'Dancing With the Stars' results recap: The final cut

Doggone it, the results sure have been surprising this season. When Season 11 started so many weeks ago, who would have thought that Jennifer Grey, Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin would be the last stars standing in this competition?

Bristol “the Pistol” Palin, ladies and gentlemen! Make no mistake about it: This teen activist cannot — nay, will not — be ignored. Nor will she step down from the ballroom fandango! With guylinered Mark Ballas by her side, Bristol has weathered the myriad “Dancing With the Stars” storms thrown her way and made it through to the final round.

Which meant, alas, that singer Brandy and her pro partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, were out in this ninth week of competition. Brandy, who just moments earlier in a segment, said ardently (maybe desperately), “I have to go to the finals. In the most humblest way, that’s where I feel we belong.”

It was clear that Brandy was not ready to leave. She wanted to be in the finals. No, she needed to be in the finals, and the tears of frustration and disappointment were evident at the end of the program. Good on Maks for being loving and supportive and positive about the show and his partner. “People vote, and their voices count, and I love that the show represents that,” the hunky Ukrainian said. “I don’t regret a second about being on this season.”

Oh, Brandy. Had this been another season no doubt your scores and dancing ability would have gotten you through to that final week. But this, clearly, is no ordinary season. How else to explain the strident staying power of the Pistol? At this rate, should we call the competition now? Because the way the votes have been going down week after week, Bristol Palin is primed and ready to win it all.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Let’s look back to the ousted singer’s happier moments, shall we? Like the encore dance, Brandy and Maks’ perfect-30 sultry Argentine tango, which Len said, “absolutely lit up the ballroom last night.” The routine was replete with lamppost and café table and chair from the night before, but the pluming smoke machine was noticeably absent (perhaps it had Tuesdays off?).

Then there was a segment where the final contestants looked back and in retrospect talked about their hardships and rewards of being on the show. Bristol found a confidence she didn’t know she had. Kyle learned to find discipline and push through the mental blocks. Brandy said it was rewarding, humbling and frustrating, all at the same time. Jennifer learned that once she accepted her physical limitations that she could go that much farther.

Lovely Annie Lennox performed two numbers. The first was “Universal Child” from her just-released album “A Christmas Cornucopia,” accompanied by two contemporary dancers – the first of whom unrolled onto the floor in a sheath of red fabric. You could tell Annie’s a friend of “DWTS” and of the arts, because she allowed the dancers to perform throughout the entire number. The second was a fun rendition of “Little Bird,” flanked by four fledgling dancers. 

After weeks and weeks of voting, the Macy’s Design a Dance finally came to fruition. Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke were chosen to do a high-octane jive to Billy Joel’s “Still Rock 'n'Roll to Me,” and made fun use of a bright red convertible with the license plate “DWTS 11” as they reenacted a date at a drive-in movie theater.

Latin pop crooner Enrique Iglesias brought the entire crowd to their feet — judges included — and turned the Rectagon into fiesta central for his hit “I Like It.” And he was accompanied by our pros Dmitry Chaplin, Louis Van Amstel, Damian Whitewood, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke and Peta Murgatroyd, who’s making a good play to become a regular next season.

The party atmosphere, however, was abruptly brought to an end when Brandy was called out of the competition.

What do you think, ballroom fans? Do you like how this season has shaped up? Are you excited to see the remaining dancers’ freestyle routines? Will Brandy actually perform her freestyle next Tuesday, like Bruno had requested? Can anyone stop the Bristol train from barreling its way all the way to the coveted Mirrorball station?

—Allyssa Lee

Related:

Blogosphere in a tizzy over Bristol Palin's advance to the finals

‘Dancing With the Stars’ recap: Semifinal showdown

‘Dancing With the Stars’ results recap: Out of the end zone

Complete ‘Dancing With the Stars’ coverage on Show Tracker

Photo credit: Adam Larkey / ABC

 

Comments

[stopassuming]

I think that you cannot ignore the fact that Americans like an underdog. Brandy was very good but I think she sounded a little full of herself and that did not go over very well. I also think that the show always has people on it who have some performing and dance background and that seems a bit unfair. I personally like to see the "stars" that have had no background in dance at all. I know they always say that ballroom dance is different and I get that but I think it puts so many people ahead of the game. In the end...it's just a show and people getting so angry about it is a little silly.

