"Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars": All-ladies showdown

"DWTS: All-Stars" finalist Kelly Monaco, center, in pink dress, performs in a production number homage to the movie "Dirty Dancing" on "Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars" on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012

/ Adam Taylor

Shawn Johnson followed bad advice, Kelly Monaco threw in everything and Melissa Rycroft soared in the all-ladies final of "Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars."

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"Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" finale

In their final week of competition, the ladies turned in two dances Monday -- with one more to come on Tuesday before the all-star season mirrorball trophy is handed out. One of Monday's dances was a repeat of a previous routine from this season; the second "super-sized freestyle" gave the contestants a chance to conceive and choreograph a production number with all the trimmings.

Points to Kelly Monaco for super-sizing her freestyle, an homage to "Dirty Dancing" performed to the classic '80s staple "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." This one had it all: Kelly performing aerial twirls, dance partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy playing the violin, six backup dancers and a gospel choir.

"I loved the blend of Cirque du Soleil and 'Dirty Dancing,'" said judge Bruno Tonioli.

Kelly has been the surprise of the season. On Week 1, I don't think anyone would have picked her to be in the final. She and Val have had the lowest scores from the judges more than once, but have survived. Kelly has grown on the audience, and on this reviewer. There's an element of fun to her routines, whether it's a stone-faced serious flamenco while splashing in a wading pool or a cheeky three-way routine with two bare-chested male dancers.

On Monday, Kelly wore the pink dress that Baby had in "Dirty Dancing." As a gospel choir pounded it out -- "I'VE ... HAD the time of my LI-IFE" -- Val lifted Kelly in that move, you know, where Patrick Swayze lifts flying bird Jennifer Grey over his head. It's these kinds of smart choices -- "Dirty Dancing" is absolutely a perfect choice for "DWTS" -- that have helped keep clever Kelly in the game.

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"Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars"

In her reprise dance, Kelly performed a crisp paso doble marred only by a slippery-hand missed grab where Val couldn't hold on to her. But that didn't stop Tonioli and fellow judge Len Goodman from giving her perfect scores of 10.

"You burned the floor like an awesome fire angel, fueled by passion, driven by desire," said Tonioli with his usual zest.

Feeling the burn Monday was season-long front-runner Shawn Johnson, who tumbled to the bottom of the scoreboard. Shawn made the disastrous decision to thumb her nose yet again at the judges who docked her in the past for not following rules.

I say "her," but what I really mean is "him" -- professional partner Derek Hough. Derek convinced gullible Shawn to do the same (terrific!) quick step from Week 3, with the same detail that annoyed the judges and cost Shawn points. It cost her again on Monday.

In the quick step, the partners are supposed to stay in handhold for most of the entire number and aren't supposed to do lifts. Shawn and Derek's quick step threw that requirement out the window -- just as they threw themselves off the "DWTS" stairway at the finale of their zany routine.

Now, I'm no expert. But if I did a dance once and the judges docked me points for not following the guidelines of that particular dance, I would NOT do the exact same dance the EXACT same way on the season finale. But Derek glamoured Shawn with some twaddle about how it's not about the scores, it's all about pleasing the audience.

"It was kind of our statement dance," said usually sensible Shawn after being sufficiently hypnotized by Derek.

What we saw Monday was a stubborn choreographer who didn't want to change his routine to please some dusty relic on the judges panel. There's a word describing this all-too human flaw of choreographers and politicians.

Hubris: Exaggerated pride or self-confidence; overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance.

So Shawn and Derek did their terrific quick step, with flips and lifts and tumbles; and they got docked by the judges. Again.

"I'm a little disappointed,'' said judge Carrie Ann Inaba. "I hope your risk pays off."

"You leave me nowhere to go," said judge Goodman sadly.

Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough got some help from The Fierce Five -- gold medalists Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber -- during their routine Monday on Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars.

/ Adam Taylor

So who do you turn to when you've fallen flat on your keester? You call your girlfriends. Or in Shawn's case, "The Fierce Five" -- the five U.S. gymnasts who brought home the team gold from this year's Olympics.

