For the last episode of Dancing with the Stars, Robert, Alix, Jordan, Dylan, and Elaine competed for the Len Goodman Mirrorball. The stars will perform three dances tonight: one of the judges’ choosing, one instant dance, and a final dance of freestyle. Let’s see how the finale played out!
*WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*
Judge’s Choice
For the first round of the night, each star was assigned a different judge to choose their dance style and give them advice on how to further improve their style for the last night.
Alix and Val
Alix and Val were assigned Carrie Anne as their judge, and she selected a Samba for them to perform to “Hip Hip Chin Chin” by Club des Belugas. This dance was a hard one to have for the finale, as the samba is largely regarded as one of the hardest styles to get on the show due to the technicality required. However, Alix and Val killed this dance with an amazing performance as well as fun costumes. I was thrilled that Val included samba rolls in their choreography, which the judges also complimented. Their other comments included complimenting her perfect technique, as well as the content and performance in the dance. Alix received three tens, which I wholeheartedly agree with.
Dylan and Daniella
Next up, Dylan and Daniella performed a Paso Doble to “Stampede” by Alexander Jean, selected by Bruno. This dance was intense and entertaining, clearly showcasing Dylan’s growth. Although he has slightly regressed from weeks past, I still thought this dance was impressive. The judges pointed out that there were a few small stumbles, moments his hands got a little flat at times, and missed opportunities to stretch out his shapes a little bit more. On the positive side, they complimented his amazing growth as a dancer. Dylan received two nines and a ten, and I agree with the nines.
Elaine and alan
Elaine and Alan were next to perform a rumba to “Take My Breath Away” by Jae Hall, which was selected by Derek. This dance was cute and simple, and I liked Alan’s choreography as always. I still find it a little boring to watch Elaine compared to the other contestants. Additionally, I did not see her add more rumba, as she said in her package. The judges had many compliments for Elaine; they said that her dance was exquisite and a perfect balance of elegance and sensuality. They also mentioned how this was a breakthrough dance of sorts, and have been waiting for a dance like this from Elaine. Elaine received three tens, although I would’ve given her a nine because I was slightly bored while watching.
Robert and whitney
Robert was next to dance a quickstep to Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” selected by Derek. This dance was impressively fast, and Robert’s legs and footwork were really impressive. Robert always looks so overjoyed to be dancing, which really adds to his performance quality. Though this dance was slightly out of sync at some points, it was still impressive because of its complexity. The judges complimented how Robert was the quickstep king and that his footwork was crisp, clean, nimble, and light. They did mention how the timing of the kip up in this dance was off. Robert received two tens and a nine. I would’ve also given him a ten; however, I am not mad that he received a nine, as I didn’t think this dance was a perfect thirty.
Jordan and ezra
Jordan and Ezra were last to dance in this round, performing a Paso Doble to “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna, selected by Carrie Anne. This dance was very sharp and clean, and all I could focus on the whole time was how muscular Jordan is! At some points, she was slightly hunching her shoulders a little bit, but this dance overall was incredible. The judges complimented how intensely Jordan performed this dance, as well as her strength and ferocity. They did mention that at the start of the dance, there was almost too much attack, but it came back into focus later on. Jordan received two tens and a nine, which is the same as Robert’s score. I would’ve given her a ten, but I don’t think that this dance deserves a perfect thirty as well.
