Kym Johnson and Donny Osmond take home the Mirror Ball Trophy

This season’s edition of “Dancing with the Stars” has had its ups and downs (injuries and some less than stellar celebrities.)

But the season finale on Tuesday night ended with an entertaining, surprising and ultimately satisfying outcome!

Donny Osmond took home the Mirror Ball Trophy.

Even though Mya may have been a more consistent dancer throughout the season, Donny’s winning personality AND his improved and ultimately more entertaining dance routines gave him the win. Kelly, a crowd favorite came in third.

What I like about Dancing with the Stars:

The show surprises…! As was shown on Tuesday night when a technical glitch interrupted a pre-recorded segment, winning host Tom Bergeron humorously reminded viewers that the show was “LIVE” (in that booming announcer voice that he uses at the beginning of each telecast.)

The show refuses to take itself too seriously: the comedy bits like the “Losers Club” with lousy dancers like ESPN’s Kenny Mayne; Adam Carolla grilling Donny Osmond on how to win; SuperBowl Champs Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin having a “dance-off.” But when it comes down to the tension, the show knows how to balance the comedy with the drama. And that ain’t as easy as it looks.  

Whitney Houston, looking and sounding just fine, did her big hit “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” as all the pros performed a group dance.

But it was Osmond’s pure joy at winning the competition that made Tuesday’s show so much fun. Seeing Donny pull his sister Marie (a contestant a couple of seasons ago herself) that made for a great finale.

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"Scrubs" is back on Tuesday

Okay, I gotta give a shout out for what is one of the funniest promos for a TV show I have ever seen. Inside the Tuesday night episode of “V” the folks from ABC’s marketing department hit a home run.

A promo for the new season of “Scrubs” that debuts next Tuesday night used star Zach Braff speaking to the audience from the familar iconic underside views of one of the ship’s from “V.”

The spot would ONLY work inside ”V.” What made it even more classic and hilarious? Braff, on the sig out to the promo does a throw-a-way line saying “Oh, and by the way all the V’s are lizards.”

Funny stuff. I don’t think my translation does it justice, but it cracked me up.

It will be good to see the newly refurbished “Scrubs” back on next week. (Braff is only appearing in a few episodes to transition to “Scrubs” moving in a new direction at a teaching hospital.)

Monday night Donny got his perfect score!

And the results show/finale for DANCING WITH THE STARS should be a good one.

Donny Osmond came on strong in his freestyle; Mya, perfect in all her other dances did not impress the judges in the final dance. Kelly Osbourne entertained, but stumbled.

“Dancing with the Stars” is not just a reality show. It’s a great variety show. Tuesday night’s finale will prove that with comedy, lots of returning celebs and a special performance by Whitney Houston.

I predicted last week that Mya and Donny would be in the finals with Mya winning. It’s gonna be very, very close.

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Did you see the “controversy” at The American Music Awards?

American Idol runner up Adam Lambert came out (so to speak) and definitely made a statement about the future of his music.

Lambert decides to go the shock route

If you didn’t see it, Lambert’s S&M styled number included a dancer’s face in his crotch, a passionate kiss with a male bandmate and assorted other acts that were definitely incorporated to push the envelope and get people talking. 

It is exactly what Lambert wanted to do. (And the show knew it was coming…they put the singer at the very end of the show and relentlessly promoted the performance as an controversial performance you would not want to miss.)

In creating some controversy around his performance he obviously wanted to gain a little street cred and exude a ton of attitude. I guess he did that. I saw an interview with the glam rocker on EXTRA and he said as much.

Kinda like saying “Mom and Dad, this is not the sweet boy your kids voted for on American Idol.”

We’ve seen it before. David Bowie, Madonna, Britney Spears etc.

The controversy is probably good for the AMA’s too. The show has always seemed an awards show afterthought. This year the whole show seemed to have a little more edge. But most importantly, it had more impressive musical performances.  

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“Find My Family,” a brand new ABC reality show had a sneak peek preview after “Dancing with the Stars” on Monday night. It was created by the “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” team.

And like “Extreme,” this show packs an emotional wallop. 

