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Kristi's going for the gold on 'Dancing'

Posted: Monday, May 19, 2008 5:49 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

It's rare that I have a real favorite on reality shows, but I'm finding it impossible not to root for Kristi Yamaguchi on "Dancing With the Stars."

Yes, as a skater, she has a bit of an advantage -- the lifts and twirls aren't new to her as they were to, say, Master P. If anything, it's got to be less frightening to her...smacking your head on a wooden floor isn't exactly pain-free, but it can't be as bad as tumbling down onto the ice, or accidentally getting swiped with a skate blade.

And she's just so cheery! And happy! And cute! Her black-and-white fringed outfit on Monday night's cha-cha reminded me of the girl  in the "Beach Party" movies who could knock men out just by shaking her fringe-clad body like a cyclone.

Kristi's perfect 10s on Monday's show should mean she has the title sewn up. (I'm starting to wonder if there's a secret contest between the three finalists to see who can say "I want that mirror-ball trophy" the most.) But to be honest, if either Cristian or Jason won, I wouldn't be too bothered.

I find it hard to root against anyone on "Dancing," really. This isn't like "Idol," where a Sanjaya can cruise through for weeks just on the charm of teen appeal and an ever-changing hairdo. And "Idol" wannabes can coast for some time on the natural strength of the voice God gave them. On "Dancing," competitors may start out with an athletic body or natural flexibility, but they still have to sweat and strain and bruise their knees in the dance studio or risk looking like a complete tool in front of everyone else (again, Master P).

There are probably thousands of viewers who watch "Idol," at least in the early weeks, and think they could sing as good as some of those auditioners. But "Dancing," now, that's on another level of difficulty entirely.

Discuss Monday night's "Dancing" performances and your pick to win in the comments. Can anyone beat Kristi? Do you want them to?

 

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Comments

Go Kristi!  It is about time we had another female winner and she was absolutely the best dancer this season.

Linnette (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:50 AM)

I think the Judges are all for kristi and were not fair to the men I think they want a woman to win.

Joyce matthews (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:23 AM)

Kristi is the bomb, and certainly the best dancer.  Jason should be runner up.  Cristian is good but does not have the presence Jason has.  All three certainly deserve to be in the finals but Kristi should walk away with the Mirror Disc Ball Trophy

Connie Pennint, Montgomery,AL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 7:53 AM)

I have been a huge fan of this show - even going to
three tour shows - but I probably won't watch it again and for sure I won't buy another table at a tour performance.  The way the show/judges pushed Kristi and Jason over the other contestants was not professional.  Mario was at least as good as Jason and Christian's performance last night was better than a 1 point spread from Jason.  Figure skating
is dancing on ice so to say Kristi had no experience
just was not true.  Of course her technique was the
best of the whole lot and based on technique she
should win.  What ice show did she skate for and was
is Disney?

jmallery, miami, fl (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:45 AM)

I'm sure that Kristi is the best dancer. But is it fair to put up an experienced dancer on ice to two inexperienced dancers? they are out of their league. Seems unfair to me.

Esther, The Villages, FL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:31 AM)

She may have been favored but she did have some issues with her dancing at some times.  But after last nights performance...there should be NO QUESTION about her ability.  She nailed everything and more important, her personality really came through on both numbers.  She truly deserves the top prize.  Comparatively, the boys dont come close...at all.

Michael, Christiansted, Virgin Islands (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 9:35 AM)

yes i will agree that she's cheery and happy and a fine competitor but i think having that advantage b/c she's a figure skater wasn't fair to the rest of the contestants who had no prior knowledge or dancing experience...sorry but i'm rooting for jason and edyta!

Peggy (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:01 AM)

I love Kristi but I do feel she has an unfair advantage over the other dancers being a very strong skater and show person.  
I feel anyone participating in this competition should have no experience at all in any type of dancing or showbusiness experience.  You have had other people on the show who did have this type of experience which I believe is a very unfair advantage.

Barbara Robinson, Boston, Ma. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:20 AM)

Kristi is by far the best. But I also think all the stars that are used in the show should be on the same level of experience. Kristi has been in dance her whole life.So i would think she has an edge. Since Dancing with the Stars is now a huge hit I think it would be best if all the stars were on the same level of performance. This should definitely be a factor on future shows. Its not fair to the stars that are truly doing a fine job. Go! Jason he was fun to watch and very competitive. But Kristi is the best dancer this time.

