Season 29, The Finals! We Have Another Bachelorette Winner

 

An opening number!!!! *jumps up and down*

The four finalists: Kaitlyn and Artem, Jenna and Nev, Sasha and Justina and Daniella and Nelly.

We have two dances (including the Freestyle), a dance by Derek Hough, and Nelly performing for us. Woo hoo. First, though, they do a “Repeat Dance.” Ugh.

Artem and Kaitlyn, Argentine tango

Derek: “Kaitlyn, what a perfect dance to remind people that you deserve to be here, and you are a perfect contender for that Mirror Ball trophy. We’ve held you to a high standard, and I’m glad we did, because you’ve met it. Beautiful performance.” Bruno: “You took my breath away. It was so intensely sensuous, I’m tingling all over. To add to that, the detail was even better this time around. Absolutely stunning.” Carrie Ann: “I’m so glad you chose to do this dance again, because this is the dance where you went from being an amazing dancer to an unforgettable, exquisite… I can’t even find the words right now. What I love so much about this is you challenged yourself. I know I push you, but it’s really you. You pushed yourself, and that’s what you gave us. And this is now one of my Top Three Dances of All Time.”

JUDGES: 30 (out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, samba

Bruno: “Let’s party with Nelly and Daniella. What you have is such a spontanaeity, a natural feel to you. You’re so engaging to watch. Watching you is great, is fun. We all want to watch you.” Carrie Ann: “Nelly, your journey has been the most fascinating for me and gives me the most joy, because you remind us that dance is so much more than just technique, just the steps, just executing with perfection, as far as the technicality speaking. You showed us that dance is about the joy of life. The transformation that you’ve made has just been incredible. You started this—I wasn’t sure that you were gonna take the full ride. But you took the full ride with us.” Derek: “To echo what she said, this show isn’t just about technique, steps and dance. It’s about moments. And you’re a moment-maker, Brother. You create moments. You fill this room with such joy. People feel good. When I ask people outside the show, ‘Hey, who you rooting for?’ A lot of people say Nelly. You connect with people at home. You did a fantastic job.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, paso doble

Previously, the dance (to Swan Lake) started with her at the beginning. This time, it starts with him. Makes more sense.

Carrie Ann: “That dance was perfection the first time you did it. It was once again perfection. There’s no doubt about it. What I love so much about you, is that when I watch you, I feel like I get to have a treat. Whenever you come out on this dance floor, I know it’s going to be amazing. I know it’s going to be technically amazing. I know it’s also going to be artistic. And I know you’re also going to give us 1000%. Thank you for every performance so far.  I’vc loved every performance.” Derek: “I absolutely loved the little change at the beginning, where it was you starting in the spotlight, shedding your light feathers, becoming this dark beast. It was so fantastic. I feel like you kinda catfished us all. Nev Shulmann. You can dance.” Bruno: “How do you improve on perfection? You think about it. You switch the characters, and you created even more dramatic structure. More intensity. It was more thrilling, and you killed it.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, cha cha

Go, Justina and Sasha! I’m unabashedly rooting for them.

Derek: “I said it Week One, and I’ll say it again: ‘You are expoloding with charisma.’ You have all season long. You are just sensational to watch. So much fun.” Bruno: “Justina, la diva Latina. You were almost too hot to trot tonight. You brought in the extra spicy sauce.” Carrie Ann: “Girl, you know how to bring it. Every time you hit these hardwood floors, you light them up on fire like nobody else. You have something that is different than everybody because you have fire in a different way. Every single competitor has something so special, and it’s all different. But I love your fire.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Derek dances. Derek Hough’s dances are as gratuitous as Tyra Banks’ dresses.

So back to the show. Onto what we really came here for: the Freestyle dances.

Daniella and Nelly, Freestyle

For me, one of the worst Freestyles I’ve seen in years. Ugh. The less said about it, the better.

Bruno: “The King of Swag and the King of Bling. Great.” Carrie Ann: “If you don’t mind, I’m going to talk a little bit about your partner. This partnership has been outstanding. This dance gives me hope, because it was a hybrid of hip hop and ballroom and Latin. Two worlds that you would not normally put together. You guys brought them together and created something so magical you give me hope for the future.” Derek: “It had everything. The intro was so good. And then the ending. Especially in the Freestyle, it’s so important to start strong and end strong, and that’s what you did.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, Freestyle

They danced to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” (“Sparkling Diamonds” from Moulin Rouge) It was a very fun number, and the troupe (actually pro dancers) helped. Also, back in the day, the Freestyle used to represent the journey that a person had gone through during the season. And it reflected the person, the star. When I think of Kaitlyn Bristowe, “diamonds” aren’t in the top 100 things I’d think about her. So I’m not sure at all where this choice came from. (She’s also not wearing any “diamonds.”)

