Dancing with the Stars Season 20, THE FINALE – Who’s Dancing What…and When?
Sounds like we’re going to get a whole bunch of contemporary, whether we like it or not. I say not, for the most part. It’s so over done now. Geez, I’m not old enough to be whining about the Good ole days, but that’s what I feel like doing. 🙂 Remember Derek and Jennifer’s freestyle – simple dance, but so nostalgic and tailored perfectly for Jennifer. Half the internet screamed “She carried a watermelon!!” What about Hines Ward? Love it or hate it, that Freestyle was different. As was Amber Riley’s. I could go on, but what’s the point?
Thing is, when you do contemporary, you’re now working against a very strong couple of dances from Derek and his partners. Unless you really go out there, you run the risk of being very derivative. Although that’s not really new for one of our couples. 😉 Anyway, I still have high hopes for Noah and Sharna – theirs looks like it has potential. The rest? Jury is definitely out.
I got this info from the press release via @DWTSGossip. Could have gotten it myself but I can’t find the damn password to the ABC site and the lovely Vogue is taking care of some personal stuff. 🙂
In the two-hour Season Finale on TUESDAY, MAY 19 (9:00-11:00 p.m. ET), the show kicks off with a high-energy opening number featuring a reunion of all 12 of this season’s couples in addition to the judges and hosts. Then, one couple will perform an encore of their Freestyle dance as decided on by the judges. The finale will also feature a performance to “Juicy Wiggle,” by RedFoo and encore performances by Charlotte McKinney and Keo Motsepe to “California Girls,” Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani to “Copacabana” featuring six additional dancers, Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson to “Bills,” Chris Soules and Witney Carson to “Footloose,” Willow Shields and Mark Ballas to “Alice’s Theme,” Nastia Liukin and Derek Hough’s Charleston to “Honey, I’m Good” featuring a performance by Andy Grammar and much more. The night will also include a reprise performance from Patti LaBelle and Artem Chigvintsev to “In Da Club,” and the Grammy award winning artist will also perform her hit song “2 Steps Away.” Additionally, fan favorites from past seasons Amy Purdy, Alfonso Ribeiro and Sadie Robertson return to the ballroom for special performances. Sia will perform her hit song “Elastic Heart” with a special dance performance by Derek and Julianne Hough. The star studded night will continue with a performance by Jason Derulo singing his hit song “Want To Want Me.” In the last element of competition, the couples will perform a new routine as part of a “24 Hour Fusion Challenge.” The remaining couples will fuse two contrasting dance styles that they’ve performed this season and they’ll have less than 24 hours to prepare that dance for additional judges’ points. At the end of the night, the winner of the Gold Mirrorball trophy will be announced!
ETA: Good for Riker, redoing the Pirate Paso!! Loved that dance.
ETA2: Be sure to see this link and this link for some fun rehearsal teasers. Lookin’ good!!!
Rumer and Val
Previously Performed Dance – Foxtrot (??)
Freestyle – AT/Contemporary Fusion
24-hr Fusion Challenge (Tuesday)
1-855-234-5610
Noah and Sharna
Previously Performed Dance – Argentine Tango
Freestyle – Contemporary with four other pros
24-hr Fusion Challenge (Tuesday)
1-855-234-5605
Riker and Allison
Previously Performed Dance – Pirate Paso Doble
Freestyle –
24-hr Fusion Challenge (Tuesday)
1-855-234-5608
I'll be singing on the finale of @DancingABC with my dude @TravisGarland for @Noah_Galloway & @SharnaBurgess #DWTS pic.twitter.com/y6gQK5PLqJ
— BC Jean (@BCJean) May 16, 2015
Contemporary has so been overdone. I bet if Nastia was there we would get a fast paced freestyle. Hoping Riker brings it.
I swear all of Val’s freestyle are contemporary (and not good ones) Maks freestyle was not good either. It seems after Kellie and Derek’s freestyle contemporary became the new norm.
In their livestream, Riker and Allison freestyle’s seems to be a fast paced freestyle which should be cool imo because it might be THE different one of the night. Noah and Sharna freestyle’s seem cool too because Sharna is an amazing choregrapher and Noah comtemporary’s is one of my favs dance of this season so can’t wait to see what’s in store for those two couple.
Rumer and Val freestyle’s, I think the fact that he’s using a song we already see him performed to, makes me kind of not impressed, but we see maybe it will turn out extraordinary… or nah hahah !
Well, AL, people have been taking a page out of Derek’s book for years now, so this isn’t a surprise.
I definitely think Allison had to go the more fun, energetic, jazz/hip hop route for Riker as that is his strength. Based on what she said in the livestream I am a little concerned it will be TOO big and too much going on though. She said her inspiration was closing numbers at award shows where it’s high energy, cool staging/lighting, etc. She said in their Afterbuzz interview they’ll do something never done on the show before so I’m also not sure what she means by that.
