DWTS Season 13, The FINALE – Who’s Dancing What…and When?
Well, I think this will be the closest finale that we’ve had in a very long time – and also the first in a very long time that I will be happy regardless of who wins. 🙂 Seriously, these three contestants all seem happy as clams to be there, satisfied with however it shakes out and really friendly with each other. As a result, I expect/hope/pray to see some great dancing on Monday night!! I’ll just be happy to have a happy show once again. 🙂
Who has the advantage?? Beats me. 🙂 I think JR is the odds on favorite to win, but I don’t know that he has a particular advantage over the other two when it comes to dances and songs. They all have advantages – and weaknesses. A lot will depend on what the judges do – if they decide they want JR to win or if they decide to throw it to the viewers. I wouldn’t be surprised if they throw it to the viewers, since Ricki is only 0.4 percentage points ahead of JR in average score. Now, throwing it to the viewers doesn’t necessarily mean that they make a faux tie. I can also easily see all three of these dancers getting similar scores because they danced at close to the same level. I would expect Ricki and JR to be at about the same level, Rob maybe a bit lower. But it’s possible that he could really up his game. Just saying now – if the scores end really, really close, it’s not necessarily that the judges copped out – that will be up for debate after the show. 🙂
Not shown below is the Instant Samba that the final two will do after third place is announced. Also, the “Favorite Dance” will be ranked, not scored – first place gets a 30, second 28 and third 26. At that point it is unlikely to have a true impact on the outcome unless someone is way behind and they take first place. Even then, it’s unlikely to have an impact.
Rob/Cheryl
Unlearned Dance – Waltz
Freestyle – Song: “Minnie the Moocher” by Cab Calloway
Favorite Dance (Tues) – Foxtrot to “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra
Phone: 1-800-868-3402
JR/Karina
Unlearned Dance: Cha Cha Cha – Song: “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez (???*)
Freestyle – Song: “Whine Up” by Kat Deluna
Favorite Dance (Tues) – 1st Jive to “Jump, Jive, and Wail” by Brian Setzer Orchestra
Phone: 1-800-868-3410
Ricki/Derek
Unlearned Dance – Cha Cha Cha
Freestyle – Song: “Can’t Touch It” by Ricki Lee
Favorite Dance (Tues.) – Psycho Tango
Phone: 1-800-868-3411
Note: Ask Courtney and I our opinions on JR’s favorite dance. 🙂 Clue – it starts with “bad idea”. 🙂
*Another Note: We know either JR or Ricki has “Let’s Get Loud” – just not sure which. This is our best guess. And yes, both JR & Ricki’s freestyle songs have been used before: JR’s was both Cody & Julianne AND Rick & Cheryl’s samba song, and Ricki’s was the season 11 finale opening dance.
should be an interesting finale. best of luck to all the couples tomorrow night!!
Yay! I was really hoping Ricki and Derek would do their Phsyco Tango as their fav dance! It wad my favorite of there’s too.
I’d be happy as well whoever wins the trophy. I think they all have their own unique journey and are all very deserving to be there.
Rob: I would think that his most memorable dance will be the Foxtrot, due to the memory of his father.And i thought it was truly his breakout dance.But i think his best and best executed dance was the AT. His samba would have been the favorite by a lot of people, but the instant dance if they move on would just be too much samba for them.
FD: Toss up bet Foxtrot and AT
Jr: No injury, and i think the trophy might be his. Given that Karina won’t blow the Freestyle for him.
FD: Jive
Ricki: Ricki is gonna be in a disadvantage come monday night imo. The chachacha is definitely her weakest dance (she’s poor when not in hold and no hip action), and not sure how the freestyle (lots of exuberance and energy-she lacks) would suit her either. If judges would watch Derek (as they often have imo) and not Ricki, then i guess she’s gonna be up there. I can see Derek compensating a lot for Ricki’s shortcomings on monday.
FD: Psycho Tango
My vote to win is Rob, but with biases aside, i predict Jr would win given that he is 100 % ok to dance, Rob 2nd, and Ricki 3rd.