Carrie Ann: “That is one of my favorite movies of all time. That number is one of my favorite all-time cinema moments. So I have very high expectations. Thank God, you met them. You’re incredible. That you brought that to life, and so much more. I’m so proud of you.” Derek: “I remember watching you, and Chris Harrison surprising you, telling you you were going to be on Dancing with the Stars. Going from a Zoom call on a couch to a ascending down on this giant swing. Here you are on the Dancing with the Stars final. So close to the trophy. Congratulations.” Bruno: “What I liked about it, you really captured the feel of that Baz Luhrmann extravaganza. But it was so jam-packed with content. It was a showcase of Dancing with the Stars.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, Freestyle

OTOH, when I heard they were dancing to “Singin’in the Rain,” I got worried. Derek Hough had memorably recreated this dance, even discussing it with Gene Kelly’s widow. It was serious. He went into meticulous detail with his dance.

Jenna and Nev take another tack. They start out the traditional way, perhaps, but then they get into this.

With, of course, actual water involved.

Luckily, there’s also this:

(Which memorably recreates the costumes of Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.)

So, at least their Freestyle used the actual movie that their costumes are from. As such, personally, I’d give their Freestyle higher points.

Derek: “Listen, you can’t pull off Gene Kelly or Singin’ in the Rain unless you’re a leading man. Nev, my friend, you are a leading man. You bring the best out in Jenna as well. She has done a sensational job all season long. The two of you! What a way to finish out the season. I loved it.” Bruno: “You were aiming very very high with this one. I have to say, you succeeded. That midsection, reinventing the dynamic between Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse (sic), it was showstopping. It was inspired, it was beautiful. And I was not expecting that.” Carrie Ann: “That was like three routines in one. It was very exciting. Classic, then it got a little raunchy, then the water. So many levels to it. You are an incredible performer. I feel we have said it over and over again, but it’s this partnership that makes it magical. And I just wanna congratulate all of the partners, and the pros, who have done an incredible job this season with all of you.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, Freestyle

At least this Freestyle speaks to the person who’s dancing (like it used to be). And isn’t copying some movie from eons ago. (Not that that’s a bad thing.) 

She just looks like she’s having a blast in this dance. Parts of it are in Spanish (of course). Fabulous, and very Justina.

Bruno: “Oh my darling. That really was a celebration of the Latin spirit. The warmth, the passion, the joy, the zest for life. It was so uplifting, I actually hit the rafters (*eyeroll*). It was a tonic for your soul.” Carrie Ann: “I loved that dance. What I loved about it was the message. The Freestyle is all about strategy.  You used this moment to send out a powerful message. It’s a celebration of you, your strength, your courage and your culture.” Derek: “I couldn’t think of a better Freestyle to finish this entire season. That was so good. The intro was fire. All the different things, you guys just crushed it.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

MICHE’s Favorite Freestyles

1. Jenna and Nev

2. Sasha and Justina

3. Artem and Kaitlyn

Then Nelly performs some of his greatest hits. Daniella, of course, dances.

 They show clips of everyone’s friends, family and otherwise cheer sections, saying why they deserve the Mirror Ball. 

The couple in 4th place is:

Robbed! They were robbed! :-(

Daniella and Nelly, thankfully, took third place.

Either of these couples could win. I think, based on their Freestyles, that Nev and Jenna deserved to win of these two. But here you go.

Artem’s first Mirror Ball. That’s a good thing. Because it’s COVID times, we don’t have everyone lifting Artem up. He’s probably glad about that. Congrats.

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Season 29, Semifinals Bring Two Dances and Two Eliminations

 

We have another lame intro thing, where the stars ask “real people” who they are voting for. Yawn.

Then, eons of time of Tyra Banks walking down the stairs. Double yawn.

And since Tyra gets to walk down, they have the judges walking down too. Sheesh. Can we start already? God, I miss the opening numbers!

We learn that the dancers will have two numbers tonight. 

First round is “Judges’ Redemption.”

