It's time for the big finale on 'Dancing With the Stars' -- with Gilles Marini, Melissa Rycroft and Shawn Johnson all hoping to nab the coveted mirror ball on Tuesday night. So who will walk home a winner?While it may seem like Gilles has it in the bag, Steve-O, The Woz and Ty Murray proved that the competition is about more than just being good on the dance floor -- it's about having devoted fans and winning over new ones. So, if it boils down to sheer popularity, Melissa Rycroft could be crowned the winner. But if it's all about knocking America's socks off at the last minute, Shawn pretty much nailed that with her perfect-scoring freestyle routine during Monday night's performances.
Let's break it down: Melissa's been scoring high all season, and week after week her fans have come through with the votes -- even when she landed in dead last due to an injury. Plus, she has sympathy on her side with the public humiliation she endured on 'The Bachelor.' But Gilles has a chiseled chest and swiveling hips that just won't quit. And don't even think about counting out all-American cutie pie Shawn Johnson since two Olympic gold medalists have come out on top in the past.
Before Monday night, it seemed like the race was a three-way dead heat -- with Melissa having a bit of an edge because of the sympathy vote. But now that she's at the bottom of the leader board after Gilles and Shawn each nabbed perfect scores, her luck could be running out. So, based on the final performances alone, it looks like Shawn has gone from dark horse to the one to beat.
Still, with only two points separating the high and low scores, it's anyone's game. It all depends on whose fans actually picked up the phone and voted ...
We want to know what you think:
Dancing With the Stars Winners
Season 7: Brooke Burke
Partner: Derek Hough
Best Moves: Brooke dominated the competition from the start, topping the scores eight out of 10 weeks.
ABC
Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi
Partner: Mark Ballas
Best Moves: Kristi had the perfect ending when she became the first contestant to score 90 out of 90 points in a 'Dancing' finale.
ABC
Season 5: Hélio Castroneves
Partner: Julianne Hough
Best Moves: In week eight, the judges were quick to give Hélio and Julianne's quickstep perfect tens. The next week, they followed up with straight 10s for their rousing renditions of the Foxtrot and Cha-Cha-Cha.
ABC
Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno
Partner: Julianne Hough
Best Moves: Apolo and Julianne's chemistry sizzled mid-season when they finished in 1st place for two consecutive weeks, first for the Samba and then for the Rumba.
ABC
Season 3: Emmitt Smith
Partner: Cheryl Burke
Best Moves: Emmitt and Cheryl's moves improved all season, then danced it out of the park during the finale, earning 2 sets of perfect 10s for their Samba and Mambo.
ABC
Season 2: Drew Lachey
Partner: Cheryl Burke
Best Moves: The 98 degrees singer proved he could heat up the dance floor with Cheryl Burke; the dancing duo finished in 1st place for five out of the season's eight weeks.
ABC
Season 1: Kelly Monaco
Partner: Alec Mazo
Best Moves: Kelly proved she was a major threat for the 'Dancing' title when her Freestyle garnered three 10s from the judges.
ABC
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Dancing With the Stars - scandal! http://tr.im/lzyO
It's all about popularity and/or control. Doesn't really matter how good you are. American Idol has set many examples of that.
OMG, who knows who will when Dancing, all 3 are great dancers and its really hard to pick one. I guess who ever wins is fine with me. I wish them all the best.
This season proves it is all a FIX....Lil Kim was off because the Judges? did not likle her....Their scoring makes you wonder where their talent lies....NO MORE
For popularity, Melissa will win. For sex appeal, Gilles. For tricks, Shawn.
Tricks are for kids!
The choreographer ruined Melissa's chance by a gymnastic routine which is not her strength. But Lil' Kim showed more talent and should not have been displaced by the no talent cowboy. Giles would be the guaranteed winner if his choreography emphasized the sexiness which has put him on top all along.
I love this season of Dancing with the Stars, however, I had to get on new blood pressure medication watching Gilles. They are all good dancers, but I think Gilles will take the ball, he surely has taken my heart!
What a great season for Dancing with the Stars.
I had to get on new blood pressure medication watching Gilles! He should take the ball, for he took my heart!
Season 1 was not won by Monoco, there was a dance off later and John O'Hurley won by popular vote. Monaco won originally but the voting was fixed so they had to have a do over.
These contestants have made it through rehearsals, performances and various injuries and they are all winners. I would be in traction and I was a professional dancer so Bravo! to all. Dance is Life!Gianin Loringett style!