The Mirror Ball: Dancing with the Stars

Aly & Jacoby Appear on 'Live with Kelly & Michael'

2013-05-23T21:35:42-04:00

Friday morning, Aly Raisman & Mark Ballas and Jacoby Jones & Karina Smirnoff will appear on "Live with Kelly & Michael". The third and fourth place couples will talk to Kelly and Michael about what it was like performing on "Dancing with the Stars". Both couples came SO close to victory, but Aly didn't even get to do her final dance!

Jacoby Jones meantime, got up close and personal with Kelly! He took off his shirt! You won't want to miss what happens next! Tune in at 9 a.m. on Channel 7 Friday to find out!

'DWTS' Champs and Runners-up Appear on 'Live with Kelly & Michael'

2013-05-22T21:49:03-04:00

Earlier today, "Dancing with the Stars" season 16 champions Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough appeared on "Live with Kelly & Michael".

Of course, they had to show of some of their winning moves!

Thursday, second place couple Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy will be on "Live with Kelly & Michael" and then it's a double dose of dancing on Friday when third place couple Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff and fourth place pair Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas appear on the show!

And the Mirror Ball Trophy Goes To...

2013-05-21T23:10:38-04:00

It’s a night that was 10 weeks in the making and it finally arrived: the big “Dancing with the Stars” finale! Kellie & Derek were chosen by the viewers on Twitter to dance their very emotional Freestyle dance again. It was just as beautiful as it was the first time.

It was time for results right away! I thought they were going to make us wait longer. But, I wish they had because Aly & Mark were eliminated! NO! That’s not fair! I thought she was so amazing! I’m bummed because I thought that Jacoby wasn’t as good as she was last night, but I guess she didn’t have the fan votes.

Wynonna came back out to sing “I Want to Know What Love Is” as her old dance partner Tony danced with Peta. It was much better watching her sing than seeing her dance!

Lisa and Gleb came back out to dance their elegant Fox Trot. It was great to see Gleb again. Then, surprise! Len came out on the dance floor and danced a bit with Lisa! He looked amazing! See folks, he does know what he’s talking about!

Dorothy and Henry danced the Viennese Waltz. It was great to see her back on the dance floor and she did a great job! It’s too bad her injury forced her to quit the competition early. This night is just full of surprises, because Kristi Yamaguchi came out and did a mirror image dance side by side with Dorothy! Two Olympic champions dancing side by side, how cool is that?!

Andy and Sharna were back and I missed them! They brought some great humor and heart to the show. They danced Jazz to Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” again and that was their best dance! I really enjoyed it!

Psy came out next to perform his new single “Gentleman”. He does know how to shake it but it’s no “Gangnam Style” that’s for sure.

Pitbull performed his new single “Hands Up” had everyone up and shaking. His music really does get you in the dancing mood.

Jacoby and Karina danced the Salsa for their Instant Dance. His hip action looked fantastic! They also did a really complicated dipping move and he spun her around and lifted her! I didn’t know that was allowed with the Salsa. Their momentum was really great. I wish he would stop jumping over Karina though, it’s so tired. Len called Jacoby a breath of fresh air. Bruno said he had charisma and showmanship. Carrie Ann said that it was the dance of a champion!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30 and a total of 86 for both nights.

Kellie and Derek’s instant Jive had a lot of pep, but I felt like Derek took the lead just a little too much. I felt like it didn’t really showcase her enough. That’s me nit picking though. They were really great. Bruno said that she reminds him of Julianne Hough, Derek’s sister! Carrie Ann said it was a perfect ending to a perfect journey. Len said they are always clean and precise and he called her the “bees knees”.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a 30 out of 30, and a score of 94 for both nights.

Zendaya and Val came out kicking! They spun and stayed in perfect sync the whole time. I loved the kicks and flicks and despite wearing clunky pink sneakers, the performance really worked! Carrie Ann said that she is so sad to not be able to watch them dance anymore and that she made every dance special. Len said that she dances with such maturity and that she really knows how to put her personality into each dance. Bruno said “twinkle twinkle your little star, you’re going to go very far,” aww so sweet!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30 and a two night score of 95!

Jessica Sanchez sang her version of Pitbull’s “Feel This Moment”. You may remember her from “American Idol”. They played a recap from the season of some of the best moments as Jessica sang.

Then it was time for results. In third place, were Jacoby and Karina. They seemed to expect it honestly.

In the end, Kellie and Derek took home the Mirror Ball Trophy! Poor Zendaya, she came so close! Kellie and Derek were really phenomenal though and deserved to win.

Check out Sandy Kenyon's interview with the winners!

