentioned above, this season may go down as the most unique season of the series. Not only did two sisters and three women make it to the finals for the first time ever, but two more trainers were introduced in an unexpected twist. Trainer Jillian Michaels announced this would be her last season and tennis pro Anna Kournikova was officially announced the new trainer during the live finale.
Congrats Olivia and Deni! Are you pleased with Season 11's winners?
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Photo/Video credit: NBC
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I was rooting for Austin, but congrats to Deni. And I was pretty sure Olivia had it when she first walked out. Great job!
On another note -- could Allison's dress have been any tighter, seriously? I got much more of a view than I wanted!!!
All the contestant did an amazing job out there. Everyone lost a few people off them. Goes to show what a bit of hard work and eating the right things can do for you. to bad about Jillian though.
Where was Rulon? I fast forwarded thru most of the show (to watch all of it tomorrow) and wondered why Rulon was not at the weigh in....was it mentioned? or cuz he left at his own request, was he out of the competition? thanks...
I too wondered about Rulon. When I only saw his yellow team partner come out, I knew something was amiss. I'm extremely surprised that there was no reference to Rulon at all or what happened to him or why he wasn't there. I really was waiting for Alison to say something but she didn't.
Hmmmm, I guess we'll never know.
I was upset Rulon wasn't there either. But I read that if you quit the show early you can't attend the finale. I really wanted to see the progress he made.
I thought it was terrible that they did not even mention Rulon. He had to be under some sort of contractural obligation to appear, right? They should have at least said he had personal issues or whatever, like they have done in the past. Bad, bad move, Biggest Loser - I am disappointed.
Everyone looked nice, but I was disappointed in Courtneys lack of sleeves. I thought she was going to be the one to wow, and quite frankly her scrunchy cute face was anything but cute, and she looked larger than when she was kiicked off the show.
Rulon quit the show (didn't fall below yellow line). Therefore, he was not allowed to weigh in and be in the running for the at home prize. I did find it odd he wasn't there or mentioned. Not sure if it was NBC or his request.
What do you mean by "two more judges" were introduced? Think you meant trainers.
They all did an amazing job.... I was very disappointed in Olivia's attitude that changed as she lost weight... And became very selfish! she was always talking about I need to be on this show to have a baby (would say that when they had to vote contestants off) - then once the weight came off - no more talk about a baby, now it's only about being an opra star....I don't think she was ever sincere. Yes she worked hard, but only in it for herself. Now Hannah - I think she's sincere