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Learn more- The Season 10 finale night began with a big group dance to "I'm So Excited." Chad Ochocinco was the only star who didn't participate, due to a football-related injury.
The couples still had two dances to perform for the judges -- their favorite routine of the season and a knockout dance in which they chose their own dance style and music. For their favorite dance, each couple would be placed first, second or third by the judges, with the top couple getting 30 points, the next couple getting 28 points, and the third couple getting 26.
Nicole & Derek: The couple struggled to figure out which of their many "favorite" dances to do from throughout the season, and they settled on the Argentine tango. Len Goodman said it had passion and artistry and said their moves were sharp and precise. "This is Argentine tango," he said. Bruno said he was happy to see that the magic continues. He said the glory that is the Argentine tango was "embodied in the two of you." Carrie Ann Inaba said they were "truly artistry in motion."
Evan & Anna: Looking to bounce back from the bottom of Monday's leader board, Evan and Anna had to do something special to get back in it. They decided to do their Argentine tango, as well. Bruno said Evan danced "like a real lady killer," and kept it "slick and stylish." Carrie Ann said his dance "was true redemption." Len said this was the most fantastic season and reminded us that Evan is the only male star left in the competition and said he "did a fantastic job."
Erin & Maks: Erin and Maks decided to do the Argentine tango after much debate and discussion and arguing. Maks figured it was Erin's best chance to show off her ability. Carrie Ann said they weren't making the judges' decision easy. Len said judging these three tangos was the hardest job the judges have ever had. He said Erin was in the final on merit and has "danced brilliantly." Bruno pointed out that Erin had the most spectacular road to the final and said he didn't know what the judges were going to do.
The rankings: First place was Nicole & Derek (30 points), second was Evan & Anna (28), and third was Erin & Maks (26). The judges' scores would be factored in with America's vote from Monday night to determine the final two dancers.
LEADER BOARD:
Nicole & Derek: 55 + 30 = 85
Erin & Maks: 55 + 26 = 81
Evan & Anna: 52 + 28 = 80
Memory Lane: After a recap of the highlights from the 10th season, Shannen Doherty & Mark Ballas and Aiden Turner & Edyta Sliwinska performed a quick medley, leading into a "Star Wars"-themed dance from Buzz Aldrin & Ashley Costa.
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower then were joined by Dmitry Chaplin and Jake's fiancee Vienna Girardi, and Jake and Vienna finished the dance together.
The big fights: The top dramatic showdowns were ranked:
5. Nicole & Derek arguing over which side she was going to stand on, or something, and ending with her saying, "Sometimes I just want to 'OHHH!'" (which may become a lyric to a Pussycat Dolls song, assuming it isn't one already).
4. Aiden & Edyta arguing in rehearsal and Aiden threatening to leave and saying he had his feelings hurt.
3. Jake refusing to do something Chelsie wanted him to do in the routine, and him saying, "I'm not asking you, I'm more telling you."
2. Erin & Maks fighting over Maks wanting Erin to do something she was apparently already doing.
1. Kate telling Tony how he should be teaching her how to dance, which is something he's only been doing on a world-class level for about 20 years. Tony said he was quitting, but he came back.
To the results: The first of the three finalists was eliminated, based on the judges' scores combined with the audience vote. The couple that finished third was ... Erin & Maks.
Erin said the experience meant the world to her. "I knew that these two were going to go head-to-head in this, but I came here under real crummy circumstances, and I just wanted to get my life back together and my smile back." She thanked Maks for helping her put her life back together.
They danced a final cha cha cha.
College competition: The odd and inexplicable college formation dance competition ended with a battle between Purdue and Utah Valley University, with Utah Valley taking the mini-mirrorball trophy.
Back to Memory Lane: Kate Gosselin returned and has, in the time she's been off the show, been working on two different TV shows. She's also convinced herself that 90 percent of her audience hates her because she's so controversial (yes, she called herself "controversial") and that even if she didn't a dance like Nicole & Derek, she'd get ripped apart. Without casting doubt on either statement, we'll just move on. Kate did her "Paparazzi" dance again, this time without the haunting, outstretched-arms walk down the steps of the stage. She then did a little bit to "I Will Survive," which ended with her being lifted to the rafters of the studio in a cherry picker, sparing Tom Bergeron (and us) the awkward post-dance interview.
Then, in "a celebration of all things jiggly," according to Tom, Pamela Anderson and Niecy Nash put on some impressive displays of sultry dancing.
Back to the competition: The final two couples had to pick their own style and music for their final dance and would be given a score by the judges.
Nicole & Derek: Nicole and Derek chose a jive inspired by Tina Turner's version of "Proud Mary," which included Nicole donning a shimmery gold tasseled miniskirt, a la Tina. The choice seemed a little odd in that it reminded us one last time that Nicole is, in fact, a professional singer and dancer, but the crowd and the judges loved it nonetheless. Len said Nicole deserved to be the winner. Bruno said Derek and Nicole had produced some of the most creative and stunning dances he's ever seen. Carrie Ann echoed the sentiment and said she comes to the show every day looking forward to what Nicole and Derek were going to do. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. Total: 30
Evan & Anna: Evan and Anna decided to do the quickstep as the final performance of Season 10. Bruno said Evan has always been a good dancer, but his performance level has improved dramatically. Carrie Ann told Evan that he'd won the hearts of her and the audience, and added that he took and flew with any criticism the judges gave him. Len said Evan has been a joy to watch and had done a fantastic job. Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
LEADER BOARD:
Nicole & Derek: 115
Evan & Anna: 108
The decision: After combining the judges' scores and the audience vote, Tom and Brooke finally revealed the winner of Season 10 of "Dancing with the Stars."
And the winner is ... Nicole & Derek.
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