Last week, shockingly no one was eliminated from “Dancing with the Stars,” for the first time ever leaving five finalists to compete for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: actress Xochitl Gomez, actress Alyson Hannigan, “The Bachelorette” alum Charity Lawson, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix and singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. So what happens when those five perform their last two competitive routines on “Finale” night? Scroll down for our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary as the night progresses.
First up is a redemption round in which the celebrities will perform new routines in a style they previously learned, but which could have used some improvement. Jason will tackle the foxtrot which he previously performed on “Disney100 Night,” landing them third on the judges’ leaderboard. Ariana will redo the samba, which placed her fifth on the leaderboard back on “Latin Night.” Charity will try to redeem her season premiere tango even though that brought her the best score of the night. And Alyson will re-attempt a salsa, which she struggled through during the premiere episode.
That will be followed by a freestyle round in which all bets are off and all rules are out the window. Those routines will challenge not just the celebs’ skills but also their pro partners’ choreographic creativity. But that’s not all that’s in store for the three-hour “Finale” extravaganza. There will also be a new dance by last season’s Mirror Ball champions Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas, a holiday routine set to Mariah Carey‘s “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” and contestant Jason Mraz will take the stage for a performance of his song “I Feel Like Dancing.” What are you most looking forward to tonight? Follow along below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).
Daniel Montgomery, 8:04pm — Starting with the clip show portion of the evening LOL
Jeffrey Kare, 8:06pm — This must be what’s mostly filling out the first hour.
DM, 8:07pm — You might be right.
Cordell Martin, 8:09pm — Oh goodness lol
DM, 8:10pm — I do like the more in-depth analyses of the dances, wish they had been sprinkled more throughout the season.
DM, 8:11pm — I’m trying to figure out who’s dancing when based on where everyone is in the hair and makeup process. Jason Mraz might be going early since they were already practicing in full wardrobe.
JK, 8:12pm — That’s what I’m thinking.
DM, 8:13pm — We might have to wait a bit for Charity since they were still in their robes LOL.
JK, 8:19pm — OK, clip show for the first half hour then.
DM, 8:19pm — Yeah, literally announcing upfront how much filler there is LOL.
DM, 8:21pm — Aly and Sasha were still in robes, so I speculate they’re dancing later in the evening. This is how I’m spending my time, analyzing backstage wardrobe
DM, 8:23pm — Now that’s not a sight I don’t want to see. Ariana in physical therapy. But maybe they should work on her back, make sure that’s in tip-top shape.
CM, 8:23pm — I know, right.
DM, 8:29pm — Okay, NOW we’re about to get started. The whole rest of that was basically a red carpet pre-show.
JK, 8:30pm — Pretty much
DM, 8:34pm — I kinda wish we got more of Matt Walsh. Maybe he coulda shown us something.
JK, 8:34pm — The world may never know.
DM, 8:34pm — Jeez, the celebs are suspended from the ceiling. I hope the “DWTS” insurance policy is good.
REDEMPTION ROUND
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber (Salsa)
CM, 8:36pm — Alyson is up first.
JK, 8:37pm — We’ll see how this goes.
DM, 8:38pm — I really want to see Alyson kill this salsa after what happened in week one. She’s the one who needs the most redemption in this round.
CM, 8:39pm — That was a fun routine. Obviously much better than week one.
JK, 8:39pm — Such a burst of energy to start off the night!
DM, 8:39pm — She wasn’t always on her timing, but she clearly had fun, and it was MILES better than her week one attempt.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann Inaba thought she did an amazing job, she’s a different person from the person who started the season. Derek Hough thinks the improvement is insane, the confidence, the joy. She owned the crowd. And Bruno Tonioli thought she was saucy, he loves to see her confidence blossom.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (8). Bruno (8) = 25 out of 30
DM, 8:43pm — Harry crying for Alyson, I’ve never related to him more in my life LOL
CM, 8:43pm — Harry is trying to give her some extra votes lol
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach (Foxtrot)
DM, 8:47pm — Jason should be fine with the foxtrot. He has improved greatly in hold for ballroom routines.
DM, 8:51pm — He looked way more comfortable in that routine than he did the first time. I wish they wouldn’t use the fog machine though. You can’t see their damn feet.
CM, 8:52pm — Jason was in his element with this foxtrot
JK, 8:52pm — So classy! So elegant! So glorious!
JUDGES — Bruno thought Len would love it because it was pure classic ballroom foxtrot. Carrie Ann thinks he was effortless, and he had fun with it in addition to his solid form. Derek thought Jason was stellar with control, his frame much better than before.
