DWTS 22 Finale Live Blog and Performance Videos

First, a big thank you to MJ and each and every member of this blog who watched this season with me, who voted in the polls, commented, read my rankings, etc… As I have said in previous seasons, it wouldn’t be nearly as much to do this without the great folks here that I have had the pleasure of interacting with. You all make this community what it is and I always have such a blessed time when I get to blog a season of this show.

Congratulations to all three finalists on an impressive finale. I love that each couple at least improved in scores for the redemption dances. A special shout out to Ginger for dancing as best she could through injury. I hope she is well and takes some needed time to recover after the show. The weather will still be there at GMA, Ginger. Rest up! That goes for all of them really. After ten plus weeks of this, I imagine they are all in need of some good sleep and time off from whatever they do next.

I thought Paige took the redemption round, though I did enjoy what Nyle and Ginger both did. In fact, I enjoyed Ginger’s redemption routine more than her freestyle. Speaking of freestyles, what kind of magic did we see out of Nyle and Paige? Those two routines were so special. I watched both quite a few times. Each one pretty much summed up their entire journey on the show. With Nyle, you had his tale of overcoming and inspiring and with Paige, the development of a stunning dancer and beautiful woman. I can sometimes roll my eyes a bit when this show does contemporary routines because I have seen about a thousand of them done on So You Think You Can Dance. But when you mix the right emotion with good choreography and actually have dancers who can meet the expectations, it really is something to marvel at. As for Ginger & Val- a nice idea to do a simplistic freestyle paying tribute to old school dance but I just felt the whole thing failed to deliver any impact. It just didn’t feel like a season ending freestyle but more like something we would see earlier in the season as another regular routine of the week.

Now comes the hard part. How does this end? Well, we were told a very small percentage going into last night separated the finalists. We weren’t told if that was the difference between the winner and runner-up, runner-up and 3rd place, or anything specific like that. I believe the voting was close, which is why the scores last night mattered. Paige finished the night only a single point away from perfect with Nyle at the bottom scoring 57 out of a possible 60. However, the scores are added together from last week as well and that puts Paige on top with 118, Ginger at 114, and Nyle at 114.

Tonight, another set of scores for each couple will be handed out after the fusion dances. This is where it could get tricky. If the judges end up giving all three couples perfect scores, then America’s votes will tell the tale. But if the votes ended up remaining just as close, the judges could actually swing it one way or the other. Let’s hope they judge fairly with no pre-planned scores and let’s hope the finalists work on those fusion dances. It isn’t easy to do combine two styles in twenty-four hours so good luck to all of them.

At the end of the day, I feel that Paige has done enough to win. I think the combination of higher scores, peaking at the right time, and votes from various fan bases (Mark, Derek, a bit of Wanya thrown in) will propel her to victory. I think she picked up just enough casual votes in this last month and has performed at a high level thanks both to Mark’s choreography and her own talent. I want to say Nyle will be the runner-up, with my heart saying his freestyle last night captured enough love to at least get him there. But Ginger isn’t out of this. If she got some support for dancing through pain, that plus her overall charm with viewers and exposure on the network itself could get her to 2nd place. Heck, my jaw wouldn’t even drop if she won this thing, though I just can’t predict that. This is yet another heart versus mind situation. My heart goes with Paige and Nyle (and I would be thrilled for either) but my mind says Paige in a nail-bitter with either of the two remaining ending up as the runner-up. How’s that for a noncommittal? LOL.

By the way, for those interested in that pesky little search engine Bing, they have Paige as the winner, Nyle as runner-up, and Ginger in 3rd. They may actually get that correct. I’ll give them their props- they have had a good season of predictions but I would never totally bank on what they have to say about any reality show.

Speaking of making predictions and all, let’s take a look at what you guys thought of last night. Keep in mind, I usually collect these results after a week of voting but since the show is tonight, this is what the results look like as of about 5PM Eastern. 52% voted Nyle & Peta as favorite partnership, with Paige & Mark scoring 40% and Ginger & Val with 8%. For the redemption round, 59% loved Paige & Mark. 30% went with Nyle & Peta and 10% for Ginger & Val. 63% disliked Ginger’s redemption dance while 26% weren’t feeling Nyle’s and 11% opted for Paige.

In the freestyle round, 60% loved Nyle & Peta, 33% for Paige & Mark, and 6% for Ginger & Val. It was more of the same on the least enjoyed freestyle poll with Ginger getting 77%. Paige had 13% and Nyle had 10%. In a very close race, 50% of you feel Nyle should win the show while 45% think Paige should. Ginger sits at 5%. In terms of who you think will, 62% believe Nyle will win and 31% think Paige has it. Ginger comes in third with 6%. You guys gave a favorable rating for the episode itself, averaging a B+/A-.

So, with all that being said (and I apologize, it was quite a bit), we are ready to get this party started. As usual with this show’s finale, I’ll simply do a segment by segment recap of the proceedings. I hope the show is low on filler and high on celebrating this year’s cast with some great dancing and exciting special guests. If you guys are ready…here we go!