Noah and Sharna are doing their AT per DWTS Radio on twitter, which I think will be good for them (assuming he lands the lifts). I saw someone saying Rumer is doing her Foxtrot but not sure where it was confirmed. Doesn’t totally surprise me though. I would love for Riker to do his Paso ago but I’m sure they don’t want to put him in Jack Sparrow attire again and how knows about the song rights.
There was a video clip on DWTSRadio twitter that said Noah and Sharna’s redo dance is their Argentine Tango.
I watched the 3 live streams and it will be interesting to see what order they put them in. The 2 contemporaries and end with Riker, or sandwich Riker in between.
The way Noah and Sharna described their freestyle it seems like it’s almost a part 2 to their contemporary. The contemporary was a celebration of his personal journey, and the freestyle is a thank you to those who helped him even when he didn’t want it and the other dancers represent people in his life. It seems really cool.
@CM, I’m excited about Noah’s dance after I saw the rehersal. Mark and Paul are a great addition! Sharna was so cute when they all had to talk her into her jump!
I got the feeling his dance has to do with his accident because if the move that made him look like he was hit with something, and a struggle. Like you said, and extension of his contemporary. I think this is going to be amazing.
Couldn’t get a feel about Riker……as I have said before, her choreo gives me a whiplash/headache. Too much going on and she’s to intense and not feminine enough for my taste.
From Rumer I got nothing….sorry.
Hm I wonder how they chose what dances they are re-doing…I hope they change the choreo to the dances like the did in season 18 when they redid past dances…it gets kind of boring seeing the same thing twice…even if it is danced better.
@Meghan
I believe it is the same dance, song, just longer if it is a week 1 dance (Like for S19)
I think the think I’m most excited about is Derek & Julianne dancing to “Elastic Heart.” Easily one of my favorite songs at the moment and can only imagine something super spectacular from Derek and Jules.
I have a feeling Monday night will be super lackluster in the Freestyle department, but still expect Rumer to get hella pimped and end the night with an 80 going into Tuesday.
For some reason I forgot about the fusion dance on Tuesday. It actually gives them another opportunity to get Rumer the win. Since I don’t think she’s necessarily running away with the votes I think they want to give her every point as possible. I would be shocked if she didn’t get a 40 for it and Noah may end up with 8s and 9s. Might be hard to overcome that.
I believe that Rumer’s previously performed dance is the foxtrot. I have read that from a couple sources and I believe one said that Val mentioned it in their live rehearsal the other day.
I’m interested in seeing what Allison and Riker bring because even if it is a contemporary, Allison will bring some creative edge to it because it her her specialty!
Also Noah and Sharna’s I’m looking forward too because even if he’s not the best technical dancer, his journey is incredible.
I’ve said this before but I really like Rumor, she seems like a great person but Val just kills it for me. Plus, his choreography or creativity, I don’t think is up to par with Sharna and Allison’s.
Do you know if they are actually repeating the same dance? I think in some previous seasons the repeat dance has been a repeat dance style but with new choreography/concept/music/costumes.. etc. (I think Donald and Peta repeat dance was AT but it was a different dance in the finale) but I also remember Shawn’s repeat dance was the same (QS) in the finale.
I think I heard Val mention in the livestream they are redoing their Foxtrot… So far, love the previously performed choices. Paso was Riker’s best, AT was my favorite of Noah’s, and Foxtrot was my personal fav of Rue’s.
hell yeah Riker is repeating his best dance , now fingers crossed that he might – just please god ,I will adopt an African child and donate a kidney – just might win that MBT . I hope they will nail that turn It bugged me so much in the first time that I always skip it.
PS : wasn’t Rumer’s latest contemporary contain Argentinian Tango movement or It’s just me.
I think I’m not understanding this correctly. All of this season’s teams including the 3 finalists will perform one previous dance. Reruns! So why/how would they be judged on this again? Rumer’s is from Week 1 so there is a lot of room to improve on a 32. Noah scored a 30 in Week 3 and Riker scored a 38 in Week 5. It’s probably good that Riker will get to perform his most popular dance again but it doesn’t leave much room to better those scores and will it have much impact with the judges this time since they’ll have seen it recently.
Or, are the 3 finalists just repeating those styles but in new routines?
Also, Nastia’s Charleston was their first dance after Derek’s injury. So is he dancing with her this time or Sasha? If it is Derek dancing both in the Charleston and with Julianne, tee hee! That’s a lot of Derek for someone who isn’t competing in the finale. I hope smoke comes out Val’s ears!
The repeat dance is the same choreography but cleaning the dance, and getting better scores for it.
