"DWTS" Season 19 Finale: And the Winner Is…

March 22, 2017

Alfonso Ribeiro!!!

(photo via AJC.com)

I, for one, am thrilled. I’ve been #TeamWitfonso since day one. From that first jive, to the Carlton dance, to that paso trio, this dynamic duo has had so many memorable moments throughout the season—and I can’t help but feel a little proud.

OK, OK. Enough gushing! On to our highlights from the two part “Dancing with the Stars” Season 19 finale extravaganza.

It all started off on Monday night, when the final four couples competed for the Top 3 spots. Each couple performed twice: one “judge’s pick” and one freestyle. As per “DWTS” ushe, it was the freestyle round that really struck a chord—with the audience and the judges. All teams earned perfect 40s, but in my opinion, Sadie Robertson and Alfonso Ribeiro out-danced their opponents. TBH, it could’ve been Mark Ballas and Witney Carson’s keen eye for choreo that won me over.

I’m a complete sucker when it comes to classic video games, so Mark and Sadie’s Super Mario Bros.-themed freestyle dance gave me all of the nostalgia feels. That moment when Sadie popped into the air like those piranha plants that would pop out of those green pipe thingies?!? (My nerd is showing…) Gah it was just so, so good.

When Witney revealed that Alfonso would be tap dancing in the finale, I just about lost it. And let me tell you, their freestyle to “Sing, Sing, Sing” would’ve made the Tap Dancing Kid proud.

But the absolute highlight of Monday night had to be the live performance by the cast of the upcoming remake of Annie, starring Quvenzhane Wallis. The girls performed a show-stopping routine to “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” choreographed by Mandy Moore.

At the end of the show, Bethany Mota and Derek Hough were eliminated, leaving Alfonso Ribeiro, Sadie Robertson and Janel Parrish to battle it out for the Mirror Ball Trophy.

Last night’s episode felt more like a celebration than a competition (although, I’m sure the Top 3 were sweatin’ in their boots…err dancing shoes). The show brought pack eliminated contestants to revisit some season faves, and we got a good dose of candid behind-the-scenes clips. Most importantly, we got to see the pros do their thing! #Finally. We’ve been asking for more performances from the Pro Troupe Team all season.

First, we got to see Lindsay Arnold and Artem Chigvintsev dance a SMOKIN’ hot routine to Nick Jonas’ live performance of “Jealous.”

Then, the ladies of “DWTS” got “All About That Bass” with Meghan Trainor.

But nothing from last night’s show could top Alfonso and Witney’s reaction when they earned that coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. So many emotions!! Congrats, #TeamWitfonso, you totally deserve it. I’ll let Carlton Banks have the final word (read: dance) on this one, folks.