It’s hard to believe that season 28 of ABC’s insanely popular Dancing with the Stars has come to an end. While judge Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out previously, the talent during the season’s competition was some of the best since the show’s inception. To keep the scores from peaking too early, as it has in previous seasons, all three of the judges were more focused on technicalities, elements that defined each dance and content. Consequently, with just four couples remaining as the finale kicked off, they truly were the cream of the crop and the most consistent of the dance teams.
The burden of all of the evening’s entertainment didn’t fall on the dancer’s shoulders, though. Iconic pop star, Cher, was featured in a pre-recorded segment that paid tribute to her early days with singing partner and husband, Sonny Bono. Also, Ne-Yo and Pitbull were live on the show to perform “3 to Tango” while the entire season’s line-up returned for one last twirl around the ballroom floor.
In the Dancing with the Stars season finale, each couple was allowed to pick their favorite dance of the season, along with a freelance number, which showcased a lot of the discipline they had learned in the season.
Ally Brooke and Sasha Farber
Len Goodman: “Well, we’ve been going for 11 weeks, we’re down to four couples and there’s only going to be one winner. I’ve got to tell you, Ally, you’ve done your chances no harm at all with that jive. Fantastic.
Bruno Tonioli: “Unleash the star power! Who am I watching, Jennifer Lopez in Vegas? Apart from the fact that I love all of the tribal bit and you playing the drums on her bum, I have never seen that before, you put a lot of actual Latin dancing in there. There was samba, there was salsa, it was effective, it was fantastic, it was a showstopper. Brilliant.”
Combined scores from judges: 60/60
Lauren Alaina and Gleb Savchenko
Bruno Tonioli: “We could all tell how much you love the song, you were literally singing along. What I like about you is you really bring the character to life, you perform it. ‘He’s my man, don’t take him away.’ I like your commitment to the story telling and, actually, your lines have improved, your balance has improved, and you always spin a nice yarn.”
Carrie Ann Inaba: “So, everybody’s freestyle is different and this is the perfect freestyle for you. What a celebration. You brought the southern charm, you had a great time, you were loose, you were relaxed. I just want to tell you, I adore you. I have adored watching your whole journey. You have been vulnerable and honest and open with everything you have done out here. It’s been fantastic. That was a great end.”
Combined scores from judges: 57/60
Kel Mitchell and Witney Carson
Carrie Ann Inaba: “That was great the first time you did it, it was better the second time you did it. It showcases everything that’s good about you. You make everything look so easy, but you’re so spot-on with every single delivery of your movements.”
Bruno Tonioli: “What a ride and what a night! Love it. Loving the Chicago footwork, but I have to say, that final acceleration, the tempo, the choreography, the atmosphere you created really were exhilarating. And you brought the house down. Fabulous!”
Combined scores from judges: 59/60
Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten
Len Goodman: “I told you the last time you did this, I wanted some natural turns. You put those in. A little bit suspect here and there with the footwork, but what lovely, sweeping movement across the floor. Well done.”
Len Goodman: “I’m so used to you doing lyrical movement and graceful with fluidity, you came out sharp, crisp…you really threw me and it was great.”
Combined scores from judges: 58/60
After the judges combined scores were added in with the audience scores, the final results were announced.
Fourth place: Lauren and Gleb
Third place: Ally and Sasha
Runner-up: Kel and Witney
Winner: Hannah and Alan
Congratulations to all of the Dancing with the Stars finalists.
