Dancing with the Stars “Season 21 Week 11” aka The Finals Night 1 

It’s the finals. Can you believe it? It seems like this season went super quick. It’s one of the tightest races in awhile.  

The couples tackle two dances: Judges’ Choice and the Freestyle. We all know that the Freestyle is what makes or breaks who wins. Will the stars rise to the occasion?

Here’s the breakdown:

Round #1: Judges’ Choice

Carlos PenaVega and Witney Carson
Dance: Foxtrot
Phone Number: 855-234-5605
Judge: Bruno Tonioni

• I agree with Julianne that this was the sexiest Foxtrot I have ever seen on the show. It was a very strong dance for Carlos.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Rumba
Phone Number: 855-234-5601
Judge: Carrie Ann Inaba

• They picked this dance because Alek doesn’t move his hips real well. Last time he danced the Rumba, he was with Emma so it was a lot sexier. Lindsay is more like his sister. That might explain why he comes across a bit stiff and there’s definitely not enough hip action for me. The guy has come a long way but should he get the Mirror Ball? Not sure if he should.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Julianne-9, Bruno-9- Total: 27

Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Jive
Phone Number: 855-234-5610
Judge: Julianne Hough

• Looks like this Backstreet’s back! This was an awesome jive because you can tell Nick was having a great time and not getting into his head like what’s happened during some of his previous performances. Wow. This was one of the best Jive dances I have seen on the show for sure.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
Dance: Quickstep
Phone Number: 855-234-5604
Judge: Carrie Ann Inaba

• To me, this by far is the most difficult dance of the night. I agree with Bruno when he said that Bindi is fearless. I think if Len had the opportunity to weigh in, he would say he loves this dance because it’s a true, by-the-rules Quickstep.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Round 2: Freestyle

Carlos PenaVega and Witney Carson
Phone Number: 855-234-5605

• It’s a hip-hop/Salsa celebration. Some of the members of the cast helped them out including his wife. I enjoyed the dance and thought it was executed well. But will have to see how everyone else does.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold
Phone Number: 855-234-5601

• I thought the concept of this dance was very original. There were stunts that were done that have never been done before. But, overall, I have to say that it wasn’t my favorite dance. Again, people won’t forget this dance but is it good enough?

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
Phone Number: 855-234-5604

• Derek and Bindi kept things simple. It was just the two of them. This Freestyle was absolutely extraordinary. And a major tearjerker! Bindi didn’t know that picture of her with her Dad was going to be included at the end of the dance. You could see how emotional it made her. One of the words used to describe this dance: Artistry and I completely agree.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess
Phone Number: 855-234-5610

• How could you not love this? Nick nailed every move and showed how he has grown. I was a little nervous that he used one of his songs, but it paid off for sure. I can’t say much more, but he danced like he was in it to win it.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10- Total: 30

Favorite Quotes

Witney: “Nothing worth having comes easy. Will Smith said that.”
Erin: “Was it good for you, Carlos?”
Tom: “So involved with your sister….”
Erin: “She makes a cold sound magical.”
Tom: “Great, now we’re all a mess.”
Erin: “This is my first time dancing with a Backstreet Boy.”

Well someone has to be fourth place. The breakdown:

• The first couple that was dancing for the trophy: Alek & Lindsay.
• The next couple that is competing in the finals: Bindi & Derek.
• It came down to Carlos & Witney and Nick & Sharna. The couple eliminated was Carlos & Witney.

Who will win the Mirror Ball trophy? It’s anyone’s guess.

Next up: The contestants/pros have the 24-hour fusion dance to learn as I type this. It comes down to this!

Season 21 of Dancing with the Stars comes to an end tomorrow night at 8/7c on ABC!