Segment 1
We are outside. Some of the pros and their partners get some solo time. Inside the ballroom, we see some of the special guests on hand for tonight as the male pros and troupe members take the floor. There’s Jodie. Marla and Tony arrive. Out come the female pros and troupe members. Even Tom and Erin are in on the action. Fun. Each returning celeb looks like they are having an absolute blast. Yes, even Mischa. And of course, Mandy Moore (who is on hand) choreographed that. Time for a recap from last night. Our first piece of result show filler. Ah. The old days when we used to have a results show where we would see backstage footage from before/during/after the routines. As stretched out as they can be, I really do miss result shows. It also made the whole elimination process easier and a bit more fair. –  Click for Video

Segment 2
Musical guest Fleur East is out to perform as Kim Fields joins the ladies for a funky and groovy dance. Sasha eventually joins her. Haha. A real blast and Kim looked great. Time to look back at the first few weeks of the competition. Back live, we are getting an encore of the awesome paso doble from Paige & Mark. You guys remember- the cage fight that Len didn’t exactly love but boy was this a memorable paso and was one of the early standout routines not only for Paige but of the season. Time for some editing tricks as Kenny Mayne “interviews” the three football stars of the season. We basically have him asking funny questions and the show editing together answers from the guys from previous interviews they had. Okay. Our football stars take us out to break. LOL @ Doug. Ah, gotta love him. – Click for Video

Segment 3
Tom is busting the chops of the director who is exiting after this season. Now, re-doing their week one cha-cha-cha are Nyle & Peta. This was a fabulous routine that really got the season going and straight away from week one, we knew Nyle was a special one. Time for some outtakes. LMAO. Okay- this is a piece of filler I do not mind. Absolutely hysterical moments from the show’s rehearsal rums. Former champions Bindi, Shawn, and Emmitt are on hand to discuss what is going through the minds of the finalists. Our next musical guest of the evening Fifth Harmony are out to perform. As we head to a commercial, Tom (dressed as Uncle Sam) lets us know we have a major vote coming up this fall- no, not that one. The return of Dancing with the Stars for season twenty-three. September 2016 people! – Click for Video

Segment 4
Back outside, it is time for the women of DWTS. The pros and troupe members show off why they are fierce. – Click for Video

Now back inside, a redo of the argentine tango which landed Ginger & Val a perfect score. This was one of Val’s strongest choreographed routines of the season and was danced very well by Ginger. Tine for a look back at the next couple of week’s of competition. Antonio & Sharna get a redo of their own- the routine they performed from Disney night. The one recurring thing I am seeing tonight- these celebs are obviously enjoying the fact that there’s no judging or worry about scores because they are just dancing carefree and having fun.

Segment 5
Once again outside, we are treated to brothers Maks & Val, giving us a sneak peek of what to expect on their summer tour. Fun! You can go to MaksAndValTour.com if you want more information or even purchase tickets to go see them in action. Maks sort of takes the fifth when pressed by Erin on who is rooting for between his fiance and brother. – Click for Video

LOL. Jodie & Keo return to the ballroom to perform their gospel themed jive. And now, Are You Smarter Than A Dancer? – Yes, I’m not kidding. Lindsay and Witney with Von as host. Oh boy. Lindsay and Witney answering (or failing to) questions. I guess the filler could be worse.

Segment 6
Witney & Artem perform a lovely wedding inspired routine outside to the music of our next guest, Dan + Shay. That was a really nice routine to watch. I wish we got more of those tonight as opposed to the major everybody dances routines which sort of all look the same after a while. – Click for Video

And now, back inside, an encore from Wanya & Lindsay, doing their charleston routine. SIGH. Wanya. What could have been? Time to go back to see highlights from the next couple of weeks of the season. And now, since we had the ladies of DWTS perform, it is time for the men with a special appearance by Antonio & Von. Hey, those two are getting quite a bit of exposure tonight.

Segment 7
Back outside, we are treated to our next guest, Pitbull. I’m confused. Is he like the go to act for every reality-competition show finale? I could swear I have seen him do these guest spots on nearly every finale for the last few years. I guess he’s good at getting the audience up and moving. He is joined by what I guess is his own crop of female dancers. – Click for Video

A package airs where the celebs discuss the show and what it has been like to be on it this season. Some funny stuff here. And now, the cast (minus the finalists) are out to perform a big summer routine. Okay. We have Geraldo doing nothing but sitting on a lifeguard stand. We have Sasha dressed as a giant crab. We have lots of beach attire. We have some dancing (quite good). Basically, a complete hodgepodge here. But it is nice to see the majority of the cast dance together. And now, the judges and pros in a backstage package discuss the positives and negatives of all three finalists.