I would be happy with whoever wins, as well. But I am still gonna vote my butt off for my fave Monday night!
Belski- Ricki only did 30 sec of a cha cha cha, so I don’t think that’s enough to tell if that’s her “worst” dance. But we shall see.. I’m hoping she can bring the sexy and flirty side out of the dance and just bring it! I love Derek’s Cha cha cha!
But if I had to predict… JR, Ricki, Rob.
I think JR’s favorite dance will be one of his waltzes because his v waltz was his first dance and his slow waltz was his first perfect score. I would also include his rumba as a possibilty because it was dedicated for the servicepeople who didn’t make it home, but I doubt anyone would be able to get through it again. The other dance I’d include as a possibility would be his samba because it was his first 10 but he’s doing a salsa freestyle and an instant salsa, so I don’t think he will be dong that
I think Ricki’s gonna do just fine. You can count on Derek choreographing to her strengths, and I don’t think stamina will be an issue either. They know they’re at the final lap and adrenaline will help carry through fatigue. Also, she is a phenomenal performer and don’t forget how beautiful her lines are and how much the judges notice that and how the 2 are so in sync, as CAI said, they can be in a space where they complete each others movements.
I also think Cheryl will really choreograph to make Rob look great, she said in one of the interviews, if he’s not comfortable with something, she takes it out. And he’s got momentum on his side with having such a fantastic week last week and also, his enjoyment of it all really comes through now. He’s won me over and I stayed luke warm all season to him.
My personal favorite for a win is JR, but I don’t think they have that all tied up. I think that Karina tends to make things hard with beautiful choreography but perhaps with the expense of really wearing him down. Their AT was so ambitious, perhaps his performance would have been slightly better if it had been slightly less ambitious… I see Tony do the same thing, albeit not nearly as beautifully and creatively as Karina, but that thing of making things more difficult, not necessarily more entertaining for the average viewer.
Now that Rob’s won me over, I can truly say that I agree, in spite of having a very favorite, I like them all, think they all deserve to be there and will be happy with any order. Well, if I’m completely truthful, I hope JR comes in at least 2nd so we get that extra dance from him.
Can’t wait for tomorrow night!
I first want to say that I am a huge JR fan so I obviously want him to win hands down. With that out of the way, I am very worried seeing the line-up and seeing that hes going in the middle of the Rob and Ricki. The most recent seasons it turns out that the person who performs their freestyle last has the best one and then goes on to win the next night. Happened with Hines, Jennifer, Nicole, and Donny. Now whose to say that will happen this season but it does make me worried for JR and Karina. I want them to absolutely rock their freestyle and other dances and go on to win the Mirror Ball!
Good luck to all the finalist couples. Bring it in!!
They did the cha cha cha last week. Ricki was fine! I don’tknow what you were watching. Her hip action seemed fine! Tomorrow is gonna be fun. Wish everyone luck! Lets look at it that way!
Good Luck to all the finalist! I think it’s going to be a good one! They are all very nice…
Belski, I think Ricki will be fine in the Cha, Cha! When she performed it last week her leg placement looked great and her lines too! I’m sure Derek has a fun routine choreographed for her as well. Go Ricki & Derek!!
We don’t know the dance order yet, Ayana.
Ayana: we don’t know the order they will be dancing in yet.
I see we posted at the same time Heidi, so just delete my post. 🙂
Even if it didn’t count, this is what I would like to see. Everyone in the audience or a select number of people, say 100, vote on the dances right after the dance, just like the judges do. They score the DANCE, not who they want to win. Top 10 percent and bottom 10 percent scores could be thrown out of the calculation.
Would be interesting to see how this “public” dance vote compares to the judges. I hope one of the three wins because he or she had a great night, not because someone had a problem. Like Nicole said, best of luck to each contestant.
I’m with all of you! I just can’t wait for this finals. Being as tight as it is, makes it even more fun. Each of them are so special in their own ways. I’ll be happy with whoever the wina. I’m looking forward to seeing how JR and Rob will charm us again. I’m especialy looking forward to Derek and Ricki’s freetstyle and Pyscho performance again (which has been my fave performance from them all this season). Here’s to a fantastic two nights coming up all!!!!