DM, 8:54pm — I wonder if he’ll get 9s or 10s. Alyson’s scores looked like the judges aren’t just gonna whip out the 10 paddles for anything.
CM, 8:55pm — I’m thinking 10s
JK, 8:55pm — Me too
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 8:59pm — Well deserved!
DM, 8:59pm — Yeah, I’m not surprised by those 10s either. Feels like it’s a victory lap for everybody. If they stay upright, they’ll get 10s. Not that it was undeserved.
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov (Samba)
DM, 9:01pm — Scared for Ariana on this samba with her back pain recently.
DM, 9:03pm — Looking a little awkward in places. I think there were a couple of mistakes in there, but she kept it together.
CM, 9:04pm — Maybe it was me but she was off a bit at times.
JK, 9:04pm — For the most part, she did the best she could.
JUDGES — Derek thought she was a samba queen with a lot of improvement and refinement. Bruno improved and works every moment. Carrie Ann thought it was much improved, but she was ahead of the music at times, and there were a couple of mistakes.
CM, 9:05pm — She deserve 9’s at the most.
DM, 9:05pm — I agree. Carrie Ann kept it 100.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
JK, 9:07pm — Turns out, only one of the judges gives her a 9.
CM, 9:07pm — That’s a load of BS
DM, 9:07pm — Stay upright, and four of the dancers will get 10s. It took VERY NOTICEABLE mistakes for her to even get one 9.
CM, 9:07pm — I know, right?
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas Exhibition
CM, 9:15pm — She’s so good!
DM, 9:15pm — She’s basically a professional dancer. She could be a pro partner next season if she wanted to.
JK, 9:16pm — Killed it again!
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev (Tango)
JK, 9:17pm — They’re probably saving the best for last with Xochitl.
DM, 9:17pm — Basically … No offense to Charity LOL, she’s super good too.
DM, 9:20pm — Kill the damn fog machine! I can’t see their feet!
CM, 9:21pm — She did that.
DM, 9:22pm — Yeah, she did the thing. Intense, fierce, an ACTUAL 10 routine.
CM, 9:22pm — Yes!!!!
JK, 9:22pm — Surprising absolutely no one, that was excellent!
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was amazing and had connection, but she noticed something that might have been a mistake. But Derek thought it was the best dance of the night so far, strong and intense, the kind of dance he wants to see in the final. Bruno thought it was impeccably elegant combined with power.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
DM, 9:24pm — Carrie Ann didn’t get the memo that they’re supposed to ignore mistakes in the finale and just be cheerleaders LOL. Right now Carrie Ann is the only judge I’m listening to.
CM, 9:24pm — I know right? LOL
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy (Foxtrot)
DM, 9:28pm — Usually we don’t have to worry about Xochitl making mistakes, so hopefully we can relax with this one.
DM, 9:32pm — Xochitl noticeably missed Val’s hand during one move, but not bad enough to keep her from 10s I don’t think.
CM, 9:33pm — Another beautiful performance
JK, 9:33pm — Incredible!
CM, 9:33pm — She’ll get all 10s lol
JUDGES — Bruno praises her musicality, it’s a delight to watch her. Carrie Ann says she’s breaktakingly beautiful, and she’s strong. Derek praises her for thriving under pressure, it was epitome of grace and fluidity.
JK, 9:35pm — I’ll be surprised if she isn’t crowned the winner by the end of the night.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” Dance
JK, 9:43pm — What a way to get in the holiday spirit!
DM, 9:44pm — I’m glad we have hosts who can actually hold their own on the dance floor
CM, 9:45pm — Was that shade Daniel? Lol
FREESTYLE ROUND
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev
CM, 9:47pm — Wow Charity is going first?
DM, 9:47pm — That poor woman had to go to the hospital just to try to win the Mirror Ball. That looked painful.
DM, 9:50pm — That was a fantastic freestyle. Really good idea bringing her cheerleading experience into it. Reminds me of Shangela bringing her drag world into it.
CM, 9:51pm — She did that. Glad she played to her strengths
JUDGES — Derek feels like Charity has been waiting all season to do just that, he’s never seen anything like it. Bruno thought it was insane, deserved to be at the Super Bowl. Carrie Ann thought the level of difficulty was insane.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
CM, 9:52pm — Well deserved.
CM, 9:53pm — I wonder who is going last?
DM, 8:56pm — Ariana maybe?
JK, 9:56pm — Sounds like a possibility.
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach
DM, 9:57pm — I’m such a huge fan of Jason this season. Looking forward to this routine.
DM, 10:01pm — That routine was so good it made me mad we never got a Charleston this season.
JK, 10:02pm — Very inventive staging. Very lively routine.
