A Focus On The Finalists (Part 02) – Noah & Sharna

A Focus on the DWTS Finalists of Season 20

NOTE:  This is a "Part 02"

Click HERE to see the "Part 01" post.

Ah, me!  Another DWTS Season has come and gone … and what a season!

It was an incredibly exciting and close Finals race for Dancing with the Stars’ 10^th Anniversary Season; and, unlike some Finals from the past, that Mirror Ball Trophy really was anybody’s game!

That is why, despite the fact that Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy have already been crowned the Mirror Ball Champions of Season 20 (Yaaay!!  I love me some “Valenrue”!), I thought it only fair to submit this follow-up feature:  Focus on the Finalists!

DWTS Season 20 Finalists
L-R: Rumer & Val, Riker & Alison, and Noah & Sharna 

Following an amazing Wk 01 Cha-cha-ing debut, it was immediately obvious to us all that this was merely the beginning of a “beautiful friendship” and a most memorable partnership for Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess.

Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess
" ... the beginning of a beautiful friendship. "

A heroic and moving story, combined with a good-hearted “No Excuses” attitude and an incredible ability for (often extremely-difficult) lifts, helped Noah to initially stand out from his celebrity counterparts; but, Noah quickly added to all these an undeniable talent for the art of Ballroom Dancing!

Noah & Sharna's Week 04 Contemporary -
Noah was Amazing!

Absolutely stunning!!

In Wk 02, Noah’s cowboy-themed Samba had us all cheering “Yee-haw!”;  and, the sweet surprise visit of a long-time-absent girlfriend had us all grinning like total saps;

A happy and a beautiful moment  in the Ballroom 
as Jamie Boyd returns earlier than expected 
and surprises boyfriend, Noah Galloway!

Aaawwww!  <sniff>  Beautiful!
You go, Jamie!

but, it was his Wk 03 Argentine Tango that left us thinking, “Wow, this Season 20 couple really has what it takes …”!

Noah & Sharna - Latin Night

Noah & Sharna wowed us all with their
exceptional Week 03 Argentine Tango!

A slew of impressive dances soon followed suit, including an emotional and patriotic Wk 04 Contemporary, a flowing and romantic Wk 06 Rumba 

Noah & Sharna's Rumba
 was soft, flowing, and beautiful!
DWTS S20,Wk06 - Spring Break Night

(Granted, not quite as romantic as his soon-to-follow proposal to that same devoted girlfriend, Jamie Boyd, during Wk 09’s Semifinals, 

" ...This song, 'The Time of my life', you give that to me ... "
were the words of Noah Galloway as he began his
proposal to girlfriend, Jamie Boyd.
< sniff > ... Okay, now I really am gonna cry!

Not a dry eye in the Ballroom as
Noah and Jamie shared True Love's Kiss! 

but still, a solid second!), a beautiful Wk 09 Viennese Waltz, and a powerful Wk 09 Paso Doble!

Sergeant Noah Galloway totally killed
( hacked in pieces, burned the pieces,
stomped on the ashes) this Paso Doble!!

But, I cannot (and will not) mention Noah’s wonderful Ballroom prowess without next making mention of the one who made it all possible for him, Sharna Burgess:

Noah & Sharna - The Cha Cha
DWTS Season 20, Week 01

Since joining the professional cast of Dancing with the Stars in Season 16, Sharna’s dancing and choreography have always been a treasured part of the show; but, this season, she revealed to us yet another layer of choreographing brilliance when she took her creative genius to all-new, innovative heights and presented to us some truly amazing and unforgettable performances, thereby cementing herself as one of the show’s all-time best!!

Noah & Sharna - The Argentine Tango

Noah & Sharna's Waltz
This dance was Amazing!  Sharna, what brilliant choreography!

Leaving in their wake a marked impression on the “Glitter Dome” and often not a dry eye in the house, Noah & Sharna wound up dancing their way right to the Finals; and, were subsequently rewarded with 3^rd Place!