Okay, Courtney and Heidi. WHY is it a “bad idea” for JR and Karina to dance to their first jive? 🙂
@Evaine, I think it’s probably because Len thought it was more Lindy Hop than Jive.
Because he got hosed by the judges first time around – more lindy than Jive. Two reasons why this is bad – Len will STILL think it’s more Lindy than Jive OR when he changes his tune, all non-JR fans will cry foul.
I can’t believe they picked their 1st Jive ! It will still be too much Lindy for Len… I really don’t get it, they have plenty of other routines that pleased both the judges and the audience :/ I’m rooting for them but I dont think picking this Jive is a good idea…
First Jive?
I was waiting for the Instant Jive or Quickstep (to not do just latin dances on finals, but).
I can’t believe they picked their first jive either. They got hammered for it. It’s not a redemption dance. There are so many other dances he could have picked from.
This could be so bad…….
While I loved JR’s jive, bad choice on their part. I was hoping they would do their rumba again. That was my fav from him. Not surprised Ricki chose the tango. Great dance and she should get the perfect score. I hope Rob chooses the foxtrot or the tango. Both were great but I’d prefer the tango (the addams family dance). Also very excited to see how the last night of the finale goes. I am curious if all the couples will be there (mainnly Hope and Maks). Lastly, the freestyles shoud be great but I am very curious to see what Derek has up his sleeve this time around. JR seems to have a great one (I think tis going to be salsa inspired right?) and Cheryl was kinda quiet about Rob’s but I’m guessing he will have a great one since she always does great freestyles. This could be anyobody’s game.
On a side note, No redemption dances? Thats sad I liked the redemption dances.
Hey girls, is the instant samba the only dance to be ranked ?
btw, random fact- this is the first time since season 7 that two of the three finalists are men.
Yeah, I have to admit I’m surprised Jr/Karina selected their 1st Jive. Though it was very entertaining, it still did not please the judges and was one of their lower scoring routines. Who knows, its all depends on how the judges feel Tuesday. I believe that’s what Karina is gambling with. I wouldn’t have risked it though-JMO
Are they allowed to change it up , so the “lindy hop” parts are replaced????
Hoping for a great night of dancing! I love the three pairs too. 😛
I agree – bad idea.
But maybe it’s their plan. Let everybody know they will be doing that dance so the fans vote extra hard to compensate for probably not getting top marks for it.
And as the judges won’t be able to give anything lower than 26 – it’s not that much of a gamble.
Guys, what is the source?
Maybe Karina has taken out some of the ‘lindy’ which will let them get a better score. I think you want to pick a dance that means something, but that also gives you room to improve in your score. I’m a little nervous about the psycho dance from Derek/Ricki – it was so great the first time around, there is always the chance that it will underwhelm this time, which could hurt.
Can’t wait to see them all – should be a great final, but I still think JR’s a shoe in. People Mag, DIane Sawyer, Rose Bowl Parade grand marshall (game airing on ABC) AND he’s actually a great dancer But it should be close….
I agree with the notion of JRs favorite dance a “bad idea”. I was sure they would dance to the Tim McGraw song dedicated to all the military. Foxtrot, Waltz or anything but that jive. It was wonderful, however, Len will still say its Lindy… I’m confused on this one, I don’t know why they would not do a dance that the judges loved. I hope that decision does not cost them the trophy.
Derek and Ricki, thats a no brainer doing the “Psycho” theme dance. It was spectacular and kind of scary, but the judges loved it.
Is there a 4th dance this week? I thought I read that somewhere.
Nevermind I answered my own question, the 4th dance is the instant samba as stated above. That could be where JR gets the extra points if his Lindy/Jive doesn’t go over so well with Len. JR can shake his samba booty… 🙂
Thanks for clarifying, Heidi- I misunderstood and thought the order they were posted in was the order for the night!
