Dancing with the Stars Season 7 captivated audiences with its dazzling performances and unforgettable moments. This star-studded season showcased a diverse cast of celebrities who pushed their limits on the dance floor, creating lasting impressions on fans and judges alike. From jaw-dropping routines to heartwarming stories, Season 7 delivered a perfect blend of entertainment, competition, and personal growth, making it a standout in the show's history.
Key takeaways:
- Season 7 featured a mix of athletes, actors, and musicians, each bringing unique flair to their performances.
- The competition was fierce, with several contestants emerging as unexpected frontrunners throughout the season.
- Judges' favorites often aligned with fan picks, creating exciting moments of unity in the ballroom.
- Some shocking eliminations kept viewers on the edge of their seats, proving that no contestant was safe.
- The finale was a spectacular showdown, featuring breathtaking freestyle routines that left a lasting impact on DWTS history.
Top Performances in Dancing with the Stars Season 7
Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was a dazzling showcase of talent, featuring some of the most unforgettable performances in the show's history. From the very first episode, viewers were treated to a spectacular array of dance routines that left them spellbound. The celebrities and their professional partners pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the ballroom floor, delivering routines that were both technically impressive and emotionally stirring.
One standout performance came from Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas. Their Cha-Cha to "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" was a perfect blend of precision and youthful energy, earning them the highest score of the night. The judges were particularly impressed by Johnson's natural rhythm and Ballas's innovative choreography, setting the bar high for the rest of the season.
Another memorable routine was delivered by actor Gilles Marini and his partner Cheryl Burke. Their passionate Paso Doble to "Habanera" from Carmen was a masterclass in intensity and control. Marini's smoldering presence combined with Burke's expert guidance resulted in a performance that had the audience on their feet and the judges reaching for their highest score paddles.
Not to be outdone, singer Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer brought the house down with their Jive to "Tutti Frutti." Their high-energy routine was packed with intricate footwork and playful personality, showcasing Bass's natural showmanship and Schwimmer's creative choreography. This performance solidified them as serious contenders in the competition and fan favorites throughout the Dancing with the Stars 7th Season.
These top performances not only set the tone for an incredible season but also raised the bar for future contestants. They demonstrated the perfect combination of technical skill, emotional connection, and pure entertainment value that Dancing with the Stars Season 7 became known for, leaving a lasting impression on both the judges and the viewers at home.
Dancing with the Stars Season 7 Contestant Rankings
As the Dancing with the Stars 7th Season progressed, clear frontrunners emerged, while others surprised viewers with their rapid improvement. The weekly rankings became a hot topic among fans, with each performance potentially shaking up the leaderboard. From consistent top scorers to underdogs who climbed the ranks, the season was filled with excitement and fierce competition.
At the top of the rankings, Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas consistently impressed with their technical prowess and infectious energy. Their ability to tackle diverse dance styles with equal skill kept them in the judges' good graces and viewers' hearts. Close behind were Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, whose smoldering chemistry and passionate performances often landed them at or near the top of the leaderboard.
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer maintained a solid position in the rankings, thanks to their innovative routines and Bass's natural performance ability. Their consistent improvement throughout the season made them serious contenders for the mirrorball trophy. Brooke Burke and Derek Hough also proved to be strong competitors, with Burke's natural grace and Hough's expert choreography earning them high marks week after week.
In the middle of the pack, celebrities like Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas, and Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke showed remarkable improvement over the course of the season. While they may not have topped the leaderboard every week, their determination and progress won them a dedicated fan base. These contestants proved that Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was not just about natural talent, but also about growth and perseverance.
The lower rankings saw their fair share of surprises and eliminations, with some contestants struggling to find their footing on the dance floor. However, even those who ranked lower often provided memorable moments and showed impressive dedication to the craft, contributing to the overall excitement and unpredictability of the season.
Memorable Moments from Dancing with the Stars Season 7
Beyond the dazzling performances and fierce competition, Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was filled with unforgettable moments that kept viewers talking long after the episodes aired. These instances of humor, emotion, and sheer spectacle helped define the season and create lasting memories for fans of the show.
One of the most talked-about moments came courtesy of Cloris Leachman, whose comedic antics both on and off the dance floor became legendary. From her playful banter with the judges to her unexpected splits during performances, Leachman brought a unique blend of humor and unpredictability to the show. Her antics not only entertained the audience but also showcased the fun-loving spirit of the competition.
Another memorable moment occurred when Susan Lucci, known for her role in "All My Children," channeled her soap opera character Erica Kane for a passionate Paso Doble. The performance not only delighted longtime fans of Lucci but also demonstrated how contestants could incorporate their personal backgrounds into their routines, adding depth and personality to their performances.
The season also saw its share of emotional moments, particularly when Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor had to withdraw from the competition due to an injury sustained during rehearsal. This unexpected turn of events reminded viewers of the physical demands of the show and the risks the contestants take in pursuit of the mirrorball trophy.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the Dancing with the Stars 7th Season came when Lance Bass dedicated a dance to his grandmother, who had recently passed away. His emotional Viennese Waltz not only earned high scores from the judges but also touched the hearts of viewers, showcasing the personal growth and connections formed throughout the competition.
