Well. What can I say? I’ve heard plenty of talk around the media circles that the producers of Dancing With the Stars are “rethinking” the voting procedure for next season, due to all this broo ha ha over Bristol Palin‘s audience coming from every which-a-way and getting poor Brandy booted last week. But that’s water under the Cha Cha bridge, so let me tell you what I saw tonight.
This week we have a two-part finale, but tonight was the last time America could vote on their favorite. Traditionally the “Freestyle” dance high scorer wins the competition. It’s the last time to let it all hang out with no restrictions (ha ha Carrie Ann) on lifts and the professionals have a lot more freedom to really make it a crowd pleaser. (It’s kind of like the finale at a fireworks show.)
Kyle, Jennifer and Bristol also were challenged by the judges with a “Redemption Dance” — one of their past dances that they felt could have gone better. (With Bristol this could have been, um … any one, but I wasn’t surprised it was the infamous Gorilla debacle.)
As should be, everyone did well in their “Redemption Dance.” After twelve weeks, it should be expected that they would. Of course, Jennifer was flawless for the third time in a row. It’s nothing I didn’t predict from the outset. (wink) And while I’m talking about that, thanks so much to all of you who have been faithful followers and left your two cents in the comments section during this season. You all make this so much fun, and I appreciate it!
But enough with the schmaltz. You know I have to get my sarcasm in, or it wouldn’t be my style. So! Let’s talk “Freestyle!”
Kyle and Lacey: I have to hand it to Lacey — she’s a smart cookie. She knows that Kyle’s strentgh is primarily his personality. And she made the most of it in the freestyle. Yep. As the judges said, it was cute and it was fun, as all of his performances have been. Kyle won’t win this though; he simply does not have the technical ability that Jenifer exhibits each week. If you look at his dances, they’ve all pretty much been in the same vein. But I give him mad props for being the last man dancing.
Jennifer and Derek: I have to say that I just love Derek’s choreography. He’s brilliant. He can push his partners to go places they don’t even know they can go. His routines are original and full of emotion — whether he goes for serious or funny. He’s perfectly coupled with Jennifer this year. And no, I don’t care that she was in Dirty Dancing a million years ago. I think we were all doing something in the past that is a challenge for us as we get older. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying Jennifer is old. Fifty is not old, for cripes sake. Her biggest challenges come from injuries to her neck, and she has really fought through this and been better than fantastic. And although I was itching for her to do the “Baby move” from the movie (you know the one I mean), I’m rather glad that she didn’t. She was right when she said that those moves were between her and Patrick Swayze. I think it’s a nice tribute.
Finally. Bristol and Mark: I’ve said it all. I’m not saying it again.
See you tomorrow when we’ll jaw about the winner. Until then, please leave your thoughts!
Clacked by Tara Shrodes
on Nov 23, 2010 @ 00:29 EST5EDT
My husband pointed out Len’s grimace when they gave Bristol her scores for the “redemption” dance. It really looked like the producers *made* them give her nines, and Len clearly did not like doing so. He always smiles when he gives nines, and he Was. Not. Smiling. Her kicks and flicks in the jive were so pathetic, Mark couldn’t make himself look sloppy enough not to highlight how awful she was.
I’m happy to see they gave her semi realistic scores on the freestyle. Mark definitely could have come up with something that fit her personality better, but whatever. And her whining in the packages about the haters? Um, Bristol? You can not hold a candle to Jennifer, Kyle, or Brandy; you *should not* be there. If you can’t handle the cold, hard truth, tough!
I still want Jennifer to win, and I’ve got my fingers crossed, but I won’t be completely shocked if that’s not what happens. And I promise not to take a shotgun to my TV.
Wow you and the other b-tch who wrote this article are so full of hate for Bristol..it is stunning …I can’t even print the things I’d like to say to you. Other than F U…. I will leave it at that. Hope you break a leg!
Susan – If you disagree with someone, no need to curse them or wish them ill. Just show them the positivity you feel for the person you’re voting for!
On my own, I do hope Jennifer wins. Although this season has re-inspired my interest in Ballroom dance, I am really impressed by Gray’s natural ability.
That was an ugly post susan. You should apologize.
Um, susan. I don’t have “hate” for Bristol. I just don’t think she can dance. Have a nice day!
Wow, Happy Thanksgiving to you, too! All I’m saying is that Bristol can’t dance on par with the others. She claims she should win because she’s an ordinary person, but you know what, this is “Dancing with the Stars,” not “Dancing with the Ordinary People”
. . . . .
All I’m saying is: I hope you don’t go ballistic when The Pail takes the top spot.
Now … I really don’t know what is going to happen come crunch time … and I know JGrey has got the sympathy vote, but there is a very real possibility Bristol could walk away with the season.
You heard it here.
Oh they will go ballistic.. they will be slobbering and drooling and ripping their hair out and running around screaming … finally their heads will explode and hopefully the world will see the last of these rare dying breed of liberals. People who thrive on hate and wishing the worst for others, well karma catches up with them. Don’t these people remind you of those bullys and mean girls (the unpopular crowd) that we all hated in high school,.. and still do!!!
Dear Queen of All. (I like that! What a nifty title!) I think Palin could beat on her chest and yodel like Tarzan and people would still vote for her. Call it popularity… politics.. whateva! Jennifer Grey is awesome! She is a dancing diva and watching her move across the floor makes me miss Swayze all the more. I’m still very much in love with him and hope to help shine his halo and ruffle his feathers one day…. especially.. the ruffle his feathers part. :D
Renee glad you like my avatar. Rupe made it for me :)
If the best dancers are selected, the winners will be Jennifer and Derek. However, the viewers at home do not always select the best dancers.
Susan? Have you met kettle?
But that’s water under the Cha Cha bridge (rofl) you are too funny girl.
While I’m loving Jennifer’s dancing I’m with Michael, don’t bet next months mortgage payments on anyone but BP!
Margaret Cho just posted on FB that she is on the Dancing set right now and there’s bomb sniffing dogs everywhere. This is rather out of control.
I look at it like this, Bristol wins good for her. Same goes for Jen and Kyle. I PROMISE Life will go on :)
I’m bothered by the death threats.
https://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/11/23/2010-11-23_bristol_palin_receives_death_threats_before_dancing_with_the_stars_finale_abc_in.html
She’s still a young woman with a child, and may not deserve to win, but certainly does not deserve this rancor.
I don’t think anyone really ‘deserves’ all that life dishes out, but we all have something to deal with and Bristol is no exception. Having a child doesn’t exempt anyone from hardship. She’s in the limelight, she’s the daughter of a controversial political figure, come on… she’s got to be used to it. If she’s going to put herself out there to be judged, then she should expect to be judged… and criticized. All that being said, the death threats bother me too, that is extreme and really stupid… but the fact that she’s being criticized for her dancing abilities.. I’m not bothered by that at all.