Carlos, you know better than to ask that.
Don’t you mean “The Lindsy”? LOL
I think Karina specifically mentioned addressing Len’s comment for their instant jive, so clearly she took it seriously. And she’d know the disadvantages of repeating a dance that displeased one of the judges. I’m thinking that they’ve tweeked the choreo to replace at least some of the Lindy with jive. Well, maybe I should say hoping… 🙂
On a related note, didn’t Chelsea and Mark repeat their “wizard waltz” as their favorite dance? As I recall, Len didn’t like it the first time but gave them a 10 in the finale. Maybe they judge from a different perspective when it’s a favorite dance rather than an assigned style (i.e., when key elements of that style must be demonstrated).
I thought Karina said they were “making changes” to a dance….maybe it’s the first jive?
The favorite dances are ranked – don’t know about the Instant Dance. Won’t matter, I don’t think. Unless they seriously underscore one or the other of the couples.
They aren’t letting everyone know it, Gitte – at least I don’t think they are.
I’m still not sure it’s a good idea – when you have FOUR dances, why not go with something you KNOW works for one dance?? That leaves less steps to learn.
I’m very surprsied JR and Karina picked their first jive as their favorite jive. When I was thinking about what he might pick as his favorite, that was the first one I knocked out as a possibility. When picking the favorite I think they should have three requirements, it was memorable, the judges liked it and had little to no negative comments about it, and they liked it. I don’t think JR’s 1st jive really fits into any of these categories except them liking it. It wasn’t memorable like their rumba, samba, or waltzes. 2/3 of the judges had something that really bugged them(CAI and the flip/lift and Len and too much Lindy) So IMO, their week 2 jive is the second worst choice for JR’s favorite dance(the worst would be his ghostbusters tango). I’m crossing my fingers Karina will be able to tweak the choreography to please the judges and the viewers.
I was just thinking that Karina altered that jive slightly. I hink that was more JR’s choice than Karina’s choice.
Courtney, I know nothing =]
Hope they change that routine.
No matter what, all my votes are for JR and Karina. I do think he was the best dancer and Karina the best choreographer this season. =]
To those who may know… are they allowed to change the choreography of their favorite dance or are they supposed to dance it exactly as it was done the first time?
I’m very confused by JR and Karina’s choice. I loved that jive but there was a lift and too much Lindy for the judges. And if they are allowed to change it up, will people be crying “foul” for them doing so?
If Karina can change the jive to the judges’ liking, and assuming JR can master it along with three other dances, then I think it will pay off for them. Maybe they feel it’s worth the gamble.
Jaci, yes they can change the choreography. Mark Ballas tweaked the choreography of the wizard waltz with Chelsea Kane so it could be more traditional and Len would like it better. I’m sure Karina did the same.
J.R.!!! Do ur second Jive not the Lindsey one!! 🙂
I’m sure Karina will change up the choreography. They are gambling with their choice but I think it’s a smart decision. If they pull it off which I think they will. It’s like a redemption dance masked as a favorite dance. Clever buggers.
If ricki and derek do their “Pyscho” tango just as perfect as last time, I believe they will get that “30” points for sure! That really was a brilliant dance!
Am I the only one who thinks that “Minnie the Moocher” is kinda strange for a freestyle?
It’s nice, but isn’t it a foxtrot song? I expected something more upbeat and latin from Rob and Cheryl. Especially when the other two dances they have are the waltz and the foxtrot.
@Gitte: I totally agree. Thats an odd song for a freestyle. Honestly, I had to youtube it cuz i had no clue what “minnie the Moocher” was……….kinda thought it was related to minnie mouse at first.
It’s not that much of a gamble, really. They get either a 26, a 28 or a 30. I don’t see any way he gets the 26 regardless. So we’re talking about 2 points, which is nothing.
I had to google Minnie the Moocher as well. I am sure Cheryl will do wonders with that freestyle. But I never heard the song before and that could be a problem. Memorable is key. But I am prepared to eat my own words on that one after tonight.
