‘Dancing with the Stars:’ My Predictions For The Top Three Couples

Every Tuesday night at 8 p.m., my roommates and I pile onto our five-foot couch in anticipation of watching our favorite dancing competition, Dancing with the Stars. For weeks now, we’ve watched as internet personalities, athletes, comedians, and actors take on a new dance style and theme to perfect for that week. We constantly debate over who is going home that night, who had a bad dance for the week, and whether we could be better judges than the ones on the show. However, our biggest argument is who we think will be the final three left on the dancefloor. Here are my predictions for the top three couples on Dancing with the Stars. 

Honorable Mention: Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas

This The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reality star is most definitely a strong contender in this competition. Whitney Leavitt and her professional dance partner Mark Ballas have consistently scored high each week. With strong dances such as their Paso Doble to “No More Tears” by Ozzy Osbourne and their quickstep to “Popular” from the Wicked soundtrack, they are easily seen as fierce competitors. 

However, the reason they are my honorable mention stems from controversy and lack of fan support. The results of the show rely largely on fan votes, which Whitney lacks from the audience. Following a recent controversy over a ticket giveaway — which some critics labeled a “bribe for votes” — their support has noticeably declined. Overall, Whitney and Mark are strong performers with sharp techniques, but the lack of support from fans will most likely keep them from reaching the podium. 

In Third Place: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson

I love this Australian, animal-loving wildlife conservationist, like many of other viewers. Due to his lovable, ready-to-learn personality, he has thrived in this competition already. Partnered with Witney Carson, the season 19 winner of the show, they make a powerful duo. With Witney’s skilled choreography and Robert’s drive to improve, they have continued to score high throughout the past few weeks. 

Robert and Witney’s contemporary dance to ‘You’ll Be in My Heart’ by Phil Collins, dedicated to his mother, was emotional and memorable for viewers far and wide. It earned a 35 out of 40, solidifying his spot as a top scorer. In contrast to this soft contemporary, Robert and Witney performed to “Icky Thump” by The White Stripes. In the style of Paso Doble, this showed that Robert doesn’t lack in power and strength, but rather he thrives in it. This dance earned a high 38 out of 40 that asserted Robert and Witney as a force to be reckoned with.  

This competition is intense and highly competitive. While Robert is undeniably a crowd favorite, he doesn’t have the technical skills that might secure him the top spot. The judges’ primary critique is on his occasional display of stiffness during the smoother dance styles. Compared to his fellow competitors, Robert falls just short, likely placing him in third. 

In Second Place: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa 

Power, versatility, and talent are three words I would use to describe the Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles. Since week one, she has been a strong contender for the final three, showcasing her gymnastic and dancing abilities. Paired with Ezra Sosa, the couple is not afraid to take risks with their dances. Jordan’s work ethic shines through week after week through the electric performances she delivers with Ezra. Due to her background as a gymnast, Jordan does flips and tricks that set her apart from her competition. Regardless of the style, the pair consistently put on shows that are both entertaining and technically impressive.   

Jordan and Ezra’s recent dance to “River Deep – Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner was an electric and dynamic Jazz routine. Immediately, the dance showcases her skills, as she back handsprings and flips across the stage. This dance scored an impressive 38 out 40, easily setting her apart from the other competition while demonstrating the power she holds in this competition. Jordan and Ezra danced to “For Good” from the Wicked soundtrack in the dance style of a Rumba. While this dance was softer and emotional, it was still performed with ease and professionalism. They scored a 39 out of 40, which placed them towards the top of the pack where they have remained since.  

In my opinion, Jordan has the strongest technical skills and tricks to garner a winning performance. However, she doesn’t seem to have the same fan-vote power as my number one pick. Don’t get me wrong, plenty of viewers root for her and Ezra each week, but without that final push of fan support, she’s likely to fall just short of the top spot. 

In First Place: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy

Weren’t we all thinking it? The internet icon and Miami influencer Alix Earle has shown time and time again that she deserves that Mirrorball Trophy. Paired with the three-time winner, Val Chmerkovskiy, they make an unstoppable pair. Alix has undoubtable drive and energy that will surely carry her to become the last one dancing. As the weeks go on, her technique and skill gets better as the choreography gets harder.  

Alix and Val’s Paso Doble to “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi was a powerful show of the talent these two hold. In this dance Alix is spunky and charming and Val is smooth and strong, which leads to a dynamic mix and a score of 39 out of 40. Alix can do it all, with her emotional contemporary to “Sparks” by Coldplay, pulling at many heartstrings as she performed with her little sister. This dance was emotional and gentle, showcasing Alix’s vulnerability while still being technical. This dance scored a 35 out of 40, which was the second-highest score of that night. 

While I do believe Alix has the passion to learn and can improve her skills, one of her biggest strengths is her massive fanbase. Most of this fanbase comes from her huge following on social media. However, there are still those who have started to root for the influencer without knowing who she was before, purely based off of what they see on-screen. Her ambition and her authenticity in wanting to be on stage make up her charming character. I find myself rooting for her because I truly believe that she wants to be there to improve and to win. I believe that in just a few weeks, we will see Alix and Val holding the Mirrorball Trophy. 

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