I have watched every episode of this season’s Dancing With The Stars. I knew Laila Ali would make it to the semi-finals because she had a trump card to play—the most famous man in the world as daddy. Muhammad Ali attended the show to cheer on his daughter recently, and that made her an automatic shoo-in. I think she would have made it on her own merits, however.
The judges found she was “bringing sexy back” to the dance floor in her own graceful manner. A classy boxer with grace, only a daughter of a world champion could accomplish that feat. Laila has knocked the judges out with her performances. And People magazine finds she is beautiful as well.
The real show stopper has been Apolo. It is no coincidence that Apolo Ohno and his professional partner have been brought back for two encore performances - the last one for their pase doble. I taped the first one to replay. If he had any doubters or detractors, I think they have reached an accord about the talent translation that has happened for this former Olympic speed skater.
The choreography and the crisp ballroom dancing these partners have managed to bring to the floor have had the crowd on its feet. I imagine those watching from home have had much the same reaction. Not only is he is a gold medal speed skating champion, but he is also a real cutie-pie and now, potential winner-take-all for this season’s show.
Overall, this season has not been as great as some of the past seasons and performances, but there is no doubt that each of the "stars" dancers', almost, have evolved from two flat feet planted on terra firma to two uprooted dancing ones. What a novel, fun reality show watching the transformations.
My prediction: I think Laila and Apolo will garner the most votes and finish as runner-up and winner respectively.
I have enjoyed watching many seasons of Dancing. It brought back memories of greener days.
Article comments
1 - sean Paul Mahoney
Great article! Okay so I'm glad I'm not the only one who loves the guilty pleasure that is DWTS.It's fizzy, campy, harmless fun which is much-needed in today's screwed up world.
I love Laila and I love Apollo. Joey's corny mugging for the camera and Ian's humorless "gotta broom stick shoved up you know where" disposition hopefully will leave the two athletes battling it out.
2 - TV and Film Guy
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States.
3 - Heloise
What a pleasant surprise. Thank you much TV and film guy. I wrote it because I wanted to summarize the season. And I was a dancer in a past life!
Heloise
4 - Grace in PA, Mommy of 3 Apolo fans!
Your article was good, however I noticed one thing you mentioned in it that was not accurate (though I highly agree with your prediction!). You said that Apolo is a "former" Olympian speed skater. That part is not correct. In the four seasons of DWTS, he's the ONLY athlete that is STILL competing, as was mentioned by Tom on a few of the earlier shows. He also plans to go to the 2008 Olympics.
Thought I'd share that with you!
Grace
5 - Heloise
I meant to research that. I was pointing to his gold medals which he won as a speed skater. But should not have put his career in the past also.
Thanks
Heloise
6 - Heloise
Hey Grace.
In my zeal to point to his gold medals I included his career also as being in the past.
Thanks, my bad I should have double checked on it.
Heloise
7 - Holls
It's a little late to comment, but I just wanted to say that would be the 2010 (Winter) Olympics, not the 2008 (Summer) Olympics that Apolo will be competing in.
Thanks for a great article! I'm hoping it is Laila and Apolo in the end, just as you predicted!