Karina probably combined elements of their 2nd jive into the 1st.
I was hoping that jr would do his rumba i think that was his best dance by far.
I absolutely HATE it when they rank the Favorite dance. Hate hate hate it. Although that scoring system they did in Season 11 was the worst idea they ever had. We know Ricki will get the 30. As to 2nd and 3rd, well, who knows?
“Minnie the Moocher” is one of those songs that no one seems to know the name of, but a lot of folks go “Ohhhh yeah – I know that song!” once they hear it – especially the “Hi-dee hi-dee hi-dee hiiiiii” part. I think it’s actually considered a jazz standard, so it’s not totally obscure. I think there was actually a scene in Blues Brothers where they used it. Anywho, I’m kind of interested to see what Rob & Cheryl do with it – we’ve heard it has a lot of quickstep & lindy in it, and that it does speed up mid-way through the routine. I actually think it was probably a good choice for Rob – he does tend to do well with the ballroom dances he can put a slick, Rat pack-type spin on.
As for the great “ZOMG JR’s doing his first jive??!!! He’s lost the competition!!! Uuuuuggghhhh!!!” debate – I’m with Heidi: it’s probably not going to have much of an impact on anything, and ditto with the instant samba. Tonight is what really matters – since the scoring of the last unlearned dance and the freestyle are normal, it’s important that the 3 remaining couples really knock them out of the park. Ranking the favorite dance is pretty wishy-washy – and with as many points are being handed out this week, a 2 or even 4-point difference is probably not going to cause any shakeups. Remember: the more total points the judges give, the smaller the margin between points, and the easier the points gap is to overcome. And the judges are usually pretty generous with points in the finale, unless someone reeeeallly bombs. As for changing the choreo – we haven’t heard for sure that they are, indeed, allowed to change their original routines, but if they’re following the pattern of last season, they’ll probably allow it. Question is: how much will the pros really change the routines? It’s just kinda interesting to me how different the celeb’s choices in favorite dance are – as I was telling someone on Twitter, I think Rob & JR went more for the routines they enjoyed doing the most, while Ricki seemed a bit more strategic and picked a routine that was very well-received by the judges. I honestly don’t think she probably would have picked the tango as her most fun routine – as I recall, she was pretty miserable during rehearsals. BUT, I think it was a smart choice, as it is technically stronger than both Rob & JR’s favorite routines.
@Tony – Yeah, ranking does seem kinda dumb, but at the same time, it does kinda serve to keep the judges from altering the outcome of the competition too much. If they scored it regularly, I wouldn’t put it past the judges to score their favorite unreasonably high and underscore the other two – even if it went against the voting behavior of the fans. At least this way, their power is limited.
looking back at JR and karina’s first jive i actually like it more than the 2nd jive (i might be the only one), it was a great dance and sooo underscored. i totally disagreed with len, yes it had a bit of lindy but that dance cannot be mistaken for a lindy hop as there was much more jive content in it, however if they’re not allowed to change it then i’m worried the judges are gonna penalize them again for the lindy and the lift. if they weren’t already doing the instant samba i would’ve liked to see their 1st samba again, that was one of their best.
I think there’s a faster version of Minnie the Moochie, uh? It’s a good song, actually… =] Waiting and excited for tonite, I am. =]
I am so diassapointed in Rob and Cheryl’s Freestyle song…i hope they pull it off…im rooting for them all the way
Cab Calloway. Check it out on YouTube.
I wonder if it was strategic of Karina and JR to not include a least one Waltz, Foxtrot, something more in hold for one of their final dances. All the moving and shaking is always a crowd pleaser, but will it be enough.
I hope Derek does not change his Psycho tango one bit, it was perfect. Good choice, it was memorable. As far as Rob, in my opinion, I am a little worried about his freestyle. But his favorite song “Fly Me to the Moon” was a judge pleaser, I don’t know how JRs jive could top Derek and Robs favorites.
Man, Ricki and Derek’s freestyle song is a major letdown. I was really hoping for something Broadway themed since it seems to be something they both have a love for. I’m sure they will pull it off regardless.
