'Dancing With the Stars' finale ... FINALLY
Host Tom Bergeron calls last night's Dancing With the Stars "the most memorable ever." Why, because it was boring? I'm with the judges -- it had some good moments but was mostly lackluster.
Samantha Harris asks the finalists what they will miss most when this is over. "The number 8," Marie Osmond snarks before saying nice things about the show. Helio gets cut off and stomps off laughing since he didn't get his sentence out.
Readerboard, in case the judges' scores matter: Mel B and Maks: 55/60, Helio and Julianne, 54/60, Marie and Jonathan: 46/60.
Then Celine Dion sings "My Heart Will Go On" as some of the pros come out to accompany her on the dance floor.
The third-place couple, to be announced way before the winner, is: Marie Osmond and Jonathan Roberts.
"Thank you, everybody, so fun," Marie says. Asked how the experience has been, she goes on: "I am so pleased to be here at my age. ... With everything that I've been through in the past 10 weeks, [partner Jonathan Roberts] and the fans pulled me through it."
Then she and Jonathan resprise their tango.
OK, are all the ousted contestants going to dance tonight?? Josie Maran is here, dancing the tango. I almost didn't remember that she was on the show. Then, Albert Reed and his partner come out to dance, too, so signs point to yes.
By the way, I'm not going into details on the montages of filler because we've seen all this before.
Wayne Netwon comes out, but he doesn't reprise his dance because his doctor said not to. But, he assures us, he will be on the national tour in a few weeks.
The stars' friends and family talk about how proud they are of what their friends and loved ones have accomplished.
Floyd Mayweather comes out to "chat with the stars," as Tom puts it. He says he's not dancing because he's in the middle of a grueling training schedule for his coming boxing match, including a tender ankle.
Mark Cuban is back, but he is dancing -- and he's still singing along and pursing his lips. But he's also still having fun. So there's that.
Montage of drama, including the shock when Sabrina Bryan was eliminated. She's back to reprise her cha cha. Can you imagine how great her freestyle would have been in the finals? Oh well.
Samantha talks to former champs Drew Lachey and Apolo Anton Ohno about what the finalists must be going through.
Then Jane Seymour and Tony Dovolani revisit one of their dances, and they flout the judges, doing a full lift where they had been accused of doing one in the original performance. Then Cameron Mathison is back, with his Superman themed performance. Afterward, he takes off his shirt and gives it to Samantha, with Tom yelling "happy birthday" to her.
Jennie Garth lives to dance again, and then Celine returns for another song, accompanied by a montage of dancefloor moments.
At long last, the finalists come out -- Melanie "Mel B" Brown and Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough -- accompanied by steam, overdramatic announcements and crazy music.
Mel and Maks are first, and doing their favorite dance of the season, the week eight mambo. The work to spice up (uh, so to speak) the original routine, particularly trying to get a 10 from Carrie Ann Inaba, who gave them a 9 the first time around. Len Goodman says she is an absolutely revelation and that "this mambo was incredible." Bruno: "Truly magnificent. You really have proven you are the complete dancer." Carrie Ann: "You dance like you were born to do this." Then she jumps up and screams yay at them. Scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30, giving them an 85/90 when combined with Monday's scores.
Helio and Julianne's last dance is going to be the quick step. They work on making it even better. It's just as good as last time, if not more spirited. Carrie Ann says it was her favorite last time and this time. Len says he takes risks every time he dances Julianne's difficult choreography and he shines. They look elated, as well they should. Scores: 10-10-10, for a 30/30, and a total 84/90.
And it's time.
The winner is: Helio and Julianne.
"I want to thank my team for letting me do this, second my family, the fans, and this special person here," he says, referring to Julianne.
"I've enjoyed all of it, especially being with him," Mel says of Maks. "He's incredible, he really is."
Julianne and Helio hoist the trophy, confetti falls, the other competitors come and say congrats, and it's all over.
What do you think about the results?
(Photo courtesy of ABC)
Comments
Doesn't matter who wins. All anyone will remember from this season is Marie.
Posted by: richard | November 27, 2007 10:53 PM
This was my first season to watch Dancing With The Stars. I enjoyed every week more and more. My favorite from the start was Helio and Julianne and was so glad to see them win!!!!!
Posted by: Melinda Maykrantz | November 27, 2007 11:40 PM
Mel B. was robbed!
