And the Winner is?

The slates are wiped clean for the remaining finalists who performed four brand new dances. Alongside their original routines (a Latin number and the infamous freestyle), the celebs performed one dance side by side (the first mega-mix) on the first night and one dance on the second. For the final week the judges give each team tips on how to improve their solo routines, with a mixture of results. With the new twists added it made for an intense night as only one can claim that glittering trophy.

The night kicked off with Kelly Osbourne as she recalled the previous nine weeks of challenges and breakthrough moments. Then it was time for her tango. The judging made things look hopeful for the rocker who has turned into a lady.

For Mya, her toughest critic of the season (Len) came in to help this celeb with her Paso Doble. Len told Mya that she needed to bring attitude to the dance and it worked. She not only brought it she received one of the highest scores of the night and was claimed to be the “Queen of the Paso Doble.”

Then we were made aware of how voting makes a huge difference in who stayed and who was sent home early as Donny Osmond is among the final three for that reason. The past two weeks Donny has admittedly been not stellar (battling both illness and injury), but he’s a lovable character and the fans love him. As Bruno gave them tips he reminded Donny that he’s “not doing Vegas, [he’s] doing Dancing With the Stars.” Ever the consummate performer Donny turned it out to Earth, Wind and Fire’s “September”, making the night a true competition.

The mega-mix routine separated the real celebrity performers as Mya shined, Kelly nearly had a wardrobe malfunction and Donny at times was mistaken for a professional, yet the judges had to name a winner. With two rounds to go the “freestyle is the most important one of the season” as past winners of the mirrored ball reflect on why it’s the dance that separates the winners from everyone else.

Who can forget Marie Osmond’s dead-doll dance routine? It was the hope of the night that the stars, in particular, Donny would not have a similar bizarre moment. Kelly came out first with Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” The performance was not up to her usual standards, possibly costing her the competition. Mya didn’t fare much better as her dance was ordinary leaving a window of opportunity for Donny to possibly win it all. One thing about Donny’s freestyle is that he took lots of risks. As Bruno and Carrie said of Donny’s routine: “Mr. Showbiz at his best” and “Welcome to the hall of fame of the freestyle” receiving a perfect score for his freestyle. Donny also knows how to work the fans; since his appeal for their votes was the most heartfelt.

After the first night with only two points separating first and second place, the intensity did not let up.

Night two brought back the cast and a recap that reminded the audience that the show is live. Then Whitney Houston wisely chose the up-tempo song “Million Dollar Bill” that included several dancers and lots of audience participation.

Then there was the unnecessary “induction into the Loser’s Club” where the casted off celebs took one last turn around the dance floor. To add insult to injury, losers from past seasons also performed. Why does the audience have to see horrendous dancing from people who did not receive enough votes to be a worthy candidate in the finale? Having said that, the dance off between football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Jerry Rice was entertaining as they were both awarded glittering ball rings to rival their Superbowl ones.

If you are a regular viewer of “Dancing With the Stars,” you wouldn’t have been surprised of the winning results. What was surprising and endearing is the reaction of the winner. It made the season.

At last another season has come to a close. Who will be the next set of celebs to duke it out on the dance floor? Find out when “Dancing With the Stars” returns next year.