I don’t know why everybody is going on about J.R.’s and Karina’s favorite dance. If you compared his instant jive, which received a 30, and his original jive, the dance steps performed are virtually the same (although in different order) except perhaps for the opening sequences and the addition of the more elaborate pull-through twist under the legs, which they performed in the instant jive. I think it’s a smart choice on Karina’s part. J.R. knows the routine really well, so she won’t have to spend a lot of time re-rehearsing and can focus instead on using that time to polish dances where they can guarantee themselves a 30. Moreover, based on the way this season has gone with the scoring, Karina probably figures that as between J.R. and Ricki, the judges will probably award Ricki the 30, so why try.
Assuming J.R. and Karina make it to the final two, I also think they will make up that two point differential on Ricki and Derek in the insta-samba because Ricki lacks the confidence needed to perform a 30-worthy instant dance, as evidenced by her performance during the instant jive. She has said her greatest fear is forgetting her steps.
It’s an unusual choice to say the least, Blake. But Derek isn’t one to do the expected. I’m a little concerned listening to him talk about what they’re doing, though. Doesn’t really sound like the best plan to me. But then I’ve said that about a lot of Derek’s dances that have turned out genius. Who knows?
IrisandLilies I wouldn’t say that! Ricki has proven beyond a doubt that she is a fighter and she received high marks on her Samba last week. I think she will rock it this time. Overall, I think we are in for a great finals. I kinda wish Derek/Ricki had Mini the Moocher, I wanted to see a Broadway performance from these two, especially because they can tap dance. I’m sure Derek will work it out though. I don’t know their freestyle song..
Haha…loving that JRs favorite dance is causing a debate. Bottom line if that is his favorite dance then he can do it…that’s the point is to do his favorite dance not the judges. I loved the dance and sure they could have tweaked it to make it more jive like.
My age must be showing. I googled all these songs and I am not impressed. Kind of letdown overall. Heres hoping the 3 finalists blow me away tonight with their choices…
I feel exactly the same way, Heidi ! I was kind of hoping for a quickstepp-y jive-type Broadway infused performance, but this song does not signal ANY of that. It seems completely out of character for anything that we have seen Ricki being really good at. Oh well. I haven’t seen him talking about it at all, gonna have to peruse some videos.
Hoping for the best.
Dee,
Ricki was obviously able to handle the samba based on the score she received last week. However, she puts a lot of pressure on herself to make sure that she has her steps down. I personally think she freaked out about not having enough time to practice her jive steps to the music and that hindered her ability to perform the instant jive. Maybe Derek has worked that issue out with her, but based on her interviews this past week, she appeared to be much more tense than either J.R. or Rob. BTW, that’s not a good way to be when you’re going into the freestyle because probably a lot of viewers want to feel when watching the freestyles that the couples are having a good time.
Hey I thought Derek was going to tap this season. Did I miss it or is it not going to happen? Anyone know?
Ricki Lee song isn’t really a crowd pleaser I don’t think. Hoping for the best.
I kinda like Ricki and Derek’s freestyle song. It’s catchy and it’s already stuck in my head. Absolutely not what I was expecting, but I trust Derek to surprise us once again.
I’m probably in the minority here, but I loved Derek’s and Ricki’s song when I first listened to it. It made me want to get out of my chair and dance. I have to give Derek kudos for not going the obvious route, and choosing either a song from Hairspray or one that is more 1950’s/1960’s in feeling. This is just the type of song to make Ricki come alive and seem like she is enjoying herself out on the dance floor.
Mary, they tapped a little in another performance…but, right now it escapes me for which one it was?
I actually agree with you, IrisandLilies and Virginie – I kinda dig Ricki’s song. Very upbeat, sassy, and “girl power-y” – and I probably think that because it was on the Sex & The City II soundtrack. And while I’m not terribly well-versed in tap, I actually think they could do at least a section of tap to that song – the beat feels right. Also feels very samba-y, so we could see some samba steps in there, too. I’m actually kinda glad they didn’t go with something Broadway, or worse yet, something from Hairspray – that’s what everyone was expecting them to do, and I don’t think they could have lived up to the hype, no matter how hard they tried.
