Oh Baby! Jennifer Grey has the time of her life as she's crowned winner of Dancing With The Stars alongside three-time champion Derek Hough

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By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

We did it! Jennifier Grey and Derek Hough were crowned the winners of Dancing With The Stars last night


She defied all expectations to make it through to the Dancing With The Stars final, but last night Bristol Palin's luck finally ran out.

The 20-year-old was beaten by rival Jennifer Grey and partner Derek Hough, who had consistently topped the judges' leader-board throughout the season.

The pair's win has made Derek Hough the first and only three-time champion of Dancing With The Stars, after previously winning the competition with Nicole Scherzinger earlier this year and with Brooke Burke in 2008

Sarah Palin's daughter came in third place behind runner-up, Disney star Kyle Massey, 19.


Don't drop it! The pair accept season 11's mirror-ball trophy


A cancer survivor, Grey, 50, struggled with various injuries throughout the season - including a ruptured disc that almost stopped her from dancing on the final episode.

But her claim on the mirror ball trophy seemed at risk as Palin waltzed into the finals on a tide of public support despite coming bottom with the judges for more than six weeks.

After combining the judges' scores from two consecutive nights of dances with the public votes, Grey eventually came out on top.

Shedding tears of joy, she said: 'It's such a sweet thing at the end of such a tricky tumultuous journey and it was worth every second of it It was the chance of a lifetime and I'm so grateful that I didn't miss it.'

Asked what she would miss most about the show, Grey replied simply: 'Dancing.'


Golden moment: Jennifer struggled with various injuries throughout the season but came out on top


Hough, now a three-time champion of the show, swept her into his arms as they heard their names announced.

Grey later dedicated her win to her 9-year-old daughter, Stella.

Best known for playing the naive teen Frances 'Baby' Houseman in the coming-of-age film Dirty Dancing, she won hearts with emotional recollections of performing with Swayze more than 20 years ago.

Swayze died of pancreatic cancer in September 2009 at the age of 57.


Celebration: The dancing pair hugged after their impressive victory


Many fans had been hoping Grey would perform the Dirty Dancing lift to cap off her time on the show.

But she said her doctor recommended that she didn't complete the iconic move after undergoing neck surgery last year.

Palin again scored the lowest with judges in her final tango and cha cha cha dances last night, but was praised for her improvement over the last three months

'Going out there and winning this would mean a lot. It would be like a big middle finger to all the people out there that hate my mom and hate me,' she said before the result was announced.

Palin's cadre of voter support led to some surprising upsets, including Brandy's elimination after earning a perfect score last week.

Last week, one angry man blasted his TV set with a shotgun while watching the show, and an envelope filled with what turned out to be talcum powder turned up on the show's Los Angeles set.

Palin shrugged off the controversy, calling her critics 'haters' who were waiting for her to fail.



Behind the scenes: The pair soak up their win backstage and right, Jennifer with her daughter Stella


She said it was challenging to overcome the flurry of media coverage that erupted when she was voted in over Brandy, prompting some viewers to question the veracity of the voting system.

Producers said today that 'a record amount of activity' overloaded its online and telephone voting systems after Monday's episode.

'Some viewers reported experiencing difficulties registering their votes for the Dancing With the Stars finale, which affected each finalist equally,' show producers said in a statement.


Nobody puts Baby in a corner! Jennifer described her time on the show as 'such a sweet thing'


'The issue was promptly addressed' and voting times were not extended.
Viewer votes counted for half of each competitor's overall total.

In the first round last night, each couple performed their favorite dance from the season.

Jennifer and Derek revived their Viennese waltz from week one, while Kyle and Lacey and Bristol and Mark both reprised their tangos from rock week.


Taking it in her stride: Bristol Palin and Mark Ballas came in third place


Lady in red: Bristol performed a sassy cha cha, but it wasn't enough to lead her to victory


Cheer squad: Sarah Palin was in the audience to support her daughter


Jennifer earned another perfect 30 points, Kyle, deemed 'a stage animal' by Bruno, was given second place with 26 points and Bristol received 25 points.
The final dance of the season was a group instant cha cha cha to the Pink hit Raise Your Glass.

The two-hour finale also featured appearances from other celebrities who had been eliminated earlier in the season.



Second place: Disney star Kyle Massey with his dance partner Lacey Schwimmer


Singer Christina Aguilera also performed a raunchy routine from new film Burlesque.
David Hasselhoff attempted to make up for his surprise first-round elimination by poking fun at himself.

He can be seen reflecting on his defeat on the beach, before reprising his classic bare-chested Baywatch running scene as he jogs all the way to the DWTS studio.