And Rumer said in her livestream that they were redoing her Foxtrot, and was asking Val if he wanted to practice that because he didn’t want to show anything about their freestyle. I’m not so sure about their freestyle because is one of Vals weaknesses, look at Zendaya’s he totally blew it, and she was the best that season.
I’m so exited about Riker and Allison’s freestyle is the only thing that motivates me for monday and the Paso, Team Rallison right here.
I have to put this out all I can think is Val might be in Finals hell may be he will even win but the Finale show will belong to Derek with 3 Dance ( Amy, Nastia, Jules, and if he is dong a spl number with Amy and Noah) I think I can tell his dance with Juillane will be awesome so val gets a trophy may be but, Derek looks to be stealing the show right under Val’s nose. He He am I evil to think like this.
@ Kirami #15, yeah I think Rumer’s Swan Lake Contemporary had some AT moves. I also thought their Rumba from Week 8 was more a Rumba/AT fusion. Now for her Freestyle, she’s doing a Contemporary AT. So basically, Rumer & Val have been dancing AT for the last 3 weeks. Boring…
I don’t want to assume anything about Rumer’s freestyle yet as I expect the judges to go ape-shit over it but they kind of just did an AT/Contemp fusion for Swan Lake and I feel like it might be similar to their Foxtrot as well as far as the mood of the dance. I’m sure it will be an incredible dance but may not feel like a freestyle. I expect to be wrong though.
So glad Riker is re-doing his Paso! Some seasons the finalist really luck out. I remember S16 they had to do a brand new dance for a style they already did, the cha-cha relay AND the freestyle. Then other years it’s basically just the freestyle.
I’m guessing that the Charleston was assigned to Nastia and Derek the same way the Quickstep was assigned to Shawn and Derek during season 15. Hard to believe TPTB could aggravate me above and beyond what they’ve already done, but they’ve managed it. Nastia and Derek should be re-doing one of the dances that was just the two of them, which is all their dances (with the exception of the kick line in week 1) until his injuries. I would love to see them re-do the rumba from week 2, or the AT, or the Tango. My guess is the thinking is “gotta keep them down so everyone else will look good.” Pathetic.
I am excited about Rumers freestyle to see if Val can come thru for her. I think Rumer has been wonderful all season and is not deserving of the negative spin left on her. Val is starting to grow on me too, I am enjoying his foot and mouth disease for some reason. Yes, I agree that Nastia should be in the finals, but so should Rumer.
@Suzy, I think Nastia and Derek are redoing their Charleston because it was a very popular dance of theirs this season. I think they will look excellent doing the dance and it is a fun and upbeat song. I hope Derek can perform. And if he is performing I would assume that he requested they do that dance so he can finally have a chance to dance the Charleston with Nastia.
@ Suzy Derek/Sasha’s and Nastia’s Charleston was awesome-not sure how them doing that would “keep them down so everyone else looks good” that dance seems to do just the opposite it’s quite a production.
Kim — I think that seeing Nastia and Derek re-do their rumba from week 2 would be incredibly powerful. That was when the “connection” narrative was in full swing. As beautiful as it was when they did it, I’ve no doubt they’d take it to a whole new level. Same with the tango. While the Charleston is indeed a production, it dilutes the focus off the partners, and really won’t show anything new. The rumba would put the spotlight squarely on Nastia and Derek, as it was in the VW, but I believe TPTB simply don’t want them looking that good. Especially since Derek’s been so aggravated and thinks that Nastia was not treated fairly, I would not conclude that Derek requested the Charleston. Plus, to the extent that it’s still at all relevant, either the rumba or the tango would be easier on his feet.
I suppose I’m quite jaded by what happened in season 15. That season Derek had to sit out a brilliant paso/tango fusion that Mark did with Shawn and got the team’s first perfect score. Many people, including myself, thought that Shawn and Derek would choose to re-do that dance so they could finally do it together, and I’m not sure but I think there was initially some intel that said they were going to do it. A day or so later we were told that Shawn and Derek had chosen to do their quickstep, which had had points deducted because of the unconventional/not-proper-quickstep nature of the dance. They were not allowed to change it. They had to do it the way they did it, and presumably get the same points deducted. Of course — you’re in the finals going for the MBT, and you choose to do a dance that will get you deductions — makes sense to me … NOT. The missing piece which clarifies this scenario is that it had become “Tony’s (‘he’s never won’ … sound familiar?) season.”
@Suzt, I hope Sasha is doing the Charleston seeing how he was in it originally, plus Derek may not be 100%. He’s dancing with Julianne and I haven’t heard exactly how much he’s featured in Amy and Noah’s dance. Best too take it slow. Sometimes re-injury is worse than the original.
