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The Finale Results
Original Air Date: Nov 23, 2010
Annette: Associate Staff Writer
annette@thetwocentscorp.com
It’s finally time to hand out the mirror ball trophy. Well, after two hours of finale that is. All the celebrities from Season 11 are back (except for Michael Bolton who is performing at the Royal Albert Hall and Audrina Patridge who is ill).
The finalists danced two more dances. The first round was their favorite ballroom dance. Round two was an instant cha-cha-cha. Instead of giving out the usual scores, for the first round the judges were only allowed to give out one 8, one 9 and one 10. In round two they gave out whatever scores they wanted. The scores were added to their total from last night and the audience votes to determine the champion.
Rather than announce all the stars in the usual way, the pros came out dancing, then each star came out one by one and danced in the order in which they were eliminated, or in some cases, stood around while their pro partners danced around them!
Kyle and Lacey chose to perform their Tango from Rock Week as their favorite dance. They did a fantastic job – a great improvement from the first time. Len told Kyle he comes out with a great attitude and goes for the win. Bruno said that he really is a talented young man. Carrie Ann said she was glad he chose the Tango because it shows all his wonderful aspects and that he brings a freshness to the floor. Judges’ Scores: 9, 8, 9 – 26
Bristol and Mark chose to do their Tango from Rock Week and even though they were docked a point for breaking hold, they chose to break hold again. Probably not a good idea since they need all the points they can get. Bruno said that this is the dance that showed Bristol the fighter. Carrie said this was by far her favorite of all her dances because it showcased all her strengths. Len told Bristol that she is all neatness, clean and precision.
Judges’ Scores – 8, 9, 8 – 25
Jennifer and Derek chose their Viennese Waltz as their favorite. They were doing beautifully until Derek stepped on Jennifer’s foot which caused them to stumble just a bit, but the judges didn’t seem to mind. Carrie Ann told them the magic was right there. Len called it a mix of ease and elegance saying she is the complete package. Bruno said the quality of movement, artistry, and musicality all combine to make a blissfully beautiful waltz.
Judges’ Scores – 10, 10, 10 – 30
Between the finalists’ dances, the eliminated stars performed again. David Hasselhoff kicked it off with a Baywatch inspired dance in which we were also graced by his singing talents. He sings about as well as he dances. After a lot of smack talk, Kurt and Rick did a dueling dance to the “Eye of the Tiger,” with jersey inspired costumes no less. The comediennes of the season, Margaret and Florence came out to dance to “Copacabana.” Margret was really working it; Florence pretty much was just along for the ride. Sorrentino came out and stood around while three dancers pulled off his shirts and danced around him to “I’m too Sexy.” Finally, Brandy got to come back and perform her Quickstep.
Musical guest for the evening was Christina Aguilera performing a song from the movie Burlesque and also her hit “Beautiful.”
The Instant Dance song was “Raise Your Glass” by Pink.
Len said Bristol came out on fire, called Kyle a marvel, and told Jennifer she is always right up there. Bruno called Jennifer “the artist,” he told Kyle he was scorching hot and said Bristol saved the best for last. Carrie Ann told them they all did great – Kyle inspired joy; Bristol inspired hope, and Jennifer reminds everyone what perseverance is all about.
Judges’ Scores:
Kyle: 9, 9, 10 – 28
Jennifer: 9, 9, 10 – 28
Bristol: 9, 9, 9 – 27
Total for all four dances:
Jennifer & Derek: 118
Kyle & Lacey: 110
Bristol & Mark: 104
The actual announcing of the final three was a bit different this season. In the past the third place celebrity is usually announced midway through the finale, before even the final dances. This time all three finalists got to dance all their dances and had to wait until the last 10 minutes to find out their fate. Bristol and Mark came in third. Then a commercial break before announcing that Jennifer and Derek are this season’s champions.
So ends the most controversial season of Dancing with the Stars. I expected Jennifer to win pretty much from day one. For awhile it looked like Brandy would give her a good challenge, but well, that didn’t quite work out. It certainly wasn’t the final three I would have expected, but it did make for some interesting performances. So, are you glad Jennifer won? Or would you have liked to see a different result? Leave me your two cents!
TheTwoCents 
I thought the winner would either be Jennifer or Brandy and am pleased Jennifer won. I guess it always go back to the question as to who should win. Somtimes I feel Kyle could have won for how MUCH he improved. But Kurt and Rick could have been in that spot as well if they would’ve continued improving. I will say Bristol did improve, but comparing her dancing sklls to Kyle, he is still far better. Definitely didn’t expect the three of them in the finals. I have to admit, this may be my last season of DWTS. Towards the end it just didn’t have the excitement and level of dancing I expected from the past. Thanks for your “twocents” this season! Always fun to read!! (By the way, I cracked up reading your comment about David Hasselhoff’s dancing abilities!! LOL)