Photos
Video
Last dances, last chances on 'Dancing with the Stars'
After weeks of appetizers, we finally get to the main course. Tonight is the last hurdle to finding out this season's winner of Dancing with the Stars. Let's get it on!
Spoilers!
1. Mel B. & Maksim
The Dance: Cha Cha
The Song: "Car Wash" by Rose Royce. Um, sure. Not a likely choice but it pretty much worked.
Not only are Mel & Maks practicing crazy lifts for their freestyle, Mel brings in two dancers from the Spice Tour to teach them some Hip Hop moves. Maks is excited because they're challenging to him. But, before we can get to the freestyle, Mel has to dance the Judges' Choice - the Cha Cha. She believes it was chosen because it was the first dance she ever performed and the Judges would like to see how much she's improved. Mel was rocking an outfit that looked like it was inspired by Princess Leia's metal bikini. The dance was only slightly less impressive than the outfit (because good grief!). It had a good vibe and Mel was working the steps as usual. I really have to give her credit because she ended up being so much better than I expected her to end up being. And the rest of Le Spice Girls are in the audience, booing loudly whenever the judges say something not entirely complimentary to Mel. Ah, friendship.
Best Judge Line: Not the judges, but Tom says to Mel & Maks, "Yes, yes...get as much in as you can tonight" as they grab at him for the umpteenth time.
Score: 28 (9-9-10 - can't say I'm surprised as it was great but not quite as as exciting as prior dances [according to Carrie Ann] and because Len gets all grumpy when they put in more than "modern" step)
2. Marie Osmond & Jonathan
The Dance: Samba
The Song: I don't know the name of the song but it sounds like something Carmen Miranda might've sang. A rare appropriate song.
Jonathan breaks out the crash-pad to practice lifts and Marie's all for it. Later, Marie, curious about what everyone else is doing, uses one of those scaffolding/window-cleaning bits to rise to the window on the second floor to spy on Helio & Julianne. So, on to the first dance. The Judges picked the Samba since, as Marie says, she passed out during it the first time and they didn't have a chance critique it. It was pretty entertaining but really, I just got distracted by how she's just not great technically. This is one of those dances where the "show" factor can't mask the lack of technique, a fault that becomes glaringly obvious now that it's the finals. There was a nice little dip/turn sequence towards the end though.
Best Judge Line: Nothing of note, though Marie is a little spazzy tonight.
Score: 24 (all 8's - they were a bit stunned by the "low" scores but there's no way they get 9's if Mel got 9's)
3. Helio Castroneves & Julianne
The Dance: The Jive
The Song: "Let's Twist Again" by Chubby Checker
Julianne breaks out the extra-thick mat to practice their lifts, one of which is an assisted back-flip by Helio. If he can end up pulling that off during the freestyle, color me impressed. For their first dance the Judges chose The Jive since he scored comparatively low the first time through. Entertainment wise, it was really fun...however the footwork was pretty sketchy. He messed up at the beginning on the stage, which is basically the worst place to mess up, and Helio also had some timing issues. Carrie Ann says it improved from last time and, since I can't remember and agree with 99% of what she says, I'll take her word for it.
Best Judge Line: Nothing really of note.
Score: 25 (8-8-9)
4. Mel & Maksim
The Dance: Freestyle
The Song: "The Way I Are" by Timberland. Oh...
First, I fully recognize that it's a difficult song to duplicate and the music itself was actually pretty spot on but...still. Not so much with the vocals. Sub-standard music aside, the lifts were great and there were some fantastic bits to it, but I kind of agree with Carrie Ann that it didn't quite do Mel justice. It was good, but I expected more. And I felt like Mel was nervous or something...maybe she should've wore a costume with sneakers instead of heels? But, slight oddness aside, it was still enjoyable. And Maks did quite well with the Hip Hop moves.
Best Judge Line: "I know someone who's not getting tour tickets," says Tom to Carrie Ann after her critique and the chorus of Spice Boos from the audience.