@ Suzy, Shawn & Derek weren’t allowed to change their Quickstep (ie, take out lifts and breaking hold)? I didn’t know that. When Chelsea & Mark re-did their Harry Potter Waltz in the finale, Mark made changes in the choreo (to appease Len), so it annoys me that Derek wasn’t allowed to do that also.
#Jane. It was definitely the same illegal quickstep. I suppose it’s possible that he was told he could change it and refused to. I don’t think that’s what happened. I mention it only because it’s the other way that the same result could be achieved, i.e. the same offending dance being performed. And we were supposed to believe that one way or the other, they CHOSE that. Sure.
@DLT (10): I don’t know how much it matters. We’re talking about 300+ points, so even a 10 point difference would only be about 2–3% in the voting. And I have absolutely no idea how the voting is going.
I said this before, and I’ll say it again: it wouldn’t shock me if one of the remaining teams gets an outright majority of the votes.
@ Suzy, yeah I don’t think Derek would intentionally hose his own partners, especially in the finale – he knows judges scores matter just as much as the public votes do. And I do think it could have been entirely possible for Derek to make changes in that dance (even if they had only a couple days to do so) to make sure they don’t get points deducted. Shawn was a good dancer and could pick up choreo really well. Sigh… one of my favorite DWTS couples ever. They should have won, in my opinion.
But I’m hoping history repeats itself again: Tony wins, Derek gets an Emmy nod (and wins); Maks wins, Derek gets an Emmy nod; Val wins, Derek gets an Emmy nod. Of course this is exactly what the producers wanted all along – to get Val the MBT AND for Derek to choreograph potential Emmy nominated routines. But I do hope Derek will finally pull the plug after this season and leave. Maybe come back and choreograph/dance in some pro numbers, but that’s all.
Jane Interestingly, it’s actually Shawn who led me to Derek. I loved her season with Mark, and their freestyle was one of my faves for a long time. And until this season’s VW the only dance that I could not watch without crying is their Titanic Rumba. All I need is the first few notes of either song and I’m done for. I absolutely agree that she should have won, and that’s one of the reasons I was so intent on Nastia winning the gold MBT. Now that that’s been denied, my greatest desire is to foil the scheduled coronation. Cannot bear the thought of that putative “crown prince” with the gold.
@ Suzy, me too! Before the All-Stars season (and before discovering PureDWTS), I never paid much attention to the pros, but the dances Derek created for Shawn during All-Stars were so special and memorable to me, I became an instant fan of his. I’m a gymnastics fan too, so I loved Shawn both times she was on and have enjoyed her partnerships with Mark & Derek (I still watch a lot of their routines on YouTube).
I was not a Nastia fan (from gymnastics) but throughout the competition, I have come to enjoy her and the dances she & Derek (& Sasha) have performed. I think she should have been in the finals but I guess TPTB were too scared she & Derek would threaten Rumer & Val’s chances of winning the MBT. And because I feel she was seriously hosed by the producers (as well as Val’s shady remarks about them), I too am going to do everything I can to make sure “the chosen couple” don’t win.
I was mad because rallison did contemporary in the semi finals because I wanted them to do it for their freestyle now I am happy that they will probably do something upbeat…because two contemporary for a freestyle is enough…hopefully they go last because having them go first and then basically watching slow dancing is boring to me.#rallison
Ugh… I was too naive in the beginning. I just enjoyed watching the dances. But now, the blatant manipulation is too hard to ignore. This is my LAST season of watching the show. Thanks DWTS, but your producers suck big time, so good bye! I wish all the talented pros leave for greater opportunities, and the show will lose a massive number of fans!
@Jacob I agree on all points. Things have played out well for them. what comes of it? who knows? but glad his last dances will be more upbeat :)From the brief 30 min. live stream dance looking more like a jazz/hip hop type totally playing to Rikers strengths…Can’t wait!!
Riker chose the perfect dance to do again. If his freestyle is equally as good, we might have a winner. Am I surprised that Noah and sharna chose that dance….yes but in a good way. I was thinking it would be the Jazz one. As for rumor and Val, the foxtrot is a good choice if it’s the one yet are going with but you would think they would choose something like their samba or even their cha cha cha.
@kim, thank you for telling me what rallison will probably do for their freestyle..all I have been hearing about is what the other two couples are doing…hip hop and jazz is what allison is really good at chorographing.
I just thaught about it, but Rumer is going to dance two kindish contemporary in the finals if her re-do dance is the foxtrot… Is this a good thing ?
Rumer is doing her Foxtrot again? May I ask which one? The “Foxtrot” from Rumer is the dark, edgy, sharp, pretty one right? She has performed that for like 12849952 times now.
