The trick to winning “Dancing with the Stars” is being able to cover adequately. It’s what the pros do and, Tuesday, in the semi-final round, it was evident who could pull that off among the amateurs.
Chandler Kinney and Joey Graziadei have that “pro” factor and should be the final two.
But then? Who would get in the third spot?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson should win this season of "Dancing with the Stars."
That’s where personality is key. Ilona Maher has been a fan favorite all season and could easily be in the third spot. Her competition: Danny Amendola who demonstrated how important risk-taking is. He went for it in his second dance and did a lift and throw that would impress a college cheerleader.
Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik, who tossed glasses repeatedly during the season, lost his during a move and still carried on. He had the lowest scores of the evening (a 53 total; Amendola had a 54) but was given one of those “only on ‘Dancing’” reprieves. No one was sent home; all five will compete for the mirror-ball trophy.
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That means the finals could go anywhere (thankfully, there won’t be a Bobby Bones winner). In the history of “DWTS,” actors and Olympians have been the most frequent winners. Football players are the leaders among other athletes and singers had a strong showing among all others.
Chandler Kinney staked her claim to the title on "Dancing with the Stars."
“Bachelor” contestants were notable as well. So? Kinney acts, Maher and Nedoroscik are recent Olympians, Amendola is a football star and Graziadei is a former “Bachelor.”
From a social media perspective, Maher has the others in her trail. She has 4.3 million followers on Instagram; Graziadei is second with 913,000; then Nedoroscik with 633,000; Kinney with 508,000 and Amendola with 239,000.
While it’s unlikely Maher could win it all (even though judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she had “gone the furthest”), it’s still a two-person race. This will come down to Graziadei and Kinney.
Graziadei should win, based on the social media (or voting) audience and the technical skill. He would also be the only male "Bachelor" winner.
See if we aren’t right next week.
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Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.