Score: 28 (all 9's)
5. Marie & Jonathon
The Dance: Freestyle
The Song: "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones
Marie comes out as a doll whom Jonathan has to wind up and dances around stiffly. That's a really smart way to get around her technical issues. It was good conceptually, but not as good on the floor. Think the music box number from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on acid. It was...odd. I think it disturbed me a little. But props on the lifts.
Best Judge Line: Bruno says, "This is the loopiest thing I've ever seen. It defies criticism. It's like Baby Jane and the Bride of Chucky."
Score: 22 (8-7-7 - it goes to show that creepy dolls are never a good idea)
6. Helio & Julianne
The Dance: Freestyle
The Song: "Land of a Thousand dances" by Wilson Pickett
So this one was the most overall together of the three of them. Helio did have a few rough moments, but overall it was very good and the most cohesive of all the Freestyles. The lifts were also solid - the form wasn't always great but he held it together well. Also, the Happy Muppet Face was in full effect.
Best Judge Line: Not a judge, but Tom once again: "Helio looks like a Brazilian Power Ranger, doesn't he?"
Score: 29 (9-10-10)
Overall Thoughts: It's interesting how all the stars sort of choked tonight - none of them fully lived up to their potential. Helio wasn't as sharp as I've grown accustomed to seeing him, on both dances. Marie was...well, Marie. She did the best she could technically on the first dance and went mostly for entertainment value on the Freestyle that backfired on her. Mel was the most consistent, but still didn't quite elevate to the level she was at last week.
Who'll Win?: With one dance remaining on tomorrow's results show, my opinion could change but I'm given Mel the slight edge at this point.
Tomorrow night, Celine Dion performs and we find out who gets to take home the coveted (and incredibly tacky, but in a good way) Mirrorball Trophy.
I agree about the vocals for "They Way I Are"... ughhhh!
They really missed the mark on that one.
But... GO MEL!!!!
That is all.
Mel B really needed to dazzle tonight to overcome Marie's fan base and Helio's incredible charm. This is going to come down to a popularity contest unfortunately.
Juan Osmond | Nov 27, 2007 12:26:46 AM | #All the stars I was pulling for have left. Nobody I vote for ever makes the final show. Good luck to Julianne, Jonathan, and Maksim.
Penny | Nov 27, 2007 12:52:19 AM | #If Marie doesn't win, then the show is rigged because I was trying to vote by phone for 90 minutes (from the moment she entered the stage area and her number appeared on the screen to a half hour after the show ended and I was told that the East Coast voting had closed. I only got to vote twice and that was by hitting redial nonstop.
I think the judges were definitely on the rag last night with their harsh comments and the pathetic scores they were giving Marie. It's clear that they don't want her to win but it's obvious that the audience voted for her like crazy just as much because they love her entertainment value as well as to stick it to the sour judges.
I won't be watching Carrie-Anne and Bruno's stupid new show.
Screw 'em.
Not after how they treated Marie.
Francine Fishpaw | Nov 27, 2007 6:10:39 AM | #Please! Marie? She's not even close to being in the same class as the others - the show isn't Entertaining with the Stars, it's DANCING with the Starts. I give her props for the effort, but she was just terrible! I almost had to turn off that doll dance, it was too painful to watch! It would be so unfair for her to win - I'd be happy with either Mel or Helio.
Debby | Nov 27, 2007 6:19:19 AM | #The judges CLEARLY are biased in favor of Mel B. Not that it has worked in the past.
I'm SO not as excited about this as I have been in past years. There has been NOBODY this year who consistently made me smile when I watched them dance.
I kept waiting for Marie's doll to finally wind all the way up - bad that it never did.
The results could be really crazy - I vote online and the site went down before I could finish voting.
I guess I'm hoping Helio wins. He may have had some steps that were wonky last night, but he's not the 'pro' that Mel is and Marie DOES look awkward, though I love her to death. Her fans could do it for her, though.
Does Victoria Beckham EVER, EVER SMILE??
Jan | Nov 27, 2007 6:38:48 AM | #According to this pre-finale poll, Melanie and Maksim are set to win:
http://www.pollsb.com/polls/view/3964/dancing-with-the-stars-finale-is-coming-by-time-to-place-your-bets
I voted for Mel and Maks 3 times online and twice on the phone. So I'm hoping they'll win.
