Dancing With the Stars Season 16 Finale: Did the Right Couple Win the Mirrorball Trophy?
After 10 long, highly predictable (and occasionally entertaining) weeks, Dancing With The Stars‘ Season 16 finale offered variations on – anticlimax alert! — what we’ve been witnessing since the premiere: Disney teen queen Zendaya still dazzling (her samba, Cha Cha relay and hip hop-themed freestyle on Monday scored a trio of perfect scores from the judges), Kellie Pickler in hot pursuit (just one stinkin’ Cha Cha-fueled point behind), and a game Aly Raisman (just 4 points in arrears) primed to potentially crash the party.
But with these leading ladies a mere heel and toe apart on the Judges’ Leaderboard (sorry, Jacoby Jones, you were clearly the man without the Mirrorball tonight), would the eventual champion be covered with both confetti and controversy?
Indeed, America (aka DWTS superfans) was all a-Twitter due to Monday night’s voting snafu on ABC.com, which temporarily forced fans to rely solely on texts, phone call and – egads! — Facebook to cast their votes. Is there nothing Mark Zuckerberg can’t influence anymore?
Early in tonight’s live show, a rather sheepish Tom Bergeron announced that since voting on ABC.com went down during Monday’s East Coast broadcast — and in fairness to all the couples — none of the votes cast on ABC.com would be counted. I’ll merely echo Val Chmerkovskiy’s apt reaction (according to Today.com) to the whole voting mess: “That’s bull—-!”
But after such a predictable season, part of me was hoping for something shocking – how about Jacoby’s mom running off with the Mirrorball trophy? – as the two-hour finale unfolded. No such luck, but musical performances by Wynonna (thankfully Ms. Judd was singing, not dancing this time), PSY, Pitbull and the fabulous Jessica Sanchez kept the proceedings humming along.
It was also a hoot seeing the returns of Lisa Vanderpump (taking a turn on the ballroom floor with Len Goodman!), a joyful Dorothy Hamill and the ever-campy Andy Dick (who had the best line of the night, a tortured “Carrie Ann gave us a 5, that bi—!” during his Kleenex-heavy clip). Thanks for the LOLs, Andy!
Well into the second hour, our surviving finalists hit the floor for their “Instant Dance” and one last shot (well, so they said) at tipping the Mirrorball tallies in their favor. In short, the clean sweep of perfect scores for Jacoby’s salsa, Kellie’s jive and Zendaya’s jive kept everyone in contention.
But without further ado, the ultimate moment of truth — tonight’s results…and the Mirrorball trophy goes to:
4th PLACE
Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas
3rd PLACE
Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff
FINAL TWO COUPLES COMPETING FOR THE MIRROR BALL
Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
MIRROR BALL CHAMPIONS
Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
Literally glowing with giddy delight, and showered in rapturous applause – not to mention a spontaneous lift onto Jacoby’s shoulders – Kellie hoisted the Mirrorball sky high. But what’s up with not getting a sound bite from the new champ, guys? Well, Kellie’s joyous expression said far more than any speech ever could, but a disappointed Zendaya did offer this parting quote: “I’m very proud, and very happy, and I get to leave here with an amazing experience.” (Um, she didn’t look all that happy, though, did she?)
And with that, it’s your turn. Did the right couple take home the Mirrorball Trophy? Were you shocked that Aly and Mark didn’t make the final three? And lastly, do you think Kellie was indeed the best dancer this season? Take our poll, then sound off in the comments!
I still don’t like how Derek always gets the best partners, but I’m happy for Kelli.
Agreed Derek deserves a dud once and for all!!! Feel bad for Val’s eye, anyone else?
I agree David – I’m sick and tired of Golden Boy Derek getting the preferential treatment by the producers and the judges. Val and Zendaya were THE best dancers this season and it’s a disgrace they came in second. If I were Val I wouldn’t come back next season and Derek should milk this for all it’s worth because once DWTS is over, so is his career. He doesn’t have the looks or the body to make it in Hollywood. It’s just a damn shame when you see the deck is stacked and the game is rigged. I won’t be watching next season if Val isn’t on. I’ve had about enough between Golden Boy and the judges…I wouldn’t be surprised if next year is their last year on the air.
He doesn’t have the looks or the body to make it in Hollywood.
Really?
Yes, really.
I’m thinking somebody who looks like Derek or maybe named Derek broke Kristen’s heart. Her attackers on him are so virulent, it must be something personal. It sure ain’t about his dancing or his looks.
He definitely has the talent. He is extremely creative and knows how to suit his choreography to whoever his partner is. I agree he gets preferential treatment, but I can’t deny that he is way beyond talented.
I never said he wasn’t a talented dancer, I merely stated that he is favored by the judges and it is obvious that he gets the best and usually the more popular partners.
Seriously kellie was nowhere near the level of fame as any of the top 4 contestants. She is at best a C-list star thanks to country radio refusing to play her music. She isnt on tv everyday nor is she a professional dancer (cheating I dont care what anyone says) like zendaya and she isnt a professional athlete like jacoby or ally. So you cant say thay derrick got the best/most famous parter because he didnt. Stop whining because zendaya didnt win and stop claiming it was rigged, because you just look like a soor looser. Who cares who won for real its a damn tv show, its not like she actually won anything truly meaningful like a nobel piece prize its a damn reality tv competition for christ sakes grow up.
I never said he wasn’t a talented dancer. I think he’s excellent. It’s just that I don’t think he has what it takes to make it in Hollywood after he leaves Dancing With the Stars.
The fact is we r supposed to b judging the celebrities not the pro and kellie in no way compares to zendaya so u cant say they won based on derek.
Amazingly enough, I just finished watching this seasons DWTS. I don’t think anybody gets preferential treatment from the judges and the fan votes count for one half of the score. Since the judges gave all three of the top finalists 10s, it can’t be said that there was preferential treatment there. I agree that Derek must have a special way of bringing out the hidden dancer in his partners. I think he has the looks, brains, and talent to make it in Hollywood. I wish all of the pros well, and as a very amateur ballroom dancer myself, I am glad the show is on the air and giving these hard-working professional dancers good paying jobs.
Sooo Glad, that you will not be watching DWTS next year. Your repetitive comments are the most sickening part of this comment page.