Instant dance
The next round was the instant dance round, in which the stars learned four different styles and then received their style right before they had to perform it. Dancers get a short prep time to rehearse and change their costumes. Alix and Val were first to perform, dancing a Cha Cha to “Where’s My Husband.” Unfortunately, they stayed in the same costume as the first round, I would’ve liked to see a different one. Regardless, this dance was a fun week one do-over. The dance was slightly stiff in the hips, and there was a small mishap in the end, but overall, it was impressive that they pulled this dance out on the fly. Alix and Val received three tens, which I agree with. Dylan performed a foxtrot to “Ordinary,” which is not my favorite song, but Dylan did a good job in his performance. I liked the fluidity, and the judges called this dance one of the best foxtrots from a man on this show ever, which is an impressive compliment. Dylan received three tens, which I agree with. Elaine and Alan were next, and danced a quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love,” which was cute, although there were a lot of mess-ups that were noticeable. The judges complemented this dance, saying she is the quickstep queen, which I disagree with, but it was a fine dance for this challenge. Elaine received three nines, although I would’ve given her an eight. Robert and Whitney next danced a Cha Cha to “Cake by the Ocean.” I wish they had gotten a different style because he seems to do better with the faster dances, and I would’ve liked to see a little more range from him. I liked the energy in this dance and the choreography. It received three tens, which I agree with. Finally, Jordan and Ezra performed a tango to “I Like It,” which was very entertaining, strong, and focused. This dance received three tens, which I agree with, and their dance concluded the instant dance portion of the night.
FreeStyle
Finally, the last portion of the competition tonight was the freestyle section, in which the stars can perform anything they like as their last piece on the show.
Alix and val
Alix and Val were first to perform their last dance of the night, dancing to a mashup of “Sports Car” and “Maneater.” This dance was strong and looked professional, and Alix’s look was drop-dead gorgeous. I love all of the elements from the skirt that Alix performed in, to the song change, and the section of dance with all of the female pros. The judges mentioned how this dance looked like an arena tour performance, as she danced with her heart so openly and passionately. Alix received three tens, to complete her night with a perfect seventy points, and if I could give her higher than I ten, I would’ve.
Dylan and daniella
Next up, Dylan performed to “Something In The Heavens” by Lewis Capaldi, which I thought was an interesting song choice for the finale, and it felt weirdly romantic for a freestyle. I wished he did something else for the finale, but for the dance he did, I appreciated it. The lifts were beautiful and fluid, and I liked the addition of the water at the end. The judges commented on how it was a stunning and poetic representation of what Dancing With the Stars stands for. Dylan received three tens, although I would’ve given him a nine because I didn’t like his theme.
Elaine and alan
Next to dance was Elaine and Alan, who danced to “I Hope I Get It (from A Chorus Line)” by District 78. This was an interesting dance theme, and the start had very simple choreography, which I feel like I could’ve done (I can’t dance for the life of me). I also wish there were more dancing and less plot, but I liked that it picked up as the dance went on. I don’t think having the troupe was a good idea because she didn’t look as good next to them as other dancers did. Elaine received three tens, which I disagree with, as I would’ve given her a nine.
Robert and whitney
Robert and Whitney danced next to Sam Sparro’s “Black & Gold” and Avicii’s “The Nights.” This dance had some neat elements, like the cascade section as well as the gender split parts. Although I didn’t like how abrupt the song change was. This dance had great footwork, as per usual for Robert, and the judges were very complimentary towards him. He received three tens, which I agree with.
Jordan and ezra
Finally, Jordan and Ezra performed their freestyle to “Motivation” by Normani, who actually joined their performance to dance. I absolutely loved this dance, and I thought it was one of the coolest freestyles I’ve ever seen on the show because it was something different from what they normally do. I loved how Ezra let her shine in this dance, with him taking a role essentially as a backup dancer to let her be the star. Carrie Anne even commented that this was the best freestyle she’s ever seen in twenty seasons, and Jordan had clearly been waiting to do that for ten weeks. Jordan received three tens, which I agree with.
Final Thoughts
The final placement of this season was Elaine in fifth, Dylan in fourth, Jordan in third, Alix in second, and Robert winning the trophy. I think I was going to be upset either way if Alix didn’t win or if Robert didn’t win, but I was really disappointed for Alix because she clearly worked so hard and grew so much this season. Especially without using any sort of sympathy tactics, like mentioning her rib injury that she had been battling since the middle of the season, unlike Robert, who mentioned it in all three of his packages in the finale. With this season coming to an end, I’d like to thank everyone who read all of my reviews and opinions. I’ve had so much fun sharing my thoughts with you all. I hope everyone is able to fill their Tuesday nights with something now that Dancing With the Stars has come to a close, and I can’t wait for next season!