Finale Dances 'Wow' with Freestyle Performances on 'DWTS'

2013-05-20T22:13:12-04:00

The “Dancing with the Stars” performance finale kicked off with performance by the Dance Troupe. Jacoby & Karina were up first with a redo of the Jive. Len helped Jacoby work on his footwork, so let’s hope that he learned enough to get some better scores than he did last time. I think they started off slow. He spent too much precious time walking around and doing splits. I mean, come on, get to dancing! His footwork did look much better, but he has to watch it because his butt kept sticking out way too far. His timing was also a little off at times. Len said that there was improvement and noticed the footwork was a bit better. Bruno said that Jacoby brings an unlimited supply of energy and charisma. He said he missed the beat quite a few times and even went flat footed. Carrie Ann said that he brought the swagger and that it was exciting to watch but she agreed with Bruno.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, and Bruno – 9, for a total of 27 out of 30.

Aly and Mark tried their luck with Bruno’s pick of the Samba. She went out of sync a tiny bit last time she did the dance and got 8’s across the board. This time, she came out shaking! Her hips didn’t stop for a second! She looked amazing and really was working the sex appeal. They were fantastic! Bruno said that they were clean and placed and they had the “shoosh”. Carrie Ann said that she has the all the best qualities of the remaining contestants. Len said that he saw lots of improvement and lots of sexy moves.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, and Bruno – 10, for a total of 28 out of 30. I would have given that a 10!

Kellie & Derek danced the Quick Step again at Len’s request. They were so amazing! He started by jumping right over her and then their hold looked stunning. Their feet never seemed to go out of sync even the slightest bit. Len said he got so excited and he loved the change of rhythm and said it was as tight as a “stamp on a letter”. Bruno called her the southern belle of the ball. Carrie Ann did some yelling and just loved it as well. I smell some 10’s!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30.

Zendaya and Val got the chance to do the Samba again from Carrie Ann. She was quick and shook it all over the floor. She did seem slinkier than last time, however on some of the turns she looked a little off balance or something. I wonder if the judges will pick up on it. I think it has to do with her uneasiness on high heels. It was a really good dance though. Carrie Ann said that it was absolutely great and called it magical. Len said it was eye-popping and show stopping. Bruno said she showed really difficult technique and did it really well.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a total of 30 out of 30.

Then it was time for the Cha Cha Cha relay. Kellie and Derek were up first, they did a great Cha Cha but it wasn’t anything special. Jacoby jumped over Derek and then he and Karina made some sexiness pop out on the dance floor. He ended the dance by sliding through Mark and Aly’s legs. Mark and Aly brought a lot of fun with them. They did these cute little shoulder shimmies and I think I enjoyed their dance the best! Zendaya and Val were up last. They were very tight and had some fantastic turns. The judges are going to have a hard time assigning points during this round!

The judges decided that they would give:

Jacoby & Karina - 2

Aly & Mark - 3

Kellie & Derek - 4

Zendaya & Val – 5

Freestyle Time! Jacoby & Karina were up first! It started with a drum line dance troupe coming out and then they followed behind them. Then they kicked it into high gear! They did some Cha Cha moved and also Jazz along with some killer lifts. The crowd was literally losing their minds! Two little kids came out and danced along with them and they were fantastic! Len said that he got the freestyle party started and that it was well done and had great energy. Bruno said he loved the sense of celebration. He did notice that they lost their timing a few times but still called it joyful. Carrie Ann said it was unique but said that she was with Bruno. She said that he chose the right strategy but it outshined him.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, and Bruno – 9, for a total of 27 out of 30, and a nightly total of 56.

Tom Bergeron took a minute to pay tribute to the people of Oklahoma City who had to deal with the deadly massive tornado that killed several people and even some children. He did ask them to applaud the efforts of the first responders there.

Aly and Mark’s freestyle incorporated what looked like stripper poles but were actually meant to be vertical horizontal bars if that makes any sense. It had a futuristic theme that incorporated everything Aly has learned so far. They did amazing on the poles, it was kind of like Cirque du Soleil and they really did incorporate practically everything! I really loved it and hope the judges did too. Bruno said he never saw anything like it! Carrie Ann said it took her back to when she worked the pole (apparently). Len also really seemed to love the difficulty of it.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30, and a nightly score of 61.

Kellie and Derek’s Freestyle was very lyrical. She looked light as a feather. They had more flow than you would think was possible. Then he lifted her backwards with her legs against him and he spun her around, it was amazing and beautiful. The amount of strength they showed shouldn’t be possible with someone who’s an amateur dancer, it’s really astounding. Her husband had tears in his eyes! Carrie Ann was crying too! They hugged it out and she told Kellie that she bared her soul on the dance floor and it was one of the most beautiful things she has ever seen. Len told her that she was completely immersed in the dance and drew everyone in. Bruno said they did a dance of spellbinding beauty.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30 and a nightly score of 64. Len and Bruno said they would have given it an 11 if they could have!