Posted by: Bobbi | November 28, 2007 3:02 AM
I agree. It was a good show, but not "the all time best". If anyone was robbed, it was Sabrina. Mel and Helio were both exceptional. Helio prevailed just like Emmett prevailed. Both were novices whereas their competitors (Mel and Mario) were experienced dancers.
Posted by: John | November 28, 2007 8:45 AM
Is anyone else soooo sick of the two words "The Osmonds" as I am? The finale was too long. Ten minutes of flash backs, ten minutes of commercials, and ten minutes of booting Marie and announcing the winner would have been plenty.
Posted by: Sharon | November 28, 2007 9:07 AM
I am excited Helio won since he was not a performer from day one. Initially I had hoped Marie would win but with her antics she should have been voted off weeks ago. Mel B. was wonderful and even though she did not win I am glad she was 2nd. She is a great performer.
Vicki
Posted by: Victoria | November 28, 2007 9:08 AM
At least that annoying phony Marie didn't win.
Posted by: Um No | November 28, 2007 9:15 AM
The best won... nuf said
Posted by: Amy | November 28, 2007 9:19 AM
Way to go...We loved it, and the right contestant won.
Posted by: Susan | November 28, 2007 9:25 AM
I would have considered as a rare event to grant a tie to both MelB and Helio as choosing a winner from these two was very difficult. However, If I had to choose, I was in favour of Helio.
Posted by: Anonymous | November 28, 2007 9:26 AM
SAMANTHA HARRIS NEEDS TO GET A LIFE!!! SHE ASKS STUPID QUESTIONS AND WEARS THE SAME DRESS,EVERY WEEK, BUT A DIFFERENT COLOR....CUTTUNG OFF HELIO ,NOT ONCE,BUT TWICE,BECAUSE SHE IS SO SELF CENTERED AND ALWAYS THINKING OF SAMANTHA,BRING DREW BACK!!!!! HE IS DOWN TO EARTH!!!!!!!
Posted by: DIANE | November 28, 2007 9:26 AM
Perfect! ending, Mel B could dance but shaking your booty all the time wasnt really an attempt at ballroom dancing. I loved Helio and Jullianne thye'd make a great couple.
Posted by: Babe | November 28, 2007 9:26 AM
Totally disappointed in winner results. Mel B. was 100% more talented than Helio.
Posted by: Diann Collins | November 28, 2007 9:31 AM
They got some nerve taking the title away from Mel...
Mel was the best performer...
I smell racism!!!
Posted by: Lady G | November 28, 2007 9:37 AM
I don't know why you'd say this season was boring. For those of us who love DWTS, it was fun and exciting. I picked Helio & Julianne to win from week #1 and I wasn't disappointed. Go, Helio!
Posted by: Pat | November 28, 2007 9:40 AM
Mel. B was NOT robbed. The winner won. Mel & Maks were certain to win this. They were way to confident from the beginning. After being a Spice Girl, i only hope so she can dance!!?? On the other hand Helio is a race car driver with ZERO experience in ballroom dancing. Did i mention Mel has had 4 yrs of dance lessons??!! So to add that all together the better dancer is: Helio..and a big thanks goes out to Julianne for being the best pro. dancer once again in this season. She is awesome!!! Go Helio & Julianne!!
Posted by: Tania | November 28, 2007 9:42 AM
Dancing with the stars lost a fan last night. Mel B was robbed. I called and casted a vote for Mel B and the system responded by thanking me for voting for Helio. Somethings wrong there...
Posted by: Daily Inspirit | November 28, 2007 9:43 AM
HELIO AND JULIANNE FROM THE BEGINNING HAD CHARISMA, SPARKLE, TALENT AND THE DRIVE TO WIN. HELIO AND JULIANNE BOTH HAD THE GREATEST SMILES AND JUST ENJOYED EACH OTHERS COMPANY WITH IT SEEMED LIKE NO EFFORT, I LOOKED FORWARD TO THERE DANCE NUMBERS AND BEAUTIFUL COSTUMES..ABSOLUTE CLASS. MEL B. ON THE OTHER HAND COULD DANCE, BECAUSE SHE COULD...BUT NO REAL FIRE OR SPARKLE...SHE SHOULD BE A BACK UP DANCER, NEVER THE STAR.