CM, 10:02pm — That was fun. Another couple who played to their strengths.
DM, 10:03pm — Someone shoulda told him he didn’t need to try that hard. LOL
JUDGES — Bruno said he pushed the feel-good factor through the roof, based on Lindy hop. Carrie Ann thought it was an amazing breakthrough and she thanks him for being vulnerable. Derek says he didn’t just try, he succeeded.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 10:04pm — If only Derek actually had an 11 paddle board.
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov
DM, 10:10pm — Now we get to see Pasha’s real skill as a choreographer. Looking forward to seeing his creativity.
DM, 10:13pm — Pasha has a hip-hop spirit, who’d have thought?
CM, 10:14pm — I like Charity’s and Jason’s much more.
JK, 10:15pm — Very killer all around.
CM, 10:15pm — It was cute.
DM, 10:16pm — I liked it a little better than you did, Cordell. But I agree those other two were better.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was off-the-charts. Derek thought she shined in the routine, she was the main character. Bruno likes a woman on top who calls the shots, it was hot as hell.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 10:17pm — Turns out, Xochitl is going on last in both rounds tonight.
CM, 10:17pm — I will say Charity and Ariana are fighting for 3rd and 4th place.
DM, 10:17pm — I still think Charity has a shot at 2nd depending on “Bachelor Nation.” I really hope we don’t get yet another “Bachelorette” winner, though.
CM, 10:18pm — Yes although she would be my favorite bachelorette winner plus it’s been long overdue for another black woman to win the mirrorball
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber
DM, 10:21pm — Please don’t break Alyson, Sasha. LOL
CM, 10:25pm — I’m so happy for her.
JK, 10:26pm — What an exciting last dance for Alyson!
CM, 10:26pm — Give her 10s lol
DM, 10:26pm — Yeah, give her her damn 10s. Sasha even gave her some legit choreography.
JUDGES — Derek praises her for her courage. Bruno says she’s a pleasure, she’s the people’s champion. Carrie Ann thought she had strong lines and lifts.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9). Bruno (10) = 28 out of 30
JK, 10:28pm — At least Bruno did give her a 10.
DM, 10:29pm — It’s like the judges came into the night with the idea that this was a four-finalist competition, and also Alyson is there. Put some respeck on her name, judges!
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy
DM, 10:32pm — The challenge for Val as a choreographer will be narrowing it down. Xochitl has no weak points so he could have her do a little of anything and everything. What will be the focus, though?
DM, 10:34pm — I was today years old when I learned Val was a violinist?!
CM, 10:36pm — Great way to end this season.
JK, 10:37pm — So mesmerizing! I’m speechless!
DM, 10:38pm — That was a hell of a lot of fun, but it seemed a little easy for Xochitl given what she’s capable of. Not as ambitious as I expected.
CM, 10:39pm — I agree. Let’s just crown her the winner lol. Will she best the second or third youngest Mirror Ball champ?
JUDGES — Bruno thought her artistry and her ability to play a scene makes her outstanding. Carrie Ann praises the way she has represented herself, it was a side of her we’ve never seen before. Derek thought the partners have a beautiful connection, she’s the most charismatic dancer on the show.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10). Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD
1. Xochitl Gomez — 120
2. Charity Lawson — 118
3. Ariana Madix — 117
3. Jason Mraz — 117
5. Alyson Hannigan — 104
RESULTS
DM, 10:42pm — My ideal final placements: 1. Xochit, 2. Jason, 3. Charity, 4. Ariana, 5. Alyson.
JK, 10:43pm — Sounds plausible.
DM, 10:48pm — Haha, they closed voting before Jason performed. I suppose that’s only fair not to let him give an extra performance going into voting.
DM, 10:52pm — They’d better not wimp out by just announcing the winner. I want to know placements.
DM, 10:54pm — Yay, Sarah Michelle Gellar cameo!
DM, 10:55pm — Fifth place goes to Alyson Hannigan! Congrats girl! Fourth place is Charity Lawson. Third place is Ariana Madix!
JK, 10:56pm — Now they’re making us wait a little longer.
DM, 10:56pm — Damn commercial breaks.
CM, 10:57pm — Well we predicted those would be the final two.
DM, 10:58pm — I’m happy with these results. I would’ve switched Ariana and Charity’s placements, but either way would’ve been deserved.
DM, 10:59pm — And the winner is … XOCHITL GOMEZ!
CM, 11:00pm — Shocker lol
JK, 11:00pm — While not surprising, they still couldn’t be more deserving.
CM, 11:00pm — I agree. One of my favorite seasons.
JK, 11:01pm — Mine too
DM, 11:01pm — Mine three lol