Lol I’m glad you enjoyed my comments as much as I enjoyed posting them! It’s been so much fun don’t you think? If you made yourself sick that’s your fault. Thanks for the laugh ;) you made my day!
I love Derek and I think he is very good looking and an extremely talented dancer. Maybe the reason it seems that he gets the best partners isn’t because they are the best but that he brings out the best in them. He is a fantastic teacher.
Perfectly said.
Totally agree with you Mardel, not like Kelli had any prior dance experience. Derek turned her into a Star! So glad she won!
agree Mardell, Derek is one very talented dancer and choreographer. Congrats to Derek and Kelli.
Zendaya was a good dancer and so was Val, but no one is better than Derek to choregraph a dance and Kellie was by far the best dancer on the show. Zendaya had lots of experience and Kellie was new to the dancing. I was so happy that a football player did not win again and Jacoby was not a really good ballroom dancer.
as I said when Len Goodman gives a generous point it does not mean you are the winner – he
knows how to play the game.He gave Derek and Kellie 7 ; and lately he put Val and Zendaya ahead by 5 points, looks Val and Zendaya are the winning couple ! NOPE ! who got the mirror ball, not Val but his favourite guy Derek ! so obvious, Len plays favouritism. I watched bcz of Val and Zendaya. With Maks, Len never favours Maks.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID. I ALSO THINK THE SHOW IS BIAS – THEY NEVER DID LIKE THE BROTHERS – MAKS AND VAL. I THINK THEIR BOTH THE BEST DANCERS ON THE SHOW.
Definitely Louise – they have never given Val and Maks the respect they deserved as the two best dancers. But I’m sure Val and Maks will go on to bigger and better. They already have by winning all the professional championships which is way more impressive than the cheesy Mirror Ball that DWTS gives out after they all work so hard.
Wow, Kristin, get a job or a life or something.
Wow, Derek’s Bio is so impressive, and how talented and hard working dancer he is, that your silly little comment won’t make a bit of difference…
Derek does not need ur approval, he’ll make it because he is a positive thinker and an extraordinary talent. Read his bio. Impressive…
I completely agree with u kristin. Zendaya was the best dancer on the season hands down. But they gave the trophy to the golden boy with the better choreography. Kellie nevet came anywhere close to the perfection that is zendaya and she was the one who truly deserved that trophy.
First of all I want to say that Zendaya is a beautiful ,talented girl with a bright future,and I think Val did a great job with her,but I think that Kellie over the weeks became the best dancer.As for the show being biased toward Derek,Zendaya was promoted by the producers much more than any one else because Disney owns ABC.They showed an interview with Val and Zendaya many many times on the Disney channel.It was very obvious .As for Derek’s career being over after dwts,Derek and Julianne are going to co-executive produce and choreograph a new show for STARZ .You are certainly entitlted to your opinion but you should take another look at Derek.He is very attractive and seems quite charming.All his partners seem to think so.Oh well as Derek and Jennifer Grey said back in season eleven”it’s just a dance show.”
Whoa whoa whoa. Yes Val is a phenomenal dancer but Derek, is AMAZING! at dancing and choreographing routines. He is great at what he does. So give credit where credit is due. Zendaya got a lot of preferential treatment. I still think she is awesome but toward the end she is the only one that didn’t wear heels anymore. Seriously. The best team won! TRUST!.
P.S. Derek is very sexy and has not only the looks and body but he has the talent. Don’t get me wrong Val does too.
Besides the projects I mentioned earlier that Derek is involved in, I just read that he has been talking with Kate Hudson, about something coming up.That sounds pretty promising for a guy who doesn’t’t have the looks or body to make it in Hollywood.
Really??? Derek won an emmy- did any of the other choreographers? NO!!! They weren’t even nominated. Derek also has a movie out now that he STARS in. Does any of the other pros? NO!!! Face it– Derek is the best pro there. None of them can choreograph as good as him. He even should have won the all-stars season. Don’t be jealous. Grow up and give credit where credit is due.
Perhaps the reason that Zendaya lost is that she gave Val that goose-egg over his eye. Let’s face it, Kellie and Derek didn’t do that to him… lol
If Kellie was given to someone like Maks, she would have been out week 5 or something. Derek does not get the best partners. He just bring the best out of every partner he gets.
Well said!
what a stupid comment! Derek’s ruining the show people are leaving tire of seeing the monopoly at DWTS they are downsizing because of the crap they pull on the show
I agree totally – he has ruined the show for me as well and as I posted earlier I am sick and tired of seeing him get the preferential treatment and strutting around with his oversized ego and little chicken breast (please Derek, keep your shirt on) do us a favor. He is the Golden Boy with the judges and the whole show has gotten really sickening. If Val isn’t on next season, I won’t be watching. I wish Maks and Val would get their own show and blow DWTS out of the water.
Somebody, please stop, who cares about this person Kristin… She has no credentials whatsoever to make any comments about anything… It’s so apparent most of us how jealous a person and has no life…
I’m still trying to figure out how he has “ruined the show.” He trains his partners well, and 4 of them have won. The fans apparently agree as well. Since Zendaya was ahead on judge’s points, it’s clear that Kellie won on fan votes. If you are so put off, why don’t you try watching some other show like Hardcore Pawn or Crocodile Hunter or Deadliest Catch or some other show where there are no fan votes to get you so worked up.
Oh please… Zendaya lost because she was a one trick pony; she could hip hop. She danced around the floor like a stork. And to tell you the truth, her hip hop wasn’t that impressive, either.
I haven’t watch other seasons but it seemed once that Derek saw potential in Kellie, he kept pushing her more and more. I’m so happy for her.
I agree wholeheartedly. Derek’s excellent choreography and wonderful patience with each partner he brings along account for his deserved successes on DWTS.
Derek is the best pro-dancer they have, his choreography is un-matched and brings out the best in all his partners. There is a reason he has 4 mirror ball trophies, he is the most talented dancer on the program. If he does get “preferential” treatment, which I for one don’t believe he does, the producers know he is a fan favorite and very talented dancer, that has proven himself season after season!!! For me, once Derek leaves, I will no longer watch DWTS.
Well said!
