Dancing with the Stars “Season 23 The Finals” 

We finally made it to the finals of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars!

I don’t know about you guys, but this season seemed to go by so very fast. On the first night, our final four couples were tasked with the all-important redemption dance and the famous Freestyle round. Plus, Len Goodman was back, which I think was very important.

As we all know, the first of this two-night finale ends with an elimination. Which pair wouldn’t make it to Night Two? Let’s see how our couples stepped up their game:

NIGHT ONE

Round #1- Judges’ Pick/Redemption Dance

Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Viennese Waltz

Calvin has improved — that much I can see. He has evolved into a great dancer. As Len always says, this was a proper Viennese Waltz. Len felt that Calvin was the most improved of all of the finalists. I think that is true. This wasn’t my favorite dance of Calvin’s, but he still has the Freestyle to impress. And the freestyle is the most important dance of the season!

Score: Carrie Ann-8, Len-9, Julianne-9, Bruno-9; Total: 35

Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko
Dance: Tango

Remember their first Tango? Jana was hurt when they performed it way back in the second week. There must be something with this routine because, this week, Gleb fell sick with the flu and Alan Bersten had to fill in and do the camera blocking with Jana.

Gleb returned to dance when it counted, however. Unfortunately, I could see some hesitation in Jana during the dance. Plus, everyone saw a lift, so Carrie Ann Inaba had to call it. I think the lack of rehearsal time together showed, which is unfortunate, because their sex appeal and chemistry are undeniable. I’ve been saying this all season long.

Score: Carrie Ann-8, Len-9, Julianne-9, Bruno-9; Total: 35

Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Paso Doble

Laurie is such a powerful dancer. The first time she and Val did the Paso Doble, they were told they weren’t dancing as one and they had to work on their chemistry. Well, this time around, they had the chemistry and technique to make it pop. One thing: I don’t understand why Carrie Ann and Julianne Hough gave them 9s, but I’m not a judge. (I really should be though….)

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len-10, Julianne-9, Bruno-10; Total: 38

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Foxtrot

James and Sharna did very well except there was a little stumble during the dance. A stumble that probably kept them from receiving perfect 10s. I still can’t get enough of James’ story. He has become a brilliant dancer. The man didn’t know if he would live 18 months ago. Now? He’s unstoppable in the ballroom.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len- 9,Julianne-9, Bruno-10; Total: 37

ROUND #2- FREESTYLE DANCE

Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko

Well, this was a different kind of freestyle. I’m going to have to say it wasn’t one of my favorites. I think using the piece of fabric with limited rehearsal was a problem. The timing of Gleb getting sick was unfortunate but they did what they could.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len-9, Julianne-9, Bruno-9; Total: 36

Total for the night: 71

Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold

I think I just saw the most incredible lift ever. Calvin just threw Lindsay up in the air over and behind him and she landed. He didn’t even look like it was that much of an effort. I had to watch it over a couple of times. They also danced on a treadmill and did more lifts then anyone else. Lindsay used all of Calvin’s strengths, literally! He makes you feel happy when he dances. Lindsay did a fantastic job with the choreography. Bravo!

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len- 10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for the night: 75

Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy

This freestyle dance matched her joy and childlike wonder. She finally did a gymnastic move, which was a smart move on Val’s part. It wasn’t a big one but just enough to see how high she can go. She is a great role model for girls and it was nice to see Val take her under his wing and protect her like an older brother.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for the night: 78

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess

This dance told the story of what happened after the accident that James had. James and Sharna also have this great connection and partnership. This was a mesmerizing dance and really showed how far he has come as a person and a dancer.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len- 10,Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for the night: 77

One of the four finalists was about to be eliminated. The first couple safe: Laurie and Val. Then it was Calvin and Lindsay. It came down to Jana and Gleb along with James and Sharna.

The couple going home: Jana and Gleb. That meant James and Sharna stay in the competition for another night.

NIGHT TWO

The three couples dancing for their lives one last time: Laurie and Val, James and Sharna, and Calvin and Lindsay.

The evening started with a big opening number that featured all of the other couples from the season. Throughout the finals, produced threw some flashbacks in as well as a musical guest.

FAVORITE DANCE

James and Sharna performed their favorite dance of the season, which was their Quickstep.

Calvin and Lindsay did their favorite dance which was their Argentine Tango.

Then Max danced with the ladies of DWTS. (The man will be a father soon, so this might be his last hurrah for a while!) Laurie & Val did their trio dance with Maks, which was their favorite of the season.

Vanilla Ice and Rick Perry did “Ice Ice Baby,” Rick Perry being the DJ, which was a bit weird, not going to lie. Rick came out at the end and danced with Vanilla Ice. Again…really weird.

Then it was time for the very last competition dance of the season.

24-Hour Fusion Dance

James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Foxtrot / Viennese Waltz

I started to get teary during this dance because James and Sharna have such a chemistry and partnership. And, as usual, they delivered with a smooth fusion of dances.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for both nights: 117

Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Jive / Quickstep

Once again, Calvin looked like he was having the time of his life. He’s really come a long way. It was only a year ago that Calvin was playing in the NFL, now he is a cool dancing fool.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len- 10,Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for both nights: 115

Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Foxtrot / Argentine Tango

What Laurie and Valentin did together was nothing short of amazing. They are powerful and smooth and professional. Carrie Ann thought it was her best dance. Laurie & Val are perfection.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len- 10,Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Total for both nights: 118

Jana Kramer serenaded the top three couples with her song, “Circles,” followed by the third place announcement: Calvin & Lindsay.

And then there were two (teams). James and Sharna and Laurie and Val. Either one would make for an acceptable champion. But who won?

The winners of the 23rd Season of Dancing with the Stars and the Mirror Ball Trophy: LAURIE & VAL!!!

Favorite Quotes

Erin: “I can’t put my arms down.”
Tom: “Carrie Ann was very moved when Caleb saw his dad, but she took off a point for Calvin’s lift.”
Bruno: “I still think you are hot as hell!”
Tom: “From their show, Angry Lingerie Shoppers.”
Tom: “Did you hear that, she’s glad you are back!?”
Erin: “Oh my gosh, you didn’t even fall, that’s a Tuesday for me.”
Calvin: “If you pass gas while I’m flipping you I’m gonna drop your ass!”
Tom: “I’m glad they got a perfect score they ain’t getting it on tromboning with the stars!”
Bruno: “He is digging for oil.”
Erin: “Well Merry Christmas to me.”
Tom: “That was so much more family friendly than the dress rehearsal.”
Tom: “Jana & Gleb, save water, shower with a friend.”
Tom: “I’m really going to get a screen like this for the house.”
Len: “It’s like Chicken Soup to the eyes.”

Another season wraps up and we have a great champion. The top two couples definitely were the best throughout the season. Did you agree with the winners? Well, you have a few months until we get to do this again. See you in the spring!

Dancing with the Stars Season 24 returns to ABC Monday nights in March!

Congratulations, Laurie and Val!