Dancing with the Stars Season 7 Judge Favorites
The judges of Dancing with the Stars Season 7 - Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba - played a crucial role in shaping the competition with their expert critiques and scoring. Throughout the season, certain contestants emerged as clear favorites among the judging panel, consistently earning high praise and scores for their performances.
Shawn Johnson quickly became a judge favorite, impressing them with her natural athleticism and ability to pick up complex choreography. Len Goodman often praised her for her clean lines and precise footwork, while Bruno Tonioli was captivated by her youthful energy and stage presence. Carrie Ann Inaba frequently commended Johnson on her growth as a performer, noting how she blossomed from an athlete into a true dancer over the course of the season.
Gilles Marini was another contestant who consistently wowed the judges. His natural charm and undeniable sex appeal, combined with his dedication to mastering each dance style, made him a standout performer. Bruno often delivered his most colorful and enthusiastic critiques for Marini's routines, while Len appreciated his attention to technique and proper form. Carrie Ann frequently praised the chemistry between Marini and his partner Cheryl Burke, noting how it elevated their performances.
- Shawn Johnson: Praised for athleticism, clean lines, and growth as a performer
- Gilles Marini: Commended for charm, sex appeal, and mastery of various dance styles
- Brooke Burke: Recognized for natural grace, consistency, and emotional connection
- Lance Bass: Applauded for showmanship, improvement, and willingness to take risks
Shocking Eliminations in Dancing with the Stars Season 7
While Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was filled with incredible performances and heartwarming moments, it also had its fair share of surprises, particularly when it came to eliminations. Some of these unexpected exits left both the audience and the judges in disbelief, adding an element of unpredictability to the competition.
One of the most shocking eliminations of the season came when Toni Braxton and her partner Alec Mazo were sent home in week five. Despite consistently solid performances and Braxton's natural rhythm as a singer, they found themselves in the bottom two and ultimately eliminated. This early exit of a talented contestant reminded viewers that popularity and fan votes played a crucial role alongside judges' scores.
Another surprising elimination occurred when Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas were voted off in week six. While Leachman's technical skills may not have been the strongest, her entertaining performances and larger-than-life personality had made her a fan favorite. Her exit demonstrated that even strong audience support couldn't always overcome lower technical scores from the judges.
Perhaps the most controversial elimination of Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was that of Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke in week 8. Despite showing consistent improvement and delivering a strong Mambo on the night of their elimination, they found themselves leaving the competition. This exit, coming so close to the finals, left many fans questioning the voting system and the balance between judges' scores and audience votes.
These shocking eliminations served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the show. They highlighted the importance of not only delivering strong performances but also connecting with the audience and mobilizing fan support. Each unexpected exit added to the drama of the season, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and demonstrating that in Dancing with the Stars Season 7, no contestant was ever truly safe until the final votes were counted.
Dancing with the Stars Season 7 Finale Highlights
The grand finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 7 was a spectacular culmination of weeks of intense competition, featuring the top three couples vying for the coveted mirrorball trophy. The night was filled with breathtaking performances, emotional moments, and nail-biting suspense as the winners were crowned.
Kicking off the finale was a high-energy group number featuring all the season's contestants, reuniting fan favorites and reminding viewers of the journey they had witnessed. This opening set the tone for an evening of celebration and fierce competition. Each finalist then performed their favorite dance from the season, giving them a chance to showcase their growth and revisit a moment that defined their DWTS experience.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the freestyle round, where each couple had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and pull out all the stops. Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas delivered a show-stopping routine that perfectly blended Johnson's gymnastic skills with intricate ballroom technique. Their performance, set to a medley of "Great Balls of Fire" and "Jai Ho," brought the house down and earned perfect scores from the judges.
Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke's freestyle was a passionate and technically flawless routine that showcased Marini's incredible improvement throughout the season. Their performance to "Flashdance... What a Feeling" was a perfect blend of intensity and artistry, earning them standing ovations from both the audience and the judges.
- Group performance reuniting all contestants kicked off the finale
- Finalists performed their favorite dance from the season
- Freestyle round allowed couples to showcase creativity and pull out all stops
- Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas delivered a show-stopping routine blending gymnastics and ballroom
- Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke's passionate freestyle earned standing ovations
As the votes were tallied and the tension mounted, host Tom Bergeron finally announced that Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas were the winners of Dancing with the Stars Season 7. The moment was filled with emotion as Johnson, the youngest champion in the show's history, lifted the mirrorball trophy. The finale perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the season - a blend of fierce competition, incredible talent, and the pure joy of dance that had kept viewers captivated week after week.
Summary
The Dancing with the Stars 7th Season was a rollercoaster of excitement, featuring unforgettable performances, shocking eliminations, and heartwarming moments. From Shawn Johnson's athletic prowess to Gilles Marini's smoldering presence, the season showcased an impressive array of talent that kept viewers glued to their screens week after week.
Dancing with the Stars Season 7 culminated in a spectacular finale that highlighted the growth and dedication of the contestants. The season's blend of fierce competition, unexpected twists, and pure entertainment value solidified its place as a fan favorite in the show's history, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating future seasons.