Noah is doing his Freestyle with the assist of four other pros? Yawn. No surprise. He can as well have a wedding at the end of it to tops it. Oh, and make it military-themed, just to secure his hands on the trophy.
Riker for the win then, by default. Or if Nastia could stomp on the scene and claim her rightful trophy, then Nastia for the win.
Now that nastia is gone i am gonna vote for riker..not the way I did for nastia…but I will use all my phones..lol..i was super pissed with nastia being eliminated…
i hope he wins…but. I don’t know how much of actuality that will be since the producers have pretty much made it super obvious who they want…and are probably willing to even ignore real results at this point…i would love to see an upset on Tuesday…
The fox trot that Valenrue prepared for the head to head challenge is a dance of theirs I actually like. Since it was one of three they had to prepare maybe they were too rushed to give it the full dark intensity treatment. Consequently, it had a lightness that I found otherwise completely missing from every single other one of their dances. I don’t imagine they’ll be doing any of that, but they should.
Oh Lord I just realized by re-doing her Foxtrot we will all witness the singers butcher “Take Me to Church” once again. Urgh. Better mute my audio when she performs then.
I so agree with whoever that said this first – the Freestyle round has now becoming completely stale. The large production that each dance had makes everything seems like a Freestyle, and by the time the actual Freestyle round came it just felt like another round of dance, instead of the most awaited dance of the season. In before everything had minimal props and themes and straight to dancing, the Freestyle seemed to be a fresh new thing everyone’s waiting for. And now it hardly means anything, they could as well do it in the first week and label it as “Contemporary” or “Jazz” and no one would bat an eye.
You are correct, Suzy. It was actually Henry who told everyone on AB that Derek and Shawn were redoing the Paso/Tango fushion. They were made to redo the quickstep – we know that because Derek is on record saying you shouldn’t do a dance more than twice in a season. He would never willingly redo it.
It makes sense that Shawn and Derek weren’t allowed to redo Paso-Tango Fusion that they actually haven’t dance together. All-stars finalists all did the week 3 dances. Do you believe it is coincidental?
One more thing is Melissa’s agent is one of the producer in this show. That’s why Melissa can be invited to compete All-stars (season 8 there are Shawn and Giles already) and the producer tried to pimp her and Tony by emphasizing they have never won blah blah blah and gave unreasonable high score for their mediocre execution and choreography (and underscore Shawn and Derek with their extravagant dances as well). In the finale the producer even forced Shawn and Derek to redo the rule-breaking quickstep and let them face the criticism by judges again.
Melissa even couldn’t follow the steps in 10-year anniversary and the result show. It makes her All-stars trophy shame. Also feel sad that Shawn was absent in anniversary due to her knee injury.
I mean the judges usually underscored Shawn and Derek’s extraordinary dances, not extravagant.
Yes, PH, you are correct, and even though the judges wanted to see the Quickstep by Kellie & Derek again, Derek had him and Kellie in different costumes and did a different choreography to the Quickstep from the first one. I thought the first one was good and the second one though was nothing but “awesome!”
Any word as to if Michael is performing at the finale? He is the only celebrity not listed?
@Carolyn I noticed that Michael was the only one missing too. The only thing I could think was that because Peta is having ankle issues that could be why he doesn’t have a dance or because of the comments he made about how he would rather be playing football than doing DWTS. Honestly not really wanting to have to watch Charlotte dance again or Redfoo lipsinc to his song.
@Carolyn,
I just saw a pic of him on Kym’s IG with a note about the last csmera blocking if the season. Not sure if Peta is back from Ohio though.
Doesn’t feel like a finale day at all. I feel like we’ve gotten very little media from the finalists over the last week. Maybe there’s some to come today. I know Riker and Allison are on Kelly and Michael but I was looking forward to some rehearsal interviews.
#DLT We have gotten more media about Rumer and Noah in general… Riker has got close to nothing…. and yes he is going to be on Kelly and Michael today through a live stream i think
Super cute rehearsal teasers, especially the first one where Emma gets a little butt tap from Derek. Adorable!
@Carolyn We had a lot of media coverage of Noah and Rumer… A lot.
Btw: It’s not normal that we get to see a sneek peak preview for Rumer and Noah freestyle but none of Riker’s. When you read articles, it’s all about those two. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think it’s their fault or anything. I like Noah and Rumer especially Noah but I would like to see more fairness from the producers. At this point, I know I shouldn’t be surprise but still it sucks because they all work hard to try to achieve the same. Usually, I’m sad that the season is ending but this time, I can’t wait to see the end after Nastia treatment, now Riker treatment… Can we go back to season 17, I think it was one the best season of Dwts (loved all the cast, no big pimping, great choreography, Sasha ;), no results shows and etc.)
