PureDWTS Season 22 Finale Night One: Scores, Recaps, Interviews, Fusion Dance Teasers, And More

Today is Mark Ballas’ birthday! Wouldn’t it be an awesome birthday present to win Dancing With The Stars Season 22? I thought he and Paige were the best last night. I must have watched both dances 10 times before heading to bed. I loved Peta and Nyle too. I loved their Freestyle. I hope they get second! Just please don’t let the outcome tonight be in the order the judges put them last night. In my opinion, Ginger and Val’s freestyle was not worth a 10….

Paige VanZant & Mark Ballas (Salsa) 10-9-10 for a Total of 29 and (Freestyle) 10-10-10 for a Total of 30. GRAND TOTAL: 59
Ginger Zee & Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Salsa) 9-10-9 for a Total of 28 and (Freestyle) 10-10-10 for a Total of 30. GRAND TOTAL: 58
Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd (Quickstep) 9-9-9 for a Total of 27 and (Freestyle) 10-10-10 for a Total of 30. GRAND TOTAL: 57

So, onto the Media. First, see Fox411 for a few thoughts from the Final Three after the show. Glamour has a review and some backstage goodies. Below is a take with Peta and Mark’s thoughts on the Fusion dance and more. I didn’t realize Nyle’s interpreter was sick.

First matter of business: Where was Nyle’s interpreter, Ramon? Turns out, he was sick, which is why “we had this interpreter take over!” joked Nyle backstage of the new guy. Laughs aside, it was all business for Nyle and Peta after the show, who now have 24 hours to perfect their fusion dance. Of course, it will be hard to top after their mind-blowing freestyle. “It really touched me,” said Nyle of Carrie Ann’s comments that it was the best dance in the show’s history. “I don’t mean to use the deaf card often, but as a deaf guy, [the fact that] I was able to produce the best dance in 22 seasons [is incredible]. I think that’s really what makes it the best and more personal.” Added Peta: “I wanted it to be so powerful and so undeniably touching for everybody. I think we did it. Nyle has left everything on that dance floor. I don’t think we could do anymore.”

Sleep, on the other hand, might be a bit of a problem. “Honestly, I’m probably going to be too wired [tonight] to sleep,” admitted Nyle. Peta’s in the same boat. “I definitely won’t be sleeping,” she added. “Tomorrow is the most nerve-racking of them all, coming in with a suitcase [to travel to New York City] and not knowing what the outcome is.”

Although Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas are at the top of the leaderboard, it’s still anyone’s guess who will walk away with the Mirrorball. “You never know what’s going to happen, but the most important thing and what I think always depicts the champion at the end, is how strong the team is,” relayed Mark. “When you can tell there is genuine care and love for one another, and when the dances are executed correctly, [that’s when the magic happens]. Look back over the seasons at some of the best teams—Rumer [Willis] and Val, Alfonso [Ribeiro] and Witney, Derek and Kellie [Pickler], me and Shawn [Johnson]—you look at these teams and they were one [unit] when they got out there.”

So what’s Mark’s advice to his other half over the next 24 hours? “The hard part is done, and [the fusion dance at the finale] is meant to be fun. It’s the last one…just enjoy it.” Solid words, but easier said than done, especially if you’re Paige VanZant. “It’s scary that the journey is ending,” she said before heading into rehearsal, “but I feel so blessed that I was here.”

Be sure to read Glamour for their full report. Below are more interviews and recaps…

ABC7:

Access Hollywood:

Carrie Ann weighs in on the finalists too….

ET:

You can view all the E Online interviews here. People has some recaps as well. Stormy has all of her DWTS All Access coverage posted at her Tumbler page. Derek Hough was in the house too last night. See Pure Derek Hough for videos.

Derek Hough and Nastia Liukin

That’s it for now. Stay tuned and keep checking back for more. Thanks so much for reading! ~ Vogue xx