Alan and Skai, cha cha

Don’t like this song or this dance.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “Your legs were so much better.” Carrie Ann: “I thought it was amazing. I’m so proud of you. This is redemption. What a great way to start the semifinals. On point. You were so crisp.” Derek: “Just your confidence. You feel so much more relaxed, but so much stronger in your movement. So sharp. Also, this is my favorite dress of the season. Such a brilliant dance.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, tango

I lovcd this tango. Of course, I also love Justina and Sasha and want them to win.

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “Justina! First of all, that intro. The attack, the passion, the energy. Your frame is so exquisite, it’s so stunning. There was no hops. So good. Loved it.” Bruno: “That’s what I was waiting for. You don’t mess with that girl. On top of it, total change of intention that allowed you to drive through the right feeling. And it all happened. So much better.” Carrie Ann: “Mama, you’re on fire tonight. The way you danced together as one. You’re always beautiful and passionate, but tonight, there was like an new oozing sensuality that came from true confidence. All of that is perfect for this dance. Wonderful dance.”

JUDGES: 28 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, salsa

I just love watching Britt. She’s so spectacular. I liked this salsa, too.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “I felt you were much more in control. I’m so proud of you. I saw the work that I wanted to see from you.” Derek: “First of all, that was a tough routine. That was intricate, and the fact that you were able to that with such power, finesse, it was fantastic. I’m lovin’ this Redemption Dance. Everybody is getting better, they’re improving.” Bruno: “You really have the feeling now, of action and reaction and connection. And you maintained that kind of rhythmical fluidity that you need in the salsa.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

Nelly should have been eliminated last week. I don’t think much of his dancing at all. But one can remain stoic with paso doble.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “I could see shapes. I could see lines. What I loved: you used restraint power.” Carrie Ann: “You danced that with power and presence. There was a regalness to what you were doing. You have so much control over your body. So impressive. You told the story beautifully.” Derek: “First of all, there is definitely improvement. The focus you have was so captivating.”

JUDGES: 26 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

Pink shoes? Really? wow. Certainly better than their Week One dance. 

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “What I loved about that routine was that it was classic. It was pure. It was pure foxtrot. What makes a good foxtrot? Control. You were in absolute control from start to finish, throughout that entire routine. Beautiful.” Bruno: “No messing around. Boom! The frame. You never lost it. Even your bum was under control. You seem to as well have an instinct to interpret the music absolutely right, so in tune with Jenna. Brilliant.” Carrie Ann: “From that first step, the body contact was incredible. Talk about mastering the technique. You have become a true ballroom artist.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

Great music. Sounds like Rodrigo y Gabriela. Fun dance.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “That was amazing. From the moment you began, it was passionate, it was powerful.You were so in the zone. Every nuance. I could feel you. I’m so happy for you. This is what we want.We want everybody to feel great. This was a fantastic, and fast and furious paso doble.” Derek: “You sold me. That was awesome.” Bruno: “Seriously, it was 100% authentic paso doble.” 

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

ROUND 2

Sasha and Justina, contemporary

\Well, I don’t normally like Contemporary, but I really liked Sasha and Justina’s. They dance to “Holding Out for a Hero” because Sasha’s her hero. It was beautiful.

Derek: “Oh my goodness. I’m just having moments tonight, because it is coming to the end of the season. And this is where all the emotions are mixed into… there are no words. Thank you so much. I just love watching you dance. It feels effortless. I know it’s been challenging. I know it’s difficult, but your gift is to  look like it comes from you, from within. Beautiful arms. I love seeing you smile and embrace that dance.” Bruno: “Such freedom of movement. Sense of relief. It was almost like when you watch a child, unleashed (!) running through a meadow. I don’t care about anything, it is me. This is who I am, this is what it is. Take it or leave it.” Carrie Ann: “Justina, you’re right, about Sasha. He’s a very special heart (as Sasha bows his head, embarrassed), and having him by your side has brought out something so incredible. This dance…we talk about ‘What is a 10?’… ‘What is perfection?’ It’s when magic happens on the dance floor. And you can’t put your finger on it, but you feel it in your heart. That did that for me tonight. It was beautiful. It was authentic. You were telling us your appreciation for Sasha, and I could feel it. It was gorgeous.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Alan and Skai, Viennese waltz

They dance to “Lonely” by Miley Cyrus. Nice choreography by Alan. 