I’m also happy that Kellie and Derek won, My biggest problem with Zendaya was that she always danced in sneakers or barefooted, I think she danced in heel just once. It gave her an unfair advantage as all women know it it much more difficult to dance in heels
My biggest problem with Zendaya was that she was already a dancer – and it looked as though Disney (her boss) that also owns ABC – is always doing something to ‘promote’ one of their own – or one who is going to have a show on ABC soon. Also – didn’t Derek have Nancy Drake a couple of years ago?
Very well said and true!
I agree. He’s had some potential klunkers before (Ricki Lake, Jennie Garth). I think his talents are unmatched. I was very happy for Kellie, but do believe Zendaya should have won.
Although Zendaya was very good I just felt as though every dance was like the week before. It was like she used the same moves week after week. Don’t get me wrong she was VERY good but Kellie had more range and her lines were beautiful and Derrick played to her strength. Also, Derrick has had partners that could not dance in the past and when you have had 16 seasons and he has only won 4, where do you get he is a judge favorite??? I have to give it up to all the dancers though because it is VERY hard to get out there week after week and put yourself out there for others to judge.
Right on Nephtalia! Derek brings out the best in his partners. What a talent! Go Derek!
there was another pro like derek in the past. he was always at the top most of the time but i think fan voting did him in everytime. his name was maxim. i always wanted him to win at least once. he had this black girl as a partner one season and were doing as good as derek and kelly but the fans voted ozzie osborns daughter over them. he was pissed. he left last year. it was a big loss to the show losing him. cheryl burke seems to get nothing but bummers everytime nowadays. she deserves better.
Wow – Maks is a fantastic choreographer as well. He is just the “bad boy” and gets the bad boy edits… throw a self absorbed contestant in like that soccer player, Hope Solo, and you are what the Derek loving producers were hoping for… the show needed Maks this season. That was clear.
The judges and producers blew their chance with Maks. I was surprised he stayed on so long after being put down and disrespected. For the number 2 ranked dancer in the US and number 6 ranked worldwide, they should have treated him a lot better. Instead he got the bad rap when he defended himself and his partners against the judges.
Totally agreed. Derek does get the best out of his partner. Also, it sticks they didn’t count on line votes they were already in. Kelli deserves to win she is fantastic, with never dancing before.
I agree. His partners aren’t always great dancers- he brings out the great dancing in them. Derek is gorgeous and a great dancer and choreographer- who is better? Mark is close. Val, Max, and Tony are jealous of him. Maybe if Zendaya and Val weren’t so arrogant and cocky all season they would have won. They didnt even go over and congratulate the winners- shame on the sore losers!!! Derek won 4 times and should have been 5 or even 6. Derek and Shawn were by far the best last year but didn’t win and he should have won with Maria also. Congrats to Derek and Kellie- they danced great and are a class act!!!
Who knew Kellie would be THAT good? I feel like Derek makes it far because he’s able to get the best out of his partners. Yes he’s had ringers like Scherzinger and Grey, but Kellie isn’t, and nor were Lil Kim and Joanna Krupa, the list goes on. Derek’s also hands-down the best choreographer of all the pros.
Derek gets the best partners because he demands them from the producers. He will only be on the show if they give him good partners, and the producers want him on because he’s popular (why I don’t know). Kellie has a lot of musical background and a strong country following. She would’ve beat Zendaya any day. DWTS does not have the same demographic as the Disney Channel.
Again, how would he know how good Kellie was? She’s a country singer. Not a dancer. Zendaya has musicality, dance experience, etc. Kellie having “musical background” doesn’t mean anything. If anything, the person pre-show that would’ve made most sense for Derek to get was Aly Raisman. He’s gotten people with little to no dance experience but he was able to turn them into fairly competent/good dancers – Maria Menounos, Ricki Lake, etc.
I totally agree. Except for cheerleading in high school, Kellie does not have anything resembling a dance background. OTOH, Zendaya has danced since she was a little girl. She has probably danced longer than she has acted. If Derek wanted the best and could manipulate TPTB into giving him whichever partner he wanted, he would have requested her or Olympian, Aly. I haven’t watched many seasons of DTWS (perhaps 3-4), however, it’s easy for me to see that Derek does bring out the best in every partner and the man clearly choreographs like no one else!
Derek went 4 kellie fanbase when he requested her bcuz she does have more fans than zendaya. Zendaya is a disney channel star who just came into stardom in 2012 which means the only ppl who know her are little kids. So kellie would get more votes from adults hands down, so the real reason kellie won is not because shes a better dancer its because she has the bettet choreographer. Also we kno zendaya is better because she didnt get scores below 8s after week 3. On top of that in the final episode derek said he wasnt goin to come this season but “a feeling” convinced him 2 stay nd he now kno it was kellie. Its def an act bcuz we all know he requested her bcuz he knows the producers will do nything to keep him even if its complete bull.
I disagree. Until last night’s performances, I was voting for Zendaya. Kellie finally convinced me she deserved to win just last night.
Did you miss the Argentine Tango the previous week? The one that Kellie and Derek started in shiloutte? That was absolutely beautiful!!!! If that didn’t get you, you are a tough customer (lol)
reply to Geraldine: Yes, Kellie’s AT was gorgeous!!! I was voting for Zendaya and Kellie all season, sometimes more Zendaya, sometimes more Kellie, but it was really the free style that pushed Kellie over the top for me :)
It also pays to think abt it in the way that if zendaya was given that same dance where derek upped the stunts on zendaya could have done it 2 and better than how kellie did it
Derek really should be grateful he had the chance to be on the show to begin with. I will say he is an excellent dancer, but the Golden Boy treatment and always getting the best partners is a little sickening. The judges favor him and why he is so popular also remains a mystery to me as well. He is nothing to look at and has a really big ego. Hope he wrings DWTS dry because once they go off the air that’s the end of his career too.
Dude, seriously. Everyone gets it. Derek is a Golden Boy and you Hate Him and enjoy Random Capitalization. I beg you to stop posting variations on the exact same comment everywhere! If you want to hate on him, at least be creative about it/add new information about why you hate him, from what is now doubt a highly reputable and informed source.