Noah & Sharna's Freestyle

Season 20, Week 10 - DWTS Finals, Day 1

Absolutely Amazing!!

Quite literally a DWTS Pair like no other, Noah & Sharna are sure to go down in Dancing with the Stars History as one of the show’s most memorable and endearing couples!

Noah & Sharna
Season 20, Week 07 - Eras Night

A Focus On The Finalists (Part 01) – Riker & Allison

A Focus on the DWTS Finalists of Season 20

NOTE:  This is a "Part 01"

Click HERE to see the "Part 02" post.

Ah, me!  Another DWTS Season has come and gone … and what a season!

It was an incredibly exciting and close Finals race for Dancing with the Stars’ 10^th Anniversary Season; and, unlike some Finals from the past, that Mirror Ball Trophy really was anybody’s game!

That is why, despite the fact that Rumer Willis  and Valentin Chmerkovskiy have already been crowned the Mirror Ball Champions of Season 20 (Yaaay!!  I love me some “Valenrue”!), I thought it only fair to submit this follow-up feature:  Focus on the Finalists!

DWTS Season 20 Finalists
L-R: Rumer & Val, Riker & Alison, and Noah & Sharna 

An explosive pair right from the start, Riker Lynch  and Allison Holker were (unquestionably) the “dynamite” couple of DWTS, Season 20!

Go, Riker! Go, Riker!
Season 20, Week 01

Every time that Riker & Allison stepped out onto the dance floor, you knew that you were in for a Ballroom treat like no other Season 20 couple could offer … Well, at least not in that characteristically Fast & Furious Fashion!

To be perfectly (albeit brutally) honest, I didn’t think that I much cared for Riker & Allison at the beginning; and, following their Wk01 Jive, I had immediately categorized them as “middle of the pack” contenders … Well!  I’m very happy, indeed, to say that I could not have been more wrong!!

Riker & Allison dancing their Surprisingly Stunning,
If-you-didn't-like-this-couple-before-they-totally-just-won-you-over,
 Fantastic Foxtrot! S20, Wk02

By only Wk02, Riker came out to gracefully explain to us, by means of a beautifully-danced, elegant Foxtrot, that this cousin of the Houghs possessed what is truly an amazing amount of dancing and musical depth … and it only got better from there!

Riker Lynch gets some serious Air Time
during his Week 03 Salsa!

Week by week, and dance by incredible dance, Riker continued to blow us all out of the water (sometimes seemingly literally, as was the case when he donned his now-famous Captain Jack Sparrow costume and performed his terribly-violent and splendidly-executed Wk 05 Paso Doble!) 

" ... and really bad eggs ... "

with his terrific showmanship, his insanely-great, technical know-how, AND his naturally-fun, super-nice, and downright loveable personality!

In fact, it wasn’t too far along into the competition before I found myself wondering if just maybe this adored R5 singer and bass player had not chosen the wrong career path!

Riker & Allison's Samba was
Fantastically-Fun, Exceptionally-Entertaining,
Furiously-Fast, & Positively-Perfect!  <whew!>

But I don’t really know that all of this dancing greatness might have been possible for Riker, were it not for the Particularly-Perfect Pairing with his Professional Partner, Allison Holker.

Riker & Allison playing the cutest nerds ever
in their S20,Wk06 Team Dance.

After what began as a bit of a rocky start during her professional Dancing with the Stars debut (Season 19),  Allison managed to turn it all completely around and carve out a niche for herself as being one of the best! … And well-deservedly so!! 

Riker & Allison Danced an amazing Quickstep!
Season 20, Week 07 - Eras Night

Allison was on absolute Fire all season long with her stupendous choreography, and what are - obviously - some seriously-mad teaching skills!

A dramatic pause in Riker & Allison's Viennese Waltz
Season 20 Week 08 - America's Choice Night

In the end, this dancing duo happened to fall just short of winning that Golden Mirror Ball Trophy; but, it matters not one jot for the team of Riker & Allison who will, no doubt, always be remembered as one of DWTS’ greatest couples!

Riker & Allison Puttin' On The Ritz
for their glamorous Freestyle!
DWTS Season 20 Week 10 - The Finals, Day 1

Here are just a few more of  Riker & Allison's best moments on Dancing With The Stars, Season 20.

Riker & Allison in their Trio Dance with Brittany
Season 20, Week 08 - America's Choice Night
You guys totally killed it!

Riker & Allison perform a Contemporary Dance

 during DWTS, S20, Wk09. 

Contemporary is always 50-50 for me ...
Sometimes it's really good; but, sometimes 
it's just used as an excuse to be art-sy. 
Well, in Riker & Allison's case ...
it was used as an excuse to kick some serious @$$!

Riker & Allison dance The Argentine Tango,

with Julianne Hough - S20, Wk09 - Judges' Pick Round.

I loved everything about this dance!
The setting, the music, (of course) the dancing, all of it!
It really was one the best Argentine Tangos
I've ever seen on the show!

The Finale - Review of DWTS Season 20, Week 10

DWTS Season 20, Week 10

REVIEW:  The Finale

A Night filled with Grand Productions, Spectacular Musical Performances, Old Rivalries, Familiar Faces, Heart-warming Routines, and Hilarious Skits and Bloopers, Dancing With The Stars certainly went all out  when it cooked (or choreographed!) up a Superiorly-Smashing, Super-fun, Slam-bang finish for its 10th Anniversary Season!!

A short, albeit, (I flatter myself) quippy Review would, of course, hardly be able to afford such an incredible night its due justice, as it is worth at least a thousand words ... Which is precisely why I have elected to review this night in Pictorial form! ... After all, a single picture is worth a thousand words, right?  So, as grand as this Night was, I think that a multi-picture review ought to cover it!

The Night Started with a bang when 
Mark, Lindsay, Witney & Derek 
opened up DWTS' Season 20's epic Finale!

There's Charlotte & Keo!
I liked this couple a lot!
Okay, okay, so her dancing wasn't always
 top-notch; but, she was fun and a good sport.
 I enjoyed her and Keo Together!

There's Suzanne & Tony!
Tony was the perfect pro partner for Suzanne.  
I enjoyed their Week 04 
(Most Memorable Year Night) Foxtrot the best...
It was fun and elegant ...
The perfect fit for Suzanne & Tony! 

Redfooooo!
I freaking enjoyed Redfoo & Emma!
I was so Shocked when he went home Week 02!
I mean, he wasn't a perfect dancer yet; but, his 
Week 01 Cha-cha was Extremely fun and his 
Week 02 Jive was such a Major Improvement that
I really thought they would continue for most of the show!
... Whatevs!

There's Patti & Artem (and Lindsay. back, right).
I wasn't to sure about the whole "hambone 'thing' " 
when I first saw it; but, Patti Totally won me over and 
I found myself waiting each dance for the Patti-Patented-Hambone!
And, she and Artem totally (freaking!) killed it in 
Week 06's "Team Trouble" Dance!

There's Nastia, looking rather serious.
Nastia & Derek were one of the best couples
in this Season's Competition! 
It was truly shocking when they went home Week 09!
I mean, Why couldn't Dancing With The Stars 
have had Four Finalists this time!  
It's not like they haven't done it before!

Chris & Witttneeeeyyyy!
I loved, loved, loved  this couple!
 Witney is capable of making anyone 
look good ... even Chris! ;)
All kidding aside, they really were one 
of the cutest couples this season!  
I was really hoping that they
 would have continued a little farther!

There's Robert & Kym!
They were a good match for each other.
I could have done with a little less of them
being in love all the time; but, other than that,
I did enjoy their dances!