Cynthia Goldrick, Kenilworth New Jersey (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:20 AM)

I have completely enjoyed "Dancing"!  At this point all 3 could win the mirrowed ball but I feel that it is Kristi's hands down.  I was pulling for Jason for the longest but he hasn't got the dancing quality that Kristi has.  But then she couldn't sack a quarter back with his hands tied behind his back.  No offense, Kristi.  And Christian, you get my vote as the person with probably the biggest heart to keep going with the severe injury and all.  Good luck to each of you!

sharon, Sallisaw, OK (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:26 AM)

No, I don't think anyone can beat Kristi, and no, I don't think I want anyone to.  It's about time a woman won again.  

That said, Christian de la Fuente is HOT!!!, and if not for the injury causing him to not be able to do comparable lifts, I think he would probably win.

Laurah in NY (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:35 AM)

Kristi Yamaguchi is and outstanding dancer and athlete.  There is no doubt in my mind she should win.

Rod (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:38 AM)

Kristi has an unfair advantage. As a figure skater she trained for grace and poise. This of course carries over big time when dancing. No contest here, she will win hands down...

Jim DeProspero, Rome, New York... (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 10:57 AM)

Love Kristi. Despite what others say, dancing on ice is still different than dancing on the floor, and I won't take away from the hard work that she's done.  Hope she wins.  Having said that, all the finalists are great and I wish all could win because they have worked so hard.  It's been enjoyable to watch.

Y.S. Perry, Baltimore, MD (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:09 AM)

Kristi is, by far, the best, hands down.  But I think it's unfair of people to say she has an advantage because she's a figure skater.  Sure, she can spin well when Mark turns her.  But beyond that, having skated a good bit of my life, I can tell you that it's way different to be on skates than on a dance floor.  Everything in figure skating is done flat footed.  The dance floor requires a lot of toes AND she's in heels!!  It's hard enough to walk in the darn things let alone dance in them.  There's a big, big difference in the two.  My problem is that in past competitions, sometimes it's not if you're the best dancer, but if you're more popular.  And I don't think that's totally fair.  It's a dance competition and should be judged by us that way.  But look how long that idiot, Master P was on the show!!  Tell me that was because of his great dancing skills!  No, it's because a bunch of nimrods out there liked his "music"!!  They need to do something about the judging from home.  Having said that, I'm so impressed with all of them.  Marissa sure brought her game up quite a lot.  And she was such a joy to watch.  Like, Y.S., I wish they could all win.  Great show.

Pat B. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:33 AM)

Of course Kristi has an advantage an so did Anton and so did Emit Smith and Jerry Rice. It is very easy for an athlete to transition their physical abilities and conditioning to the dance floor.....thank goodness for that otherwise you might have a season of nothing but "sloppy dancing and silly routines" with contestants like Kenny Maine,Master P and Steve Gutenberg and Jerry Springer...Pretty Dull!!

maryellen kiley, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:34 AM)

I started watching Dancing in the season that Apolo won. Got totally hooked and I'm glad I did. It's by far the best "reality" show on TV. I hope the fans voted so it doesn't turn out to be another Daughtry situation like it was on Idol when everyone thought he was safe and he got booted off the show.
Of course Kristi should win. Girl power all the way. For those of you saying another woman should win, be aware that NO woman has ever won.
I have totally enjoyed this season even though I thought the judges were soft on one dancer who shall remain nameless. Can't wait to see who the stars will be next year.
Tomorrow night is going to be great, if a real nail biter.
sandy,
Tucson, AZ

Sandy McGinnis (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:38 AM)

Kristi is the best "star" dancer by far.  She should absolutely win this season.  Go Kristi

PG, New Hampshire (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:51 AM)

For those that compare dancing on ice to dancing on the floor, about the only thing they have in common is possibly the grace needed.  You glide on ice.  On the floor, Kristi had to learn all kinds of actual steps.  And there are so many steps involved from one type to the next (foxtrot to waltz to salsa to rumba, etc etc).  Yes she is an athlete and conditioned to work hard, so is Jason.  It's just like life - some people are just a little better than others at some things.  She's worked as hard as any one else for this and it showed on the dance floor.  She deserves the win.