I’m honestly really surprised that no one has said a word about JR’s song. Do you guys just feel apathetic about it? Or are all the JR fans just too busy to comment right now? 😉 You there, jimmboe?
Vogue – it was their quickstep. 😉
Also, for anyone not liking any of the songs, don’t count them out since the band and singers remix them to fit their dances somehow. I think they’e been exceptional at doing that this season.
Oh, that’s right! Thanks Court! 😉
I don’t like JRs song. But I remember, I believe it was you Courtney, from what you heard, their freestyle was awesome. So thats all I need to here. The only dance I am concerned about is their jive. But it really doesn’t matter what JR dances too, he is always a crowd pleaser.
@Sandy – Yep! It was indeed me 🙂 And yeah, I only managed to get an opinion from someone on JR’s freestyle – and they did, indeed, say it “looked awesome”. Some salsa moves, and a bit of a Latin feel to it – which I think is fitting, given JR’s heritage. No word on how Rob or Ricki’s looks…but I have to say, I don’t think I’ve been this excited to see the freestyles since season 10. I’m also a tiny bit concerned about his jive, for the simple reason that it could hurt him if the scoring is really, really close. The judges could skewer it (again), or they could do a complete 180 and gush about it – in which case, I think we can expect to hear non-JR fans crying foul and claiming favoritism. Or maybe the judges will take the easy road and give him 28 points. Who knows 😛 But I’m creating some extra verified accounts tonight to combat any potential problems!
IrisandLilies
I hear what you’re saying. I do believe she’ll do better because it’s the 2nd time around so to speak-LOL I too think they have a cool freestyle song, had to listen to it on youtube.
Anyhow, I hope she just goes out there cuts loose and and have the “time of her life”-LOL
Good Luck to all…
Me too! My daughter set up some accounts today as well. Honestly the person I am most worried about is Ricki. Out of hold, she tends to lose it sometimes. But I agree it will be a great show, for once the right three made it to the finals.
Listen to you Courtney-creating extra accounts! This should be a great finals…
Now that finals and song spoilers are upon us, here is my thoughts on tonight:
Rob: Sound favorite dance selection and booking-ending with Waltzes can show how far he’s come. Uncertain about the Freestyle song, but so long as both it and the routine crescendo, this dance stands to be a comprehensive showcase of his journey in the weeks between Waltzing in & out of this competition. He’s got fanbase, a popular &seasoned FS choreographer, newfound momentum & audience relatability and the potential for some wowing lifts.
JR: No one can get the crowd going like JR when he’s on and he’s never more so than when dancing Latin, so the Cha Cha, Samba and Freestyle ought serve him well. Understand the reservation on the Jive choice, yet I think that and the Samba were his best overall performances and, as a Samba’s already slated, the Jive was a reasonable alternative. Choreography can be tweaked and the small risk of a 4 point deficit is more than off-set by the audience-pleasing, entertainment factor (think votes folks!) of this routine. If Karina put this much strategy into the Freestyle, this guy’s gonna be tough to beat.
Ricki: While what we saw of her Cha-Cha was clean, matching a healthy JR’s impact on this one is going to be tough. I also think she may be the most inhibited liftwise in a dance that has inexplicably becomes so stigmatized. That said, she’s got a fan fav, finale deal-closer of a pro, talent, showmanship and lots of hardwork going for her along with probably the most gripping of FS songs and favorite dances.
Happy dancing to all contestants!
I like these spoilers! We don’t had this much ever on DwtS History! lol
I think that Rick’s Freestyle song is very good, steamy and that it can be tapped.
JR is good too, but you know I’m not a fan of recycled songs… I don’t know what Karina means talking about afro-cuban reggaeton. I guess reggaeton is a puerto-rican rhythm with jamaican influence… and the song isn’t a reggaeton… but, who cares? ahahahahah =p
“I’m honestly really surprised that no one has said a word about JR’s song. Do you guys just feel apathetic about it?”
