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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

Does Kristi have an unfair advantage?
I agree with J. Ford of St. Joe, Mo. where J. Ford says
"Kristi has shown that she is willing to put in the long hours of practice to achieve a goal".

Certainly, Kristi has some handy skills that are conveniently carried over from figure skating to dancing, but some other very important carry-overs are evident when she demonstrates her drive, positive attitude, determination and practice/work ethic.
These are Gold medal qualities.

Goldie M. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:18 PM)

You people who think that figure skating is dancing on ice are all wet!!  A single's skater is a freestyle skater doing jumps, spins and footwork in time to the music.  The skaters who dance on Ice are called Artistic Dance Skaters and yes they do dances on Ice.  It is unfair to say Kristi has more advantage because she is a freestyle skater.  Apolo Anton Ono was a skater too and won the trophie and I did not hear anyone complaining that he had unfair advantage.  Just look at the Cheeta Girl and Mel B who do complicated routines in their stage shows.  They have to dance during their show and no one complained about the unfair advantage they had.  I am a skater and just because you can skate does not mean you can ballroom dance.  I did competitive dances on roller skates and was our State Champion but that does not mean I can dance the way Kristi has on this show so lay of the Olympic Champion.  Her unfair advantage is that she had talent and determination to compete.

Glitterskate (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:19 PM)

I don't know about the rest of you, but there is nothing that can compare to those Latin movements. I think Jason is too tall for a lot of the dances and the Skater is to stiff and I really thought that her free style dance looked helter skelter. She may be a champion on ice but maybe she should have stayed on ice.

Jane Doe (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:20 PM)

I believe that Kristi wins hands down.  She has week after week been the most consistent dancer and is truly a joy to watch perform along with her professional partner Marc.  Sandy McGinnis...Not sure if you know but there was (1) woman that won Dancing and that was Kelly Monaco who won the very DWTS Title, and then was challenged by the runner up later for a rematch and he was voted the champion, but no one counts that Kelly won fair and square.  As for the men My, My what else can I say those 2 guys are just gorgeous I mean damn...they both have come a long way but Girl power rules tonight and Kristi takes home the 2nd title for the women.  

Maria Bizzell (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:26 PM)

I it just me or are all the judges blind the guys should have been in the 10 last night Kriste was not as good as they made her out to be she MISSED a lot of steps in her free style and look goofy doing it.

Jr Fort Worth Tx (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:28 PM)

This show has been really wonderful this year.  I liked all the dancers, they all worked really hard and did a greay job. My vote is for Kristi because she is the best.  She worked really hard as did all of them but she came throught in the end. I'd like to see some how some of these people who think she had it so easly becasue she was a skater get up and try what she has been doing, skating is completely different than dancing, I know because I've done both and they are NOT the same. The dancers should all be proud of the wonderful job they did.

Mickie, Tucson, Arizona (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 2:47 PM)

This year's dancers just don't measure up to the excitement of previous seasons.  Sorry...I just don't really care about the show this year, and could care less who wins.  Maybe next season will be better if they will just get rid of Samantha and her pointy, poking fingers.  She is the worst!!!!!

M. A. Smith, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:01 PM)

I love Dancing with the Stars, I started watching it in the second season. Stacy Kiebler was my favorite all time star to dance. I was hoping to see Marlee Matlin go further, I thought she did a great job. Out of the three finalist I don't care who wins but I will continue to watch the show no matter.....

Sheila, Nashville, AR (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:04 PM)

Kristi is an excellent athlete and she is a also a great performer, if those two things give her an advantage does it really matter? I feel all the contestants on the show have all worked to the best of their abilities and have, at some point, showcased their talents. If Kristi has done better than the others because of her work ethic and the goal to strive for perfection then she has only done what all of us should aspire to...to do the best that we can do in what ever we do. She is a good role model and she should win.

Juanit Edaakie, Zuni, NM (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:06 PM)

I am all for Kristi to win, she has shown from day one what it takes to win this conpetition, I don't think she had any advantage over any of the other ones, she always put herself out 100%, you go girl...

Gail Greene, Hurst, TX (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:08 PM)

Yes, Kristi was a champion on ice, but she doesn't deserve it on Dancing with the Stars.  Like the comment earlier, she has danced the same the whole season, where Jason & Christian have improved.  I'm all for Jason to win, for a guy that tall & look that good dancing, he deserves to win & so does Edyta.  She's the only pro who has stuck it out all 6 seasons & has done wonders with all her celebs.  

Ann, Carroll, IA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:30 PM)

Kristi did not dance before this competition.  Wake up people!

