The night started with a grand swoop of the set. Unfortunately, the finale really dragged on until the last hour. The outcome was a little bit of a shock, but I would appreciate a win from any of the three contestants. We start (and end) the night with Lady GaGa.
Final Three Cross-Analysis
The three repeat the same things we hear every results show: Shawn is young but technical, Melissa is graceful and beautiful, and Gilles is a great performer.
With the beginning of the second hour, the three enter from the other side of the stage which should be used at least once pre-finale, just so that no one will fall down the stairs.
Favorite Dance Round
Shawn / Mark (Cha-Cha)
We get a montage of Shawn's growth: It was mostly giggles, awkwardness, and being young. She then broke down, but Mark helped her succeed. Shawn's Cha-Cha is better this time around because she seems smoother and excited to dance. She's sharp and it's nice to see her invigorated. Again, I wouldn't pick a Cha-Cha in the finals, especially with Melissa doing her
Samba, because the Cha-Cha isn't as compelling. But Shawn did great. Len loved her athletic strength, technique, and precision, and her Latin moves have improved. Bruno loved her evolution and technique. Carrie Ann underestimated her and knows that she deserves to win.
Score: 30 (10, 10, 10)
Combined Score: 88/90
Melissa / Tony (Samba)
Melissa had the least amount of training, but she really made for great television. Tony considers Melissa a little sister, and their teamwork worked wonders. Kudos to her for persevering past the rib injury. Luckily, she admits to being an unknown, and Tony feels lucky to have her. Her solo has more passion this time around. Although her hair got stuck in her face, she
kept going, trying to get the hair out with intense spins (It didn't help). She improved her hip actions. Luckily her top didn't go loose this time around. Bruno loved her "appetizing" dance and wants more. Her body is ideal for dancing and she sustained her energy through the dance. Carrie Ann thinks that she's become Tony's dance muse. Len loved her presence, her style and elegance mixed with the Latin rhythm.
Score: 30 (10, 10, 10) Combined Score: 86/90
Gilles / Cheryl (Argentine Tango)
Gilles never danced, but Cheryl saw potential. She trained him hard and he became a real dancer. There was a real hectic nature in Cheryl's choreography, but it fits with the emotion of the dance. The stoic nature of Gilles' face was great. I could have sworn he botched one of the last steps in the dance, but the audience applauded so loudly that I assumed that the judges would ignore it. Carrie Ann knew that he's very special because he has a special artistry. Len thought that the two were the best to watch the whole season. He was reminded of the first time he saw an Argentine Tango watching the two dance. Bruno liked that he played each step like an actor plays every word.
Score: 30 (10, 10, 10) Combined Score: 88/90

After all the hoopla with voting and scores, the third place team was Melissa and Tony. The two points probably didn't help. At least she wasn't runner up again. Melissa has changed, but yet has maintained this dorky/cute attitude. Tony has another third runner up under his belt. Let's hope he gets a good partner next year.

Voting actually made a big difference between Shawn and Gilles, since the scores were equal. According to Tom this was the closest finale since the votes had less than a one percent difference between the two. Sure it's not American Idol announcing billions of votes, but that is tighter than any Idol season.
After eleven weeks, the winners were Shawn and Mark. I think Mark was more floored than Shawn winning.

Although I'm excited for the fall season, I'm really hoping that season ten is an all-star season. I'd like to see several of the celebrities with actual potential have a second chance.