Last three ‘Dancing’ stars go toe-to-toe
Break out a fresh supply of sequins. All the pretenders are gone and we’re mercifully down to the prime contenders as “Dancing With the Stars” enters crunch time.
So who will waltz off with that ugly disco-ball trophy? Saucy and sexy Brooke Burke has had a leg up on the competition throughout this injury-marred season. But her male rivals — Warren Sapp and Lance Bass — will be looking to step it up in hopes of pulling the upset.
They perform at 8 p. m. Monday. The results unfold in a two-hour finale — with Miley Cyrus performing — at 9 p. m. Tuesday.
Here’s a rundown on the three who remain:
LANCE BASS
Partner: Lacey Schwimmer of “So You Think You Can Dance.” Most memorable moment: Losing his shoe during last week’s jitterbug and carrying on. Host Tom Bergeron was amazed. Best dance: Either the jitterbug or the show-stopping mambo, both from last week. Bass at his peak. Judge’s take: Bruno Tonioli on the jitterbug: “Shoes off or shoes on, that was brilliant.” Why he will win: He’s the most-improved hoofer of the bunch and his willingness to take risks (a barefoot rumba!) has added some spice to the show. Why he won’t: Prone to inconsistency, he sometimes appears to be, well, out of sync.
BROOKE BURKE
Partner: Boyish Derek Hough, who danced with Shannon Elizabeth. Most memorable moment: Her inspiring comeback last week on the sexy salsa after a disastrous jive. Best dance: A scintillating fox trot that collected perfect scores. Judge’s take: Carrie Ann Inaba last week called Burke “a champion” — “somebody who rises above it and comes right back.” Why she will win: Both electrifying and elegant, she’s this season’s dancing queen. Judge Len Goodman is “mesmerized” by her hips. Why she won’t: Voters may never forgive her for co-hosting “Rock Star: INXS” and “Rock Star: Supernova.”
WARREN SAPP
Partner: Effervescent Kym Johnson, who also danced with Joey Fatone. Most memorable moment: Doing so well, despite stumbling, in his “Matrix”-flavored paso doble. Best dance: Either the paso or an exuberant quickstep. Judge’s take: Len Goodman last week: “You are truly a joyful person to watch. You come out, full on, 100 percent and sell it.” Why he will win: Just call him Mr. Twinkle-toes. The ex-Oakland Raider can bust some moves — and with joyful charisma to spare, he connects with the audience like no one else. (Besides, who would have the guts to tell him he didn’t win?) Why he won’t: He may have piled up the sacks during his career, but he won’t be able to run down the nimble-footed Brooke.