I love Derek, I think he’s one of the best dancer/choreographers ever and would watch him do just about anything. He definitely brings out the best in his partners – it’s no coincidence he managed to get the extremely uncoordinated Shannon Elizabeth to week 6 his first year on the show or that he was able to ALMOST turn Jennie Garth into something less than a train wreck. I was torn this year because Zendaya and Val were really wonderful, but Kellie totally won me over with that final Freestyle – best dance of the year, hands down. She really hit her stride where it counted.
Kristen, why do you keep making the same point over and over and feel the need to comment repeatedly after every comment that relates in any way to Derek. We get it that you don’t like him and feel that he gets preferential treatment. I disagree with you, but more importantly, I think it’s a shame to highjack these comments the way that you are doing. Constantly repeating the same point doesn’t make it truer and is just another form of bullying behavior.
Sadly, all your comments about Derek detracts from the attention that should be paid to Kellie for doing all that hard work that turned her into a dancer when she had totally lacked any dancing background. She totally deserved the win, especially after her brilliantly choreographed final freestyle. The fact that Derek chose to strip down the dance and do away with any bells and whistles so that the total focus was on Kellie’s dance skills was a totally brilliant and gutsy move. Derek and Kellie earned their win and deserve nothing but praise.
It was also really nice to see how humble Kellie was when she won — which was such a contrast to Zendaya’s pouting and unsportsmanlike behavior that she displayed when she lost.
Now, in contrast to you, Kristen, I’m just stating my opinion once, but that doesn’t make it any less true.
You need to get over yourself Kristin!
You are really a nasty idealist.
You have said in at least a couple of your comments that Derek’s career is over after Dwts.I actually already mentioned this in my earlier comment, I wanted to reply directly to you Kristin.I really hate to burst your bubble but, Derek and his sister Julianne have been chosen to co-executive produce and choreograph a new show for STARZ He also was screen tested for the lead role in the dirty dancing remake which I understand has been put on hold.Whether they will actually do the remake I don’t know.My point here is that he is getting noticed because of his obvious talent and good looks.I don’t know if he will become a star or not,but you certainly don’t know either.
How do you know? Do you work for the show or something?
I do not believe that for one minute!
Totally agree…he brings out the best in his partners
I did that’s who! She hung around with Julianne for years now! They are besties!
I agree. Besides Joanna and Lil Kim, he had that one girl that he dated for about a year, can’t remember her name, but I remember she had to wear a prosthetic butt for one of the Latin dances.
Shannon Elizabeth
Thank you! I kept thinking Elizabeth Berkley, but I knew that was wrong.
Haters will hate
Blatantly biased stacked deck! So tired of playing monopoly on DWTS!!!
Agreed – I am sick and tired of it and if Val isn’t on next season I doubt I’ll be watching. I’ve had enough of the stacked deck and Derek, not to mention the judges…I think next season will be their last because a lot of people are tired of the monopoly and the rigging.
No he doesn’t.
Out of 16 seasons, 5 of which he wasn’t on, he’s won 4 times. Come in 2nd, 3rd 5th and 6th place once each, and 4th place 3 times,
He hasn’t done worse than 4th since season 8, he has never had a bad partner.
He has had bad partners. Shannon Elizabeth, Joanne Krupa, Jenny Garth, and that horrible Lil Kim. He is a talented choreographer and brings out the best in his partners. Even when they have two left feet and a lousy attitude like Shannon Elizabeth.
Derek doesn’t always get the best partners. He has had a few duds. He’s just a great teacher and choreographer and knows how to play up his partners’ abilities.
He also happens to be very popular in his own right so even with lesser skilled partners, he manages to get them to last far longer than other pros could based off his own popularity.
Certainly not the case with Kellie because she did turn out to be fantastic. Till this week came along I was putting her and Zendaya in a virtual tie, but Kellie and Derek’s freestyle was definitely the best and we all know it’s the freestyle that tends to win or lose it for a couple. It is what put Kellie over Zendaya in my book, and I’m not particularly a fan of hers and I’ve never much cared for Derek either. They both seemed genuinely shocked they won too.
I agree completely about that freestyle. That’s what did it for me as well.
coming into this season I thought that both Val and Derek had a good chance and I along with the other fans watch both teams grow in strength . I have to say though I was teetering till end on who I would vote for both Val and Derek are great at teaching and inspiring their partners to greatness. I think that Zendaya accually started out though as the stronger competitor. Kelly grew in talent every week. so even though it might seem like Derek gets better partners I believe its that he is just a great teacher. Kelly earned the mirrorball through HARD WORK.
Yep – Lil’ Kim, Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake and Joanna Krupa were all hand-picked for Derek’s victory! You just forget all Derek’s clunkers. Honestly, I don’t think any of Derek’s “Pretty girls”, Shannon Elizabeth, Brooke Burke and Maria Menounos, would have gotten as far without him. Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Grey are the only two ringers that Derek’s been assigned (and Jennifer had a lot less dance training than many – including Zendaya).
He needs to get a Cloris Leachman type of partner. Someone with absolutely no dancing talent at all. Lets see how good he is then
Derek never gets anyone like Kate Gosslin or Susan Lucci or Wynona (I know she requested Tony, but you get my drift). It’s easy to mold Kellie into a dancer: she’s fit, she’s young, and she’s willing.
They never know going in who can and who can’t dance. No Olympian has ever lost til now and Zendaya has lots of dance experience. Kellie was a big surprise. There’s no real reasone to expect her to have been the incredible dancer that she is. She and Derek were amazing together. And he must be very good at working with his dance partners.
I don’t agree that Derek gets the best partners. He’s been paired with models, who don’t normally do well, actresses, and musicians. With the exception of Nicole and Jennifer Grey, he had to work to make his partners look good. That’s a testiment to how great of a teacher he is. And if you look at the other pros, they’ve all been paired with the same kind of partners. Everyone has a shot going into this competition and some do better than others but what makes someone like Derek so good is he knows how to hide his partners weaknesses and plays on their strengths. That’s brilliant.
um, Zendaya had a look of gloom after the announcement, but I think Kellie deserved it, for sure!
I honestly believe Zendaya should have won it. Overall, she had the better season, and is the better dancer. Kellie seems like a nice person, but it should have been Zendaya. My heart aches a little. It really does.
