
Evan Lysacek and partner Anna Trebunskaya
A new dance champion will soon be crowned on ABC’s famous ballroom floor as the last three celebrity finalists try to out step one another in the season 10 finals of Dancing with the Stars.
Olympic figure skater Evan Lysacek, ESPN reporter Erin Andrews and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger will dance four more routines for Monday and Tuesday’s two-night finale in their battle for the mirror ball trophy.
Each remaining contestant has proven to be a tough competitor. Singer Nicole Scherzinger, who has topped the leaderboard through most of the season, has been told by judge Carrie Ann Inaba that she is “one of the best dancers they’ve ever had on the show,†and even made the judge tear up with her spot-on argentine tango in last week’s semifinals.
Olympian Evan Lysacek is likewise no stranger to high scores, earning the first perfect 30 of the season with his own electrifying tango. Known for being technically accurate, as a result of his precise skating routines, Lysacek has received criticism from the judges for the lack of emotion in his dances. However, the figure skater showed a new side in the semifinals with his bright- eyed, grinning foxtrot. After his passionate and score-perfect paso doble, he kept smiling his way into this week’s finals.
Lysacek is in good company with former Olympic DWTS competitors. Every Olympian who has made it to the dancing finals has brought home the mirror ball trophy – including Apolo Anton Ohno, Kristi Yamagucchi and, most recently, gymnast Shawn Johnson.
Although the Olympian and the Pussycat Doll are at heavy odds to win, Erin Andrews should not be counted out. The ESPN correspondent has more than proved she deserves to be in the finals and is peaking at the right time, earning her highest scores of the season last week with a 28 for her argentine tango.
For this week’s finale, each contestant will perform a “redemption dance,†in which they can redeem a former low-scoring routine, as well as an encore of their favorite dance, a dance-off for the remaining two couples, and the popular and always crowd-pleasing freestyle.
Former freestyle dances have clinched wins for contestants in past seasons. Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson for instance, stole the Dancing title in season eight from front runner Gilles Marini with her  routine with partner Mark Ballas. Likewise, Brooke Burke’s infectious, bright pink Grease number with professional dancer Derek Hough all but solidified her win in season seven.
In a routine where literally anything goes, including lifts (sorry Carrie Ann) celebrities have entertained us with their high-energy, sparkling outfits and impressive tricks. Judging by the high scores each contestant received last week, it’s obvious these celebrities are ready to bring all their best moves to their own freestyles.
Despite the high quality of dancing, DWTS has suffered a recent drop in the ratings. To help remedy the lost audience, Dancing producers are hoping some infamous reality stars will bring back some needed viewers.
Former contestant and Bachelor star Jake Pavelka will dance with his not-so-popular fiancé, Vienna Girardi, to the melody of “On the Wings of Love.â€
Kate Gosselin is rumored to have wings of her own in a “high-flying†performance (high wires and all) with former partner Tony Dovolani.
In addition to the reality personalities, all former contestants will return with new routines of their own.
Whether you’re interested in fancy footwork and memorable routines, or are just curious to see flying reality stars, tune into ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Monday and Tuesday night at 8 p.m. for more primetime entertainment as another celebrity earns the right to wear his or her boogie shoes.

