The Finale of Season 20 of Dancing With the Stars starts tonight, putting our final three couples to the test. It the last chance for viewers to vote for the champ of the special Golden Mirror Ball!
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Round One: Encore Performance of Their Favorite Routine
Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess – Argentine Tango, originally 30/40 in Week 3
The last time they performed this, Noah said that he was thinking too much, joking that he was worried Sharna would kick him in the face again. Now, he’s come too far and gotten too close to give up. There are a couple of shaky spots tonight, but it’s also overall improved from last time, which Len notes. Julianne thinks it felt easier this time around, and Bruno notes that he has grown in every way due to his confidence. He does say, however, that the nerves did spoil it a little bit. Carrie Ann says he started out strong, but it was hard for her to watch.
Carrie Ann-8, Len-8, Julianne-8, Bruno-8 = 32/40
To Vote For Noah:
Call 855-234-5605, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker – Paso Doble, originally 38/40 in Week 5
I’m so happy they’re bringing Captain Jack Sparrow to the dance floor – their Disney Paso Doble was so fun to watch the first time, and now Riker and Allison are striving for perfect scores. It’s just as fierce as the last time, and the ballroom explodes – even LEN gives them a standing ovation! Julianne think he contained the energy, making it even better than last time. Bruno calls it a “treasure trove of content” and Carrie Ann says he owned it. Len loved it – “That was EPIC.” After that routine, Riker earns a pass for that Captain Jack impression.
Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10 = 40/40
To Vote For Riker:
Call 855-234-5608, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy – Fox Trot, originally 32/40 in Week 1
I love that they’re repeating their Week 1 dance – it’s coming full circle for this pair. They got the highest score of the premiere with this routine the first time, but now Rumer has a new confidence and a thirst for perfection. The routine is beautiful and proves that this pair has been destined for the finale since day 1. Bruno calls it “no nonsense, absolutely pure ballroom bliss.” Carrie Ann describes it as “poetry in motion”, and Len refers to his Week 1 prediction that this could be Rumer’s season:”Nothing’s changed – only your dancing is so much better!” Julianne notes that there was no timidness tonight, calling it flawless.
Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10 = 40/40
To Vote For Rumer:
Call 855-234-5610, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
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Round Two: Freestyle! Viewers can tweet to vote for the freestyle they want to see on tomorrow night’s finale: #EncoreNoah, #EncoreRiker, or #EncoreRumer.
Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess to a medley “Titanium/Fix You”
Noah credits his success on the show to the support of strangers and Sharna’s ability to tap into his story – he believes he brings something different to the ballroom. It’s a Contemporary freestyle, and as much as they’ve talked about this story this season, this routine perfectly demonstrates it. It’s beautiful, it’s strong, and any of the hesitation Noah showed in his first dance has disappeared. Everyone is on their feet, including the judges, who remain standing for their critiques. Len says simply, “That was amazing”. Julianne calls it a true freestyle, noting how “whole” the dancing, choreography, and connection was. Bruno agrees – “Your choreography was absolutely tailor made to make you shine.” Carrie Ann says it’s beyond words, but then uses a lot of them to say it was true art.
Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10 = 40/40 (72/80)
To Vote For Noah:
Call 855-234-5605, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker to “I Won’t Dance”
River really wants viewers to watch this freestyle and know that they had an awesome time with it and feels confident that if they can maintain their position on the leaderboard and impress America, they’ll win the mirror ball. I applaud Riker’s understanding of how this show works – get good scores and viewer votes! Like some of the most popular freestyles of the past, this one showcases Riker’s talent in so many different styles, not unlike Alfonso and Witney’s routine last season. He’s talented, and Allison knows just how to show him off. Unfortunately, since we’re tight on time, judges’ comments are short. Julianne says it had everything they’re good at, and Bruno calls it “Fred Astaire reinvented and repackaged for a new generation.” Carrie Ann applauds Riker’s incredible showmanship, and Len says he’s proud of him. “You have brought the past into the present.”
Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10 = 40/40 (80/80)
To Vote For Riker:
Call 855-234-5608, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy to “Toxic”
Talk about freestyle – not only are they dancing this week, but performing as well! Rumer is covering the vocals on Britney Spears’ “Toxic”, while Val shows off his skills on the violin. Val is feeling pressure on this freestyle, being in the finals three times before but never winning. He says the “bigger than life” production isn’t honest for him – the best thing for him is to strip it down. And this time, he’s talking about the dance. It’s a freestyle that perfectly demonstrates the success of this pair throughout the entire season – it’s raw, it’s fierce, and it’s a gorgeous fusion of styles only a Chmerkovskiy can create. Bruno uses a lot of adjectives to describe it as “bewitching intensity”. Carrie Ann says she watches Rumer just as a dancer – she loved it. Len calls it pure and brave, and Julianne agrees – “It was everything that both of you represent together.”
Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10 = 40/40 (80/80)
To Vote For Rumer:
Call 855-234-5610, or Use ABC.COM and/or Facebook.
5 Vote Limit Per Method /Per ABC.COM / Facebook Account.
And that’s a wrap on Season 20 Performance shows – all that’s left now is to celebrate the season and award that special golden mirror ball! This season, the champion will be winning for the first time, making it extra special for whichever pair wins. The freestyle routines are always the highlights of the show, and tonight was no exception. The scores show Riker and Rumer as the frontrunners, but no one should consider Noah the underdog – this one is anybody’s game.