In addition to TPTB pimpage, I have wondered how much of the Rumer media was paid for by the Moore-Willis PR firms. They can go to all the entertainment shows and promise interviews with big stars in return for the stories on Rumer.
@Linz – I think it’s the perfect storm of DWTS pimping and then her parents probably calling in favors. You can’t tell me they didn’t have something to do with her song being on iTunes and then the US Weekly mag cover, etc.
Nearly all entertainment media is the result of PR people, plain and simple. Hell, to be “sexiest man alive” your PR shill has to campaign for it.
DWTS also determines which celebs go on which shows and when – the show has it’s own PR people. Do the math…it’s just one more bit of manipulation.
Today Ryker on Kelly and Michael were there but it seemed awfully short to me. does it make sense to go to Disneyland to do an interview for 3 mins strange. Don’t know I may be imagining things but Ryker looked down not his usual enthusiastic self 🙁
Anyone else find it suspicious that Rumer & Val were interviewed by like 3 different sources, but Riker only JUST got an interview that lasted only 3 min??? If you aren’t convinced of PR bias, I think you should be. Competition should be equal, but of course the Producers want to play up favoritism… Why bother having other competitors on the show when its blatantly obvious who is favored to win by the press, producers, and pros? I want Riker to win, but if he doesn’t I actually really hope Noah does. I would LOVE to see Val’s face if either of them win. I am just SO sick of the manipulation going on. First they did it to Nastia & Derek. Now they’ve been doing it to Riker…Go Riker!
Today I am excited about rallison paso and freestyle..tomorrow I am excited about witney and alfonso dancing together again they are my favorite couple but I know at the end of the finale I will be sad because I know who will probably win even if rallison freestyle is better…if people are undecided about who they should vote for between noah and riker….vote riker…or not :)…..#teamrallison and that interview was short I dont think it matters anyway.
PH, thanks for confirming that about the P.R. The Daily Mail on line has used Rumer in their headline on nearly every story about the show this season. She has received about 95% of the publicity on that site for the show. I guess her parents have great representation and she has so benefitted from it.
Rumer’s presence seems so ubiquitous the past few weeks, that when I went up to small-town Wisconsin I was almost fearful of even asking my boyfriend’s mom and her friends who they have been voting for and want to win. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that they are all devoted to team Riker. They think he’s a wonderful dancer, good kid, hard worker and just too adorable.
So that gives me hope that it’s not a foregone conclusion tonight – I just want a “deserving” winner. If Rumer has an amazing freestyle and wins, then I’ll be fine with it. But if she is left in the dust by the other two and still manages to win due to the machinations of the producers and her parents’ PR power, then I’ll be disappointed.
@Figamentation the people from wisconsin have good taste I should know since I am from wisconsin and also voting for riker.
Did anyone see the post on Instagram of Rumer, apparently in some sort of recording session, singing “Toxic” by Britney? I’m guessing that is what their dance will be to… so now we have to endure judges fawning over her dancing AND her singing. Barf. I’ve always liked Val (aside from his lackluster choreo) and had found myself rooting for them a little bit from time to time, but the repetitive nature of their dances and the obvious push for her to win has just become too much for me. Team Riker!!
DW, we should all be so lucky to get a butt tap from Derek!
I don’t know what is going on in the Riker and Noah picture up top, but everytime I see it makes me smile.
Hey I am small town Wisconsin too. Our office is split in three. I agree that if Rumer is amazing she deserves that win. I think she has already won for her public appeal and that her career will take off, her talents were showcased nicely, mainly her surprising singing voice and the ability to play a character. I don’t think she needs the mirror ball for her to continue on her new success.
Riker is just a nice drama free kid, I am wondering if that is why his interviews and packages seem short. My friend thinks it has to do with his dancesport results becoming to public.
#Susan2 The picture is the beginning of Rumer’s all access when she says that Noah is helping take out the competition and Noah Flips Riker, it is really cute
@ Terasia she is very talented, and as a longtime ballet fan I LOVED Bruno’s Black Swan dance for them. As a person, when she is being genuine, I actually like her, and I have moments where I think to myself, ‘Aww, I would be OK with it if she won’. But the feeling of them being shoved down our throats and overhyped is becoming a major turn off and is overtaking any favorability she has for me. Also, I think Riker is just as good of a dancer. He can be a little spastic at times, but Rumer can be very very one note. Yet she gets praised for her “emotion” and “passion” and Riker gets criticized. I honestly see them as pretty equal and it will probably come down to who seems more likable and deserving after tonight, especially the freestyles. Which, based on what I’ve heard, may be Riker for me!
And I just feel that I have to throw it in here that Nastia is the most deserving of all of them. The blatant underscoring and negative portrayal in rehearsal packages was incredibly frustrating. I think Derek would have given her an incredible freestyle.