Segment 8
Time for the fusion routines. Up first are…
Ginger & Val – Fusion
Ginger & Val rehearse and are looking back at their season together. Val wouldn’t have done anything different and Ginger got more than she ever expected. Nice fusion. It was an argentine tango mixed with a foxtrot. I’m not sure if Ginger forget steps toward the middle or if Val actually choreographed that but it was an odd moment. But the argentine moves was there as well as some foxtrot. – Click for Video

Len thought Ginger had to grow or go at the beginning at the competition but she improved week by week. Ah. I was right. Ginger did lose the routine. Len mentions it. But he calls her a fantastic dancer. Bruno loved the attack even though a mistake happened. Carrie Ann is sad that she will not get to see Ginger on a weekly basis. LOL. Ginger and Val try to play off the mistake by saying it was planned for Ginger to say thank you to the audience and just have fun. Okay. Either way, it should be really interesting to see how the judges score that.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30

Segment 9
Nyle & Peta – Fusion
Nyle can’t believe the competition is over. Peta talks about how stressful the fusion dances are. But as the last dance together, Nyle is going to miss Peta. Peta has realized so much by working with Nyle. She is crying. Nyle looks a bit choked up as well. Great routine. I love the transition from tango into cha-cha-cha. Peta definitely gave Nyle the steps he does best in this and it was a nicely conceived and executed piece. – Click for Video

Bruno called it glorious. He loved both latin routines in that. He compliments Peta on her partnering. Aww. Carrie Ann signs to Nyle and Nyle is crying. She signed thank you for showing us your beautiful heart when you dance. Len says the only boundaries are ones we put on ourselves. Len says he doesn’t give Nyle sympathy because Nyle deserves to be in the final.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30

Segment 10
Paige & Mark – Fusion
Paige says she wants it so bad. She would feel honored to take the trophy home. Paige wants to include a lift. Mark has grown up on the show and today is his 30th birthday. He would love to take the trophy home. Aww. Another sad farewell though as Paige says, it isn’t bye as much as see you again. Fantastic jive/salsa fusion. Paige has mastered both these styles over the course of the season. Wonderful jive action, sexy and technically sound salsa steps fused beautifully. – Click for Video

Carrie Ann says it was an awesome way to end the season. She calls it awesome. Len calls all three finalists winners and says if the winner was determined purely on dance, Paige is the one to beat. Bruno loved it and says that Paige always had the power but now she knows how to play it.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30

Segment 11
Aloe Blacc is in the ballroom to perform. You guys know how this goes. All three finalists stand on the podium watching clips (memories) of their time on the show. I’ve said this during finale shows before but this segment, though touching, makes me laugh a bit. I mean, come on. No one is dying here folks. So over-dramatic. I get the idea of it all but boy oh boy. But ok. I’ll stop being cynical. A very nice performance from Aloe Blacc. – Click for Video

OKAY. So after an hour and fifty minutes, here come results. 3RD PLACE TIME.

The couple who has ended their run in 3rd place is…
GINGER & VAL

Ginger is proud of herself and grateful for Val and the opportunity to have been on the show. She hopes people take away from the show that you could be more than one thing. Val calls Ginger incredible and a pleasure to work with. Val thanks everyone. A final bow for Ginger & Val as we take our last commercial. Congratulations to Ginger. I didn’t always appreciate the GMA/ABC connection (thought it gave her a bit too much exposure compared to the others) but I absolutely applaud her work ethic and she is a charming and sophisticated woman. And she can look back and be proud because she had some real high moments on the show.

Segment 12
Now back outside (wow, they got there quick), the time for talking is over. The time for judging is over. The time for reflection is over. JUST RESULTS. – Click for Video

The WINNERS of season twenty-two of Dancing with the Stars are…
NYLE & PETA

Paige is thankful she got the opportunity and she will remember it forever. Erin calls her brilliant. Tom is with the winners. Peta says the feeling is amazing and she owes everything to Nyle. Tom awards the trophy to Nyle and Peta. They were already up on top of the shoulders of others, as is the usual case. And of course, both are in tears. Everyone joins them on stage. Confetti is flying and the audience is cheering.

Tom and Erin say goodbye by thanking everyone- the audience, the stars, the crew, musical director and band. With that, you can barely see anything as confetti is flying everywhere.

And there you have it. Congratulations to Paige & Mark on their incredible run. She was amazing from the start and Mark was this season’s star in terms of choreography. And of course, big congratulations to our champions, Nyle & Peta. Congrats to Peta for being the perfect partner for Nyle and congrats to Nyle for a job well done. He showed without question, you CAN do anything you set out to do with some determination and heart. You can achieve great things. You can rise above any personal struggles. It is a wonderful message and he told it in amazing fashion all the way from week one through now. I salute him. I salute Peta. And I salute another stellar season.

Again, thanks so much to ALL OF YOU for joining me this season. It has been my pleasure. MI hope you all have an amazing, happy, and healthy summer and fear not- our favorite little dancing show will return before you know it with new celebs, new challenges, and more opening numbers choreographed by Mandy Moore. Come on, I had to say it. :) :) :)

<3 With that, I say goodnight.