Considering the results and shocking eliminations these last few weeks on “Dancing With the Stars,” perhaps Tuesday night’s results weren’t really that big of a surprise. Why? Because once again, Bristol Palin outlasted a competitor who is infinitely more skilled and interesting on the dance floor. Ugh!
R&B singer Brandy, who has been a front-runner for much of the season, won’t be showing off her graceful moves during the finals next week. (That also means no more Maks Chmerkovskiy -- shirtless or otherwise -- which is just plain wrong! Seriously, what does the gorgeous ballroom stud have to do to win a season?!) Instead, viewers will get to watch Palin bumble through a freestyle dance on her way to claiming the mirror ball trophy.
Yep. I’m calling it for Palin. Who cares if she forgets more steps during the finale performances? She’s already done that several times this season, and each time, people vote her through to dance again. So what if others have been eliminated for smaller infractions? Palin’s relatable, by golly. Viewers see themselves in her. (Or so judge Carrie Ann Inaba wants us to believe.) Even if the “teen activist” falls flat on her face, I bet whoever’s voting will still back her to win the season.
Is it right? Heck no! But this season long ago went from dance competition to popularity contest, which stinks. In previous competitions, viewers were annoyed by the “ringers” and sometimes voted them out. And as I watched this season – and Palin – advance, I kept thinking back to last season, when fans of the show complained loudly that Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger had too much dance experience for the contest to be fair. But in the end, they gave her the mirror ball trophy. Why? Because she was the best dancer. It gave me hope that sooner or later, season 11 would become a dance competition again. After this semifinals result, I give up.
So sure, Brandy can cry on national TV. Jennifer Grey’s pro partner, Derek Hough, can leave his jaw on the floor. Judge Bruno Tonioli can keep declaring, “I’m so disappointed!” This season’s going to Palin.
(Please please please prove me wrong, “Dancing” fans! Give the mirror ball trophy to Kyle Massey! I’m begging you!)
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