There's Willow & Mark!
I really wasn't sure how Willow would
would do in the competition; but, she ended up
 surprising me with all of her dances.
She was quite good to be only fourteen years old!  

There's the DWTS Judges.
L-R:  Carrie-Ann, Len, Julianne, and Bruno,
having a jolly good time by the looks of it!

Of course, all of DWTS Pros and Troupe were fantastic!  
Here is Jenna (left) and Brittany (right) looking very pretty!
I really enjoy Jenna and  Brittany!
I would love to see what they could do as Pros!

There's Tom Bergeron!,
standing here with the Show's special
10th Anniversary Golden Mirror Ball Trophy!

WitFonzooooo!  Yeeesss!!!
< Jumping out of chair.  Throwing hands
in the air.  Popcorn flying everywhere! >
I Loved Alfonso & Witney in Season 19!!!
It was so cool that they were able to dance together again 
on the show's 20th Season Finale!

There's Sadie & Mark!
This couple was sooo likeable and 
their dances were always extremely fun!
Their Season 19 Mario Freestyle was positively epic!

Alfonso & Sadie!  What could be better?
Season 19's Mirror Ball Champion  and 1st Runner-Up, 
sequined up and dancing again!
... Love it, love it, love it!!

Host Tom Bergeron announces his retirement
from AFV ... < sniff! > AND anounces that
Alfonso Ribeiro will be taking his place!
Well, I hate (really hate!) Tom's leaving; but, 
if anyone can fill his rather large shoes, it's Alfonso!

Jason Derulo is back in the the Ballroom!
Jason made an appearence on Dancing With The Stars
once before in Season 18, when he
performed "Talk Dirty To Me".
Here he is with DWTS Pro, Emma Slater, ...
Lookin' good, guys!

Ah!  And then there's Witney!
Everything's better with a little Witney!

It's Fifth Harmony!  
I really enjoyed their live performance of  "Worth it"!
 They're pretty good dancers ... maybe DWTS 
should have them back as contestants!

Here's Fifth Harmony performing "Worth it".
You can see our DWTS Pros and Troupe in the back, 
L-R:  Sharna, Brittany, Witney,
Lindsay, Emma, Allison, and Jenna.

L-R:  Val, Artem, Alan, Henry, and Keo ...
Nice, DWTS ... nice!

Okay ... having a totally-excited freak-out moment!
It's Amy & Derek!!  
Only one of my all-time favorite couples ever!!  
And they're dancing with Noah & Sharna!

Amy Purdy dancing with Noah Galloway...
This 10th Anniversary Season Finale did not disappoint! ... 
a truly unique and beautiful moment for the Show!

One of Dancing With The Stars' Best Couples Ever!  
Together Again ... < sniff! > I'm not gonna cry! 

Charlotte & Keo danced their Week 01 Cha-cha.
... Not to be a DWTS brat or anything; but, 
I really enjoyed their Week 03 Rumba the best!  
Then again, this dance was much more suited for
the all around fun feeling of the night so ... it worked!

Suzanne & Tony performed their Week 03 (Latin Night) Samba. 
I really enjoyed them ... 
Still can't believe that she went home before Patti!
No offence meant to Patti!  It's just that, dance-wise,
I thought Suzanne was just a skosh better.

Here's Robert & Kim dancing their Week 01 Cha-Cha.
As far as the Latin dances go, I thought that
Robert's Week 07 Argentine Tango was his best;
but, this dance was a whole lotta fun!.

Chris & Witney danced their Week 01 Jive.
Personally, this was one of my favorite dances that Chris did; 
and, this time around he seemed to be a bit more relaxed 
which made it a bit more fun to watch!
Witney, of course, is Amazing in every dance that she does!

Nastia & Derek (and Sasha) 
performed their routine from week 07 (Eras Night).
Andy Grammer himself even showed up again to
perform with them which, I thought, was really nice of him!
I hope he (Andy) comes on the show as a contestant one day;
I would absolutely love to see him dance!

