by Gina Scarpa

 

On last night's Dancing With The Stars, the final three couples had their most important performances with the finale looming just around the corner. The judges chose the first round of dances and then, it was on to the highly anticipated freestyle round!

 

Couple: Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas
Style: Samba
Scores: 10 + 9 + 10 = 29
Chelsea got some much needed advice from Carrie Ann in the rehearsal studio before her performance - to be a sultry woman out there instead of a young girl. She listened and the routine was a hit! These two always have great chemistry and a connection more than any other couple. It was sexy, it was sultry, it was successful!

 

Couple: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Style: Samba
Scores: 9 + 9 + 9 = 27
Bruno visited Kirstie during rehearsals to remind her to really stretch her arms and reach when she performs. I never realized how she really does keep her arms close to her in just about every style. Taking his advice made a difference but the routine had a few clunky spots. That being said, she's really shown a softer side over the weeks and Len said he found the routine really appealing.

 

Couple: Hines Ward and Kym Johnson
Style: Quickstep
Scores: 10+9+10 = 29
Len's advice to Hines was to be sure to hold that frame and in the quickstep, it couldn't be more important. Hines feels that he's grown significantly since the first time he performed the quickstep and he's right! This routine is just adorable and they look like two classic Hollywood stars. Carrie Ann said that it was so good, that she almost forgot she was judging while Len grumpily said Hines wasn't there yet for him. Give me a break!

 

Couple: Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas
Style: Freestyle
Scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30
Now, you may be surprised by this but I actually wasn't jumping out of my seat for Chelesa and Mark, despite being a huge fan of theirs this season. Sure, I liked the tricks and dancing in the dark with lights was pretty clever but there was something lacking for me that I can't put my finger on. Maybe the song choice? They certainly deserved their 10s, given the difficult of the dance and the level that they performed at. As the judges said, they pushed the limits and did show off just how far she's come as a dancer.

 

Couple: Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Style: Freestyle
Scores: 9 + 9 + 9 = 27
I really am impressed with Kirstie this season. I thought, for sure, she could be one of the first out but I didn't factor in her fan following or her totally entertaining personality. Beyond that though, she's come very a long way on the show and the freestyle really highlighted that. Bruno gives her nothing but respect and Carrie Ann tells her she's the poster child for how life should be lived at 60. She's 60?!

 

Couple: Hines Ward and Kym Johnson

Style: Freestyle
Scores: 10 + 10 + 10 = 30
Hines and Kym chose a totally appropriate song from the movie "Drumline" for their performance. He whips her through their air for their lifts and each transition happens seamlessly. Major props to Kym who is still recovering from her neck injury - you would never know that she hurt herself last week. Len feels that he gave his all and it seems like he's pushing for him to win the whole thing.

 

Who do you think deserves to win Dancing With The Stars - Chelsea, Kirstie, or Hines?

 

 

Don't miss the live finale of Dancing With The Stars, tonight at 8/7c on ABC.

 

(Image courtesy of ABC)

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa