
This is it. The finals for Season 25 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. Four couples are left. It was a two-night finale that saw some amazing dancing.

Guest judge Julianne Hough was back in the ballroom on Night 1. Thankfully, the couples were in it to win it. On Monday it was the judges’ redemption dance and freestyle, which as you all know, is the best part of the season.
Let’s see how they did:
NIGHT #1

Redemption Challenge
Drew Scott and Emma Slater
Dance: Paso Doble
Phone Number: 800-868-3404

Bruno Tonioli helped Drew and Emma with their Paso Doble during rehearsal. Drew listened as Bruno said the judges wanted him to work on his shaping. He took the direction well. During the actual dance, there was a tiny small trip up. But out of all the performers he has had the biggest improvement from Week 1.
Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len-9, Julianne-9, Bruno-9; Total: 36
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson
Dance: Foxtrot
Phone Number: 800-868-3405

Frankie’s challenge from judge Carrie Ann Inaba was for him to do a solo. They’ve been pushing Frankie to be more confident in his performances. Not only did Frankie listen to the direction but also he came out and left it out all on the floor.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-9, Julianne-10, Bruno-9; Total: 38
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Charleston
Phone Number: 800-868-3406

Len Goodman came in and said they wanted Jordan and Lindsay to do their Charleston again. Mainly the first time they did this dance, Len felt that the steps weren’t recognizable. On the dance floor, Jordan and Lindsay went above and beyond. This was full of energy and content. It’s why this show is so fun.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas
Dance: Quickstep
Phone Number: 800-868-3407

Julianne was Lindsey and Mark’s judge and when it came to advising them, she told them to work on Lindsey’s frame. Lindsey and Mark are a great team. It wasn’t my favorite dance they did but the frame was strong. I think the reason Lindsey and Mark are such a good match is because he doesn’t outshine her. In past seasons he would be more over the top but this a winning combination.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40

Before the freestyle dances, Julianne introduced the audience to Miranda Davis, who is a choreographer. She has seven autoimmune diseases, which are terminal. She picked Julianne to star in a dance that Miranda had choreographed about her life. It was sad, stunning and you forget that Julianne is a brilliant dancer.
Freestyle Dance
Drew Scott and Emma Slater

This freestyle was about Drew’s journey throughout the season. He’s different than the other dancers so Emma built this routine around who Drew is and how far he has come. I don’t think anyone thought they would get to the finals but he has improved an enormous amount. High energy as always, but there were a couple of minor, minor misses. The tricks were scary and he exceeded expectations. I have to say I agreed with Carrie Ann. Drew was a little out of sync with the other dancers they had in the number.
Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 39
Total Score for the night: 75
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson

The producers messed with Witney’s dance idea for the Freestyle. She wanted to push Frankie, which she had been doing all along. She went with her gut and it was a dance with power and passion.
Score: Carrie Ann-9, Len-9, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 38
Total Score for the night: 76
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold

Two words describe this performance: Show. Stopper. That’s all I can say about this dance. Perfect, perfect, perfect! This is what a freestyle should be.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40
Total Score for the night: 80
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas

Unique and creative is the best way to describe this dance. It was quirky and fun…a real Mark Ballas special. It was high energy. Lindsey even played the violin and danced! Another home run!
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Julianne-10, Bruno-10; Total: 40
Total Score for the night: 80
It was time to find out who was in 4th place. The first couple told they were moving to the next and final round: Jordan & Lindsay.
Also dancing for the Mirrorball trophy: Lindsey & Mark.
That means it came down to the Drew & Emma and Frankie & Witney.

And the couple leaving the dance floor: Drew & Emma. Probably the right call but they were an amazing couple.
NIGHT #2

There was a big number with everyone starting the show at The Grove, an outdoor shopping center here in Los Angeles. There were performances from singers and some of the contestants. But what was really important were these dances.
The celeb contestants that had been sent home all came back to shake their moneymakers. The last episode of Season 25 was action-packed.
Let’s see how the three remaining couples moved forward:
Repeat Dance
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas
Dance: Jive

Their jive was great the first time Lindsey and Mark performed it and it was even better the second time. Again these two have been a special pairing.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Bruno-10; Total: 30
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson
Dance: Argentine Tango

I thought this Tango was better this time around although it was enjoyable the first time. Frankie has won not only my heart but America’s heart as well.
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Bruno-10; Total: 30
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Samba

The thing about Jordan and Lindsay is that you just feel good after watching them dance. Jordan is mesmerizing when he is on stage. Once again perfection!
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Bruno-10; Total: 30
24 Hour Fusion Dance
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas
Dance: Cha Cha/Tango

Considering Lindsey and Mark had 24 hours to do this it’s pretty admirable. It was a great combo of two dances and the choreography fit the uniqueness of this team. Would they take home the big prize?
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Bruno-10; Total: 30
Total for the night: 60
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson
Dance: Foxtrot/Tango

Frankie is so happy when he dances. It wasn’t perfect but it was so full of attack and joy. I actually saw a lift, which apparently Carrie Ann didn’t see. (Has that ever happened?) But was this and the love from the audience enough to make these two the big winners?
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-9, Bruno-9; Total: 28
Total for the night: 58
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Salsa/Paso Doble

As I sat and watched, I kept thinking that Jordan and Lindsay should win. It gives me chills every time they move. Did their perfect dancing and consistency help them achieve the ultimate goal of DWTS?
Score: Carrie Ann-10, Len-10, Bruno-10; Total: 30
Total for the night: 60

Something I need to put out there. Before we found out the final results we had to see the three finalists stand on stage while Nick Lachey sang to them. They do this every season and I think it should not happen ever. It’s awkward.

After ten weeks it came down to this:

In 3rd place: Frankie & Witney. I think this was correct but still love this guy.

The season came down to Lindsey & Mark and Jordan & Lindsay. Who would it be?

The Season 25 champions — and winner of the Mirrorball Trophy: Jordan & Lindsay! Yeah!!!!!!!! Well deserved!
Favorite Quotes

Drew: “It’s cause I wore a silky shirt.â€
Frankie: “Shimmiest jazz hands ever!â€
Len: “What’s on the label better be in the tin.â€
Len: “I know you are a violin player but there was no fiddling around.â€
Emma: “Sasha, will have to pass them everyday.â€
Tom: “You’re not used to the judge that gets booed.â€
Len: “Put it on the Ritz. It’s a cracker. It’s a cracker jack routine.â€
Carrie Ann: “That was so you on crack!â€
Len: “Bloody Brilliant!â€
Len: “Wham, Bam, thank you ma’am!â€
Tom: “He’s a little scary isn’t he?â€
Len: “A little quick kick in the codpiece.â€
This brings a close to Season 25! How is that possible? Anyway, there will be a special competition in the spring with all athletes. Not sure what that is about but we’ll be there!
Dancing with the Stars will be back Mondays in the spring on ABC.
More Photos of Champs Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
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