Welcome to week ten of season twenty-five of Dancing with the Stars. Tonight is the part one of the two night season finale. This is it you guys. After ten weeks of scores, well over one hundred routines, and countless over the top comments by Bruno, we have reached the end of another fall edition of our favorite reality-competition show. Only four couples remain to battle it out for the mirror ball trophy. And at the end of this evening’s show, only three will be left standing who will go on to tomorrow night’s grand finale.
Last week, it was the “Semi-Finals,” and we said goodbye to Victoria & Val. It was a bittersweet end for Victoria because even though she inspired many and showed that anything really is possible, she was very disappointed to miss out on the finals. But with her exit, Lindsey remains the only woman standing with three other men- Frankie, Jordan, and Drew. It was another night of Jordan and Lindsey battling it out for the top spot, with Jordan taking 58 judges points and Lindsey earning 57. Frankie and Drew were behind them but that could all change with tonight’s two rounds of competition.
In round one, the couples are tasked to perform a redemption dance- a repeat of a previously learned style in hopes of achieving better scores. Then in round two, it is arguably everyone’s favorite, the freestyle. Anything goes as the couples try and impress the judges and viewers with their overall dancing skills learned over the past ten weeks. In many cases, the freestyle can both win and lose you the mirror ball. Before all that, let’s see where MJ readers stood in last week’s poll results.
As has been the case for most of the season, Jordan & Lindsay are on top of the favorite partnership poll with 52%. Lindsey & Mark are next with 24% and Frankie & Witney have 20%. For round one, Lindsey & Mark‘s contemporary piece earned 40% while Jordan & Lindsay‘s argentine tango earned 39% and Frankie & Witney‘s salsa garnered 17%. A whopping 64% disliked Drew & Emma‘s tango. In round two, 72% of you loved Jordan & Lindsay‘s jive. Lindsay & Mark‘s tango took 17% of that vote. Once again for least favorite, it was Drew & Emma, with 65% of the vote.
86% of you feel Drew & Emma will come in 4th place tonight. They are the only couple in double digits for that poll. The semi-finals on a whole were well received, 48% grading it with a “B” and 27% handing it an “A” grade. So let’s discuss what may happen tonight.
I would be beyond shocked if anyone but Drew was eliminated tonight. This should really come down to a Jordan/Lindsey/Frankie battle but as always, you never quite know how America’s vote will shape the show. Drew wouldn’t even have been my first choice for a finalist but hey, if he has people behind him, good on him.
I expect some stellar freestyle dances tonight as all four choreographers are fantastic. Will Jordan have another perfect night? Can Lindsey make her case for winning the show? And what about Frankie? Could this season’s underdog surprise us all? Julianne Hough is on hand as a guest judge so let’s get the final started…
A super dramatic opening (what else?) leads us into the ballroom where the pros and troupe members treat us to our first dance of the night. Here come the finalists. Julianne gets her own entrance as well as Tom and Erin welcome us to the show. The opening number was choreographed by Mandy Moore. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Round One – Redemption
Drew & Emma – Paso Doble
A major improvement over Drew’s first paso. Perhaps because he didn’t have to worry about dancing in-sync with the troupe this go around. One moment of an odd turn with the pair and I am not sure if it was Drew or even Emma’s fault with her dress. It was just a brief wonky moment. All in all, much better lines and shaping which is something Bruno coached Drew on during rehearsals. Redemption indeed for our unexpected finalist. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno is proud. He compliments the lines, poise, and artistry. He mentions the little error. Carrie Ann says it was Drew’s best dance despite the mistake. Len saw finesse and quality of control. He liked the determination and attack. Julianne feels like tonight’s dance was confident and showed Drew at ease.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Julianne- 9
Bruno- 9
You can vote for Drew by calling 1 800 868 3404 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Frankie & Witney – Foxtrot
Well, Carrie Ann tasked Frankie with a solo here, and he pulled it off. Frankie, like Drew, is clearly not a natural dancer and it shows. Everything is a bit “dance school” if you will butFrankie makes up for it in performance quality and an innocence that makes you want to root for him. It was a nice old Hollywood style foxtrot and even with a couple of moments that needed some polishing, it was a step up from his week one routine. I was so glad nothing happened with his feet and Witney’s very long dress because it could have been a nightmare. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann says Frankie let it all hang out. She saw more freedom in his body and loved it. Len calls it a more accomplished dance. He mentions a little work still needed on frame but good job. Julianne enjoyed it and feels like Frankie turned into a man. Bruno loved the opening. He still wants him to be careful of his top line.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 9
You can vote for Frankie by calling 1 800 868 3405 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Time for a break. We now have Fifth Harmony and the man who seems to get an invite to every single reality-competition show finale, Pitbull performing their new collaboration titled “Por Favor.” It is nice to see former contestant Normani again. Not my type of jam but the audience is very excited so there’s that. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Jordan & Lindsay – Charleston
What an odd song choice for a charleston. But it worked. I guess this was the show’s first ever funky charleston. Good choreo from Lindsay taking advantage of Jordan’s natural talents by incorporating some new stuff into this. Len got his recognizable charleston steps so he should be pleased. And we got a treat seeing something brand new.As usual, high performance value. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len saw more charleston content and so much more. He loved the energy. Julianne says when she watches, she becomes a fan and not a judge. Bruno loved the sharpness and timing. He says the two dance perfectly in-tune. Carrie Ann feels Jordan continues to push himself and he dances on the edge.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
You can vote for Jordan by calling 1 800 868 3406 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Lionel Richie is on hand from American Idol to announce who gets a golden ticket to Hollywood. So, one of them gets it and you can see her journey and others as IDOL returns to ABC in March 2018. The winner of the golden ticket is…Britney Holmes! The reveal was done live on stage with all three contestants. Maris and Dominique Smith–better luck next time!