The preview episode reunited a couple with the daughter they gave up for adoption. This kind of reality show is reality worth watching.

Just pack the Kleenex first.

Regular episodes will air on Mondays at 9pm on ABC and RTV 6.

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RTV 6 will have live coverage of the annual Circle of Lights this Friday night at 7pm.

Kevin Gregory, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd host. Several musical acts that auditioned in the fall will perform in front of 80,000 plus Hoosiers in downtown Indianapolis. 

In addition to the terrific singers there are a couple of new surprises for this years event. 

The stars of ABC’s new Wednesday comedy hit “The Middle” have taped a special message for the holiday show. (”The Middle” is set in the fictional town of Orson, Indiana.) 

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Finally, a special musical treat for you on Thanksgiving night.  ABC will air two specials.  

“BEYONCÉ: I AM… YOURS”  and “PAUL McCARTNEY: GOOD EVENING NEW YORK CITY” air at 9pm and 10pm.

 Here’s the info from ABC:

On Thanksgiving night, November 26, the ABC Network will air back-to-back hours from two of the world’s biggest music stars, Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. Both specials will incorporate rarely seen footage of Beyoncé and Paul McCartney, revealing interviews from the artists and their unique musical performances.

 “Beyoncé: I am…Yours,” at 9:00 p.m., ET

In Beyoncé’s first network special with ABC, viewers get a front row seat to an intimate performance from the iconic artist. The hour-long special captures the superstar’s appearance at the Encore Theater in Wynn, Las Vegas this past summer, where she tells the story of her career through music and dance. Woven throughout the special are backstage moments, footage of her off stage life, and rare childhood video. Additionally, viewers will get to know her famously all-female band — drums, keys, bass, guitar, horns and percussion players. Beyoncé shares how she transformed herself from a talented nine-year-old into one of the world’s most powerful musical forces – and what she thinks of it all.

 “Paul McCartney: Good Evening New York City,” at 10:00 p.m., ET

Forty-four years ago, four kids from Liverpool performed what was then the largest, highest grossing rock concert ever – the Beatles Live at Shea Stadium. In the summer of 2009, Paul McCartney did it again, performing at Shea’s former site, New York’s Citi Field in Queens, NY. ABC will bring viewers this dazzling concert in which he performs Beatles, Wings and solo classics. Culled from nearly three hours of music and video, the program is an emotional journey through his legendary 50-year musical career and includes footage of the original Beatles concert at Shea. McCartney also talks candidly about those early days and what it was like to return to a place where he performed at the height of Beatlemania.

 The specials are produced by ABC’s Lincoln Square Productions. Rudy Bednar and David Saltz are the executive producers.

Derek Hough and Joanna Krupa

Okay, in my posts this week I boldly predicted the final three contestants for next week’s “Dancing with the Stars” finale.

I picked Mya, Donny Osmond and Joanna Krupa.

Well, two out of three ain’t bad.

Guess I underestimated the popularity of Kelly Osbourne. Swimsuit model Krupa and her partner Derek Hough were shown the door on Tuesday night’s live telecast.

I did not see that one coming.

Donny’s one poor performance on Monday didn’t knock him out. I think his being so hard on himself and admitting how disappointed he was with his dance goes to show just how popular the guy is with the show’s viewers.

Kelly’s moving onto the finale was worth it. Just seeing her dad Ozzy react (he looked to be near tears) was priceless.

But Mya…well it’s her trophy to lose. Donny has the best shot of taking it from her. But he’s going to have to hit it out of the park.

Should be a good show!

BTW, it was surprising to see the Bee Gees on Tuesday night’s Results show. After the untimely death of brother Maurice Gibb a few years ago, I was under the impression the Brothers Gibb were not going to perform anymore.

Kinda cool seeing them again.

UPDATED POST:

“Dancing with the Stars” is down to the final four.

Will Donny be one of the final two?

Reality star Kelly Osbourne, entertainer Donny Osmond, singer Mya, and model Joanna Krupa are literally the last ones standing in a season of injuries, illness but generally predictable eliminations.

The last two weeks could be interesting.