I just really really don't want Marie to win.
Totally agree with Debbie. Technically, Marie's dancing needs much work. I like her and I like her entertaining us with her dancing. However, she isn't the BEST DANCER. Mel and Helio were and if either one wins, then justice is served. To be honest, Mel B was the best last night however I would vote for Helio and in fact did once as I counldn't get through to Mel B's phone line at all last night. I tried to give Marie one vote however even that was jammed and busy all night. Whatever happens hanpens, however is Marie's fan base so big as to offset an 8 to 9 point difference between her and the other two stars. HMMM!!!!
Geoffrey | Nov 27, 2007 7:07:13 AM | #I agree with Penny and Jan -- this wasn't exactly my idea of an exciting finale. I kept wanting to switch over to watch "Chuck" on NBC (it was an excellent episode, by the way).
From the beginning, I was hoping that Mel, Helio and Sabrina would be in the top three, so having Marie there was disappointing. However, I think the final results may be Helio in first, Marie as the runner-up, and Mel in third place. I have a feeling that Mel is much more popular in England and would have won the British version of DwtS. :-)
I thought that Mel looked great in both of her dance costumes, while Helio looked strange in that sparkly "Power Ranger" jumpsuit. Marie looked cute in the doll outfit, but the actual freestyle routine did not have much content.
I can't wait for tonight -- all the eliminated contestants come back! Also, there probably will be lots of celebrities in the audience who want to be on the cast next season.
Paige | Nov 27, 2007 7:50:37 AM | #I felt embarassed for Marie. She was really lobbying for the win last night, and was reminding everyone of how great she is because of her age, and how great of a doll designer she is. I would not vote for her. In my opinion, Helio is what this show is all about. Let's face it, Mel and Marie are both professional performers. Both have sung and danced on stage in front of large audiences. Helio is a race car driver, which barely qualifies him as an athlete. The fact that he has become as entertaining as he is is a true testament to the show. Besides, Julianne is damned cute!
John D | Nov 27, 2007 8:13:40 AM | #Marie's dancing last night was awful. and her comments after the freestyle... very unprofessional. If she does win, it's strictly her fan base that will do it and has nothing to do with her dancing ability.
go M&M!
Did anyone noticed the size of the host's chest?? I know she's a new mother, but that was something to behold....crazy
The World | Nov 27, 2007 8:52:18 AM | #1. I know the judges are professional and they're looking for professional-style precision, but for God's sake, lighten up! One of the judges (anyone, in my opinion) should be replaced with a weekly celebrity judge. Let the other 2 score on technique and the third on entertainment value. But the way it is now (especially the comments) is getting tired.
2. Last night should have been a recap show - let the audience see how the finalists have improved over the course of the season, and give them an extra week to practice for the big night.
3. How you want to bet that the producers told the judges to sink Marie at all costs? That said, she didn't help her cause any with her routines.
JavaJimmy | Nov 27, 2007 9:10:28 AM | #Okay enough about Sabrina already...wah wah...I think the finals would've been better with Jennie. But remember, Mel & Helio were spectacular for the past two weeks. I think they've exhausted themselves learning 3 dances in 3 days. Who cares if they fell short for the finale! Marie is a little much with her "wisdom," and being one of the top doll designers in the world. Is a resume really important here? I would be happy with Mel or Helio either way...and enough about Sabrina!!
Enzo | Nov 27, 2007 10:40:27 AM | #marie should have already gone, but if America pulls it out (hello big fan base) she might win, undeserving so. Mel is still the best all-around, but Helio had the best freestyle. This is the first finale where northing's really excited me (like I'll watch that routine again excited) Makes you wonder what Derek/Jeannie, Cam/Edyta, or Sabrina/Mark might have dons. Too bad, we get Baby Jane instead.
John | Nov 27, 2007 10:47:11 AM | #All three couples definitely choked! And the judges picked a fine time to FINALLY score Marie properly. Jennie and Derek should have been in the finale with Mel and Helio. Jennie's insecurities would have been a helluva lot more interesting to watch than Marie's dancing.
