The whirlwind of 2020 has been a year of introspection and unexpected outcomes, mirroring perfectly in the world of reality television. If there’s one thing this year has taught us, it’s to expect the unexpected, and the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 29 finale was no exception. For those of us with a rooting interest, 2020’s curse seemed to strike again as fan favorites faltered, and the least favored of the final four contestants walked away with the coveted mirrorball trophy. Yes, you guessed it, the “Dancing with the Stars” finale crowned a champion that left many viewers, including myself, scratching their heads and debating the outcome long after the confetti settled.
While the season has concluded, the conversation surrounding the newly minted champion is just heating up. Let’s dive into the highlights, lowlights, and everything in between from the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 29 finale.
A Grand Opening and Tyra’s Cupcake Gown
The finale kicked off with a dynamic group performance from the “Dancing with the Stars” professionals. Scattered across the ballroom stage, they delivered a captivating routine that celebrated the art of dance. While it was a pleasant opening, it lacked the over-the-top extravagance that past “Dancing with the Stars” finales have delivered. It seems the budget for spectacle was diverted to another area – host Tyra Banks’ wardrobe.
Banks made a memorable entrance, not necessarily for her hosting prowess, but for her first dress of the evening. The voluminous, ruffled gown resembled a giant cupcake, so large it practically defied gravity. It was certainly a statement piece, and a testament to Banks’ commitment to making an impression, even if it sometimes overshadowed the actual dancing.
Tyra Banks’ Hosting: Still Finding Her Footing
Tyra Banks stepped into some big shoes this season, replacing longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. While she brought her own brand of energy and glamour to the ballroom, Banks never quite settled into a comfortable rhythm. Hosting in an empty studio undoubtedly presents unique challenges, but Banks struggled to strike the right tone for “Dancing with the Stars.” The show thrives on a blend of lighthearted fun and genuine competition, a balance that Banks often missed. At times, she seemed to take the proceedings a bit too seriously, forgetting that at its heart, “Dancing with the Stars” is entertainment. Remember, this is a show that once featured Carole Baskin dancing to “Eye of the Tiger.” Lighten up!
Her discomfort was particularly evident in the brief Q&As with the contestants. After Nev and Jenna’s final dance, when Jenna Johnson shared how working with Nev revitalized her passion for dance, Banks initially showed interest, asking about her dip in enthusiasm. However, as Johnson began to elaborate on the challenges of maintaining passion when it becomes a job, Banks abruptly cut her off, saying, “OK, thanks, now on to the scores.” This awkward transition highlighted the challenges Banks faced in navigating the live television format and connecting authentically with the emotional nuances of the show.
However, one thing Banks undeniably delivered was fashion. The finale showcased a parade of gowns, including one with a built-in halo. As the original article humorously points out, “Tom Bergeron can’t say that!”
The Dances That Defined the Finale
But let’s get to the heart of the matter: the dancing. The final four contestants – Kaitlyn Bristowe, Nelly, Nev Schulman, and Justina Machado – each performed two dances: a redemption dance (a repeat of their favorite dance from the season with improvements) and a freestyle dance.
Redemption Round: Familiar Dances, Elevated Performances
Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev – Argentine Tango: Kaitlyn revisited her Argentine Tango set to Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” This time, the performance was even more visually striking with a shinier “diamond prison” and enhanced laser grid effects. While the original reviewer still felt a slight disconnect, the judges were ecstatic. Carrie Ann Inaba declared it one of her top three favorite dances in “Dancing with the Stars” history, resulting in a perfect score of 30.
Nelly & Daniella Karagach – Samba: Nelly reprised his Samba to “Rhythm of the Night.” Unsurprisingly, Nelly remained the least technically polished dancer among the finalists. While he missed some choreography steps, his infectious energy and genuine enjoyment were undeniable. He moved to the rhythm and delivered a performance brimming with charisma. The judges acknowledged the mistakes but praised his spirit, awarding him three nines – the only non-perfect score of the night.
Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson – Paso Doble: Nev chose to bring back his powerful “Black Swan” Paso Doble from Halloween week. It was, as expected, exceptional. Nev showcased both fierceness and grace, earning another perfect score. The routine was dramatic and theatrical, further solidifying Nev’s position as a frontrunner. Adding to his dedication, it was humorously noted that Nev even endured a chest waxing for the finale – a true commitment to the performance!
