'DWTS': Rashad Jennings takes the mirror ball, Normani Kordei places third
And that’s how a winner is made.
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater cha cha’d, quickstepped and rumbaed right to the mirror ball trophy.
After the most grueling week of the competition, the final three came to the finale with one last 24-hour fusion dance to perform. But the true winner had already been determined — NFL running back Jennings seemed to have peaked at precisely the right moment.
Going into the crowning, Jennings had a slight edge over Normani Kordei with (his first) pair of perfect 40s. Kordei was right behind him with 78, while David Ross held the third-place spot with 73. Though Kordei has been the odds-on favorite to win the entire season, scores from the first night of finale dances leveled the playing field dance floor.
The Winner
Jennings’ progression was steady — kicking off the competition with some of the highest marks, he never fell out of contention for the final win. With two lovable athletes in the final three, it was possible that Ross and Jennings would split the popular athlete vote, but when you pair charm with two perfect scores, it’s enough to lock in a first place finish.
After a season of finding his stride between brute athletic force and a dancer’s sensuality, Jennings nailed down the balance at the absolute perfect time.
This marks professional dancer Emma Slater’s first time in the winner’s circle as well. After seven seasons (including one strange Rick Perry quickstep), Emma finally gets her mirror ball alongside Jennings.
The Controversy
Keeping in line with this season’s controversial results, David Ross beat out Kordei for second place.
Kordei’s dancing prowess marked her as a favorite to win, especially considering the healthy social media army of Harmonizers pushing votes her way every week. Heading into coronation night, Kordei and Val were nearly a whole point ahead of Jennings and Slater.
Of course, finale night isn’t complete without the return of the mediocre, the robbed (we’re with you, Simone), and the coochie coochie. Charo, Simone Biles, Heather Morris and the rest of this season's contestants returned to congratulate Jennings on the big win. After a season of shocking eliminations, fringe for days, and at least one Spanish language threat against the judges, it’s time to hang up our dancing shoes until the fall.
