TGIF Everyone! How is your Friday so far? I hope all is well and you are taking cue from the show and your favorite dancers making sure to include dancing to something in your routines and schedules daily.

First up in reporting to you today, we have “official” word from ABC on what is to take place for dances, performances, voting, etc.. Here are some details.

“Episode 1110/1110A – After ten weeks of electrifying performances and shocking outcomes, Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough, Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer and Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas have earned the right for a chance to be crowned champions of “Dancing with the Stars.” Eleven of this season’s couples will also return to the ballroom to dance one more time. The three finalists will have their last opportunity to impress the judges and viewers on two final nights of competition, MONDAY, NOV. 22 (8:00-9:11 p.m., ET), and concluding on the Season Finale, TUESDAY, NOV. 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

In the final performance show on MONDAY, NOV. 22 (8:00-9:11 p.m., ET), each of the couples will compete in two dances. In an effort to show their improvement over the course of the season, all three couples will dance for redemption by re-choreographing and doing a previously performed dance chosen by the judges with new music for a better score. Each couple will also perform the unpredictable and always entertaining no rules Freestyle dance.

In the two-hour Season Finale on TUESDAY, NOV. 23 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), the thrill of the competition will continue as the three finalists perform their personal favorite ballroom dance of the season and will be ranked by the judges. In the final element of the competition on Tuesday, each of the couples will do an “Instant Dance” — in which they will have to master the Cha Cha Cha to music they’ve been given for the first time after the show’s broadcast has begun.

Also on Tuesday’s spectacular Season Finale, multi-platinum, award-winning recording star Christina Aguilera will perform two songs. Aguilera’s performance will feature a number from her show-stopping new film, “Burlesque,” which will be released by Screen Gems, a division of Sony Pictures, on November 24. The soundtrack to “Burlesque” will be released on November 22nd on RCA Records and features numerous original songs co-written and performed by Aguilera, as well as production by Tricky Stewart and Linda Perry and songwriting by Claude Kelly, Tricky Stewart and Sia. “Burlesque” also includes remakes/covers of classic songs such as Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” and “Tough Lover” and Mae West’s “A Guy What Takes His Time.” Aguilera will also perform her breathtaking Grammy Award-winning single, “Beautiful.”

Aguilera has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, achieved four #1 singles on the Billboard hot 100 chart and has won five Grammy Awards, as well as three top five albums in the United States. She has collaborated with other legendary artists including Herbie Hancock, Andrea Bocelli, Tony Bennett, Elton John and The Rolling Stones. This month she will appear in her first feature film, “Burlesque,” opposite Cher and Stanley Tucci. Earlier this year, she launched her new album, “Bionic,” which featured collaborations from artists such as Sia, Le Tigre and Ladytron, as well as producers Tricky Stewart and Hill/Switch.

All of the frenzy and anticipation will lead up to the moment we’ve all been waiting for when the couples’ scores from the judges will be combined with the audience votes to determine who among the three finalists will win reign as champion of “Dancing with the Stars” and take home the coveted mirror ball trophy.

In other news, Brooke Burke was interviewed on USA Today. Here are some of her thoughts on this week’s show and predictions for what’s to come.

Brooke Burke, co-host of Dancing With The Stars, knows Bristol Palin has been a lightning rod for controversy this season on the show.

“A lot of people are questioning whether she deserves to be there,” Brooke said today in a phone chat from New York.

“I think she deserves to be there. America makes up for half of the scores. And they are voting for her. A lot of people who are criticizing, don’t vote at all. This is a show you have to participate in and you have to let your voice be heard.”

Adds Brooke, “I think she has grown the most. And I think America has chosen to put her there.”

As for what will happen on Tuesday’s finale: “You can assume nothing on a show like this.”

Speaking of our co-hosts, here is Tom Bergeron on “Chelsea Lately” this week. He’s a hoot as always. She is too.

Derek was also interviewed by Hollywire. Thanks to Heidi and Pure Derek Hough for this fun video. The backdrop for this is so cool with Hollywood getting ready for Christmas. Derek is a class act as always.

And here is Brandy and Maks on “The View” yesterday. Joy Behar cracks me up trying get Maks to admit it’s the Tea Partiers that kept Bristol in the competiton. Anyway, they are interviewed a little backstage and then they dance their beautiful Argentine Tango again.

Speaking of Brandy and Maks, there is an on-line Petition out there to bring them back to show. Wouldn’t it be interesting to actually see the producers consider the idea? But, I really doubt it will happen. This isn’t the first unfair elimination and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I do hope this will make them re-vamp their voting systems somehow as many of you have expressed.

Maks also called in to The TV Insiders Podcast on Popwatch to discuss not making the finals. He said, “This is bulls—”. He also has some not so nice words for Carrie Ann and whether he was, in fact, wearing a thong during his week 8 waltz. lol He also talks about Bristol and the “Palism” voting.