Zendaya and Val’s Freestyle showcased their Cha Cha, Contemporary and Hip Hop skills. They decided to supersize their routine by adding some kids into the mix. I especially loved Zendaya’s sparkly sneakers. I also loved when she jumped off a platform into Val’s arms it was really romantic and exciting at the same time. The kids were so cute and really did a great job without taking away from the focus of the dance which was Zendaya. Len said there were so many parts to the number but they all came together to create a fabulous routine. Bruno said that she gives everything a unique luminosity and is simply irresistible. Carrie Ann said that she brought it all home and it an incredible role model.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a total of 30 out of 30, and a score of 65 for the night.

ABC.com is apparently having some trouble registering the votes, so the show is urging people to use their phone and text votes as much as possible.

Finale Performances Tonight on 'Dancing With the Stars'

2013-05-20T11:55:57-04:00

It's been 10 long weeks, and now it's all down to the final two-hours of performances on "Dancing with the Stars"! Tonight, the remaining four couples, Derek & Kellie, Zendaya & Val, Jacoby & Karina, and Aly & Mark, will take on a new routine in a dance style that the judges would like to see again.

Then, during round two, there will be a Cha Cha relay. The pairs will dance to different sections of the same song, so that should be interesting!

Lastly, during round three, it's the part of the show that is almost everyone's favorite: Freestyle dancing! This year, the couples can use special effects, additional dancers, and much more. I can't wait to see what they come up with!

The fun begins tonight at 8 p.m. on ABC! You won't want to miss it!

Ingo & Kym on 'Live with Kelly & Michael'

2013-05-15T22:57:13-04:00

I was so sad to see these two leave the show, but fear not, we can still get a mini dose of Ingo and Kym on "Live with Kelly & Michael" Thursday morning! The recently ousted pair from "Dancing with the Stars" will be talking about their time on the show and how it feels to have come thisclose to the finals.

Don't forget to watch "Live with Kelly & Michael" at 9 a.m. on Thursday!

Final Four Head to Big Finale Next Week on 'DWTS'

2013-05-14T22:13:24-04:00

It’s “Dancing with the Stars’” 300^th episode! It’s fitting that we find out who will be in the big finale next week! They got right to the results and it was revealed that Jacoby and Karina were the first couple in the finals.

After Derek and Kellie repeated their dance from last night, the "AT&T Spotlight Performance" returned. 10-year-old Sophia Lucia is an incredible dancer who recently set the Guinness World Record for consecutive pirouettes. She can do 55 in a row! She was cute as a button and super talented! She’s an amazing young dancer who I’m sure we’re just seeing the beginning of and there will be much more to see with this girl’s career.

The Wanted performed their hit, "Fill a Heart." They explained that they are trying to make sure that children across the world have enough food to eat and this song is to help raise money for that effort.

Avril Lavigne will perform her new single, "Here's to Never Growing Up." It was great to see her back! It’s been quite a while since she’s had a promising new single.

It was time for more results. Kellie and Derek learned that they would be going to the finals and that Zendaya and Val were in jeopardy! Wow! Well I guess someone has to be!

During more results, Ingo and Kym predictably learned that they were in jeopardy while the amazing Aly and Mark advanced to the finals.

In the end, it was Ingo and Kym’s time to go. He had a great run. They did a fantastic job, but there were just too many good couples! Next week is the big finale, you won’t want to miss it!

Stars Go Full On for Semi-Finals!

2013-05-13T22:21:18-04:00

Tonight the battle for the finals began with the big Semi-Finals competition! Just five couples remain. Kellie and Derek kicked off the first round with their Argentine Tango.

They started in front of a red screen and she had some amazing extending kicks. She also proved how bendy her body could be! They looked perfect and precise. They certainly had the sex appeal going too. It was a very steamy dance and they only did one lift, but it was amazing. He spun her around very, very fast! Len said that was a mix of pride in the technique and joy in the performance. Bruno said “Welcome to the world of the sublime!” He also called it pure perfection. Carrie Ann said she can’t believe the level of perfection after just 8 or 9 weeks of her getting dance training from Derek.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30!

Ingo and Kym followed with their Samba. His timing was a little off once they descended from the stairs, but he seemed to regain control of the dance. He had some amazing hip action in the middle! But the hip action would come and go in my opinion. He also did a really great job dipping her a few times. Bruno said he loves his determination. He said it would go from one extreme to the other with the hip action and he was lacking some balance. Carrie Ann said she’s never seen more fervent hip rolls in her life! She told him to step it up a hair more though. Len said it was stiff but it was a good job and well done.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, and Bruno – 8, for a total of 24 out of 30. I think they may be in trouble tomorrow night!