As Shawn and Derek did what Goodman described as a medley of their greatest hits of the season, gymnasts Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and Jordyn Wieber did flips and splits and this and that.

"Fierce. Flawless. Exciting," said Tonioli before the judges gave Shawn three perfect 10s.

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• "DWTS": Carrie Ann Inaba "falls" for Gilles Marini
• Tony Dovolani "really concerned" about Melissa Rycroft after "DWTS" injury
• "Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars" elimination Week 4: Bristol gone, order restored
• "DWTS: All-Stars" Round 3: The stars take control
• "DWTS: All-Stars" Week 2 elimination: Bristol survives, Fatone dives
• "Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars" Week 2 - No 2nd week slump
• Pamela Anderson first celebrity dancer booted off "DWTS: All-Stars"
• "DWTS: All-Stars" wins Monday audience, but loses key demographic
• Foxtrots and cha-cha-chas as "DTWS" kicks off all-star season

But Shawn wasn't as perfect as Melissa Rycroft, the middle-of-the-pack gal who has turned on the gas in the final weeks. Melissa got perfect scores for both dances Monday, putting her in the top position with one dance Tuesday and the audience vote still to be added in.

The judges praised Melissa for her reprise of a samba she did in Week 3.

"You have grown so much as a performer. You have blossomed," said Inaba.

"Carnival queen,'' said Goodman. "Fabulous."

The judges loved it, but I was a little disappointed in Melissa's super-sized freestyle. She and partner Tony Dovolani did a contemporary dance that included scaling some oversized blocks on the "DWTS" set. A few backup dancers spun in the air. But as a production number -- something that had the chance of including lots of Show Biz elements -- I though it was very bare and minimal. Particularly after Kelly Monaco's razzle-dazzle freestyle.

But the judges were practically in tears as they delivered their 10s.

"That had passion. It was wonderful," said Goodman, adding that he wished he could give it an 11.

Melissa Rycroft and professional dance partner Tony Dovolani perform Monday on "Dancing With The Stars: All-Stars".

/ ABC

I have begrudged Melissa her spot on the show from the very beginning, arguing that a former professional cheerleader could hardly be considered a dance novice. Although she's hardly any different from the many other show business pros who have hidden their dance experience for a chance to be on "DWTS." I also found Melissa sort of uninteresting as a personality: a generic spunky gal from Texas.

Like Kelly, Melissa has grown on me. The girl works hard. She can't help being perky. I sincerely believe that's how she is in real life, and has always been. It's not an act.

It won't be the worse thing in the world if Melissa wins. She has turned out consistently sharp dances. And longtime watchers of the show will be happy to see good guy Dovolani hoist the trophy for the first time after 15 seasons.

But the season has belonged to Shawn, who has delivered a half-dozen memorable dances. What should have been a cakewalk for Shawn is now a catfight; she trails Melissa, 60 to 57 points.

The season finale Tuesday will be filled with cameos from the returning contestants before the final questions are answered.

Can the audience make up that difference for Shawn? Will the one remaining "instant dance" on Tuesday be enough to shift the balance? Is this Tony's season at last? Why did Derek sabotage Shawn? Can Kelly pull out one more surprise? What's the truth about that "showmance" between Kelly and Val?

So many questions and just one show left.

[ChrisBaron123]

It is rather surprising that Kelly made the finals, and I wonder if it would have happened without the rumors of a showmance between her and Val. I think that the vote is going to be close between Shawn and Mellissa, but I expect Shawn to win out. I was talking to a coworker at DISH who thinks it was unfair for the entire US Women's Gymnastics team to help Shawn, but their performance was so good I don't care. I nearly missed the show because of my son's football game, but thankfully I was able to watch it with Primetime Anytime. I love how my DISH Hopper records everything on during primetime on the four major networks and saves it for a week, so I never miss anything. I can't wait to see the results and catch up with all of the other contestants tonight!