Posted by: T.L. AGUISANDA | November 28, 2007 9:44 AM
Mel B... was supposed to win! I love Helio too, but isn't it weird that she, with her many Spice fans in America, didn't win? WHO voted for Helio that could out-number her fans?
THAT is what makes this shocking.
Posted by: Sean | November 28, 2007 9:47 AM
Mel"s ego is only surpassed by her arrogance...let Helio and Julianne have their moment to shine...I'm sure they would have given Mel the courtesy if she had won. Hey Mel, take a look at Mario Lopez's gracious way of accepting the numbers from the public that has put you in the worlds spotlight anyway.
Butting in and saying you were robbed at the same moment as the deserved winners were trying to accept their tacky trophy was childish.
Posted by: doug | November 28, 2007 9:50 AM
I don't think Helio is getting the credit he deserves. He is a race car driver and he danced like a professional from the beginning (without any dance experience). Mel (as much as I liked her) does this kind of entertainment for a living, so she had a edge. I am so glad Helio and Julianne won. They deserved it.......
Posted by: Bev Komen | November 28, 2007 9:50 AM
I propped my eyelids open waiting for the results. Breathed a sigh of relief when Marie left.... about time! Somewhere along the line, the sweetness disappeared with that woman, replaced by snide remarks and sarcasm... not attractive. Slept peacefully after her departure, knowing that either of the two remaining would be okay with me. Congratulations to the "real" dancers! Although Sabrina should have received a gazillion trophies for her dancing skills.
Posted by: Jeanne | November 28, 2007 9:52 AM
Mel B should have won. She was the best. Marie should have been one of the first 3 to leave. Her attitude and her "dancing" stunk up the joint on Monday.
Posted by: tina | November 28, 2007 10:06 AM
Mel B was ROBBED...she not out populated by the giggly twins Julianne and Julio! It's hard to compete the popularity of a blonde haired, blued eyed, bubbly, teeny bopper!
Posted by: Sharon Young | November 28, 2007 10:10 AM
Mel B was robbed! Mel and Max should have taken home the trophy...based on pure talent all season...one/two good dances by Julio...I'm just sick and very, very disappointed over this.
Posted by: Sharon Young | November 28, 2007 10:12 AM
Helio was good but what distracted me when he danced was that huge grin - he kept reminding me of that guy Bob from the [male enhancement] commercials.
Posted by: gmc | November 28, 2007 11:06 AM
I preferred Mel and Maks, but Julianne and Helio are a credible couple. Had Marie won, the credibility of the show would have been severely damaged.
I'm happy with the results.
Posted by: Jamie | November 28, 2007 11:12 AM
I question the voting procedure since 3 of my line busy calls were counted as votes and one of my votes for Mel B & Max went to Helio & Julianne. The Judges votes should count for more than fans-they know what they are looking for whereas fans vote on personality - clearly Mel B was the better dancer, better entertainer, better personality - that smile of Helio's got very irritating. Love the show
Posted by: Carol-Ann | November 28, 2007 11:56 AM
Great show-My first time to watch. Need to tweek the elimination process. No way Marie should have lasted that long-Jennie deserved a shot at the finals. Anyone with pro dance experience should not be a contestant-voters took care of that this time but there have been other trained dancers compete in the past I have been told that were not eliminated by the voters. I liked the Osmonds years ago but was disappointed in Marie's attitude on this show. She seemed very self-absorbed and had an attitude of entitlement that was both annoying and very sad to see. Donnie said some strange things on talk shows earlier in the contest that alienated me from Marie. In the end there were not enough Mormons voting or they were finally tired of Marie's antics and embarrassing comments(I'm not buying it-she said to one of judges critiques). Helio, on the other hand used the criticisms to try and improve from week to week. He was a class act and displayed great sportsmanship. Very entertaining show and should win "People's Choice
Posted by: johnny hollier | November 28, 2007 11:56 AM
I think Mel and Maks were robbed too. Julianne and Helio were good, but not better then Mel and Maks. Also, this should not be about a popularity contest, but about who dances the best. If you pick Helio because he never had formal dance training before, but Mel did, then DWTS should never ALLOW any celebrities on the show who do have any kind of a dance background, such as Joey Fatone, Mario Lopez or Sabrina Bryan. I also think that the DWTS Judges should have more of a say as to who should win overall. The voting should not be 50% Judges and 50% Public, BUT 65% Judges and 35% Public, because we can clearly see from this competition and past the Public is fickle, since Marie stayed in this competition over Sabrina.
