DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Episode 1904" - The 10 remaining celebrities danced to songs commemorating their most memorable year on MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. Each couple danced to a song of the celebrity's choosing that encompassed a memorable time or experience in their life. (ABC/Adam Taylor) WITNEY CARSON, ALFONSO RIBEIRO Alfonso Ribeiro was a deserved winner of "Dancing With the Stars." CREDIT: ABC
Alfonso Rubiero with Witney Carson took home the mirror ball trophy. ABC
When the "Dancing With the Stars' cast was announced three months ago, one name stood out: Alfonso Ribeiro.
He had the nostalgia factor courtesy of his goofy Carlton character on "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" who even had his own signature dance dubbed (of course) "The Carlton."
If anyone was the favorite to win, it was him.
And guess what? He did win. Despite back issues, he soldered forth and finished strong.
Among the guys this year, there was no peer.
But he faced some formidable women. Four quickly showed their prowess: "Back to the Future" actress Lea Thompson, "Duck Dynasty" reality star Sadie Robertson, YouTube sensation Bethany Mota and "Pretty Little Liars" actress Janel Parrish.
Lea was flushed out prematurely before Tommy Chong two weeks ago, finishing sixth. On Monday, the charming Bethany was eliminated. Sexy, intense Janel tonight was cut, landing third. Ultimately and expectedly, Alfonso and Sadie were left standing. I figured they were going to be the final two weeks ago.
Arguably, Janel was a better dancer than Sadie but the teenager showed more warmth. Plus, Sadie revealed extraordinary raw talent, building from zero dance (or acting) experience. Her dance partner Mark Ballas was able to showcase her sweetness without over sexualizing her, which might have turned off her base (and her parents.).
Alfonso was an interesting balance of humbleness and dogged determination, especially when he was clearly in pain. His squat body type also yelped underdog, belying his athleticism.
Ultimately, the judges kept showering perfect scores on the dancers so who won ultimately came down to who had a bigger fan base. And that was Alfonso.
DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Episode 1911A" - With less than 24 hours to prepare, the three remaining couples fused two contrasting dance styles that they've performed this season into a new routine they performed for judges' points, on the Season Finale of "Dancing with the Stars," TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on ABC. (ABC/Adam Taylor) SADIE ROBERTSON, MARK BALLAS DANCING WITH THE STARS - "Episode 1911A" - With less than 24 hours to prepare, the three remaining couples fused two contrasting dance styles that they've performed this season into a new routine they performed for judges' points, on the Season Finale of "Dancing with the Stars," TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on ABC. (ABC/Adam Taylor) SADIE ROBERTSON, MARK BALLAS
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.