[Jerry Fullerton]

The Tea Party Strikes Again! All hail the Tea Party!

[AdPro]

I've been reading these comments for about an hour from start to the last one posted. Like 99% of the postings, I am an ardent fan that feels truly shafted. My perspective on how this happened is supported by of my 15+ years of advertising sales and the knowledge of the system of media's motivation - MONEY. ABC has truly lost its way this time in its thirst to make BANK on ad dollars from the very beginning when Bristol was chosen to compete!The more people watch, the more dollars they charge the advertisers; hence, the cycle. That's how it works in media! That's the formula!Dollars ruled over integrity and the race was on and out of control. Notwithstanding, the "Palin" factor.

Impact on this cycle can be influenced by a drop in viewership and/or a boycott of sponsors of the show. Trust me - ABC will listen to THAT message!

[tw]

DWTS has lost all credibility....why have a panel of judges, if an untrained audience has more say, in who's a finalist.....This show has always been a popularity contest....and this latest bunder proves it.....What a joke!!!!!!!

[Melissa Thomatz]

It was a shocker of a night. Obviously, Brandy was the better dancer but I disagree with the post saying that the show is actually right wing. Margaret Cho was on this season, wasn't she? If they were really that conservative, the Situation wouldn't have been on the show, or Pam Anderson for that matter. They brought Bristol on for ratings; I'm sure they didn't expect the "Pistol's" staying power.

A note on Brandy: she did not endear herself to me. I'm not disappointed that she was voted off. Just my two cents.

[iCosta]

Like the way the season has shaped out!? For the sake of dance and the grace of it all, with stars like Brandy and Jennifer Grey in the competition it was nice to watch. It is clear that these 2 are the best in the competition no doubt, and in a completely different league to the lifeless Bristol... Ok ok in all fairness she hasn't done bad, but you can't say she's got there thanks to her dancing! To now be picked over Brandy though; it's clear either the rigging conspiracy is true, or the fact people simply don't vote for the dancing, but rather the celebrities regardless of their abilities on the floor!... Or BOTH!!!

If you've watched this season; it's clear that Brandy is in another league from Bristol completely! But people want their icons to win the show - not the best dancers!... Which isn't what it should be about.

What you say is true though: "the Bristol Train." Both things are comparable in grace, which is a joke for the world of dancing... and if this kind of momentum keeps up this show will become a joke putting a lot of passionate dance followers off the idea of another viewing.

At this rate Jennifer (clearly this season's best) will be yet another runner up to the "Pistol-Train" - or whatever you want to call her! Shame...

[LadyJane]

I've always said that reality shows should have a "One Person One Vote" policy.

Then people with informed opinions would take the time to vote and the results would be representative of something other than speed dialing or speed texting spurred by the boundless energy of Tweens or, as has now happened, the frenzied partisanship of Tea Baggers.

How about it DWTS and American Idol? One phone line, one vote. Then publish the votes, every single week. Anything else is phony manipulation.

What's the point in trumpeting the 10 million votes when they were cast, not by 10 million individual viewers, but by a hundred thousand Americans who need to "get a life."

[Gina Boynton]

If there is even the slightest chance that Bristol has invalid votes in this competition perhaps she should simply remove herself; bring Brandy and Mak back. There has to be some way to right this wrong. This entire season has been nothing more than a pathetic comedy. Looking back to the results show each week - has anyone noticed that Bristol never seems that surprised to continue on to the following week? Maybe that should tell us all something!

[Carol]

This has turned into a popularity contest on DWTS. I only watched this for three seasons and last yr. was iffy, and this year is off the wall. Until DWTS changes their format to really judge for talent and not the latest person of national interest I won't watch anymore. Nobody has said this A.M. in their articles that the Tea Party moved in and pushed this young lady to the finals, not because of talent but because of her Momma.