Tough competition: Producers said today that 'a record amount of activity' overloaded its online and telephone systems during the voting period


He then appears to change quickly into a dancing outfit and comes out to sing the theme tune to his hit show while cavorting with three women in the classic red bikinis

Mike The Situation Sorrentino showed off his famous abs as he danced after taking part in a sketch that showed him as a future governor of New Jersey.

Brandy received a standing ovation for her two-step with Maksim Chmerkovskiy to the Friends theme song.

Former contestant Michael Bolton did not attend because he was performing a concert in London.


Come Hoff it! David Hasselhoff, who was eliminated in the first round, came back to perform the Baywatch theme tune


Look, no shirt: The Situation, real name Mike Sorrentino, performed to Right Said Fred's I'm Too Sexy


And Audrina Patridge, who was eliminated earlier in the competition despite being one of the season's most talented contestants, was also absent.

'I'm miserable at home in bed today, and super bummed that I can't be there for the finale or wrap party tonight,' she told People magazine before the show.

'I was excited to see everyone and looking forward to one last dance with Tony – he's been the best partner ever!'


They're back! Margaret Cho and Florence Henderson returned with their partners Louis Van Amstel and Corky Ballas


The Hills star was left humiliated when her mother launched into a drunk tirade following her exit from the show.

Lynn, whose outburst was caught on camera, later apologised for the foul-mouthed rant.

Dancing With the Stars has enjoyed one of the best seasons in its five year history on U.S. television.

More than 23 million viewers tuned in for Monday's finale, making it the most-watched show in the United States that night.



Racy: Christina Aguilera performed a raunchy routine from new film Burlesque








source: dailymail [endtext]

Dancing With The Stars: Baby's back... but Jennifer Grey's in tears as she breaks down over Patrick Swayze

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Emotional: Jennifer Grey was seen breaking down in tears on the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night over the death of Patrick Swayze


An emotional Jennifer Grey made her highly-anticipated debut on the season premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night.

The former Dirty Dancing actress, who starred with Patrick Swayze in the hit 1987 film, performed the Viennese waltz to Otis Redding's 'These Arms of Mine.'

But as the soul ballad, which appeared on the movie's soundtrack, was revealed to her in rehearsals, it all became too much.


Bringing back memories: The Dirty Dancing actress tells her dance partner Derek Hough how hearing the song These Arms of Mine reminded her of her co-star

In pre-recorded footage, Jennifer, 50, was seen breaking down in floods of tears over Swayze's death, who died a year ago of pancreatic cancer.

When she returned she told her dance partner Derek Hough: 'It took me back in a time capsule, and I was with Patrick. I just missed him.
'He was like you, young and gorgeous.'


Taking to the dancer floor: Jennifer and Derek bagged the highest score of the night with 24 points out of 30


Iconic: Jennifer as Baby alongside Swayze in the 1987 movie. He died of pancreatic cancer last year


For the live show Jennifer took to the stage in a flowing blue gown, wowing the judges and bagging the highest score of the night - 24 out of 30.

'Baby' is back where she belongs,' said judge Bruno Tonioli, referring to her character, adding: 'I know somebody up there is going to be very proud of you.'

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was also very moved, saying something 'profound' happened, referring to the connection between the past and present.

At the other end of the scale, former Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff and Jersey Shore reality star Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino tied for the worst performance, both only scoring 15 points.

Kicking off the show was reality star Audrina Patridge, formerly of The Hills.
She stepped onto the floor in canary yellow tutu-style dress complete with bejewelled bikini top.

Her professional dancing partner Tony Dovolani, matched the colour theme in an open shirt as they performed the Cha Cha Cha to Katy Perry's California Gurls.

They scored 19 out of a possible 30 for their efforts, with judge Len Goodman praising their 'confidence' and 'good technique'.


Splits: Audrina Patridge and dance partner Tony Dovolani kicked off the show


Hot to trot: The former star of reality show The Hills looked stunning in yellow, showing off her toned body


Judge Bruno was also impressed, but told her she could afford to be even sexier while third judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Audrina she had the 'right attitude and the right body' for the show.

Next up was former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner with Anna Trebunskaya.

Len said there was little to commend about the performance, although Bruno disagreed and said it was 'graceful'. They also scored 19 out of 30.


Racy in red: Bristol Palin set temperatures rising in a very short red dress


Getting saucy: The teen mother seen here showing off her legs with dancing professional Mark Ballas


They were followed by actor and rapper Kyle Massey, best known for his role in the Disney show Cory In The House.

Cutting a rotund figure in a tight white shirt and black trousers with a red stripe, he took partner Lacey Scwimmer by the hand as they took to the 3OH!3 track My First Kiss.

Judge Carrie was very impressed with his efforts, telling him: 'You were like dynamite out there.'