Can’t speak for others, but that’s an affirmative from me. Apprehensive about a FS song that the bulk of the audience may only have heard because it’s been used before on the show…twice. And it isn’t quite the permeating sort that Ricki’s FS song is. Fortunately JR is a permeating force himself and both he and the refrain of that song rock!
Think JR’s freestyle will be fine. There are better songs but as his Samba was his best dance for me, and this is that type of music, I think it will be show stealing. The final rehearsals show him looking on good form and those hips are going to shake tonight! I agree that the jive is an interesting choice to redo, risky wit the judges. It is clearly a crowd favourite, but the audience have already voted. However, I don’t think it will be an issue – (the absolute worst he can get is 26) and he will make up any point differential in the Instant Samba. His Samba was the best of the 3 finalists and he was the only one to really triumph in the instant jive.
I also think Cheryl has made a good choice with the freestyle. She knows she’s not going to beat JR with the hips and the lifts, so best to go a different route and play to Rob’s strengths. Feel he’s at a bit of a disadvantage with having the waltz against the cha chas. He’s doing a lot of slower dances, while JR is all action and latin.
Bit worried about Derek and Ricki’s freestyle. I actually like the song, but its tempo suggests a high octane freestyle. I just hope that she is looking natural with the lifts especially getting in and out of them. I’ve loved Derek’s earlier freestyles, but thought he might go down a different route with Ricki as she is happier in hold than side by side. I just hope he has choreographed it to her strengths and her personality really shines through. I think she will have to go some to out dazzle JR and just hope that Derek has been brilliant (as he has many times before) and is taking it down a different route than theirs.
So exciting and nerve wracking. Still think it is likely to be JR, but it is too close to call. Can’t wait to see what happens!!
Well hell yeah Derek may win it alone for RIcki with that FD song! LOL he will be on fire with that beat & tempo, I can see it being great as long as Ricki can keep up which worries me.
Also I think the Rib FD song is prefect for him, more of a big band feel & not as fast, which will be good for him!
JR’s meh, I don’t care for the song but we will see.
I heard or read that for the favorite dance. J.R. will be doing his quickstep, which he got two 10’s in. I don’t know i might be wrong, but I remember reading that.
it seems that is going to be a Happy finale…and i agree that all 3 couples deserve to be here. i do think we will not have a certain winner till the final announcement… so…we are in for a great show.
Rob – i actually really like his old school FS song. but giving the fact that he has to do the waltz too and his fav dance is the foxtrot….he might get lost into anonymity and maybe a little dullness..also, i would have gone with the Addams Family Tango.
JR – i will say the exact same thing you are all saying..1st jive..not the best idea..no matter what Karina changes..i still think it is not gonna be enough. i would have gome with the 3rd week Rumba. the FS sounds great..and suits JR very good…but no ballroom from them..oh well..
Ricki – i love the unexpected song choice for the FS . i agree…it is not what i expected…but i trust Derek’s thinking ..he never disappointed me. so…if he didn’t change the song or the courageous choreo until now…that can only mean one thing..it suits Ricki very well…i also love the Tango choice as a fav dance..it is a strong, uncommon dance, loved by the judges and the crowd.
So…let the best one win. i know i will be voting for my favorite team so…go Ricki, go Derek #Drickilous all the way!
ps: #Rick
btw, random fact- this is the first time since season 7 that two of the three finalists are men. – no..i didn’t know that…than the only woman won..didn’t it..here is hoping for a redo!!LOL
I downloaded Ricki and Derek’s FS song this morning after I found out what it was and was rocking out to it at the gym imagining what kind of steps and lifts Derek choreographed for Ricki. I think their song choice is a surprise because I think a lot of us were foreseeing a homage to Hairspray possibly or a Broadway number. But there is sort of a big band beat to this song and for some reason I could picture 1920s style clothing and moves. I just know that with Derek’s freestyles, there is definitely going to be clothes being torn off and it’s going to high-octane and fast-pace!