MK, Phila, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 11:58 AM)

Kristi is fantastic and deserves to win. Dancing is far different from skating and to adapt is harder in my view go Kristi you got my votes from the first dance

Arline Mitchell, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:01 PM)

How can you say that Kristi has an advantage?  There is absolutely no comparison between figure skating and ballroom dancing.  The only advantage any athlete has in this competition is that they are accustomed to training and physical activity and they have the competitive spirit and are willing to spend hours practicing to win.  Kristi is by far the best dancer on the show hands down and the judges see that.  No one is forcing her on anyone or favoring her....they are just admitting the plain truth that she is the best and most graceful dancer in the competition.

Pamela Clark, Candler, NC (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:01 PM)

Well, I am reading the comments and just to point out that last season Sabrina was a dancer, Staci Kiebler had dancing experience and so did Drew. I don't think it's about dance experience, I think it's the best professional, it all comes down to the freestyle and what the professional choregraphs. Disappointed in Cheryl this year but I don't think she had a lot to work with...the injury hurt them. Love Edyta but I think she is like Maks...they aren't good at freestyle, they are strictly ballroom. Go Kristi, if a girl is going to win at least she can rock it out!

K.Jax Idaho Falls, Idaho (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:06 PM)

Go Jason!!!

amy Salem, OR (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:06 PM)

I think Kristi had a very unfair advantage being a professional figure skater and the judges from the beginning were for her. She's very good but the competition should be on an equal basis and this year it was not

Gerry Denver Co (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:11 PM)

I think Kristi had a very unfair advantage being a professional figure skater and the judges from the beginning were for her. She's very good but the competition should be on an equal basis and this year it was not

Gerry Denver Co (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:12 PM)

I'm a recently married man at age 39, married on Jan 26, '08, so I had to watch Dancing for the first time.  Fortunately even my wife got tired of it toward the end so we pretty much stopped watching it and just caught the results online.  What we did watch, however, I enjoyed for the most part and thought Kristi deserved what she got.  She can't be faulted for the fact that she's professional skater.  There are other professional athletes and professional performers in the competition.  She can't be faulted for the producers asking her to join the competition.  She was the best so she should win.  Plain and simple.

Jay, Deerfield, IL (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:19 PM)

I've loved the show throughtout its seasons.  However, I probably won't watch again.  I also believe Kristi will win hands down, and the unfair advantage she carries is to blame.  Of course she's had previous dance training.  It would be naive to think otherwise.  I'm sorry that the other contestants never had a chance.  The judges seem very biased and to tell the truth, I have not seen any improvement from Kristi, she was great to begin with.  For me at this point, she's boring.  Still, I salute her as a chamption on ice--just not on the dance floor.

Anne Rigsby, Cottonwood, AZ (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:22 PM)

Yes Kristi is a sweetheart, but this whole competition with her in it has been unfair, especially last week when Carrie Ann insulted Marissa for not doing spins as good as Kristi, HELLO, she's done spins like that her whole life on ice too!!  I'm rooting for Jason & Edyta.  He should have danced the whole dance without a shirt. HOT!!!

Annie Phillips, Omaha, NE (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:22 PM)

everyone keeps saying kristi has an advantage... but what about mel the spice girl, joey from nsync, and all the other pop stars. they all have actual dance experience. Kristi is awesome and deserves to win. Shes entertaining and adorable!

Jen, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:28 PM)

Even though Kristi had a small advantage with her figure skating skills. How many years ago was that?  I don't think Kristi was ever in any of the Skating with the Star shows.  Even still Kristi was a solo skater and that doesn't necessarily equate to an advantage dancing with a partner.  She never did lifts, though she did jumps.  Emmett Smith was a football player and Apollo Ono was a speed skater.  All of them athletic and so Jason had a chance to beat Kristi but he had his problems on the dance floor.  I'm glad that Christian made it to the finals but I was surprised that he wasn't cut due to his injury.  But he proved himself and he made it.  I was surprised when Mario was cut; but I guess he didn't get enough fan votes to keep him in the competition.  I was sure he'd make it to the finals.  Another former contestant went on to do Broadway; something he may not have done if he hadn't been on Dancing with the Stars. This is all for fun; a chance to be in the spot light again.  It's a great form of cardio exercise and a chance to lose a few pounds.  I'm all for Kristi; you go girl! I hope she wins!!! :)

Sharon (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:28 PM)

Yes, Kristi had an advantage, but she still really made the show fun to watch. As for who I want to win, I am rooting for Jason adn Edyta, because she has been there from season 1, and the whole dancing thing was more of a challenge for Jason than it was for Kristi. My only advice to the show is get rid of that mean rude dancer that was with Mario(s) - I didnt vote for either one of them because she is such a downer. GO GO JASON! WOOT!