Justina Machado & Sasha Farber – Cha-Cha: Justina revisited her very first dance of the season, a vibrant Cha-Cha to “Respect.” It was a reminder of the energy and excitement Justina brought to the competition from day one. She demonstrated both technical skill and captivating stage presence, earning a perfect score and reinforcing her status as a polished and engaging performer. Justina was presented as a more technically refined version of Nelly, matching enthusiasm with skill.
Freestyle Round: Unleashing Creativity and Spectacle
The freestyle round is where the contestants truly get to showcase their creativity and personality, often incorporating elaborate sets and concepts.
Nelly & Daniella Karagach – Freestyle: Nelly’s freestyle was undeniably fun and energetic, but it felt like Daniella carried much of the choreography. Nelly’s role seemed primarily focused on lifts, which were admittedly nerve-wracking. While entertaining, it didn’t quite match the artistic depth of some of the other freestyles.
Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev – Freestyle: Kaitlyn’s “Moulin Rouge” themed freestyle was arguably her most engaging performance of the season. It was snappy, well-executed, and finally revealed more of her personality. The routine was lavish and theatrical, showcasing her growth throughout the competition.
Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson – Freestyle: Nev delivered a spectacular Gene Kelly inspired “Singin’ in the Rain” freestyle. The routine included an indoor rain shower, creating a visually stunning effect. The only slightly awkward moment was the dismount involving hooks from the ceiling that lifted them only a short distance. However, the overall impact was undeniably impressive.
Justina Machado & Sasha Farber – Freestyle: Justina’s freestyle was a high-energy, jam-packed performance. Sasha choreographed a routine filled with intricate twists, turns, and complex arm movements. Justina even danced with digital clones of herself, adding a unique visual element. It was an incredibly demanding routine that Justina not only survived but seemed to genuinely enjoy.
Unsurprisingly, all contestants received perfect scores in the freestyle round. At this point in the finale, the judges’ scores become more about celebration than critical assessment, aiming to maintain suspense and emphasize the importance of the viewer vote. This strategy, while understandable for entertainment purposes, can lead to a sense of repetition as judges struggle to find new ways to express their praise.
Comedy Skits and Bonus Performances: Filling the Airtime
To break up the dance performances and score announcements, the finale incorporated several comedy skits. However, these skits largely fell flat. One skit attempted to make humor out of the judges’ notebooks, while another featured Tyra Banks in a fast-food drive-thru line in a convoluted attempt at a joke. These moments highlighted why sketch comedy might not be “Dancing with the Stars” strong suit.
A slightly more successful skit revisited eliminated contestants, although it served as a reminder that Carole Baskin was indeed part of this season. Jeannie Mai, who had to withdraw due to health reasons, was present in the ballroom, receiving a warm welcome and perhaps deserving of an honorary co-champion title.
The show also included bonus dance performances. Derek Hough delivered another impressive routine, and Nelly performed a medley of his hits, including “Ride Wit Me” and “Hot in Herre.” While these performances helped fill the airtime, they primarily served as filler before the final results.
The Results: A Disappointing Victory?
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Justina Machado finished in fourth place, a predictable outcome considering she wasn’t the most famous or the most purely entertaining among the finalists. Nelly secured third place, a strong showing for a contestant who wasn’t the most technically skilled but captured viewers’ hearts with his charisma and enthusiasm.
The final two were Nev Schulman and Kaitlyn Bristowe. In a decision that mirrored the unpredictable nature of 2020, Kaitlyn Bristowe was crowned the winner, securing the mirrorball trophy and continuing the “Bachelorette” winning streak.
While Kaitlyn is undoubtedly a skilled dancer, the decision left many viewers, including the original article writer, disappointed. Nev was consistently the strongest dancer throughout the season, demonstrating both technical prowess and captivating performance quality. Kaitlyn, while technically proficient, often lacked a certain spark and memorability in her performances.
The article suggests that Nev’s consistent excellence may have worked against him. Kaitlyn, on the other hand, had a built-in fanbase from Bachelor Nation and a more compelling narrative of growth and overcoming challenges throughout the season. Nev arrived as a strong dancer, while Kaitlyn arguably had a more pronounced “journey” on the show, which often resonates with viewers.
Ultimately, the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 29 finale delivered a technically proficient but somewhat predictable and ultimately debatable outcome. While Kaitlyn Bristowe is a deserving winner in her own right, many will continue to argue that Nev Schulman was the more deserving champion based purely on dance ability and performance quality. Perhaps next season will bring a less controversial and more satisfying conclusion.