Katherine | Nov 27, 2007 10:54:11 AM | #this is the night...i want Mel B. or Helio to win the title tonight!!!..luckily, they get to dance one more time at the finale..one last chance to wow the judges...if the judges don't get impressed by the final two, boy, it's gonna be a somber finale....america, you ruined a good finale by voting Marie Osmond through to the finals...shameful!!! Heads are gonna roll at ABC...if Marie Osmond wins, ABC oughta cancel this show...America, come on...it's like Sanjaya on "Idol"...he got voted off and the show was saved and even Simon changed his mind about leaving the show. Hopefully, if this writer's strike gets resolved, there will be some good tv to watch..if not, we might as well listen to the radio every night..GO HELIO AND MEL B. !!!
mikey | Nov 27, 2007 1:21:05 PM | #Marie keeps on and on about having 8 kids. She gave birth to THREE ONLY. others adopted. She uses the 8 kids crap as an excuse.
michaelene | Nov 27, 2007 1:22:59 PM | #Oh please. Helio is such a pain in the ass. Always with that stupid Muppet smile on his face while his partner Julianne constantly laughs like she's high as a kite.
Helio reminds me of Pepe Le Pew and not in a good way.
Mario Lopez was the best dancer in his season and he didn't win. I liken him very much to Mel B this season. Technically the best dancer of the season but there's something robotic and cold about them that turned people off. Plus the fact that they so obviously thought they were going to win.
And I find it odd that Carrie-Ann would be gushing over Mel in regard to her dominatrix turns when she trashed Vivica A. Fox for being too manish when she was competing.
The problem with reading comments on the internet about voting is that those commenting here are likely to be teens or twentysomethings living in their momma's basement whereas the core Dancing with the Stars audience is over 40 (Hilary Clinton lists the show as a favorite) so they're more likely to vote for Marie who is "one of them" in that she lives in the real world (Utah instead of Hollyweird) and has gone through things that most women have and so is very much the girl next door.
Nobody that Maksim partners with will ever win because he's so stuck-up arrogant and never knows when to keep his mouth shut (like him this weekend trash talking Marie). The guy has NO class. None of the competitors (or their partners) should be badmouthing each other at all. Least of all to the press. Notice Maksim, even when he compliments Mel, can't help but toss in an insult at the same time.
In the real world, Maksim would get a bottle smashed over his head.
I somehow managed to get 11 votes in for Marie online plus 2 votes from my cellphone and another 2 from my landline. So 15 in total from my house. That took 90 minutes of hitting redial to get through because the line was jammed.
Earth to Michaelene, Marie has NEVER "gone on" about having 8 kids. She's mentioned her children A LOT LESS than sourpuss Jennie Garth who clearly preferred to be at home than being on the show (which is one reason why I was glad to see the back of her).
Plus Jennie and her constant weird mouth moving got on my nerves as much as Joey Lawrence a few seasons back with his nonstop lip licking.
In regard to the judges, it's very clear which stars they want to win. Carrie-Ann especially is totally unprofessional with the way that she woops and hollers and fawns over some of the male contestants each season. Get laid, woman, and THEN come to the show. A judge is supposed to be professional and not make it obvious who their personal favorite is.
Francine Fishpaw | Nov 27, 2007 2:29:59 PM | #Yes, The World, I noticed the host's chest, and man was it HUGE!
The Moon | Nov 27, 2007 3:12:25 PM | #I like Marie, a lot. And I voted for her a lot, because the judges were so obviously against her.
But I didn't vote for her last night, because it's not the spirit of the show. I AGAIN voted as much AGAINST Mel as I did FOR Helio, because once Sabrina was kicked off, the judges made it their mission in life to have Mel win it.
She IS cold and completely unappealing. I'll be disappointed if she wins, but it has been a very disappointing season.
Jan-Again | Nov 27, 2007 3:14:39 PM | #Um.. 3 times 9 is 27, not 28...
Jen | Nov 27, 2007 5:02:12 PM | #
Zap2it Twitter Talk
