01:25 PM EDT 05/23/2013
Carrie Ann Inaba
 |
Dancing with the Stars: Which Couple Deserved to Win?
Originally posted 05/21/2013 07:15PM
The final four Dancing with the Stars contestants – Jacoby Jones, Kellie Pickler, Alexandra Raisman and Zendaya – and their pro partners have overcome injuries and potential eliminations to make it all the way to the season 16 finale. But only one couple can take home the tantalizingly close mirror-ball trophy.
Pickler's strong performances throughout the season were magnified Monday night, when she and Derek Hough earned a perfect 30 score for a freestyle dance judge Carrie Ann Inaba called "one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen." Pickler later admitted "I let all of my walls down" for the fearless show-stopper.
NFL player Jones and pro partner Karina Smirnoff did not have the most stellar performances, getting flak from the judges for an imperfect jive, and later for a super-sized freestyle dance. But Inaba nevertheless dubbed the wide receiver the "number one entertainer of season 16," in the semifinals the previous week.
 |
Dancing with the Stars: Final Four Compete for Mirror-Ball Trophy
Originally posted 05/20/2013 10:30PM
The final four couples performed three routines each on Monday's Dancing with the Stars. By the end of the night, one pair were in the lead with a perfect score for all three dances.
However, the episode kicked off with an imperfect – though energetic – jive.
Karina Smirnoff and partner Jacoby Jones – who judge Carrie Ann Inaba previously called "the number one entertainer of season 16" – were told by judge Len Goodman that they showed improvement, but that "you got excited at times and lost it."
 |
Carrie Ann's DWTS Blog: My Dress Was So Hot, It Made Me Wish I'd Lined Up a Date!
Originally posted 05/08/2013 05:15PM
The show's judge talks sexy dresses – and tossing her jewelry into the audience
 |
Sharna Burgess Is 'Angry' at Dancing with the Stars Judges for 'Berating' Andy Dick
Originally posted 04/30/2013 11:45AM
Andy Dick and his pro partner Sharna Burgess felt a little Dancing déjà vu on Monday, when the judges once again gave them a harsh critique.
"I'm angry, because, for example, Bruno – he stands up every week and says something mean to be funny," Burgess, 27, told PEOPLE backstage after Monday night's show. "You're here to be a judge, to tell us how to be better."
Burgess does commend judge Carrie Ann Inaba for her feedback.
"As far as her giving us a five, yeah, that sucked, but she had constructive criticism at least," Burgess said. "And if she put so much importance on those dead arms, then trust me, we won't have any next week."
 |
Dancing with the Stars: Alexandra Raisman & Mark Ballas Join 10 Club
Originally posted 04/29/2013 10:30PM
The ballroom heated up on Monday night's Latin-themed Dancing with the Stars.
Seven weeks into the competition, almost all of the remaining couples came up with impressive routines. But it was Alexandra Raisman and Mark Ballas who landed their first 10s of the season, with a salsa that Len Goodman – who gave the pair a nine – called, "tasty and refreshing."
The pair got 10s from the other two judges, which put them at a total of 29 points out of 30. They also received an additional three points for winning a dance-off against Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess.
Raisman and Ballas tied with regular high-scoring duo, Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler, who wowed judges with their samba to Ricky Martin's "Shake Your Bon Bon."
|
Dancing with the Stars: Kellie Pickler Is Back on Top
Originally posted 04/22/2013 10:40PM
Stevie Wonder was the guest of honor Monday night on Dancing with the Stars. Between performances by the iconic singer, the eight remaining couples competed with two dances each to his hits.
Once again, Kellie Pickler and Zendaya were atop the leaderboard – and both earned 10s for their respective routines.
Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy's cha cha to "Do I Do" was "full of snap, crackle and pop," according to Len Goodman. Carrie Ann Inaba called the routine "perfection in motion." They earned 29 points.
Kellie and Derek Hough's quickstep to "Part-Time Lover" was "the best dance I've seen on season 16," Len said. Carrie Ann added, "Everything about it was perfect except there was some space in your hold." They also earned 29 points.
But Kellie and Derek finished slightly ahead of Zendaya and Val after the second routine, a team dance in which four couples performed at the same time.
 |
Carrie Ann's DWTS Blog: In a Dark Week, I'm Grateful to Be on An Uplifting Show
Originally posted 04/17/2013 08:00PM
The show's judge touches on subjects both serious and silly this week
 |
Dancing with the Stars: Who Earned the First 10s of the Season?
Originally posted 04/15/2013 10:00PM
"Our thoughts are with everyone in Boston tonight," host Tom Bergeron said at the start of Monday's Dancing with the Stars. "My heart is with you."
After opening the show with those somber words of support for those affected by the tragedy in Boston, Dancing's hosts, judges, celebrities and professional dancers went ahead with the performance show, which featured Len Goodman's side-by-side challenge.
They remaining couples had to perform routines simultaneously with another pair of professionals – a tough task for all the dancers. But one pair managed to pull off the first 10s of season 16.
 |
Carrie Ann Inaba's DWTS Blog: Why My Outfit Was 'Emotional'
Originally posted 04/09/2013 07:00PM
The judge explains how jewelry made her feel connected to her late father
 |
Dancing with the Stars Has New Leader
Originally posted 04/08/2013 10:30PM
The 10 remaining contestants on Dancing with the Stars hit the ballroom again on Monday, performing routines that told the story of the best year of their lives.
There were waltzes, foxtrots and paso dobles but one couple's contemporary earned a high score for the season.
Keep reading for all the details ...
Top 5 Most Voted Stories
Top 10 News Categories
The most buzzed about stars this minute!
Treat Yourself! 4 Preview Issues
More On People.com
Got a News Tip?
Send it to our People.com editors!
News Archive
