As reigning champion Bindi Irwin reminded us, tonight was all about having fun in all the sparkles.
Well said, Bindi.
The best part of this season though, is that its still anyones mirror ball trophy to win.
Credit: Adam Taylor/ABC
But before we crown our newDancing With the Starschampion, lets talk filler highlights.
THE ENCORE DANCES
Finalists and eliminated contestants-alike give us some reminders as to why season 22 was so memorable.
Tonights not just about the finalists, though.
Both performances were fabulous.
It is one of the best dances of the season even now.
Or maybe Sharna wanted one last spin in those Jasmine pants.
For that, I cannot blame her.
The men of season 22 perform in suits, so I guess Im ogling, too.
The ladies dance to JLos Aint Your Mama, and it is all too short of a routine.
Should we all meet there?
THE MUSICAL ACTS
As predicted, I have very little clue who these people are.
It doesnt mean these performances arent enjoyable.
Kim and Sasha and theDWTSladies dance a hot little number around, well, hot little number Fleur East.
Country duo Dan + Shay sing while Witney and Artem… get married?
Thankfully, there is one musical act I do recognize: Pitbull.
Was that the saddest sentence ever written?
One wouldnt think that Pitbull would be such a bigDWTSfan, but the dude cant get enough.
Hell most likely… maybe… probably be back to judge next season.
The pull of the ballroom is strong, Pitbull.
NEXT: Lets dance, people
THE FUNNY STUFF
you might always count onDWTSfor some weird but amusing montages.
Finally, we get down to business.
They pull an argentine tango/fox trot for their fusion dance, and even Ginger gets in on the choreographing.
That may have been a mistake.
Ginger misses some steps, and not even Vals magic blazer can save it.
The judges dont seem to mind too much, it is the final night, after all.
They praise Gingers obvious improvement from week one.
Peta knew after their week one cha cha, that theyd be in the finals.
Shes been so inspired by Nyle; hes taught her that dance is about making a human connection.
Nyle, too, has grown quite attached to Peta.
Its all gone by so fast.
The couple is exhausted, but they want to finish their powerful dance journey on top.
From the moment they sign thank you to one another to open their dance, the tears are flowing.
Paige thanks Mark for helping her grow as a person and knows this isnt goodbye for them.
WHEN DID THESE FINAL REHEARSAL SESSIONS GET SO INTENSE?
Len admits that if the winner were chosen solely on dance talent, Paige would take it.
And so here we are.
Just our three final couples and Aloe Blacc bringing this thing home.
Those two look like they expected it.
Weve already all moved on.
As many predicted, season 22 comes down to Nyle and Peta and Paige and Mark.
Who will get that mirror ball trophy?
That patentedDWTSmusic beings to play and the season 22 champions are…NyleandPeta!
After last nights unreal freestyle, any other outcome wouldve been a shame.
What a season, you guys!
Until September, I guess?