Lindsey & Mark – Quickstep
Now, on the opposite end as compared to the previous routine, was there ever a song more fitting to the dance? LOL. This was a classic quickstep. Very technical in style with a lovely fast paced jolt around the ballroom. Good attention to detail in the posture and fancy footwork. Mark went for a more by the numbers routine to show off Lindsey’s technicality. And she once again proved how good a dancer she is. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Julianne says the posture was nailed. She also mentions that it was a long quickstep and no one realizes how hard it is to stay in hold that long. Bruno says it was silk smooth. He loved it. He calls it elegant and well put together. Carrie Ann sees a new strength in Lindsey. She feels that Lindsey is the most improved. Len says it was so difficulty but the speed and control was maintained.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
You can vote for Lindsey by calling 1 800 868 3407 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Another break. Julianne Hough is out to perform a dance choreographed by Marinda Davis- a choreographer who is terminally ill with autoimmune diseases. In this dance, Julianne is playing her. Such a pretty dance and heartfelt. That ending twirl with Julianne up in the air was phenomenal. Tom goes to talk with Miranda who feels Julianne is incredible. That song playing was by Mark Ballas and his wife, so everyone is involved a bit in this number. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Round 2 – Freestyle
Drew & Emma – Freestyle
Haha. Cute. What I love about the freestyle round is each choreographer can choose a big “showy”number with bells and whistles or something more intimate. Emma went with the former- smart as Drew does better with big productions to mask some of the dancing. This wasn’t totally perfect but it encompassed what Drew really is all about this season. It was fun and had some comedic moments between decent dancing. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len loved it and says Drew is a hot property. Julianne comments on how long the dance was again and she compliments Emma on the choreography. Bruno says Drew has exceeded all expectations tonight. He calls it a delight. Carrie Ann calls it fabulous but she mentions that Drew wasn’t in-sync with the other dancers the whole time.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 10
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
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Frankie & Witney – Freestyle
Hmm. Not sure how I feel about it. Witney went with her gut, which was to do a serious number as opposed to the producers wanting her to do something fun. Maybe it was the wrong decision? I mean, the dancing was okay and it was super serious but sometimes, super serious doesn’t really fit with Frankie. You don’t automatically see a ferocious dancer with strength in Frankie. The routine comes off a bit… “phony” if you will. But maybe the unexpected will earn more votes. I don’t know. The jury is out for me personally on this one. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Julianne thought the risk paid off and thought it was awesome. Bruno calls it moody and menacing. He calls it creative and different. Carrie Ann is happy the choice was made. She found it good but thinks Frankie lost a little of steam. Len admires that Frankie went out of his comfort zone.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
Jordan & Lindsay – Freestyle
This is interesting. I think Jordan may have left the door open for Lindsey if she went for an emotional freestyle. I say that because this was all full out fun and tricks with the lifts and all and while it was sensational (I say that again, it was sensational), that is two routines tonight from Jordan that were quick paced and full of energy. I think he lacked an emotional punch routine tonight. I am eagerly awaiting the final of the night but of course, this should get 10’s across the board for how fantastic it was. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno calls it a sensational show stopping number. He compares Jordan to a slew of very accomplished dancers from the past including Fosse. Carrie Ann can’t wait to see what else Jordan does. She never ceases to amaze her. Len loved it. He can’t get the words out. Julianne says it was everything but the kitchen sink. She loved it as well.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
A filler package (yep, even filler tonight) airs of past contestants sizing up the current crop of finalists.
Lindsey & Mark – Freestyle
DAMN. Well, it wasn’t an emotional freestyle but damn was that some brilliant choreography. The idea of both of them leading an orchestra leading into Lindsey actually playing the violin in HOLD while dancing was amazing. I loved the use of various different styles in the dance and I think Lindsey excelled in performance quality here. She was really in it from the beginning to the end. A really memorable and technically fabulous routine. It would not shock me if Mark was nominated for an Emmy for that. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann says it couldn’t have been a better showcase for Lindsey. Len says this is becoming the war on the floor. Julianne says it was a quirky masterpiece. Bruno calls it a modern classic. He loved the creativity and says bravo.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Julianne- 10
Bruno- 10
Finale, Night One Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 80)
Lindsey- 80
Jordan- 80
Frankie- 76
Drew- 75
Elimination Time!!!
The following couple has landed in 4th place and will be leaving the competition right now…
Drew & Emma
Drew says he couldn’t do anything without Emma. He thanks everyone from the judges to the crew. He heads to the center of the ballroom and will be on GMA tomorrow. The remaining couples need your votes and the judges have really left it up to the viewers because the scoring is close. It really does seem like the judges want America to be choose without padding any scores. So, it is indeed up to YOU guys. Remember, tomorrow night’s grand finale begins at 9PM Eastern. More points, more dances, returning contestants, special guests, and the crowning of new champions. – Click to Watch Elimination VIDEO
The very last POLLS of the season are moments away. See you guys tomorrow night. :D