Hah, lots of Wisconsin folks! His parents live in a rural town in the SW corner of the state and it’s pretty conservative, so I expected more Noah support OR Rumer buy-in. But those old ladies all think Riker is the cutest, most wholesome thing.
I was a little annoyed that they all did the “I love Derek but he gets the best dancers” spiel too, but my boyfriend and I countered that argument (probably to no avail). My bf is still pretty miffed that Nastia is gone, and I’m a little sore over Willow too, but still looking forward to tonight and hopefully we’ll get some great routines!
Willow!! With all this talk about the finalists I forgot about her!! I was rooting for her so hard and was so bummed when she was eliminated. I was really hoping she’d make it to the finale. Can’t wait to see her dance again this week!!
#Mermaid28 The last part of your post made me cry. It would certainly have been a most memorable freestyle. I guess that’s why it’s been disallowed.
Did you know that Val plays violin on the recording Rumer made that they will dance to? Talk about a “vanity” project. I know some say he is well/classically trained, but to my ear he is nearly always at least a half note flat. I’m going to be muting the judges’ comments on their performance. I just cannot bear to listen to the fawning.
Derek doesn’t really always get the best dancers. Shannon, Joanna and Maria all started weak and improved a lot to get as far as they did. Amy and Kellie were probably also most improved from their seasons, and Kellie in particular had to do a huge amount to overcome Zendaya. Derek is probably the best teacher and choreographer on the show, and that accounts far more for his consistent high finishes than constant ringers. Val has had more ringers by percentage than Derek.
#64 Susan2: Ha, ha, I agree we should all be so lucky to get a butt tap from Derek! Emma seemed to like it! Too cute.
I am trying to get enthusiastic about the finale tonight but without Nastia & Derek it feels blah. I still feel so bummed out about their elimination and would have really loved to have seen what was sure to be a gorgeous freestyle. At least Derek will still be performing & I am so happy for him that he is able to dance. I am hoping Riker brings his “A” game and attracts votes for him to win.
I’ve never been impressed with Val’s violin playing. I agree with @Suzy – he always ends up going off pitch and it’s very, very grating. There’s a reason why he’s a dancer and not playing in an orchestra somewhere…
Mr A – I know, I told them that. My point was that THEY buy into that mentality, which was disappointing. Even though they love Derek, they felt he gets favoritism. I could do little to dissuade them.
#Fig I hear the same arguement about Derek up here, but I think this group votes for the underdog and feel Derek does not fit the bill for them.
I just found out that rumer probably have a rib injury im sure they will mention it in their package and after they are finish dancing.
Judy, it may or may not apply to Daily Mail – not sure, since that is a British publication. More likely DM is due to her parents, who are internationally known. You’ll note that Derek gets a lot of press in from them as well, since he’s known over there as Cheryl Cole’s bf, in addition to having been on a few TV shows.
Ah, that “Derek gets the best dancers” theme. I truly believe that the reason people spout this crap is that he’s just so freakin’ good at this show that all his partners DO look like great dancers, experience or no experience. Add in 5 MBTs and the math is simple to the non-thinking DWTS fan. And really, asking the average viewer to engage their brain in regards to Derek and this show is asking a bit much, I guess.
Yes, Val has far and away had more ringers than Derek by percentage. It’s not even close, actually. If all it was about was having “good dancers” then Val should have won 5 MBTs by now. So, what is the difference between the two men?? I think that is VERY obvious.
Guys should I vote during the show or after? because I am thinking of just voting during the show to get it over with and vote online.
If Noah and Sharna win I am sure Val will still make it look like they were beaten because of Noah’s story and he being an American Hero and not a great dancer. Rumer was still the best so, I would like Allison and Ryker to win but with the way DWTS is promoting Ryker seems to be lost in the race already 🙁
The reason Rumer headlines every Daily Mail story related to DWTS is because she’s the only celeb UK viewers may recognise due to her parents. Willow Shields used to get a bit of press as well until she got eliminated.
I hope next season Val will FINALLY get a partner with zero dance experience. Then let’s see how good he really is.
And if Val loses to Noah/Sharna or Riker/Allison, I’m sure he will somehow blame Derek for it.
#mishti — I start from the premise that really the only thing TPTB care about is a Valenrue win. Everything else is in service to that end. When looked at through that prism, they may well be keeping Riker as far away from the spotlight as possible because he’s a bigger threat to Valenrue than Noah. Their obsession with a Valenrue win is beyond question. If they considered Noah to be a real threat, I cannot imagine they would (as they’ve been doing) promote him with Rumer to the exclusion of Riker. At a minimum they would want to promote both men equally, hoping for as big a split in the vote as possible, which would obviously benefit Valenrue. Well, nobody puts Riker in a corner …. for long. He will reprise Captain Jack tonight, which I think is his most memorable/electrifying performance from the whole season. At this point he gives me hope that the season 20 agenda: MBT Giveaway, Part III, can be upended by the insurgency composed of Derek’s disgruntled voters, others disgusted by Val’s ill-temper, plus so many who have reached their limit in having Valenrue shoved down their throats. I will be proud to be an unintended consequence of the really bad decisions made by TPTB in pursuit of MBT Giveaway, Part III.