[Clark Kent]

im surprised of the results of last nigth's show...i was going for Brandy & Maks to WIN, but i guess thats not going to happened...i was going for either Kyle or Bristol to leave, With bristol 1st and Kyle 2nd too leave the show....i also believe that Tony & partner left @ the day it was suppost to be Bristol too leave b ut that didnt happene either...but whatever it sad to see that politic's had gone involved in DWTS....

[Melissa Thomatz]

I cannot believe the outrage being directed at Bristol "The Pistol" Palin and her family. Let's get some clarity, shall we? BRANDY ended up in third place last night. BRANDY, whose desperate star has been waning for some time and who was hoping for DWTS to jumpstart her no longer existent career. Has she had a hit record or movie in the last, 5, even 10 years? I thought so. How much do you want to bet she'll be releasing another album next year?? Maybe she should disappear into obscurity. I can't help comparing her to last season's champion, Nicole Sherzinger, who had oodles of class and was an infinitely better dancer and performer. OK, so I am hating on Brandy too much? The point is, this show has always had ardent voters, and this season brought out a very passionate voting segment. DWTS producers, apparently, are to suffer the consequences of this debacle by losing viewers.

Still, I for one am glad Bristol has made it this far. She can't help that people are voting for her, and she is just a "real girl" and so, also has won over many hearts just from her sincerity and lack of pretension. Go girl! (But, I truly, truly hope Jennifer and Derek win the competition....LOVE that lady!).

[silverbyrd]

Part of the problem here is that too much weight is given to the popular vote. The judges opinions, as experts, should be at least 70% of the vote. That is, of course, assuming that the judges aren't biased....

Rooting for Jennifer; but disappointed that Bristol is still in. I have no feelings for her either way (hate or love), but on the up-side, she has greatly improved.

[D. Vader]

DWTS, you're this close to "jumping the shark!"

[Marigold]

Brandy was robbed. Bristol Palin has come a long way, but she's still not a the dancer Kyle, Jennifer or Brandy is and everyone can see it! Even the judges have never given her a 10. They know she's not exceptionally good but gets by nicely in her performances. She appears to be a sweet girl, but this is a dance competition show -- Doesn't the actual talent and dancing count????

[snorkel]

Oh people please, I have to laugh some people take this so seriously. Guess it is their chance to vent about whatever it is that bothers them. I have watched this show since the beginning. You know what I like about Palin she is the only person who has been on the last few shows who has no acting ability, no dancing ability, isn't an athlete who is comfortable in the lime light and is turning into a dancer. Good for her! I would have liked to see Jennifer go, all that crying and Brandy was a real actress always looking like she was going to cry in front of the judges. I say Bristol and Kyle and I think it should be Kyle who wins.

[Brenda]

Kate Gosselin got a lot of popular votes despite her inability to dance. Bristol Palin's dancing is improving every week and she does have a lot of supporters. Bristol has won the hearts of so many people because she is sincere.

[Robin]

Brandy was very talented but her comments turned the majority of the voting audience off. This thing with Bristol - the same thing happened when Marie Osmond was on. She made it to the Finals while more talented people were eliminated weekly. Kelly Osbourne is another example of the same thing. The people complaining have a political agenda and/or are not voting.

[HID]

Why was Bristol Palin on the show to begin with?? It's called "Dancing With The Stars." The only thing she's famous for is getting knocked up (at 17, no less! Great role model) while her mother was preaching abstinence. How does someone get to be a "star" for being a hypocrite? Boy, those teabaggers sure know how to get out the vote. I used to dance & have loved how ABC has showcased ballroom dancing as primetime fare. However, I can no longer watch this popularity contest. Boycotting the show & its sponsors from now on. I suggest everyone join me.

[LTR]

People, people, people. Controversy = Immense viewership/High Ratings = Prime advertising $'s. This is precisely what DWTS wants. They don't give a hoot who can dance and who can't. It's TV/entertainment not a competition. It's all about the $'s.

Let the Right pound their collective chests and think that they're in control of the outcome. But the entity that will benefit the most is ABC. Or as the elder Palin says, "lamestream media". Too sweet!

[judy]

I voted for Mark Ballas and his this year partner, as I have every season because I think he and Derek are the best male dancers and, along with Cheryl, the best teachers. To me, Mark has done a spartan job with a person who had no background in any entertainment field at all.