We have a Situation: Jersey Shore's Mike Sorrentino and Karina Smirnoff strut their stuff, but only managed to score half marks


One to watch: Former Baywatch star David Hasselhoff with Lacey Scwimmer also only managed to score 15 points


The other two judges also gave the routine a thumbs up with Bruno exclaiming: 'You are like an adorable naughty little puppy... I wanna take you home. It was divine entertainment.' He scored 23 points.

Former NBA star Rick Fox and partner Cheryl Burke performed the Viennese waltz , scoring 22 points, with Rick praised for his 'great elegance and posture'.

Comedian Margaret Cho with Louis Van Amstel failed to impress, however.


Doubleact: Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Brandy were another top act, achieving a score of 23


Smooth moves: Former NBA Rick Fox didn't let his height get in the way as he showed off his excellent posture with partner Cheryl Burke
Margaret got tied up in the dance floor in her fan-style gold cape, which it later emerged wrapped around head on purpose.


She also slipped over at the very end of the performance, but the judges saw through it accusing her of acting up.

Bruno told her: 'I thought you were going to eat somebody... your face, so spiteful. It was all probably on purpose because I actually think you can dance.'


Second to perform: Former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner with Anna Trebunskaya


Acting up: Margaret Cho with Louis Van Amstel, but judges criticised her for over playing it


And Carrie added: 'It was overly dramatic, but I know you're a crazy comedian and you can't help yourself.'

Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiymade a 'fabulous impression' with her first dance of the series, scoring 23 points.

Bristol Palin cut a sexy figure in a very short red dress as she shimmied to Tom Jones's Mamma Told Me Not To Come.



Like dynamite: Kyle Massey put on a lively performance that had all the judges impressed with his slick moves


Bruno told her: 'You shake those hips like a pro,' with Carrie adding: 'Bristol you have fantastic legs.' She scored 18.

'Brady Bunch' mum Florence Henderson also performed on last night's show.

Reigning champ is Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger who teamed with dancer Derek Hough.

Each of the contestants had three weeks to prepare, except for Sorrentino who had only five days to rehearse after finishing shooting the third season of Jersey Shore.

The judges scores count for only half the total vote, with the public voting to decide who will be the first to be kicked off the show tonight (Tuesday).



Still got it: Brady Bunch mum Florence Henderson and Corky Ballas


Wanting to improve: Chelsie Hightower and Michael Bolton, who only managed 16 points, which he blamed on a hectic touring schedule





source: dailymail

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Baby's back: Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey comes out of the corner to rehearse for Dancing With The Stars

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By Daily Mail Reporter

Baby's comeback: Jennifer Grey made her return to the dancefloor as she begun rehearsals for show Dancing With The Stars


As the star of one of the Eighties cult dance movies, her dance experience is well documented.

So it should come as no surprise that Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey's return to the dancefloor is one of Dancing With The Star's most highly anticipated debuts.

And in what could prove to be a dream pairing, Jennifer, 50, is partnered with Derek Hough, the two time DWTS champion who has stolen the heart of British pop star Cheryl Cole.


Favourites: The Dirty Dancing star has been paired with DWTS champion Derek Hough

Jennifer, looked fabulous at 50 and ready for her dancefloor close-up in a skimpy vest and workout tights as she arrived at the rehearsal studios.

She last showed off her moves in 1987's Dirty Dancing, the film which made her a worldwide star.

However, although she and co-star, the late Patrick Swayze, who died of cancer last September, inspired a generation of dance fans with their moves in the blockbuster romance, she has said that she doesn't feel like the favourite at all.


Do you love me: The pair get up close and personal but despite her previous experience she said she doesn't feel like the favourite


The way we were: Jennifer seen with her co-star, the late Patrick Swayze, he died of cancer last year, in the 1987 cult film


She told Usmagazine.com: 'Seriously? No, I don't at all! We all have different strengths and weaknesses,' she added...'and I've got a handful of both.'
Jennifer said she signed up for the show because she thought it would be 'really fun.

'I thought it would be a really great way to challenge myself and show by example to my 8-year old what it's like to watch mommy walk through her fears.'

In fact she said candidly of the forthcoming dance challenge: 'I'm scared silly.'
The actress's career never quite reached the dizzying heights of her role as Frances 'Baby' Houseman in the coming of age story.


Lunch time: The pair headed off for lunch together as they prepare to put in hours of dance practice together


In the early 1990s, Jennifer underwent cosmetic surgery on her distinctiv nose but the procedure was disastrous and she required a second plastic surgery to repair the damage.

The resulting transformation left her so changed to the point that even close friends failed to recognise her, and her new appearance negatively affected her career.

Of the experience she said at the time: 'I went in the operating room a celebrity – and came out anonymous. It was like being in a witness protection program or being invisible.'