Rachelle Huntington Beach, CA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:37 PM)

Actually, Jason has more of an advantage than Kristi. The step technique used in ballroom dancing is not unlike football (strangely enough!)  Figure skating is a whole different story--in skating, you put pressure flat on your foot, instead of the balls of your feet.  If anything, Kristi had an extra challenge because she trained for so long doing something that is counterintuitive to dancing.

Mel, Portland, OR (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:43 PM)

I want to set something straight in this comment.  Comparing Kristi's skating & dancing abilities is like comparing apples & oranges.  I think everyone has forgotten that she was a "singles" skater throughout her career.  There might have been instances, when she skated professionally, that she had a partner but those were few & far between.
Everyone in this competition started out on a level playing field.  It all boils down to who is willing to work the hardest to win.  Kristi has shown that she is willing to put in the long hours of practice to achieve a goal.  Remember...it took her 12 years, battling injuries & disappointments, to win that gold metal!  In my book she is still a CHAMPION!!  

J. Ford, St. Joe, Mo. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 12:48 PM)

I think Cristian should win. He is the most entertaining dancer. I do not understand all the yamaguchi praise and 10's for every move. If she wins I and my family have watched our last Dancing with the stars.

Diana Davis. Lexington Kentucky (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:11 PM)

I think it's funny how people bash Kristy for having an "advantage," everyone on the show has some type of advantage. For example, someone who appears on Broadway has the advantage of being used to performing in front of a live audience, an actor has the advantage of being able to act out the emotion in the dance well, someone who's popular in recent media has the advantage of having a large fan base, etc etc.  And people who have neither ice skated or danced before, really should not comment on if Kristy has an advantage or not, because you really have no idea. It may just look like she does because she is graceful. Which, to be fair, was certainly honed in her skating days, but there are plenty of non-skaters who are graceful too, so that really shouldn't be an argument.  Really, other than people who have actual BALLROOM dance training, in my opinion, the people who have the biggest advantage are the professional athletes. Any professional athlete.  They are the ones who are used to spending hours and hours perfecting their technique in whatever it is that they are trying to win.  They are the ones that are generally in the best shape as well.  It shows when you look at the finals.  Every season there are professional athletes that make it to the finals, and they often win.  I don't think it's unfair at all.  They need contestants with a variety of skills and "advantages."  Think about it, would you want to watch a whole field of Penn Gillette's?  (no offense to Penn, just pointing him out as someone who came in with no experience)

Nicole, Detroit MI (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:12 PM)

For those of you who haven't watched from the very first season, a woman won, Kelly Monaco!  Hopefully, this is the year for another woman, Kristi!!!

Her advantage is that she trains and dances well, she should win!  Also, she never took her shirt off or keep it unbuttoned during her performance to try to make herself look more sexy like her two male competitors.  Speaking of the two males, they responded quite nicely to the two professionals that did all the dancing around them and made them look good. She is just better then they are, so if she doesn't win, there's no justice!

Evelyn Ringsby, Sequim WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:22 PM)

Yes, Kristi did have a bit of an advantage with her skating training/experience. And, contrary to what some posters think, she didn't just skate as a single. She paired up with Rudy Galindo for years, and they reached the podium on more than one occasion. But Jason and the other men had an even bigger advantage (one that has little to do with talent): since most of this show's viewers are women, women seem more attracted to the male performers and tend to vote for them more. Fortunately, Kristi, as a former figure skating champion, apparently has a great fan base.  She should win, she deserves to win, and if she doesn't I'll give up on the show!

Terry, Springfield, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:22 PM)

the fix is in.  a woman has never won and they are putting Kristi in the front running for rating purposes and money as usual with TV.  

