The just-finished season of “Dancing with the Stars” was one of the best yet, not because the dancing was so spectacular but because the series managed to bring out the personalities of the five finalists.
Any of the five could have won and fans wouldn’t have been upset.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson went home with the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy, but final dances didn’t really separate the five.
Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei win the latest season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Those dances were production numbers keyed to the personalities they exhibited or uncovered.
Stephen Nedoroscik’s included gymnastics, Ilona Maher’s touched on rugby, Graziadei’s showcased tennis (his pre-“Bachelor” interest), Danny Amendola’s emphasized strength (in a Barbie and Ken number) and Chandler Kinney’s showcased a history of dancing.
The numbers belonged in variety shows, not a dancing competition. A real test might have been a dance-off (not unlike the instant dances they did weeks ago). That would have separated the dancers from the posers. Thankfully, all five celebs had strengths their pros knew how to bring out.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson should win this season of "Dancing with the Stars."
As the weeks wore on, the contestants leaned into aspects that would make their win so special. For Maher, it was a chance to uplift plus-sized girls, for Nedoroscik, it was rechanneling focus. Tuesday, Kinney and partner Brandon Armstrong pointed out they would be the first Black couple to win the competition.
While Maher came in second (Kinney was third, Nedoroscik was fourth and Amendola was fifth), she won on a different level – personality. If she doesn’t get talk show attention or product endorsements her managers haven’t handled her correctly. Most of the finalists will be on the big “DWTS” tour, so that should give them another boost.
Tuesday’s finale had some interesting reflections from other contestants, a lot of heartfelt commentary from celebs about their pros and so much confetti you’d swear this was a political convention.
Derek Hough and Mark Ballas did an Argentine tango that brought out the dance’s origins (men apparently danced together years ago). It was fast and impressive.
Other impressions from the season:
Jenna Johnson was the week's MVP. She's partnered with former "Bachelor" Joey Graziadei.
• Jenna Johnson was due for a win. Husband Val Chmerkovskiy won last year; she hadn’t won since 2018.
• Producers need to fill the ballroom with non-dancers or create a season that’s filled with pros. The current mix makes the curve too steep for some dancers.
• Mark Ballas needs to be added as a judge. He did a fine job one week and, Tuesday, proved he’s still at his peak as a dancer.
• Athletes are good bets. Even though Dwight Howard towered over his partner, Daniella Karagach, she was able to stage their dances in a way that showcased his plusses.
• Notorious celebs (and you know who we’re talking about) don’t need to be included just to attract social media attention.
• Graziadei is a great champion. He was consistently good and willing to try just about anything.