Willow & Mark performed their
really-well-done-but-also-really-creepy-Foxtrot.
All joking aside, it was a really good routine.
Mark's costume was super impressive, to say the least;
and, Willow Shields' acting skills really
shined through in this number!

Here's Redfoo performing his "Juicy" Cha-cha!
I loved this dance the first time around; and it was,
in my opinion, even better the second time!
If DWTS ever has another All-Star Season,
I hope Redfoo makes the list!

Patti & Artem performed their Salsa from
 Week 02 (My Jam Monday). 
I really enjoyed this dance the first time around;
and, it was fun to see them do it again.
To be honest, I was kind of hoping to see their week 04 Jazz 
just because I thought it was one of her best ones, dance-wise. 
That said, this dance is pure cool ...
and that really suits the team of Patti & Artem.

Derek Hough and Sister, Julianne, performed
an amazing contemporary dance to the song
"Elastic Heart" by Sia.
This really was one of the best contemporary dances
that I've ever seen on the show ... but ...
of course it is ... it's the Houghs ... duh!

Riker & Allison's Salsa/Quickstep 

24-hr Fusion Dance
DWTS Season 20, Week 10 - The Finals

The 24 hr fusion dance has always been 
somewhat of a mystery to me. 
I mean, here you have this couple who has made it to the finals,
and their Dancing Farewell is to be a routine for which 
they are only given 24 hrs to prepare?   

It is impressive, to be sure; but, (usually) compared to their other 

dances from the season, it's sub-par ... whatevs! 

Riker, however, absolutely killed it

Noah & Sharna's Argentine Tango/Cha-cha

24-hr Fusion Dance
DWTS Season 20, Week 10 - The Finals

The 24 hr Fusion dance has never been one of my 

favorite parts of  Dancing with the Stars. 

I always enjoy it; but, compared to a couple's other dances,

the 24 hr fusion is usually not as good.

 That being said, The Argentine Tango/Cha-cha is the 

dance that current Mirror Ball Champions,

Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson, 
performed last season (S-19) ... Big shoes to fill, indeed; and, 
I thought that Noah & Sharna succeeded beautifully!

Rumer & Val's Foxtrot/Paso Doble
 24-hr Fusion Dance
DWTS Season 20, Week 10 - The Finals

The 24 hr fusion dance has never been one of my 
favorite parts of  Dancing with the Stars. 
I always enjoy it; but, compared to a couple's other dances,

the 24 hr fusion is usually not as good.

 That being said, Rumer and Val totally killed it!

I mean, a Foxtrot/ Paso Doble?  Who'd have thunk?

Coincidentally enough, a Foxtrot/ Paso Doble is the same Fusion 
dance that Val performed last season (S-19) with Janel Parrish.

Dancing With The Stars' Finalist share a
moment in reverie as Patti LaBelle sings
"2 Steps Away"

Patti LaBelle performing "2 Steps Away".
I thought that Patti did a fantastic job!
The song had a ring of beautiful sentimentality to it
  ... perfect for this moment in the competition! 

And the Winner is ...

Rumer & Val!!
YYYEEEEESSSSS!!!!  Way to go, guys!  
Just look at Riker & Allison ... Such good sports!  
... Sooo likable to the very end!

Dancing With The Stars' Season 20
Mirror Ball Champions, Rumer Willis & Val Chmerkovskiy!
Rumer really deserves this and Val wanted it sooo badly! ...
I'm extremely happy for them!

Dancing With The Stars' Special, 10th Anniversary,
Golden Mirror Ball Trophy!

Aaaawwww!!
Look how happy Bruce is!  Seriously!
This is like the ending to a really good movie!

Val Chmerkovskiy, finally hugging his very own
hard-earned, and well-deserved, 
Golden Mirror Ball Trophy!
Happy endings all around!

Well, there you have it, dwtslovers! ... That officially wraps up this Pictorial Review of Season 20's Biggest Night!!