'Dancing with the Stars' finale: Who should win season 24?
With Dancing with the Stars’ finale night on the horizon, the final three (controversial as they are) have been determined: a fan-loved powerhouse, a determined running back and America’s favorite dad-turned-underdog. Who will turn out on top?
Let's review their chances ahead of their final dances.
Normani Kordei
Who: Fifth Harmony vocalist with a budding solo career
Best Dance: Mulan-inspired Paso Doble
Odds: 2:1
In an athlete-stacked season, Normani’s dominance is a bit surprising. But from the outset, her dance average pulled ahead of the rest. With a deep voting pool of “Harmonizers” pushing her public vote up, this is her season to lose.
Normani’s fan base and vulnerability are her strengths going into finale week, but her consistency has proven to be as damaging as it has been commendable. The task of maintaining perfection is a daunting one, even with only one week remaining.
Rashad Jennings
Who: NFL running back, currently a free agent
Best Dance: Dad-dedicated contemporary
Odds: 10:1
Rashad is this season’s perennial good-guy-athlete, but his best moments have come when he's opened up to the dance, as evidenced in his pitch-perfect emotional contemporary. He’s yet to capture the perfect 40 though, and time is running out.
Going into finale week, Rashad can rely on the hope that America loves awarding a football star. But the even more charming David Ross has split his sports base this season, and it may be too late to recover.
David Ross
Who: Former World Series Red Sox catcher
Best Dance: Humble and Kind Waltz
Odds: 30:1
You can beat charm, y’all. Enduring a series of shocking eliminations, (ahem, Heather, Nancy, Simone) David has managed to sashay his way into finale night on a dashing smile and unbelievably outrageous outfits.
Heading into the last week, David’s clear strength is in his popularity and charm. Clearly America’s favorite, a win would mean that the public vote came out in droves. His clear deficit comes in technique, but David is no stranger to a long shot, so don’t be surprised if he pulls out a couple last-minute smooth moves.
Sparkle Points
After assessing a season full of absurd outfits and gimmicks, there can only be one overall USA TODAY Sparkle Points winner. Awarded for bright colors, excessive bedazzling, fringe, staples (i.e. blazers or shoes) made unnecessarily gaudy, and tear-away items, Sparkle Points are arguably as valuable as any mirror ball trophy.
Appearing on the USA TODAY Sparkle Points podium more often than not, Simone Biles takes the top spot. No stranger to a presentation, Simone’s wardrobe and style encompassed every absurd DWTS stereotype there is: ruffles, warrior-wear, bedazzled bustiers. Simone may have been torn from the top three one week too soon, but no mirror ball out there shines as brightly.