[LiamMcDuff]

First off, so many complaining about Kelly and Val getting 10's and they had one slip. I personally think that Len and Tony either didn't really see it or they considered the dance that good that slippery hands should not be held against them. Shawn and Derek got what they deserved. They blatantly broke the rules of the competition and therefore had to suffer the consequences. In that case in any competition a person is penalized. Those of you who think that what happened was unfair get your heads out of the sand.

Melissa and Tony have worked the hardest and Tony has taken her to the top.Tony has had some very bad partners over the seasons and the only thing he could was to choreograph to their abilities. Because he always got these unfavourable partners he was voted off. He is a great choreographer and he proved it with Melissa. He pulled so much out of her that she never knew she could do. It is commendable. There super free style, last night, was absolutely breath taking. They kept the production low key as they would not have wanted to take away from the main performance. It was one of the most beautiful dances of show.

Kelly and Val also deserve to be where they are. You could see that Val drew her out of her shell and each week she improved greatly. Yes they have fabulous chemistry but all of you who think it goes a little over the top can get your heads out of the sand as well. Whether there is an outside relationship is nobodies business but theirs. He gives her the encouragement and support that she has needed and I think he is partner who can make his partner feel secure, respected and cared about as all of the pros should be. He is a little more demonstrative in his care of a partner.

Shawn and Derek have been good. Derek is know for pulling great things out of his partners. BUT I do believe her time with Mark was better. They had the better chemistry. It did seem that Derek was out for himself this season instead of his partner. He was always pushing the envelope and did not seem to learn from his mistakes and it proved detrimental to Shawn. She is good but I agree there was too much gymnastics involved in their dances and that took away from the styles off dance.

May the best pair win tonight. I know who I am rooting for.

[MemphisGene8513]

Mary, you are right. They need to add more dances; especially the polka, Charleston, swing, twist, and foxtrot. And, I agree with several of the others about the judges having their favorites; and, that Len is a fuddy duddy.

Derek is good and has had a majority of good dancers to start with. This year Val has drawn the most out of his partner.

The ladies who dance with male professionals have an advantage over the men who dance with the lady professionals. However, there have several men who have overcome that advantage.

I'm all for them getting another professional judge (one from the professional dance championships) and letting the fan votes count for only 25% and not 50%. The fans tend to vote mostly for their favorites until they are eliminated.

[Somewhere-In-The-Middle]

Shawn and Derek get my VOTE!! EVEN THOUGH I COULD NOT GET THROUGH ON
THE PHONE and the PHONE NUMBER WOULD NOT WORK ANYWAY. I live near
Sarasota and I am wondering how many others down my way could not vote
for their choice on the phone number given for Shawn and Derek???

If they don't win, we will know why they were screwed out of it!

[bgdavis47]

Bet ya Melissa's phone number was working just fine!

[ChrisAnn55]

Well, I'm sorry but I can't stand Tony. He has been bitter because he hasn't won, but look at his dance skills compared to the other professionals. Sorry he can dance and he is not great at designing a good dance.

As for Kelly. The think about her and Val is the can't keep their hands off each other is getting old. Get a room.

Shawn is fantastic. Her dances have even chalenged Derik. If they don't win, it will be another Lynn being a prissy pants. The skill they brought to the dance floor this season is much better than the professionals that fill up time between dancers.

I really like DWTS, but you are trying to stretch it out way too long. It needs to be 1 hour of dancing and 30 minutes of finals. You can't keep peoples attention if you are making us watch anywhere from 2 1/2 - 3 hours each week when the entire thing could be done in 1 hour. The commercials are good for you, but are wearing thin on the fans.

[bgdavis47]

Agree with that stretching out thing! Geez, how many dance troupes and guest stars do we need to sit thru? Let's just get on with the dancing and cut down the time. Gets borrrrrring!

