Marissa Winokur Elimination: Backstage Report
Marissa, how do you feel about this experience?
<b>Marissa:</b> I feel good. I really, truly do. I felt we did so much more than I thought I could ever do. I feel like it's so important for people to feel good about their bodies. I didn't want to end the journey without inspiring people.
Marissa, what's next for you?
<b>Marissa:</b> I'm turning my focus more onto my baby [that my husband and I are expecting via surrogate] and my talk show. I'm nervous about the workload, but I hear it's a great schedule for working moms.
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/tony-dovolani/507216' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Tony,</font></a> how do you feel about Marissa?
<b>Tony:</b> I can't be more proud of her than I am right now. To get this far -- especially when nobody gave us a chance -- is such a compliment. Also, I've made a friend for life.
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/cristian-de-la-fuente/285094/' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Cristian,</font></a> what will you miss about Marissa?
<b>Cristian:</b> She's the only person who's leaving the show with a smile on her face. There were a lot of people who left this show angry, sad or disappointed. She's smiling. That shows a lot about her character and who she is. We're going to miss that smile.
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/kristi-yamaguchi/284157' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Kristi,</font></a> do you feel pressure to be the first female winner since Season 1?
<b>Kristi:</b> I wouldn't say pressure. I'd say we're ready to take it from the boys!
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/edyta-sliwinska/507223' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Edyta,</font></a> you've finally made it to the end. Are you excited?
<b>Edyta:</b> It feels great. Taking someone who's never danced before and coming so far is terrific. Now, we just have to do our best in the freestyle.
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/cheryl-burke/507214' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Cheryl,</font></a> do you feel like you have an edge in the finals, because you've been there before?
<b>Cheryl:</b> Yes and no. The freestyle dance is crucial. That's no secret. If you don't come out with a killer freestyle, there's a chance you might not win the show.
<a href='http://television.aol.com/celebrity/jason-taylor/565395' target='_blank'><FONT COLOR='#2864B4'>Jason,</font></a> have football fans been helping to keep you in the game?
<b>Jason:</b> We've gotten a lot of votes this season. Edyta has her fans, too. We've made new fans and the sports fans have helped a lot. I'm looking forward to trying to win this thing and do the best that we can.