At this point the only thing I want is for Val to come in third. It can be Noah/Riker interchangeably for 1st or 2nd. I guess I’ll vote for whoever gives the best performance. Please let Val come in third.
Tonight’s show will have drama for poor Rumer dancing with a rib injury. Heard there is a clip of her crying (surprise, surprise) and Val comforting her. How pathetic, look what Noah goes through on a daily bases. I hope we over come this manipulation and get Noah or Riker the win.
I would like nothing better than Riker 2 win and will do my bit hoping 4 the best I hope Riker just kills his freestyle
Mishti, I am 100% sure Riker will kill his freestyle but I can also hear Len say, “That was not my cup of tea…..9” Can still hear him telling Amy & Derek that he felt the rope was not necessary and gave them a 9. The show has to make the public believe the best is Rumer/Val no matter the cost. Even telling the public Nastia is a Russian ice princess. That package & dance center piece still has me angry. We must get Noah or Riker the trophy to defeat tptb.
Apparently this time the judges will pick the encore freestyle. This will hopefully benefit Riker. His young fans won’t waste time tweeting for an encore, and will hopefully be voting for him.
#carolyn They also play a different kind of game give me full scores give him lots of appreciation and make it look like he is safe and he is going to be in top 2 or something like that they play all kinds of game that’s what they did with Derek and Nastia last week they gave sort of good package good scores they also tricked us into believing that they will have a spot in the finals.All they do is manipulate.That Dance Center pieces was horrible poor girl was trying not 2 give out too much information or be mean to any one or any thing and they used that against her I have a feeling they were asking her about the Henry/Sasha change and she dint want to say much. I am sure Riker will do his best. So, will the show! they will do their best too to make VAL and Rumer happen as well hell they may even score her a point low so that viewers get mad and vote.
I think one TPTB, D. Katz & others were able to manipulate, convince and declare with a win that the non-dancing, still looking for her ticket to the spotlight Melissa Rycroft, was a better dancer and deserving the All-Star MBT ( I still gag so hard over that thought) OVER Shawn Johnson – – – the writing was on the wall for the level of ridiculousness this show would go to get the winner that serves their particular purpose for a particular season.
The thing about this nastiness with Nastia (and with Shawn looking for a comeback of sorts )is the heart and work ethic of athletes, esp Olympians. To make light of that, to belittle it, to use her (and Derek) to keep viewers and then just trash it all for ratings Well I really hope you are all successful at totally trashing “the plan for this season” but I have a feeling it will turn out the way it was planned from Day 1 – – just like Alfonso, just like Meryl and oh so many others.
Sorry I meant to say “I think ONCE “-sticky keys lol
Interestingly, with 3 perfect scores behind her and up to 3 dances in the finals, Rumer and Val could equal Jennifer and Derek/Meryl and Maks’ record of 6 perfect scores. Had they made the final, Nastia and Derek would have had the same chance.
Mildly Interesting/ Virtually Irrelevant Stat Man out!
I was doing some thinking and noticed how similar the eliminations this season are to that of season 11:
12th: David Hasselhoff-Redfoo (People who TPTB likely didn’t see going first)
11th: Michael Bolton- Charlotte McKinney (both left after rude comments from Bruno)
10th: Margaret Cho- Michael Sam (both left after dances with a LGBT theme)
9th: The Sitatuon- Suzanne Somers (Honestly I got nothing for this one)
8th: Florence Henderson- Patti LaBelle (the token older woman)
7th: Audrina Patridge- Willow Shields ( strong dancers who left being towards the top of the leaderboard but small fan support)
6th: Rick Fox- Robert Herjavec (Both middle aged men who excelled better in ballroom)
5th: Chris Soules- Kurt Warner (Both weaker dancers who had a strong fan base but at t his point clearly the weakest link)
4th: Brandy- Nastia Luikin (the frontrunner who shockingly left in the semis despite 10’s the previous night)
3rd: Bristol Palin- Noah? (the one who was the weakest one in the finals and appealed to the typical “middle America” voting block
2nd: Kyle Massey- Riker? (the young male star who was entertaining but not the best technique at times)
1st: Jennifer Grey- Rumer? (the season long frontrunner who was on top at the premiere but had a few rougher weeks in the middle, but prevailed in the end