[whappersnipper]

Are we watching the same show? When has Tony ever appeared to be bitter, in spite of having had his share of dud partners. He has stayed with the show, even if he hasn't YET won any trophies. And if he couldn't dance, he wouldn't have won any world or U.S. rhythym championships, now would he? And if Derek is such a wonderful choreographer, why can't he choreograph more dances for Shawn that don't involve breaking the rules of the dance; specifically using tricks and lifts when they're not allowed? Aside from Derek's outfit, I saw absolutely nothing that invoked a KNight Rider theme for their Shangra dance, in contrast to Melissa and Tony's Caveman-themed hustle. Their dance may not have been perfect, but at least they tried annd succeeded in incorporating their assigned theme. The "stretching out" of the show is a technique that has been used by TV producers forever and is not likely to change anything soon, so live with it!

[daisy608]

I don't think that Shawn should win, because they refused to follow the rules. Yes the dances were good but this is a competition that has rules you have to follow. I am hoping for Kelly and Val.

[GRAINEXCHANGE]

I totally agree. They are all good, but am with Kelly/Val.

[bgdavis47]

I would totally go with Kelly and Val although Shawn and Derek are my favs. Any of them but Melissa!

[bgdavis47]

Those judges have shown an incredible amount of favortism to Melissa the entire season. I truly believe she could walk out on the stage and do nothing but stand there and they would give her 10's. She's a good enough dancer and I love Tony, but please! She's not even in the same class with Shawn! I'll give you Shawn and Derek didn't follow the rules and shouldn't have gotten 10's but an 8! Come on, Len - you just love Melissa and that's it! And giving Kelly 10's when they had an obvious mistake. Totally biased judges! They can pat themselves on the back, they've given it to Melissa all season and she's probably going to win thanks to them!

[Snipperwhapper]

Well, David, you delivered a typical (for you!) opinion-tainted piece that deserves no more than a "5." Have you ever considered just writing the story without injecting your views into every other sentence? At least TRY to get the facts straight: dancers can break the hold in the quick step for a few seconds at the beginning and at the end of the dance. They do not have to reman in hold for the entire dance. And I agree with you, CAT: both Derek and Shawn should have known better. Shawn really surprised me, but not in a positive way. I believe she is the dancer she is because of Mark Ballas not Derek Hough. Her freestyle, while great, was not as terrific as her season 8 freestyle. Mark's freestyles have always overshadowed Derek's. And as for the judges' favoratism, well, I have always thought they favored Derek and whatever partner he happens to be with. It's good that they are finally snapping him back on his blatant rule breaking. If he is such a fantastic choreographer and he's so intent on pleasing the audience, let him create a routine that does that--without the gynastics ad without breaking the rules!

[Snipperwhapper]

Well, David, you delivered a typical (for you!) opinion-tainted piece that deserves no more than a "5." Have you ever considered just writing the story without injecting your views into every other sentence? At least TRY to get the facts straight: dancers can break the hold in the quick step for a few seconds at the beginning and at the end of the dance. They do not have to reman in hold for the entire dance. And I agree with you, CAT: both Derek and Shawn should have known better. Shawn really surprised me, but not in a positive way. I believe she is the dancer she is because of Mark Ballas not Derek Hough. Her freestyle, while great, was not as terrific as her season 8 freestyle. Mark's freestyles have always overshadowed Derek's. And as for the judges' favoratism, well, I have always thought they favored Derek and whatever partner he happens to be with. It's good that they are finally snapping him back on his blatant rule breaking. If he is such a fantastic choreographer and he's so intent on pleasing the audience, let him create a routine that does that--without the gynastics ad without breaking the rules!

[Rupununi]

Iagree with Cactuslili Dereck and Mark Ballast think they can do whatever they please and get away with it. Shaun knows that strict rules apply in gymnastics and should not have allowed Dereck to 'persuade' her to break them yet again. At any rate, I think that while she has matured throughout this season, her routines are still too filled with incredible gymnanstic moves to be considerd REAL DANCING. But she will probably win the trophy as a compensation for her having to drop out of the Olmypic Games. Melissa and Tony have been outstanding and Tony Deserves the tropy. Each season he is saddled with stars who have two and a half left feet and never stands a chance. NOW HE DOES - I hope he and Melissa win!!