Rich, Fargo, ND, 58102 (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:25 PM)

Kristi was by far the best perfoming last night. Perfect score she deserve. Jason look clumsy out there on the dance floor last night.

michael wolfe (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:26 PM)

If Kristi doesn't win it will be a load of BS.  She has been the best since day one.  Jason can't dance unless it's the stupid fox trot.  How does kristi have an unfair advantage? Dancing and skating are 2 different things.  There have been plenty of stars with some dancing experience: Drew Lachey, Marrisa, Joey Fatone, Mel B, Mario Lopez, Mario (this season), shall i go on?  Half of the stars are also athletes.  It all comes down to your professional partners choreography, and how much time you're willing to put in.  Go Kristi!

Ashlee Brookings, SD (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:35 PM)

I've enjoyed watching this season, totally! But, I too feel Kristi has the unfair advantage. In the future, I hope to see the competition more equal.  It's not fair to other contestants, they work so hard! and as a veiwer, its dissapointing. I thought Presilla was awesome! She wasn't given the chance she deserved in my opinion.. I hope to see Jason & Edyta win. He has improved most of anyone and has truly earned my vote and hopefully the judges. Isn't that what this show is about? Watching the contestants get better and better, thats entertainment! Thanks Jason and Edyta. I also want to wish Chrisitan a speedy recovery...

Jennifer, North Vernon, Iniana (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:37 PM)

at this point, it is clear the winner has been already selected.  Kristi is a graceful and experienced dancer - that is what she has trained for her whole life.  i was always under the impression this show was to be fair with no favorites in the line up.  it appears the judges have made their mind up. my vote goes to christian.  he not only is a vision of beauty to look at but has some guts to keep on trucking after a serious injury.  jason and edyta are hot to watch.  she is a gorgeous woman with one hell of a body.  he is just studly as can be.  good luck to all three!  hope the fans get to make the decision and not the judges.  

rose ann, tucson az (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:41 PM)

I am so sick of hearing that Kristi was a dancer before the competition. Kristi was an ice skater and was not a dancer before coming to the show. She competeted years ago. Sure she is graceful and has the arm movements that help BUT she did not dance and did not skate with a partner.  Gliding your feet along the ice on skates is one thing but dance steps are quite another.  I could not do the steps she has been doing.  Her dance routines are hard - much harder than most of the other competitors.  
I think that any one who trains &/or competes has some advantage.  Race car drivers and sports figures have that competeive edge that average people do not.
What about the boy band dancers we have had and Mario is performer?  Give Kristi her props.  She is the best this season!

Becky (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:45 PM)

To Sandy McGinnis:  You started watching DWTS in season 4 and smugly tell others that there has never been a woman champion?  Check out the past results on wikipedia.  Kelly Monaco, a soap opera actress, was the winner in the first season.

Andrea (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:46 PM)

I feel the Kristi should not have been a competitor
as her experience with skating was not fair to the
others. Sure she's good but then she should be. I
would of liked a women to get it but one of the other
women not her.

Marie Kopczenski , Lebanon Oregon` (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:55 PM)

For all of those that say Kristi's got an unfair advantage because she is a great ice skater, have you ever skated and then went and danced in heels?  I do not think it is fair to judge her just because she has skating talent.  She has NO dancing experience prior.  Maybe it is just me, but ice skating and dancing seem to be completely different.  Should not be haters just because she was the best this season.  And unlike Sabrina Bryan (the best dancer of last season), she will win tonight!

Nate, Edmond, Oklahoma (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:57 PM)

I feel the Kristi should not have been a competitor
as her experience with skating was not fair to the
others. Sure she's good but then she should be. I
would of liked a women to get it but one of the other
women not her.

Marie Kopczenski , Lebanon Oregon` (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 1:58 PM)

I think Kristi does have an advantage over the other with her skating skills.  I think all future Dancing with the Stars should have contestants without any experience.  Also, Christian, to me, was awesome considering his injury. I think he would have surpassed the others if it wasn't for his injury.  I'm for Christian.

Sandy, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:06 PM)

I think Kristi deserves to win but I have earned a great respect for Christian's determination.  And he's not bad to look at either.

Jenn, PA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

Yes Kristie is good, but how many of the other dancers have had all of the dance, ballet, balance lessons she has had.  She should do good!!!  Singles or doubles  once you have danced to that kind of crowd, stress etc.  You have your grove.  No excuse for her not to win.  Uneven odds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fluffie (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:14 PM)



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