Who Won Dancing With the Stars? Recap: Dancing With the Stars, “The Finals, Part 2”

Tonight’s the night! One of the three remaining couples will be crowned the Season 21 Champions of Dancing With The Stars. But first, we’ve got a whole lot of dancing, reminiscing and time-killing to do.

First, why so late, ABC? This has been a constant thorn in my side, but 9-11pm ET/PT on a school night? Don’t you have children?

On to the dancing! It was great to reintroduce ourselves to each of the 13 contestants from this season. Each season, DWTS ups the ante, and this season’s sensational live opening-number (to Karina Es’ “Dancing in the Stars”) at The Grove was no exception.

Back in the ballroom, the three remaining couples also boogied before Tom Bergeron Reminded us of last night’s performances.

Before the three final couples perform their 24 hour dance fusion for a few last-minute points, Chaka Khan performed her disco anthem, “I’m Every Woman.”

Next, Kim Zolciak and Tony Dovolani performed a dance that they had prepared before Kim had to withdraw due to a medical emergency. Well done, Kim and i’m glad to see you’re on the mend!

More shilling for the “DWTS Dance All Night Tour.” Who’s going?

Plus, since we have two hours of time, we’re treated to lots of amazing pro-only performances. They are such an impressive troupe!

Then Paula Deen and Louis danced to the theme song from Gilligan’s Island. As charming as it was, I’m thankful the dance was not three-hours long.

And we saw the chronicle of Carlos and Alek’s bromance, which was sweet and hilarious.

A routine I was happy to see again was Carlos’ dance to “Pony” form Magic Mike. I don’t think many people would turn down a ride on that stallion.

Nick and Sharna performed their dance from “Theme Song” week, their Viennese Waltz to the theme from Downton Abbey.

Which was quickly followed by Victor Espinosa’s and Karina’s hat dance to La Bamba. It’s still borderline offensive, and completely ridiculous.

The action was thrown back to The Grove where Andy Grammer performed “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).”

Alex and Lindsay brought back their contemporary dance to “Don’t Stop Believing,” which was good the first time I saw it, and was even better this time. Alek has really grown as a performer.

Out takes, LOL. Everyone’s favorites.

Then my eyes were tortured for two minutes while Gary Busy and Anny Trebunskaya danced to “Dancing in the Street.” At least Anna looked magnificent in her sparkly, teal catsuit.

More reminiscing.

Then Elle King performed her superb song, “Ex’s and Oh’s.” I love how her voice sounds! This is a song I’ve wanted to see someone dance to, and I was treated to see three of the pros do it justice.

Hayes Greer (Hi cutie!) and Emma Slater performed an encore of their contemporary routine before Santa (Santa! I know him!) announced that Hayes is joining the cast of the “DWTS Dance All Night Tour” in select cities.

Ooh, the memories. So many memories.

Alexa PenaVega and Mark performed an encore of their routine from their Breaking Bad-inspired jazz routine.

Then Gary Busey, Paula Deen and Victor Espinosa presented “‘Twas the Night Before The Finale,” a version of the C. Clement Moore classic take that will not go down in history.

Bindi and Derek served up a tasty encore of their dance “Roses and Violets” by Alexander Jean (Mark Ballas plays in the group as a guitarist!)

After a little dance to Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas,” Chaka and Andy sang the holiday classic (that’s always felt a little date-rapey to me), “Baby, It’s Cold Out There.”

Before we get to the 24-hour Fusion Challenge, We got a sweet video message from Len Goodman. Len announced that Len will return for Season 23. Yay, Len will judge again!!

Nick Carter & Sharna Burgess 1-855-234-5610
Dancing a fusion of Salsa & Tango to “Turn Up The Music” by Chris Brown
Julianne: You left it all on the dance floor!
Bruno: We can always count on you two to spice up the night!
Carrie Ann: Passion, Passion, Passion!
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 10, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 30 out of 30.

Alek Skarlatos & Lindsay Arnold 1-855-234-5601
Dancing a Rumba/Tango Fusion to “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
Bruno: Alek, what’s going on there, your hips are starting to come alive!
Carrie Ann: When I watch you, the word that flows through me, is “Integrity.”
Julianne: The sky is full of stars and your future is so bright.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 9, Julianne: 9, Bruno: 9, total: 27 out of 30

Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough 1-855-234-5604
Dancing a Cha Cha/Argentine Tango Fusion to “All The Way” by Timeflies
Carrie Ann: I can’t think of a more perfect way to end this season!
Julianne: It was sharp, it was energetic, it was everything a fusion should be.
Bruno: Another triumph for “Bindi the Great”
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 10, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 30 out of 30.

Then Bindi, Derek and host Tom Bergeron hopped into golf carts for a ride over to the Grove to announce the winner of Dancing With The Stars, Season 21.

But before we hand out a trophy, Nick Carter performed his new single, “I will Wait” from his new album. It’s a lovely lullaby and hopefully, his new album will get a boost from his appearance on the series.

The first couple knocked out of the competition, and finishes in 3rd place is Alek and Lindsay. But don’t cry, America, because I’m sure you can catch Alek on the “DWTS Up All Night Tour!”

Who will win, Bindi or Nick — America’s sweetheart or America’s former teen crush? But we’re not going to reveal the goods at The Grove, we’re going to jet back to the studio (via golf cart) to announce that the Season 21 champions are … Bindi & Derek. Bindi can’t even contain herself; and America is rejoicing. Nick is a gracious runner-up and says, “Bindi deserved it, Bindi deserved it! She kicked butt!”

You won’t have to wait long for a new season of DWTS (and Len!); Season 23 returns March 21.