DWTS: Final Picks

Here we are, on the eve of the final show of the series, and the ratings for Dancing With the Stars demonstrate that the big broadcast network formula has some life in it yet. The show is a throwback to a bygone era, and largely relies on a blend of elements that are now rarely found on television: a live band, a graying but charming host, a pretty but bland female cohost, live musical acts, and a rotating cast of celebrities. The grand variety show feel successfully simulates the big-umbrella appeal of decades ago, and while the audience skews old, there are enough nods to youth to bring in younger viewers as well.

Most other reality shows that feature a coterie of c-list celebs will have them eating bugs, or boxing, or otherwise enduring humiliation for our viewing pleasure. But DWTS allows them the opportunity to retain their dignity while actually reigniting their career. Many DWTS alums have gone on to land ongoing tv gigs after doing well on the show, and that fact alone must make the list of celebrity applicants very long.

Enough of that. Here are your predictions:

Best Score Predictions
The dancers will be competing in three dances, including a freestyle round that allows the crowd-pleasing lifts, and a cha cha to the same song performed by all three contestants.

Our predictions for top judge scores are:

Matt: Kristi
Lisa: Kristi
Dawn: Kristi
Kim: Cristian
Carl: Kristi
Mom: Cristian
Paul: Kristi

These were similar to how it's been for the last few weeks-- Kristi is the favorite, with a couple of rogue picks by Kim and Mom.

Elimination Predictions

Here are everyone's predictions (from the original set of predictions). Since the finale will determine the placement of all three remaining dancers, I have three separate sets. I've only listed the "live" picks, so if your name doesn't appear under a heading, it means the star you predicted to leave in that spot has already been ousted from the show.

THIRD PLACE

Lisa: Jason

SECOND PLACE

Kim: Kristi
Mom: Kristi
Carl: Cristian
Paul: Cristian


FIRST PLACE

Matt: Kristi
Kim: Cristian
Lisa: Kristi
Mom: Cristian
Dawn: Kristi


Finally, here are everyone's predictions for the finishing order of the three finalists that were just turned in this week. Every correct prediction is worth a 50 point bonus:

Pool player: to Win, to Place, to Show

Matt: Kristi, Jason, Cristian
Lisa: Kristi, Cristian, Jason
Dawn: Kristi, Jason, Cristian
Kim: Kristi, Jason, Cristian
Carl: Kristi, Jason, Cristian
Mom: Cristian, Kristi, Jason
Paul: Kristi, Jason, Cristian

In theory, the potential 150 point bonus means that everyone had an opportunity to win, but since many of us chose the same exact finishing order, it won't have as big an impact as it could have. The only people who deviated from the "safe" choice of Kristi, Jason, Cristian were Lisa and Mom, who now have the opportunity to either make a big jump in the standings, or tank terribly. Even if it doesn't work out, you have to like their moxie.


Good luck, everyone!