Maks also started his own personal blog (seperate from TV Guide) so he could really air out some things and the reaction he’s seen and received. Here is a take. But, be sure to read more at the link.

But as this is my blog, my choice of topic and my own opinions, so I do want to address some of the issues that have come up as relates to Brandy & I on various forums, discussions, and even some odd comments I received from a few gloating about last night’s results….
1. My Arrogance- I am pretty passionate and also pretty blunt. I think my passion and straight response gets sometimes mistaken for arrogance. I may be strong in my belief. Maybe that is tough for some people. But I have learned to live a life in black and white, with little shades of gray. Like in dancing, there is a right way and a wrong way. There is no middle ground. I generally am passionate about perfection and doing things the right way. I give my point of view as I see it. I do not say I am more right than anyone. But it is what I believe. I don’t mean to be rude or abrasive. But my passion drives me and I believe being passionate about your work is important. It is unfortunate if that my passion is mistaken for something negative. My partners, friends and families know where I come from. I feel strongly and I express myself that way but arrogance assumes I think I am better than the rest. I don’t. I am no different than anyone else. I just am strong in my opinion.

A. Brandy’s Past- I believe people make mistakes. Look at any of the magazines out there today, everyone from politicians to celebrities, to local people in your community have made mistakes. I am not sure what the right punishment is for people who make mistakes. I come from a very tough household. We try to be the best in all that we do. All of my life I have striven, trained, and worked my a$$ off to be where I am. But do you think I have never made a mistake in my life? I am sure this won’t shock anyone. I have made plenty. Some punishments I’ve suffered are worse than others. But ultimately, I have learned that the worst punishment comes from myself, from within. So one thing I learned to do is I live and I learn. And at some point, I have to move on from the past. It is unhealthy for anyone to live in the past. And it is unhealthy for others to punish you constantly for past mistakes.

So I am addressing this to tell everyone, leave the past in the past. I hope you all see what I see in Brandy today. She is a big hearted, gracious, amazing person. She has heart. She is a sweetheart. And I have nothing but love for her. She will remain a great friend to me. I am behind her 110% in all of her endeavors today and in future.

B. My attitude/Carrie Ann/Judges- If my attitude jeopardized Brandy, then I apologize for that and I feel just terrible for Brandy. The show shouldn’t be about what I think or feel or how I teach or choreograph. This show should be about the celebrity contestants that put a tremendous amount of effort into working to learn how to dance and perform in dancesport. My argument with Carrie Ann was about that. Don’t judge Brandy for my choreography or how I trained her. That is not Brandy’s fault. Ultimately, she should have been judged for her technique, effort, and her dancing in comparison to the others.

Did Brandy do a good job? She did absolutely incredible every week. I think she overcame her own issues and insecurities each time she came out onto the dance floor. She came with composure, no drama, no tears. She came to compete. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that from my partner. She did wonderful.

Sometimes the viewers didn’t see the other side. The struggle, the worry, the emotions she did go through just like the other celebrities on there. That is the magic of video editing and I can’t control what they choose to show you. I’ve mentioned that before as well.

But I apologize to Brandy, if my passion about putting the focus where it belonged caused more an issue than my real intent. Ultimately, I am a choreographer, an instructor, and her partner. I wholeheartedly wanted to make it to the finals because Brandy, in my opinion, truly deserved to be there. If this competition were about me, I would still be competing against dancers of equal skill. But I was not competing. Brandy was. And she was an amazing partner and dancer and in my opinion, the best this season.

What can I say but that I am beyond disappointed that her talent, her skill, her improvement, her technique seemed to be overlooked or undervalued in comparison to other competitors each week. Maybe some of you will disagree. Maybe some of you feel good about certain celebrities over others. That is not what I, as her partner and coach, am concerned with. I pushed her to bring the best she could each week. I was hard on her. I trained with her daily about her movement, her technique, her footwork, her body posture. It was tough, frustrating, hard, a work out. And I pushed for her to give me perfection. She did, btw. I just wish this is where the focus should have remained with the voters.

C. Brandy’s Response That Night- For the record, this is my job. I have been here a few seasons now. It does not affect me the same as my partners. But no one should begrudge anyone the right to their own personal reaction and processing as best as they can. Was Brandy in shock when the results were announced? Yes. Did she assume she would be there in the finals as some have suggested? No. We were both nervous. But she really wanted and hoped to get a shot in the finals. The reality of that not happening had to sink in. Losing a competition for any one is tough. But losing so publicly with the intense focus on you is extremely nerve racking. Brandy had a tough moment. But who wouldn’t have in her shoes. Give her a break.

Before this week, I have mentioned a few times that behind the stage many of the celebrities from this and past seasons have taken being voted off badly behind stage. That is the truth. And maybe I’m one of those guys that sees black and white and feels terrible to see them go through it, regardless if they are my partner or not. I hate to see someone hurt. And I would stick up for anyone who feels bad after a show and reading the posts about them. I will always also try to protect and defend my friends and those I care about from getting hurt, too. Wouldn’t you?