I was sharing my thoughts on who I saw as the final two and my wife was surprised at my picks. (It’s nice I can still surprise her after being married 15 years!)

Aaron Carter’s elimination last week over Kelly Osbourne was not a surprise to me. Kelly’s a great personality and I must admit, I’ve been rooting for her. Most of America has been (just to see how her rock and roll family would react.)  

I think it’s terrific she made it to the semi-finals. But Kelly will have to be satisfied with that. I think she’s the next to go.

And while I think Joanna Krupa has been stunning, I don’t think she will make it to the final two. 

That leaves Donny Osmond and Mya battling for the Mirror Ball Trophy. My pick to see Donny in the final two is what surprised my wife. As she likes to point out, she feels the women have the harder part of the routines. Can’t say I disagree with her.

Mya - The eventual champ?

Joanna has been fantastic, a real surprise. Derek Hough, her partner, has really challenged her and she has done a remarkable job. 

But I think Donny’s tenure and audience popularity will carry him into the finals. His sister Marie made it to the final three and her dancing skills were not as polished as Donny’s have been.

So I see Donny versus Mya.

In the end, Mya should win because she has been remarkably consistent all season long.

I’ll be watching to see if I’m right.

UPDATED POST:

Okay, Donny is sitting in last place after the Monday night dances. His first dance was rough.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the viewers will pull him through to the finale next week! He’s the last man standing. I think his popularity may keep him ni the competition. Guess we’ll find out tonight. 

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Ready for another remake?

There’s a good chance ABC may bring back a new version of “Charlie’s Angels.”

Variety reports that ABC is moving closer to a pilot order for a modern remake of the 1970s show.

A new set of "Angels" coming back to TV

Leonard Goldberg, producer of the original series, and Drew Barrymore, who starred in and produced a 2000 film version, are also involved.

Joanna Krupa should make it to the finals!

Okay, we’ve seen the men.

After Tuesday night’s extravaganza, we’ve now seen the women of season 9’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

And I think we’ve seen a glimpse of who will make it to the final weeks!

Last week I predicted that Macy Gray would be voted off first. (Watching Tuesday it will be deservedly so. )

I now think Ashley Hamilton may also get the boot on Wednesday night. 

For the guys, Aaron Carter is probably one of the best dancers. But I wonder if he has the fan base to take him to the finals? In listening to the buzz from conversations around work, on the radio etc, I’ve heard many women ding on his  perceived attitude. He does come across a little immature. If women don’t support him, he’s toast.

Donny Osmond is gonna finish even better than his sister, Marie. (Though I should note my wife is quick to point out that the men have it easier as the women have tougher moves to make.)

I think the snowboarder, Louie Vito will make it far.

For the women, singer Mya is a contender. Olympian Natalie Coughlin will make it far. But the highlight of the night was Kelly Osbourne (and her wacky family.) And guess what? She danced really well, too!

Along with model Joanna Krupa, who was fantastic, it is obvious the women are going to dominate this season! 

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What happened to the Leno lightning? Last week he was #1 at 10pm. This week, it’s a much different story.

The difference? Now the Jay Leno Show has competition…and he’s tumbled. Monday night’s episode on WTHR Channel 13 delivered less than a quarter of the audience he had just a week earlier. 

That could be a problem.

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This may be hard to believe but Heather Locklear has been a TV staple for decades.

“TJ Hooker” and ”Dynasty.” Sitcom work on “Spin City” in the 90’s.

Cox stars in "Cougar Town"

But now she’s returning to series TV in the new CW reboot of her 90’s hit. That’s right, Heather’s returning to “Melrose Place” later this fall. Amanda’s back.

I wasn’t a big fan of “Melrose” (though the episodes I did see, Locklear stole the show!) But how can you not like Heather!

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Speaking of faves from the 90’s, a “Friend” returns tonight. 

Courtney Cox (What happened to using Arquette-Cox?) is headlining a new sitcom on Wednesday nights. The show is called “Cougar Town” and its a raunchy, fun comedy. It’s from the Creator and Producer of “Scrubs” and it’s hilarious. But like I said, it can be a little crude.

Check it out.