I Agree With You, I Think Zendaya Should Have Won The Mirror Ball Trophy, She Got The Highest Votes, And I Voted For A Lot Of Times! And I Don’t Know What Happened But, She Was So So So Close Of Winning! I’m So So Very Very Sad That She Lost! If Its Steel Not To Late So Can Change The Votes Around That Would Be Awesome, But If Not Then I Hope She Can Come Back For The Next Season In The Fall. (Season 17) “Damm It!” :(
Isn’t it annoying to capitalize every word??
Funny
I really wished Zendaya had won too. I do agree that Derek and Kelli had the best free style but overall Zendaya was the best dancer. I also do not believe that her Hip hop experience gave her any advantage> Any dancer can tell you that just because you can dance in one genre it doesnt mean you can in others. Also i believe Zendaya and Val were the best team on this season. Their chemistry was very good and very genuine.
Zendaya shouldn’t even been allowed on the show. 2 or more years she has been on the Disney show Shake It Up. Anybody think she didn’t,t have any professional dance training on that show? Plus I can,t vote for Val no matter who is is paired with. Just too arrogant!!
Zendaya thought the win was in the bag for her. She did not even congratulate Kellie, nor did she recognize Val for all of his hard work. She cared solely for herself. Zendaya had good dances and sometimes ran over the music so her real ability was not always there. Her hip hop experience showed too and ballroom is a totally different type of dancing. Lastly, her young age and lack of life experience showed throughout the total shows. Sounds like you are partial in your judgment and if you are not experience in this type of dance (ballroom) you cannot truly judge these contestants. Ballroom is not easy and requires a lot of agility. Hip hop has not any real agility features. Kellie’s cheerleading skills probably helped her some and Zendaya had none that I remember.
I wanted Zen and Val to win…too bad winner was based on voting. Both Kellie and Zen deserved to be the top two but i think Zen should have won. Carie Ann Inaba even said earlier today that if it was according to vote, Kellie would win it, but if it was based on skills and talent it would be Zen. And since winners are picked with how many votes they get, there is no way that Zen will win it! Zen does have a lot of fans thru her Shake It Up show, but most of them are kids to pre-teens who wouldnt even care to vote.
I totally believe that the best dancers won the mirror ball trophy. After, the Amazing dance that Kellie and Derek did last night, they deserved to win. Derek is an awesome choreographer. The only thing I would of liked to see was Mark and Aly make it to the final three.
No the best dancer did not win. Kellie kept getting over scored because she was partnered with Derek.
Damn right – Golden Boy gets the preferential treatment once again…Zendaya WAS the best and it’s a disgrace she didn’t win.
What a joke.
Not the BEST dancer, but the most LIKEABLE! I would give the overall performance and skills to the runner up – I think they deserved that much.
Mine also. Zendaya WAS the best dancer of this Season, I like Kellie Pickler but Zendaya was much more talented. It’s so unfair that Derek who always gets favored has won again. I’m sick of it and sick of him…
And we are sick of you.
I could care less Ace lol – if you don’t like what I post don’t read it.
Love the comment..so true!
Completely agree – Zendaya deserved to win – she was amazing all season and got better every week. She has perfect musicalbility and stage presence. She drew you into her dances. Val choreography was flawless (minus that weird car number). They made a fantastic pair (that is not to say that Kelly and Derek did not, just that their connection was different and the dancing relied on Derek’s lifts more). I am way too old for Shake It Up, and had never heard of Zendaya before this show, but I will keep my eye on what she does next – girl’s got talent!
Yes she has it all and I think she will go far. She has the looks, the natural talent and as it was mentioned she is incredibly mature for 16. Val couldn’t do the same type of dancing with her because she was a minor and that had to be hard for him being careful about where he placed his hands and embracing her in ways that the audience might have taken the wrong way. Still, she was the best dancer of this season.
Then she shouldn’t have been on DWTS!
This was certainly a snooze of a season. It actually more annoys me how they did the top 4 for the finale this year and knocked the 4th place person out right away in the show. What was the point of that? It just seems like they wanted to avoid a double elimination last week. I do wonder what would have happened though if online voting through abc.com was counted. That could have changed the outcomes a little.
Hold onto that trophy Derek because it’s the last thing you will win for a long time. You can’t act. You’re worse than your sister, which is pretty sad.
Jealous much? Wow, so sad.
Very well said Laquisha – I agree totally. Once DWTS is over, Derek is finished. And his sister was nothing to brag about either but at least she was easier on the eyes. Derek doesn’t have the looks or acting talent to make it in Hollywood – he’s lucky he got the favoritism on DWTS because if he ever tried to get into movies he’s really in for a surprise when he gets shot down and told he doesn’t have what it takes. And that day will come.
You know, I’m actually sort of curious to see how many times you can post a variation of the same basic comment. And you know what else? I don’t care for Derek either, but I have to give credit where it’s due–I think he did a fantastic job with Kellie. As other posters have commented, he’s a good choreographer who knows how to choreograph to his partners’ strengths–even the less accomplished dancers. I would have been just as happy to see Zendaya (a very, VERY talented young lady who has a great career in front of her) and Val win, but personally, I think this was the right outcome. Kellie wasn’t a dancer to start with and she just grew exponentially as the season went on.
I can post whatever I choose and if you don’t like it – don’t read it. If you are too blind to see the deck is stacked that’s your problem not mine.
Derek will have a career outside of DWTS long after the show is gone. In all honesty, the show needs him more then he needs them. He has recognition from his peers (Kenny Ortega and Adam Shankman to name a few) in the entertainment industry, has been Emmy nominated (I assume again after the dances we saw the past two season), a independent film to be released sometime this year, producing tv shows. How is he getting shot down? They are knocking at his door. You just sound petty and jealous Kristin.
We’ll see how far he goes after DWTS – he came back this season once he knew Maks was gone and beforehand he said he had other things lined up. Couldn’t have been too many otherwise he would have left and pursued bigger and better things. As I said, time will tell….
And Lisa, I am not jealous at all – I’ve always said Derek is an excellent dancer, I have nothing to be jealous of. I mean, he’s not Baryshnykov for God’s sake lol
I still think they rigged it by pulling the ABC website down because that’s where Zendaya gets the majority of the votes. I just wish Kellie won fair and square, because I think both of them deserved it. Plus I’m so sick of seeing Derek win. Val and Maks deserve it after competing in 14 out of 16 seasons, I mean c’mon.