Anonyomous (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:34 PM)

I agree with Anne Rigsby from AZ, below.  However, I feel there is an angle here we are forgetting.  Not only does Kristi have an unfair advantage, but one out of the three is handicapped.  Are the other two competing with a handicap? No.  So, the distance between Kristian and Christian is huge!  Give the other two a disadvantage and see who rises to the top.  I still feel Christian is a better dancer than Jason and of course, Jason may remain because of his football connections.  I'll stick with Cheryl and Chrisian!  This time around the competitors aren't even close because for one reason or the other the ground is NOT level.

Judi - southern Oregon

Judi Walch (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:39 PM)

I agree Kristi is good but come on I believe the judges want her to win its like they don't even see the guys dance..I think anyone who comes on that program should not even have dancing in the everyday life......

Heidi Willson, Livonia, Mich (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:57 PM)

Come on people---its time a girl won this thing...and she is the best of them all. You have to admit--a guy can't move the way a girl can...and sometimes I think the guy get judged on how good their partners are and they are professionals...its not fair. Kristy is by far the best and she should win hands down.

Renee Moss (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 3:59 PM)

to all of you, if you know ballroom dancing , it's not a surprise to see kristi Y . as the hands down winner base on her performance the whole season. it doesn't matter if she has ice skating background. the point is , she nailed every latin & ballroom choreography that was thrown at her. give her all the credit ...

benjie , Toronto , Canada (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:00 PM)

I am a dance teacher and I feel the judging is all one sided for  Kristie . I personally think because of all her former training that she should not have been in the competition . I believe that Christain and Jason really worked hard and just were not fairly judged they both are truley amateur dancers with NO experience in ballroom dancing at all. In all honesty you can't put pros with amateurs I would have liked to see either one on the men win but we all know that is not going to happen. I feel Carrie Ann is very rude and is very bias and is 100% for Krisiti. Maybe next year three different judges?

Marie, Las Vegas Nv. (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:28 PM)

In my opinion, Kristi was the best since the show began.  I don't think ice skating was that much of an advantage...her advantage is her work ethic & concentration.  I noticed a big improvement in her dancing last night since the first night we saw her.
She is less inhibited & more willing to try new things.

Janet Cole, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:36 PM)

Get over it people.  Figure skating is much different than dancing.  Have any of you watched figure skating, there are plenty of successful skaters who are not great dancers.  Kristi was the best on the show this season consistently and should win.  Simple as that.

JoJo, Fairfax, VA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:48 PM)

The 3 remaining finalists were as good as gold last night however, Kristie stood out in style and performance thanks to her competitive nature.  A big thanks needs to go to Mark Ballas as he has moves that make you want to rock and roll all over the place.  Although Cristian and Jason are stiff competitors they are not at the same level as Kristie.  I am glad to see a female winning this season as she deserves to.  Last season both Heilo and Mel B were tiredless in their efforts to win the ball.  Had Mel B won last season it would have be deserving.  I would have liked to have seen a tie there.  Best to Kristie, Jason and Cristian tonight and in life.  GO GO GO!!

Chuck (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:48 PM)

These messages are getting quite comical about Kristi having an unfair advantage.  Hello people, Jason is an athlete, Mario a singer who dances, Apollo an athlete, Drew a singer/dancer, Mel B singer/dancer, Sabrina a singer/dancer, Marissa is a performer, Christian is an actor (stage presence).  Kristi clearly has been on top of her game and deserves it.  The others are also quite good, but not as good as Kristi.  Hats off to all of them, but GO Kristi!!!

Lisa M, Omaha, NE (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 4:53 PM)

To say that Kristi has an unfair advantage is a cop out.  What makes her better than past dancers such as Mel B and Sabrina?  Both of them were fantastic and no one was yelling unfair advantage.  I think either you have natural ability or not.  It doesn't matter what your profession is.

Lisa, Minden, NV (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:05 PM)

Kristie all the way.  I don't buy the whole thing about her skating experience making her have a huge advantage.  Yes she could twirl.  But as she said she was flat footed with the skates.  Now she has to wear heels.  She had to learn so many new things and she did.  She is outstanding and deserves to win.

Jo-Ann Burton (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:08 PM)

Kristy most certainly has the advantage. For she danced on the air when she performed. I hope she does not win. I think one of the guys should.

Diamonds (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:24 PM)

JMallery,

I agree w/you 100%.  Kristy should not even been allowed to compete because she has had extensive dance lessons for many, years which gave her an unfair advantage over the other contestants.  I hope she loses!!!

