Dancing With the Stars S29E11: Finale

DWTS' Finale Was Full of Delightful Surprises, Except Who Was Crowned Champion
by Kim Krober

And just like that, another sequin-filled season of Dancing with the Stars came to a close. Highlights from the finale included seeing Derek Hough take to the dance floor again, this time solo with a routine set to "Let's Fall in Love for the Night." He is such a delight to watch. He channeled his inner Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and just cut loose on the costume and props department in the cutest dance I've seen in a while and the most comforting thing about tonight. It was also great to see many of the eliminated contestants return (especially Jeannie Mai looking alive and well) and finalist Nelly perform a medley of his greatest hits while his partner Daniella danced with her husband and fellow pro, Pasha Pashkov. I never realized how cute these two are together.

There were a lot of naysayers boycotting the show because Nelly made it to the finale. If you want my two cents, I wasn't bothered by him being at the finish line. He was entertaining to watch and he worked hard. Just look at last week's breakthrough Jive to the Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Jump Jive And Wail" or his heartfelt Rumba to "Nobody Knows" by the Tony Rich Project. I preferred seeing him here over Kaitlyn. I wish Johnny wasn't eliminated last week, but in a reality competition based upon America's votes and popularity contests, we don't always get what we want. I despise the "Bachelor Nation" and all it stands for, but that being said, I wasn't worried that Kaitlyn would be crowned champion. The others had better odds of winning. I found myself torn between Nev and Justina, as both were deserving of the Mirrorball trophy this season, but ultimately I think I was rooting for Nev's showmanship.
 

During the first round, each remaining couple was given the chance to redo their favorite dance of the season. And then it was time for the highly anticipated Freestyle round, where anything goes and people really let loose and get fancy-free. Let's take a look at how your favorites did on this final week of competition:

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Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev, Argentine Tango

To the surprise of no one, Kaitlyn and Artem chose to repeat their Argentine Tango to Britney Spears' "Toxic." It was probably her best dance of the season and she was obviously thrilled to dance to a favorite Britney song. Derek called her a true contender for the Mirrorball. Bruno told her she took his breath away and he was tingling all over. Carrie Ann enjoyed seeing her become an exquisite dancer, calling it one of her top three favorites of all time.

Score: 30

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Nelly & Daniella Karagach, Samba

Nelly and Daniella recreated their Samba to DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night." Bruno complimented his spontaneity and charm. Carrie Ann said his journey on the show was fascinating and that dance is about the joy of life and not just about the steps. Derek also praised him for being a "moment-maker" and making people feel good throughout the competition. Aww, he's auctioning off his specially made dance shoes to benefit teens? What a nice thing to do!

Score: 27

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Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson, Paso Doble

I really enjoyed seeing Nev and Jenna recreate their memorable Paso Doble set to "Black Swan Swan Lake" by District 78. Such dark intensity! Carrie Ann said it was once again perfection with artistry and technical precision. Derek loved the new opening and teased Nev for "catfishing" everyone from week one to now because he's blossomed into such a bona fide dancer. Bruno appreciated more intensity and drama the second time around.

Score: 30

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Justina Machado & Sasha Farber, Cha Cha

Justina and Sasha's Cha Cha to Aretha Franklin's "Respect" deserved some respect and an encore performance. Derek admired her exploding charisma and the mic flip in which she sang. Bruno told her she knows how to shake a tail feather, calling her almost too hot to trot. Carrie Ann said she lights the hardwood floors on fire in a way nobody else knows how to do in this competition. Tyra Banks said it was bananas. Um, thanks for the colorful commentary.

Score: 30

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Freestyle Round

Nelly & Daniella Karagach, Freestyle

 

In what was likely another first for the program, Nelly and Daniella's Freestyle brought out music samplings from “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion and “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. I enjoyed the gangsta vibe. Bruno called Nelly the king of swag and the king of bling, bringing hip-hop royalty to the ballroom. Carrie Ann said it was a hopeful hybrid of hip-hop and ballroom, showing what the future could hold for dance. Derek loved the intro and ending move, saying Nelly went out on a high note. It was great to see him finally earn a perfect score!

Score: 30

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Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev, Freestyle

Kaitlyn and Artem's Freestyle set to "Sparkling Diamonds" from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack had cute costumes and vintage dance moves to class it up, so I didn't hate it. Carrie Ann had high expectations for this freestyle and said luckily they met them. Derek said 10's a girl's best friend, admiring everything about the dance from the swing to the swinging dance moves. Bruno loved the jam-packed content and dazzling showcase of her talents.

Score: 30

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Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson, Freestyle

Nev and Jenna's Freestyle to "Singin' in the Rain" was adorable from start to finish. I loved that it reflected his love for old musicals but jazzed it up with a modern, vibrant feel. Derek called him a leading man, saying he brings out the best in Jenna as much as she brings out the best in him. Bruno said they were aiming high with this Freestyle, but they succeeded. Carrie Ann enjoyed the levels of classy and raunchy, as well as the magical partnership.

Score: 30

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Justina Machado & Sasha Farber, Freestyle

Justina and Sasha's Freestyle to "Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez and “Bamboleo” by The Gypsy Kings was the perfect reflection of her proud Latina heritage. I loved the colorfulness of everything. It felt like a true celebration of the season with lasers, confetti, and pyrotechnics. Bruno called it a celebration of the Latin experience and a zest for life, bubbling about it being a tonic for the soul. Carrie Ann loved the dance and its powerful message of her strength, courage, and culture. Derek couldn't think of a better Freestyle to finish the entire season, saying they crushed it. I would concur.

Score: 30

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With five minutes remaining, there was no built-up fanfare as the winners were revealed. It was all very matter-of-fact. The couple in fourth place was Justina & Sasha. The couple in third place was Nelly & Daniella. The couple in second place was Nev & Jenna. And then Kaitlyn & Artem were crowned Dancing with the Stars Champions. I sat angry at my keyboard for about five minutes, letting the knowledge sink in about the winners. I am happy for Artem on his first win as he is a talented dance pro who deserves a spotlight, but I don't feel Kaitlyn was the best dancer in this competition. This season broke my heart many times. What did you think of the finale? Do you think the right couple took home the Mirrorball trophy this season?