Val has only been there for a couple or three seasons. Maks did deserve a win, and he did get saddled with the most impossible dancers.
Maks was totally disrespected on DWTS. He is ranked the 2nd best dancer in the US and the 6th best dancer in the world. He has won so many professional championships and I don’t blame him for bowing out of DWTS after not winning and being saddled with a lot of handicaps as far as the partners he had. After Maks left, the ratings went way down this year which was no surprise to me.
Ratings are down because its up against the voice and the finale actually increased 25 percent and was the highest amount of viewers for the night.
Maks has had some great dancers too, lest we forget Mel B., Laila Ali, Erin Andrews and Brandy
Val won with the Soap Opera Star for the All Star Season! He does pretty well getting good dancers too!! Like him much better that his brother.
Val has nevervwon. Tony Dovolani and Melissa Rycroft won the all-star season.
I agree Andrew. That whole ABC website down maneuver was like a rigged election. I am beyond sick of Derek and seeing him win. He has ruined the show along with the judges who are always praising him and showing favoritism.
Kristen you should get a life. It’s only a tv show. How pathetic you are. Your life must be soooo boring to post so much hate against gorgeous and brilliant Derek. What did you try to hook up with him and he laughed and wouldn’t give you a second look??? Do you seriously think that this show is all he got? Your not too bright. You should get help because you are obsessed with hating Derek!!! I really do feel sorry for you and hope you get over it.
I feel sorry for you to have to take anyone’s comments so personally – as I said to another poster, what does Derek do for you Darla? Does he pay your rent or mortgage? Maybe you ought to get a life, I have one and I usually don’t post on these forums (and your message was one of the reasons I don’t post) I don’t hate anyone – I have stated that I think the show is rigged, I said Derek was an excellent dancer but I don’t think he has what it takes to make it beyond DWTS. What are YOU so upset about? Because you don’t agree? Well that’s what makes the world go around and I hope you seek help for taking comments on a TV show so seriously…
Besides, if I were to go with anyone it wouldn’t be Derek lol and he’d be the one getting turned down :) I wouldn’t give him a first look let alone a second lmao this is too funny
Again Andrew you are right on the money. If you tell it like it is on this board you get labeled jealous or a hater. Sorry but I’m with you – if the others can’t see the show is rigged, it’s their problem.
I Agree with you Wholeheartedly. I wanted Zendaya to win so badly and i honestly believe that pulling the ABC votes was a disadvantage for Zendaya
Really disappointed I thought that Zendaya and Val made this season of Dancing so much more entertaining and they really showed what Dancing is really about. I am done with Dancing after this season really is no point in watching the show anymore.
I cried when Kellie won. And Z TOTALLY deserved the trophy. They didn’t even show her moments with Val. Like they did for Karina and Jacoby.
Yes i was pissed at that too.
I know how you feel Mike – Zendaya and Val were THE BEST and I’m pretty much done with DWTS myself.
Well Boo Hoo Hoo
I am so happy Kellie and Derek won!!! Kellie was my favorite from the second she was announced to be on the show! She was amazing all season long and deserved the win. :)
Derek seems to get the awesome dancers every year. I wish one year , he would get a bad dancer. Just once. Poor Zendaya but, she will be okay, She still has a long career ahead. I am happy for Kelli, it was tough call. As long as Mark Ballas did not win again, I was happy. He always seems so smug.
He had Joanna Krupa, Lil Kim, and that one girl that he dated for a while. She was pretty terrible.
For the past few seasons he has had great dancers though.
Really? We’re judging Zendaya know for not being completely thrilled five seconds after she lost. She’s made it clear she wanted to win for Val as much as herself, so she probably was a bit disappointed that she didn’t get him his mirrorball. Unless she comes out and play bittercakes in the press, I think it’s a bit much. One thing I think about Zendaya is she comes off like a real person and not a Disneybot. Give her a break.
She’s also, what, sixteen years old? She was a lot more composed and gracious than a lot of her peers would have been.
I agree Zendaya handled the highs and lows all season long with a grace far beyond her years. To make a big deal of her reaction at the end is just wrong.
Zendaya was very disappointed and was doing her best to hold it together. There was no way she should be faulted for not smiling when she had just lost a contest that she had at least a fifty-fifty chance of winning.
yes she was trying her best to hold it together in a contest that she and Val should have won.
If zendaya and Val would have won- Derek and kellie would have went right over to them to congratulate them because they have class and wouldn’t have been sore losers! It’s only a tv show. To the person who cried when kellie won- really??? Zendaya and Val were arrogant all season. She was an ok dancer- a bit wild at times and should have worn heels like the other girls and not sneakers. It would have been too hard for her. Derek and Kellie won and deserved it- get over it!!!
Tottally agree with you
I believe zendaya n val deserved to win!!! I think if the voting system was fixed it would have been zendaya n val winning!!!
I’m sorry Zendaya didn’t win, because I really liked her. But while I fully get people tiring of Derek winning all the time, at the same time, Kellie is very likeable, and she WAS amazing, so I’m glad for her. Congratulations to her and Derek.
Kellie and Zendaya were so closely matched in the quality of their dancing, and both so 10+ superb, they BOTH deserved to win. Too bad this contest couldn’t be called a tie.
My Final Four prediction was:
(1) Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
(2) Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
(3) Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas
(4) Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff
I had a feeling Zendaya might pull it out on fan voting since she was ahead of Kellie (by 1 pt) on judge’s scores. Apparently, Kellie was thinking something similar because she looked absolutely SHOCKED when she won!!
On another note, I was SHOCKED that Aly was eliminated before Jacoby. I thought the three ladies were all clearly better than Jacoby.
I too was surprised that Aly and Mark were out before Jacoby…I guess he had more fan votes. :/
I agree. That was the only thing that surprised me tonight. But football players always get a lot of votes.
My jaw was hanging open when I heard that Aly would not get to dance tonight, and that she had been eliminated. Jacoby is a decent dancer, but no way was he as good as Aly.
Jacoby was always fun to watch, but he was sloppy. Ally was definitely the better dancer.