New recruits: Bristol Palin enjoyed a laugh with partner Mark Ballas, while The Hills star Audrina Patridge struck an elegant pose with her partner Tony Dovolani


Best foot forward: Bristol's appearance may help put to rest speculation that the 19-year-old has already been a bit difficult


Jennifer , who lives in Los Angeles has been married to actor/director Clark Gregg for nine years. They have an eight year old daughter named Stella.

Politician Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol Palin also took her first steps in rehearsal for her turn in the Dancing With The Stars ballroom yesterday.

The former first daughter of Alaska joined her partner Mark Ballas at a studio to begin rehearsals for the eleventh season of the hit ABC show.


Bright and breezy: Professional dancer Chelsie Hightower and Audrina Patridge looked fresh-faced as they arrived for rehearsals

The teenage mother will have to lose any inhibitions to give the sensual performances expected from participants of the sometimes raunchy dance show.

Also seen rehearsing was The Hills star Audrina Patridge with her dance partner Tony Dovolani.

Bristol's appearance may help put to rest speculation that the 19-year-old has been a bit difficult when it comes to preparing for the competition.


Bristol Palin seen before and after a long day's practice at the rehearsal studios


She was seen yesterday arriving along with contestant David Hasselhoff for rehearsals as they geared up for the latest series of the show.

Palin, Hasselhoff, Patridge are appearing on the show along with singer Michael Bolton, Grey, R'n'B singer Brandy, comedian Margaret Cho and former Brady Bunch actress, Florence Henderson.

Former NBA star-turned-actor Rick Fox, actor Kyle Massey, American football star Kurt Warner and Jersey Shore's Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino make up the list of contestants.


Boys are back in town: Michael Bolton and David Hasselhoff got their dancing shoes on too


Get those dancing shoes on: This season's Dancing With The Stars promises to be one of the best ever with a stellar line up



source: dailymail

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'I'm half the size I was': Dancing With The Stars' Kirstie Alley wins prize for biggest transformation as she celebrates finale

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Slimline: Kirstie Alley showed off her sleek figure at the Good Morning America studio in New York today


Kirstie Alley lost out on the Mirror Ball trophy on the finale of Dancing With The Stars last night but she is also a big loser in another way.

The 60-year-old actress, who appeared on Good Morning America today, has shed a sizeable amount of weight during her 10 weeks on the show.

She has gone from a U.S. size 12 to a slimmer size 6 although she admits it is a 'stretchy size 6'.


Throwing shapes: The couple, who came in second place, put on a raunchy performance on the breakfast show today


'My dress is half the size it was when we started', Kirstie said of her little black frock. 'I have a lot more strength and stamina.'

'[Dancing With The Stars] has made me alive again,' she told Us Weekly. 'It's given me a new view of what I want to do in my life.'

Kirstie wore the same dress last night that she did on the first episode which had to be taken in a staggering 38 inches.


Before and after: Dancing With The Stars runner up had to have the dress she wore on the first show taken in 38 inches


'It's the same dress,' she told USA Today. 'They really had to take it in.

And the former Fat Actress star says she has a plan for keeping in shape now that the show is over.

'I'll keep dancing!' she shared and then joked: 'I wanna come back next year and get that f***ing trophy.'


Popular: The Fat Actress and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy received a rapturous reception from fans as they arrived at Good Morning America in New York


Kirstie said of her performance with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 'I don't feel like we won.

'I feel like we did amazingly and that's an amazing thing but you want to win! And we didn't win, so I can't say that there isn't a sadness about it.'

Hines Ward and his partner Kym Johnson waltzed away with the top prize with Hines being the sixth professional athlete out of the 12 seasons to with the trophy.


Star turn: Hines Ward and his partner Kym Johnson twirled around the GMA stage


Last waltz: The finalists strutted their stuff on the specially erected stage in Times Square today


Mark Ballas and Disney sweetheart Chelsea Kane came in third place, despite consistently coming in top of the leader board over the past few weeks.

The finalists were greeted to a champion's welcoming as they arrived to the GMA studios in New York today.

All three celebrities and their partners danced on a specially built stage in Times Square.


We are the champions: Hines and Kym show off their glitter ball trophy


Third place: Mark Ballas and Chelsea and were delighted with the reception they received


Farewell: The three celebrities and their dancing partners gave their final performances last night


'Dancing With the Stars' on 'GMA': Kirstie Alley's Cha-Cha



Good Morning America: 'Dancing With the Stars' Finalists Perform on 'GMA': Hines Ward and Kym



'DWTS' Finalists Take 'GMA' Viewer Questions



Good Morning America: 'Dancing With the Stars' Finalists Perform on 'GMA': Chelsea Kane and Mark



source: dailymail