D. Voting Issues- This season more than others I heard rumblings of issue with voting and the phone lines. Unfortunately, that is not something I control or am knowledgeable about. If there were phone issues, let ABC.com know. I hope that no foul play existed. I assume it didn’t. All I can say is I hope the DWTS producers look at that for future shows. But at this point, the results are in. It is what it is. And I will look forward, not backwards.

E. Politics- I am a dancer. I leave politics to the politicians who are good with using media and propaganda to their advantage. It shouldn’t be on the dance floor. I am simply a dancer, an instructor, and an entertainer. I hope you enjoyed our dances each week. That ultimately was our goal.

F. Next season & Me- I can’t speak to next season. All I will say is that I have had an amazing 9 seasons. It has been an amazing experience, challenging, fun and rewarding. I have met and worked with amazing people. I appreciate the opportunity to have been on the show and have no regrets with regard to participating.

And here are a couple of takes from Maks at his blog at TV Guide. Be sure to read the link for more.

I want my fans to understand me and not to be angry at the show. I don’t want to say I’m the most just and most fair person, but I think I’ve matured in a way where I realize what good is anger going to do for anyone? I want everyone to know that I had a blast this season with Brandy. People’s perception of Brandy that she’s a diva couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never met anyone who smiles more, she never complained. Given everything she’s overcome in her life, she’s become such a positive person. She gave the show her all and she was upset like a serious athlete who’s preparing for something only to come up short.

What people don’t know is that I had a complete mental breakdown last Thursday and I had zero clue about how to do the Argentine tango. Nothing was coming to me. Brandy helped me tremendously many weeks, but this week especially. I was having nightmares. We came in Friday and I spoke to Tony and he said look on YouTube for inspiration. I watched some videos and only saw blurs. I told Brandy, “Let’s take a different approach. Let me not teach you, but let’s just dance. Where do you want to start?” She said the stage. I said we can use the steps. Next thing you knew, we started dancing. It was a dance that we truly choreographed together. And what do you know? We got a 30. Brandy has been an amazing partner and I will truly never understand the amount of hate that permeates the Internet. What is with all the negativity? People pass judgment so fast without knowing anything about anybody. I feel so bad for these people who have nothing better to do in their lives than to spend time complaining about me. Why would you waste time and energy on someone and something you apparently don’t like?

As for the finale, we will be there Tuesday along with everyone else. We will not be doing a freestyle despite Bruno’s request. I would never put Brandy through that. When you get eliminated, you completely exhale and your body goes into shutdown mode. Your muscles were in such tension and you’re on autopilot during the season that when you get eliminated, you start feeling everything. I’m very proud of everything Brandy’s accomplished. There’s no reason for her to train to do a freestyle.

Everyone’s asking me about next season. All I can say right now is, “We’ll see.” Like I said, I love the show and I don’t want to see it fail. I love the fact it promotes dancing. The show is not perfect, but nothing is. I’m not going to go on a strike. I’m never not going to dance cha-cha or anything. Honestly, there’s not hate on the planet to make me stop believe what I believe. No votes are going to stop me from dancing. If they ask me back and the situation is permitting and it’s right for me and my family, then absolutely. I may not be driven in the same way as I was this season or in previous seasons, but maybe that will be a good thing. But as of right now, the answer is I don’t know. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

I am back home in New York right now and couldn’t be happier! After such a grueling season, I feel recharged and ready to restart. I saw my family, I saw Sleep, I spent time with my mom. It’s been fantastic. Now it’s back to business. We signed Tony to our company as partners and we’re going to take Dance with Me outside the tri-state area. Tony’s a phenomenal teacher. He’s had success running past studios. We’re looking to open studios in L.A., Vegas, and hopefully a town near you where you are. My brother is doing amazing. He just finished fifth in the world championships this past weekend in a higher category. He’s going for his unprecedented third title. As for my top-secret show, It’s being put together right now. It’s a slow process because of my commitments to other things. When it does come into fruition, you’ll be the first to know.

Finally, I just want to say a huge thank you to all of you — our fans — for everything this season and beyond. We feel a lot of love. Thank you for your humongous support during the tough times and the good times this season. It has truly meant a lot to both of us. It’s something that I will cherish. No hard feelings, no bad feelings for anything. It’s all only part of reinforcing what I do. I feel the love. I took criticism. We all have flaws. I’m certainly no exception. I’m just going to try to continue to improve as a person, a teacher, a dancer, a son, a brother and a friend. Follow me on Twitter and my website to see what we’re doing and what I’m doing.

Lastly, here is Kyle and Lacey being interviewed on E Online. They hope to bribe everyone into voting for them with PIZZA! lol

Ok, that is it for this Friday. Maybe more later!! Thanks for reading and being the awesome fans that you are to this site!!!xxx