I was really sad that Aly came in 4th. I wanted all the girls in the top 3. But at least I got the winner I wanted.
Go Kellie !!
A horrible game of Monopoly DWTS plays! Always the same one winning. STACK THE DECK DWTS and loose all your viewers! Already downsized!
Exactly right and I think this Season is the last for me. I’m sick of it.
Let me guess … must be The Golden Boy.
Right Linda! Now you’re getting the swing of it lol
What?? Blaming the web site being down for Zendaya loss. Her “people” don’t know how to text or call??? Seriously?? Anyone that saw Kellie lay it all out there on the free style last night KNOWS the right person one. CONGRATS KELLIE!!!
Amen and Amen. Kellie and Derek’s freestyle was beyond superb. The choreography was stunning, and the performance — perfection. I am sorry to see so many sour grapes published here.
Zendaya didn’t win because most of her fans have an 8 pm bedtime and therefore couldn’t vote.
Until the free style on Monday night, I really believed that Zendaya would win, although I felt all season she had a distinct, if not huge, advantage over most of the other competitors because of her hip hop background. However, her free style was only great.
As clever as it was to incorporate two other dance styles to start, it relied on her hip hop skills to carry the routine. Which is fine. Alexandra used her gymnastic skills. Jacoby used his remarkable strength and joie de vivre. That’s what you do to keep climbing the ladder and to win.
Kellie’s free style was completely brilliant. She doesn’t have a dance background and yet in three months I believe she became a dancer. Her Argentine Tango took my breath away, as did her dance with Derek and Tristan. THOSE were her strengths, the things she used to perform an utterly perfect free style that was about dance, about emotion, about a story that we all have lived. No bells & whistles, just dance.
When Derek focuses on the dance, he is a remarkable choreographer. I know there are people who hate him and sometimes he does drive me crazy, but he loves dance. And with a partner who by the grace of god HAS the grace of angels, he shines.
This season, I think it was KELLIE who made him look brilliant. And perfect.
Well said. I think Derek is awesome and DWtS are lucky to have him and they know it. He is an amazing choreographer and a great teacher who brings out the best in his celebs, culminating in a performance like Kellie’s freestyle, which was incredible. It seemed like Kellie and Derek had a genuine connection and they both earned that win. If you consider how much impact some of the judges have had when they give celebs tips for the finale, a teacher/ partner that knows how to teach makes a huge difference. If the show does give Deek better dancers, smart move, his dances are worthy of a weekly spot on tv. Congrats Kellie!
Kellie and Derek’s freestyle last night was truly gorgeous. I was stunned by how perfectly they pulled it off.
Very well said. Thank you !
I wish people would vote based on the overall season not just the last dances, even though those do help a bit. Please let’s not forget that’s what Val did with Zendaya all season! Sticked to just the dance without any props!! And oh here comes Derek for the final dance deciding to do the same thing..Zendaya has been consistent since day 1 and her freestyle showcased everything she learned all season plus showed what a great role model she is to children. The online voting scam is what caused Zendaya and Val to lose their mirror ball because everyone knows she dominated those votes.
It’s rigged for Golden Boy Derek to get the best partners and to win and also have the judges favor him every season. It’s really boring and has ruined the show. Zendaya WAS the best dancer and should have won hands down.
Sorry, Kristin — I disagree. I’m a first time viewer of the show and don’t have the history to like or dislike any of the pro dancers. But here’s my take. During most of the season, Zendaya was slightly ahead of Kellie. Kellie improved to the extent she was just about neck and neck with Zendaya at the end. I would have been happy with either Zendaya or Kellie — i told my wife that if one of them didn’t win there was no justice! But the freestyle dance on Monday evening cinched the trophy for Kellie, in my estimation. Just breathtaking. I was pretty sure it would have to be Kellie after that performance. And I do not believe anything was rigged. DWTS is great entertainment regardless of who wins — a refreshing change from all the violence that’s on TV these days.
Everyone has their opinion Cary and I respect yours but I don’t agree. And you are correct about the show being a nice change from all the violence, I’m all for that. But after watching for so many seasons, you start to notice the favoritism and the partners the pros get paired up with. Wish you could have watched the entire run of all the previous seasons. Thanks for your reply – at least you showed class and didn’t get insulting like the others. I appreciate that.
I will keep watching and will see if I notice any favoritism. There is some scuttlebut about new judges — could be a very interesting dynamic. I still believe, however, that the best couple ended up winning the trophy. Kellie/Derek and Zendaya/Val were essentially neck and neck for most of the season, but ultimately Kellie and Derek showed a little more versatility. I do really like, Zendaya, though. I think she’s a class act– especially for the young kids who idolize her the most. A great role model. Somebody here posted that she dissed Kellie and Derek after the winners were announced, but I can’t agree. Maybe she didn’t rush into Kellie’s arms, but a tweet from her expressed her love and congrats to Kellie and Derek. And she was delightful (all the stars were, actually) on Good Morning America the following day.
Kristen, you’re like a broken record. Get yourself a new needle. We don’t need to hear your disappointment a hundred times. My bet is you’ll be watching again next year. Congrats to the winners!
You’ll hear it 200 times if I feel like it lol and why are you reading my posts if you are getting so frazzled with them? You need to stop being so serious over a TV show…
The absolute winners were Zendays and Val. Acrobats are not dancers.
I’m glad someone else is tired of Derek and his acrobats and oversized ego. Zendaya and Val deserved the Mirror Ball and it’s a damn shame they didn’t get it due to the show being rigged. I’ve had enough of Derek and the unfairness in general. Maybe after DWTS Derek can join Ringling Brothers? lol
I bet Derek was told he’d be in the final/the winner and that was the only reason he came back. ;)
I am tired of this program and how the deck is stacked against anybody but Derek. They have already lost the results show they will lose more viewers If they carry on down this path.
This season after Maks departed has already lost a lot of viewers and many people are sick and tired of the stacked Deck and Derek winning. I predict next Season will be their last. And if that is so, the producers deserve to be off the air. They causes it themselves.
