DWTS: The Final Results!

And the winner is...  Wait not yet, there's an hour of show to get through!  We've finally arrived at the moment where we find out who takes home the Mirror Ball.  Will it be Katherine, Donald, or William?  Well, first we have to watch a hefty dose of video footage and musical guests!

So let's get started!  The show kicks off with what you think would be a cha cha but ends up being more like ballroom dancers attempting hip hop.  Not my favorite but the parade of kicked off couples was necessary so not a complete waste of time.  Followed up that video footage we were all expecting.

Donald & Peta's freestyle is up for a re-performance.  And the of course, more video footage, expect more!

Wow, actual dancing now!  Sherri is up for a performance with Val, featuring Maks, Tony, and DWTS troupe members to It's Raining Men.  It was an adorable number and the actual cha cha portions were great!  Looks like she worked hard to convince us she left before her time.  Now since we've had some dancing we've got to go back to video footage and commercials for a bit.

More dancing now!  A foxtrot from Martina & Tony reminds us why she was probably right to leave so early and a samba from Jack & Anna reminds us of exactly the opposite.  After some more footage Gavin & Karina's samba was up.  They were right to surround him with ladies and not make him move too much.

Gladys & Tristan's cha cha reminded me how much I enjoyed watching her in the first week.  Her natural movement and groove is just contagious.  Jaleel & Kym's paso to Shaft featuring the DWTS troupe was interesting, not my favorite but he seemed into it.

Melissa's dance was a redo of her trio with Maks and Val which was about as good as the last time.  Roshon & Chelsie finally go the chance to do the freestyle they (and many fans) wanted.  A fun hip hop routine with a bit of cha cha thrown in, it was good to see him do something new that he clearly was loving. 

Time for the first musical performance of the show with Kelly Clarkson singing a medley accompanied by some dancing (which was somewhat lackluster).  Maria & Derek's dance was a redo of their Argentine which was maybe even a little better than last time since she didn't seem so uptight and nervous.

Finally after what seems like hours of needless video footage, we're on to the finalists last dances.  Remember of course they only had a few hours to come up with these numbers and obviously only the judges can vote.  Up first are William & Cheryl with their salsa which is obviously a good choice for them given the time constraints.  I would have loved to see a little bit more partnering and some club style salsa in there to show off his natural moves but even without it the number was great.  Lots of shines and side by side work with a some tricks as well, all well done.  Unsurprisingly the judges loved the dance and gave them a perfect 30.

Katherine & Mark are up next with the jive.  It was cute and entertaining.  It felt a little bit like they were racing to keep up with the music but she kept it together and clean.  The judges once again unsurprisingly loved her as they have all season.  The scores?  Why a perfect 30 of course!

Last up, Donald & Peta with their cha cha which got a standing O from the audience before they even started.  The dance was well done and of course once again Donald was so enjoyable to watch.  He just always sells it and I think its because he's just really enjoying it all that much.  The judges kept with their trend and awarded a perfect 30.  Surprise, surprise!  This means of course as predicted the judges scores were so close it is clearly going to come down to audience votes. 

Gladys is up now singing The Way We Were.  The finalists are forced to stand on stage to watch.  Donald is grooving, Cheryl is watching the video screens (more video?!), and Katherine & Mark are both crying.

Time for an elimination, also known as third place.  Everyone looks nervous with Katherine looking down right nauseous.  And it's William & Cheryl in third place which seems about right to me.

Alright, the moment has come!  Is it Donald or Katherine?  It's Donald and he's rolling on the floor and Peta is screaming and they certainly look like they can't wait to grab that Mirror Ball!

It's been a great season everyone!  See you in the fall for the All Stars Season!  Congratulations to Donald & Peta!