Bruno: “The elegance. That could be a Vogue cover. What you did was so beautiful. You managed to maintain an emotional connection, all through the dance. You were telling the story like you’ve never done before, without ever losing the weightless flow that we require from Viennese waltz.” Carrie Ann: “Skai, you are an exceptional young woman. You have a grace, elegance and determination. You do not stop fighting ever, and it’s so impressive. But what I loved most about tonight is that sometimes when women are strong, we don’t show the vulnerability. But the vulnerability is the most beautiful part, because that’s what is the power behind the strength. Tonight, you expressed your vulnerability and it just took the dance to a whole other level. Tonight, this was for you.” Derek: “I’m gonna echo what they both said. It was just beautiful. Elegant. Your frame was gorgeous. You emoted, throughout the whole dance. I really felt you. I connected. Because you were connected to yourself. And when you connect to yourself, others connect to you.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, jazz

They dance to One Republic’s “I Lived.” I guess I put jazz (sometimes) right in there with contemporary. I wasn’t really wowed by this dance.

Carrie Ann: “Johnny! Britt! I loved it. That was amazing . That looked like you felt like you were on Cloud 9. Wonderful. It just had this feeling of hope. That’s what’s so beautiful about our show. The way you’ve come, the way you’ve made this journey from—you have struggled the most out of everybody. And you still just keep soaring.” Derek: “Beautiful routine. Well done, Britt. I loved the beginning, when she supported you. It was a perfect representation of your partnership. I really feel that genuine connection between the two of you. There’s a real currency in genuine love and respect for your partner. We feel it. I feel like the audience at home feels it.” Bruno: “Clean, clear, purity of line and form. It was completely you. Very dynamic, very musical. Everything I love was there.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, contemporary

Contemporary is Jenna’s ace. She really excels at it. Really stunning choreography. Incredible moves.

Derek: “I forgot to judge. I was just watching. It was just so wonderful to witness and to watch. Just the partnership, the fluidity, the creativity. Props to all the pros. So much goes into it. Jenna, I know you’re going home, stressing about the choreography. Listen: you aced it. That was phenomenal.” Bruno: “You cannot be that good. There wasn’t a nuance that wasn’t on point, and on purpose. You were talking with your body. I was listening to you. Like Derek, I was totally, totally with you. You were speaking to me.” Carrie Ann: “Listen, your partner there is no joke, and contemporary is her thing. Jenna, that choreography was amazing, it was stunning, it was so artistic. But what’s amazing is you didn’t tone it back one bit for him. And Nev, you delivered every single step. She challenged you, here, where it really matters, to get you to the finals. Challenge: accepted and won.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, jive

This is definitely my favorite of all their dances, probably largely because it’s danced to a song from the ’40s. (I think it’s called “Jump Jivin.’) Fun stuff. I did notice that he’s not wearing dance shoes, only sneakers, so maybe it’s easier for him.

Daniella is just amazing. I love her so much.

All of the judges are on their feet, clapping. 

Bruno: “I can’t believe it. Nelly, you nailed it.” Carrie Ann: “Daniella! Amazing job. But Nelly! What happened? This was incredible. This was the breakthrough. This was the right time to have the breakthrough. This is when you want your moment to skyrocket. I’ve never seen you boogie. You had like a fire under your foot. Nelly: Amazing job. Thank you.” Derek: “Dude, you nailed that routine.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

My tolerance for Contemporary is growing thin. This was ok. Not as stellar as Jenna’s.

Carrie Ann; “First of all, tonight’s semifinals, I’ve never seen dancing at this level. So congratulations to all of you. Kaitlyn, I’ve been waiting for you to do a contemporary. This is the dance I knew you’d be incredible at. And you danced from your heart. Your lines were beautiful. Artem, I loved the tenderness between you two. You guys have come together as a very beautiful team.” Derek: “When people ask me about Dancing with the Stars, I always say my favorite part about the show is telling stories. And having the honor and privilege to tell someone else’s story through dance and movement, and have those moments that are so special that you’ll never forget. You’ll always have this now. For your friend, and for yourself. Thank you for that.” Bruno: “Oh my darling. Powerful. Beautiful. Fantastic dance. Really on a fantastic night. I want to take a moment. You see this, but this show wouldn’t happen without all the people backstage that really work so hard to bring this show to the American audience. They do a fantastic job. Safely. Thanks to them as well, as all of you. Fantastic night.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

So, who’s going home on this Double Elimination night?

(We are ignoring all the times Tyra messed up tonight. I will remind though: Tom Bergeron NEVER messed up a line.)

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Judges’ Redemption

1. Sasha and Justina, tango

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

3. Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

4. Britt and Johnny, salsa

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Regular

1. Jenna and Nev, contemporary

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

3. Sasha and Justina, contemporary

4. Britt and Johnny, jazz

5. Daniella and Nelly, jive

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