If this season's Dancing With the Stars has proven one thing, it's that the fans have the final word. And Marie Osmond will be the first to say that the fans are the reason she is in the finals, along with Mel B and Helio Castroneves. It was Jennie Garth, not fighting back tears, who took a final spin on the dance floor with partner Derek Hough to Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" after being dropped from the competition.
The night wasn't all about tears and good-byes though. Dancing With the Stars welcomed back sixth-week eliminated couple Sabrina Bryan and her partner (and beau) Mark Ballas, who danced to a live performance by Avril Lavigne of her hit "Complicated." "Lord of the Dance" Michael Flatley also brought his ensemble to the floor and the audience to their feet with his signature brand of fancy footwork. Dancing alum Kenny Maynes may have struck comedic gold tonight when he visited with last season's Laila Ali, season two's Lisa Rinna and season three's Harry Hamlin and Tucker Carlson -- all serving a stint in "Dancing Re-hab."
The drama will continue to unfold next week when the remaining three couples will dance a judge's choice and the long awaited freestyle number leading up to the season finale.
Drama of another sort is taking place away from the T-V screen -- on the computer screen -- as thousands who visit the show's online message boards have resorted to slanderous remarks against the competitors, their families, their fans and even their faith. Less than savory language and content run rampant at this point in the competition, as do repeated accusations of a "fixed" result. --Tammy Ragusa