I highly doubt that viewers left because of Maks. Unlike you, most people tune into the program for the celebrity contestants, not the professional dancers. The show is old and the celeb talent this season was not their greatest. To gain viewers, they need to get better contestants and come up with new themes and ideas for dances. They should do everything in their power to keep Derek around. He provides excellent choreography and has a great personality that most viewers like watching. I’m so happy that this season is over so I no longer have to read your ridiculous comments.
Derek being on this season has done nothing for the ratings and him being given good partner every season has made the show boring.
I do think the alienated fans when they did not bring Maksim back.
I’m surprised you didn’t get attacked for that comment John but you are right.
I thought the whole show was great. I loved that Len danced and that Kristi Yamaguchi danced with Dorothy; that was sweet. All of the returning people did their best dances, which was nice. I was surprised that Ally went before Jacoby, but I’m glad Kellie won. She deserved. I wouldn’t have been disappointed if Zendaya won, but I think Kellie was more deserving, just based on last night’s freestyle, and the growth in the emotional depth of her performances.
I can’t believe there are so many negative comments on here about Derek. He seems like a genuinely nice guy. Clearly Kellie is sweet too but they didn’t win because of that they won because their freestyle was the best…because Derek decided to “stripe it down to the basics” – amazing choreographer! Apparently he has won 3 Emmy’s for choreography too…(or so said Viggle when I was doing the trivia last night – I missed that question…)
I voted for them all the way through. I didn’t have anything against Zendaya…but I did notice she didn’t dance in heels all the time…like tonight.
I truly don’t believe all the hate Derek gets is about him personally. Frankly, I’m a little tired of him. I agree, he is an amazing choreographer and he’s great at what he does, for sure. But more often than not, he gets paired with these celebrities who have a natural ability to dance their butts off, and who are likeable. They really make it seem like the show is rigged. Not saying it is, or that I believe it is, but they make it seem heavily biased towards Derek and I think that’s where all the bitterness is stemming from.
Agreed. I don’t hate anyone but the show is biased toward Derek and the bitterness of the viewers watching him being favored is understandable. He and Kellie were NOT the best this year and I truly believe the show is rigged. Val and Zendaya should have won.
Kristin, we get it. You hate Derek. Gosh, do you have to reply every comment and say the same thing over and over again? Everyone watching DWTS would actually want Derek to have great partners. Cause he is just amazing. Actually if I was a star and was ask to do dancing with the stars, I would want ask for Derek. Derek does more than just dancing for points. He pushes the boundaries to a whole other level. I was rooting for Hope Solo when she was on the show. Maks asked for her personally. Everyday, I was wondering what would have happen if Derek was her partner. That same season, Derek had Ricki. An heavier woman with no background in dance and no athletic training! So no, Derek does not get the best partners!
No, you don’t get it. I feel there is preferential treatment and favoritism. I don’t hate anyone. I can reply to whatever I wish however I wish. The others here have repeated themselves and as long as they are in support of Derek they don’t get bashed. Maks was the best dancer they had. I love Ricki Lake and I like Kellie Pickler as well. I didn’t think Hope Solo had that much talent on the dance floor at all. I am perfectly willing to call a spade a spade. When anything is rigged and the outcome unfair it really takes the fun and the suspense out of something.
Thank you Nephtalia. I was about to say the same thing. We are getting tired of hearing you complain about Derek, Kristen.
I have met Derek in person. He came to my studio and taught a class. He was a complete jerk to everyone there. As a dancer I appreciate his dance insights and I think he is a brilliant choreographer. However, he is smug, arrogant, rude, entitled, and many other things.
I never bought the nice guy routine with him either. It was pretty transparent to a lot of people that he has a huge ego and is not the guy people think he is.
There aren’t actually that many negative comments about Derek except for one woman (I’m assuming it’s a woman given her name but these days, one never knows) who really needs a therapy dog and/or a large box of wine.
Look, sometimes he drives me nuts, but then so does Mark Ballas (actually, Mark drives me a little more nuts than Derek on a regular basis) and Val & Maks both have their, um, idiosyncratic behaviours which can be hugely annoying. The thing about those four men is that they are Performers. They are Showmen. They are Personalities. You love ’em, you hate ’em, but that’s what they are.
What makes them Champions is not jury-rigging or website downtaking or really even whether or not their celebrity partners are agile, nimble, hip hop dancers since they were 8, former athletes, current athletes, chemistry partners, overweight, underweight, adorable or dorky. What makes them – or could make them – champions is the ability to teach and mould and dance their specific partner in that specific season into a Champion.
Kristin, if you think that the producers set one pro up, for whatever reason, then surely you think that all of the pros have been set up at one time or another. Because in a conspiracy minded world, there can be no other reasons why Tony Dovolani needed 15 seasons to win, or why Edyta Slovinskaya never did win!
Also Kristin, I have to ask, and I hope you will actually give this some serious thought and not be sarcastic or caustic in your response, but think about what might have happened differently if Val and Derek had been given each other’s celebrity partner? Would you still be on Team Zendaya if she had danced with Derek? Would you be so unwilling to acknowledge how beautiful and skilled a dancer Kellie became if she had danced with Val?
I’m just askin’… before you get too heavily into that box of wine.
Sorry to disappoint you but not a wine drinker. I prefer Chivas Regal if and when I do have a drink which is rarely. It’s a shame you people have to get so upset about someone’s comments. Maybe you should have a drink, it might calm you down. Have a double martini and don’t forget the olives :)
I was actually thinking abt what u was saying and even if zendaya was partnered with derek I wud still choose het bcuz she was hands down the best dancer even though its also clear thst the producers treat derek like their first born kid.
I’m a bit sad for Zendaya I think she should have won as she was the better dancer! Kellie always looked a bit awkward doing the latin dances like on Monday her relay cha cha looked a bit stiff.
Derek is an amazing choreographer – has always been. Kellie was a far better dancer than Zendaya. Zendaya is very cute, but does not have the total strength and control of her body that real dancers have. I felt that the judges were biased toward Zendaya thruout the whole show, because she’s adorable and has an infectious personality. But, Kellie and Derek deserved the win.
REALLY. I wish noone knew Zee was 16. She displayed much more maturity than most of her peers. She does have the strength and body control, and the judges were just identifying with her amazing talent, definitely not being biased.
Zendaya should have won. Darn you abc.com. Love ya Daya. Zsway all the way.