Aly and Mark danced the Rumba. It was really sensual! They had a great amount of flow and it really was so romantic to watch. Her extensions looked so easy and graceful. Mark has to be careful though because I think he accidentally lifted her once or twice, but hopefully the judges aren’t too hard on that. It was a beautiful dance! Carrie Ann said she was all woman out there and just loved it! Len said it had romance and it was quiet and understated. He thought that Aly had really grown. Bruno said the transformation is complete and that the butterfly has taken her lovely wings.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a perfect 30 out of 30.

Jacoby and Karina danced the Argentine Tango and I was super excited to see this because I knew they would pull out all of the stops. He had no trouble at all lifting Karina of course. They also had an element of romance that I hadn’t seen in their previous dances. It was a spectacular dance. Len said “That’s what I’m talking about!” He banged the desk he was so excited by the dance! Bruno called them “Two animals” and said the “sexual tension was unbearable”. Carrie Ann took a few deep breaths and then gave him a kiss. She just kept screaming ha!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for the third perfect 30 of the night!

Zendaya and Val started off their Quick Step in go-karts! Then they got out of their cars and took off with lightning speed on the dance floor! They were so fast! Their footwork was just amazing! They never let up out there. It was intense yet immensely fun to watch. Bruno said it was a Quick Step for the next generation and he loved the concept. He did notice that she lost her footing a few times and the crowd booed. Carrie Ann said that she thought it was a mess! Seriously? I didn’t think so! Len said he thought parts of the dance were fabulous! He thought that it was full of energy! He kept his comments positive.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, and Bruno – 9, for a total of 25 out of 30.

Kellie and Derek were back up with their Flamenco. It’s so fun to see these dances that haven’t really ever been done on the show before. It was like watching a movie. These two really know how to take characters on and they embrace the style. It was really good and Derek’s footwork was spectacular! It was a very ambitious dance. At the end, Kellie stiffened her whole body and Derek spun her like a human pinwheel! Len said that she is small but her talent is huge! Bruno said that there were a couple of moments where she lost the flow because she tightened up, but he seemed to like it overall. Carrie Ann asked if she felt where she tightened up and Kellie said it’s everything and it feels like her skirt weighs 800 pounds!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 10, and Bruno – 9, for a total of 28 out of 30 and a total for the night of 58.

Ingo and Kym performed the Charleston! I was really excited to see this dance. It started in black and white and switched to color in the beginning. It was a really fun dance! She jumped up on his shoulders and he flipped her down which was really cool. He actually seemed to have a good silly time with this dance. He did lose his footing toward the end though. It’s got to be hard to remember two full dances. Bruno said it was slightly mind-bending but it was fun, fun, fun. Carrie Ann said that she thought he hit a grand slam with that dance although he had a few boo boos. Len said it was bubbly and it was his best dance yet!

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, and Bruno – 9, for a total of 27 out of 30 and a score of 51 for the night!

Aly and Mark did their Afro Jazz routine and it was very tribal! They had the bounce and the flounce. They were in perfect sync! You could really see the strength in their bodies, especially her gymnastics strength. The crowd loved it! Carrie Ann said it was ridiculous (in a good way) and that they were fantastic! Len said they were in perfect sync and he loved the musical interpretation. He said he would have liked a little more interaction between the two of them for more of a connection. Bruno called her an Afro warrior princess and said that she has exceeded all expectations.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, and Bruno – 10, for a total of 29 out of 30 and a total of 59 for the night.

Jacoby and Karina danced the Lindy Hop! It was really great! His footwork looked a lot tighter than it ever has. They did waste a good little portion of the middle dancing very little while fake playing some trumpets but overall it was good. They also did a lot of jumping over each other. I would have liked to see some other kind of spin lifts, but it was still really good. Len said it was full on and action packed and he got off on the wrong foot once but he called it fabulous. Bruno said he got everybody powered up and said that he nailed it. Carrie Ann said that he’s the number one entertainer of season 16.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, and Bruno – 10, for a 29 out of 30 and a 59 out of 60 for the night.

Zendaya and Val danced hip hop! She was really good! She has that youthful bounce in her step that really works for this. I almost think that Mark would have been better at this dance than Val, but they still did a great job. Bruno said just get out of there; it was so cool that it gave him chills! Carrie Ann said that when her album comes out she’ll be her number one fan. Len said that he loved the attitude that they brought to the dance and that there was great rhythm and he thought it was fantastic.

Their Scores: Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, and Bruno – 10, for a total of 30 out of 30 and a 55 out of 60 for the night.

Stars Go Full On for Semi-Finals!

2013-05-13T22:21:16-04:00