Posted by: Allison | November 28, 2007 12:30 PM
Hey Doug, Mel B did NOT butt in and say she was robbed. She went over to Helio and Julianne to congratulate them at the end.
She was the bigger person to go over and congratulate them. Even if MEL B was ROBBED.
Posted by: PostIt | November 28, 2007 3:21 PM
I hate when people start with "the racism thing" The best person won and that's all there is to it.
Posted by: Rosa Molina | November 28, 2007 3:36 PM
Mel was robbed. She should have won. And it doesn't matter who's had dancing lessons or not. If it did, they would have two different competitions--one for novice dancers and one for dancers with no experience.
Mel was great and deserved to win!!!
Posted by: Yvonne | November 28, 2007 4:06 PM
There is a need to reiterate what "Dancing with the Stars" ia all about. Firstly, the name of the show starts with "Dancing." The show is not a commercial for Crest; the show is not a contest to determine who is long on the tooth; the show is not about the degree of light reflecting off of teeth; the show is not about the professional female dancer doing the dance and hiding the male partner from view along with his glaring deficiencies! Helio was number 1 in all the aspects about which the show was NOT about, with the exception of one, dancing. Melanie B & Maxim C were heads and shoulders above every contestant in what the show is all about, dancing. Clearly, if a Star makes the cut to dance they are all considered to be equal in not having been professional dancers. WE IN THE VIEWING AUDIENCE don't know who had WHAT dancing experience; we are free to believe what we wish, and in that regard we only KNOW what WE BELIEVE! This result was highway robbery; the prize to the ADJUDGED winners should be a tube of Crest or Plus White toothpaste; which is the theme the judges played up about Helio. Melanie B & Maxim were robbed WITHOUT a pistol. At least before the result was announced Tom should have turned to Mel & Max and said, "STICK EM UP!"
Posted by: Malcolm E. Hill | November 28, 2007 5:15 PM
This isn't an article, it's a chronological list of what everybody already watched. Frankly, I enjoyed the final show, but then, I actually watch for the dancing, and there was a lot of that; I also watch for the honest camaraderie, and there was a lot of that, too.
I did wonder why they replayed Jennie Garth's fall several times, but not Marie's in that doll debacle. No, never mind--no need to replay any of *that* dance ever again!
I was just relieved that Marie was eliminated. She was not of the same caliber as the other two. After Sabrina was voted off, I was pretty disillusioned; at least it came down to the two best remaining dance couples. Would have liked to see Mel and Maks win, but Helio did do a great job, for a race car driver!
Posted by: MG | November 28, 2007 5:20 PM
SO GLAD THAT JULIANNE WON FOR THE 2ND TIME AND SHE DIDN'T EVEN HVE TO DO A PHOTO SHOOT...JUST DANCE AND SHOW THE PEOPLE THAT YOU LOVE WHAT YOUR DOING FOR THEIR ENTERTAINMENT...IT WAS GREAT! WE WISH THEM A GREAT FUTURE, THEY SO DESERVE IT, THEY APPEAR TO BE REAL...
Posted by: PINOY | November 28, 2007 6:55 PM
Let's remember that by making the public part of the voting it becomes a popularity contest as much as a dance contest. Mel had attitude that came out the entire run of the show, like she was better than anybody. Helio just seemed happy to be competing. His personality had to sway the public vote.
And let's consider where the votes came from. What are the true demographics of the voting public. I for one was totally turned off by the tattoos all over Mel's body, so that for me made me like Helio more than Mel. I am also a racing fan, but I dislike Heliio as a race driver, but he won me over for this competition. So there are many factors that sway each person and how they vote.
Overall, I was happy with the results. I would have liked to see Sabrina get to the finals though.
Posted by: Richard Proschold | November 30, 2007 3:56 PM
I loved it. It was my first year to watch and I was amazed how they all got better. I am SO excited that Helio and Julianne won. Their chemisty was geat - Holy Cow.. I would love to see them get together since Hulio is no longer engaged. I just wonder if it because of that Julianne and Helio kissed! Way before that though, they were awesome and so cute together.
Posted by: Vicki Mitchell | December 13, 2007 6:51 PM