Unfair Advantage (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:27 PM)

Yes there are plenty of reasons/accuses for her not to win. She had dance and ballet lessons for ice skating. I agree with what some others have said. While I would like to see a woman win. It should not be her. Marissa would have been a far better choice.
Go Jason and Cristian.

Diamond (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:28 PM)

Why in the world does Kristy deserve to win??? She came in with experience from ballet and dancing she took for ice skating. The clearly does not deserve to win but she likely will.

Lexie Shae Matney (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:31 PM)

I've talked to several people who've done both dance and figure skating and they talk about how non-transferable the skills are between the two "sports". One can be an excellent figure skater and a lousy dancer.  Also, contrary to rumor, Kristi only took a bit of ballet as a kid and does not have professional dance training.  She's never had any training in ballroom dancing.  She obviously has talent but without her tremendous work ethic would have never stood out in this show in the way she has.  No one works harder than Kristi.  I don't see the same commitment from Jason.  For example, he was an hour and a half late for one of his practices because he was having lunch with Denzel Washington.  Hollywood doors are opening for him due to DWTS and I think Hollywood is his major focus for a second career.    

Jane Petterson, Seattle,WA (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:44 PM)

No what's comical is that so many people don't see how unfair the judges are being to Jason & Christian.  It's like they have their mind made up & no matter what, want Kristi to win so they gave her a perfect score on both dances when she clearly didn't deserve it.  They praised Jason for his lifts in his freestyle saying no one has ever attempted such lifts, yet none of them gave him a 10 which he should have definitely gotten.  Who cares if he's an athlete--he's a huge football player, which is the total opposite of a ballroom dancer, yet he has shown what a great dancer he has become.  But, we all know Kristi will win, because that's how the show has wanted it since day one, no matter how much Jason deserves it more!!

Sandy (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 5:55 PM)

I think it is totally unfair for you to get a professional skater who already knows the graceful dance moves associated with iceskating to even compete with people who have not been previously trained and chorographed and have no dancing skills previous to this show.  This is the whole idea behind this show is that beginners learn from scratch and she is already 75% knowledgable.  

Bobbie Thames, Mobile, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:09 PM)

Kristi Yamalicious is the BEST skater and she proved that she is also the BEST dancer.
She deserves the trophy, no doubt about that.
She was a strong dancer from week 1 and she continued to prove that she is the BEST dancer ever.

Milli (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 1:54 AM)

For crying out loud - enough already.  Kristi was an athlete as was Jason and many others before.  She did not have an unfair advantage over anyone else - skating vs dancing?  Give me a break!  What she had, in comparison with the men, was more talent.  The judges have even agreed that the women have the more difficult moves to learn.  She did an excellent job and deserves the title.

Cathy B, Monroe, OH (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 9:12 AM)

I have been watching dancing with stars since the beginning.  When I started to see good talent was on the 5 season when Joey and Apollo.  I started notice that change of selection of people participating in the dance competiion.  I feel if you are able to feel the music and be able to move gracefully on the various dances then you can do it.  This is one area I would to dance.

Kristi had the talent to take them all.  It was about time to see someone dance and able to dance to all categories without making yourself as a fool.

Congradulation Kristi and Mark for making the views to understand what dancing is about.

Enjoy your trophy.......well deserve......

Able, Port Chester, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:24 AM)

I think Kristie is a winner in more ways than just dancing.  She has the fineese, the style and the class that totally beat the other two finalist.  I have been watching the show since the first season it was on and I am tired of seeing the professional dancers (i.e. Edyta)who cannot dance without the skimpy clothes! I really think they dress like that so no one will pay attention to the bad performances from their partners and hope that all will be watching them. Don't they see it just makes them look cheap! Kristie is true talent, she did not have to wear the skimpy clothes or take off her shirt like the men seem to do every season to get the female vote. Go Kristie!!

Elizabeth, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 10:49 AM)

I love Kristi and I want her to win. People are so miss-informed with regards to her skating. In the beginning of her competitive skating career she DID skates pairs. Her partner was Rudy Galindo. Also, she skated for years with Stars on Ice after the Olympics so she is a performer, but on ice skates not heels. As far as people saying she knows how to perform in front of a audiance...well Christian is an actor so he should too!!

Lorraine South, Pinole, CA (Sent Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:27 PM)

I dont feel its fair for an olympic skater to have been allowed into this competition. She is a trained ice dancer and this should be taken into consideration in future competitions. These other people have to work their butts off to get to where they are...its almost a walk in the park for her...instead of ice...its wood...ohhhh thats a big diff...most skaters practice lifts on wood anyway...yeah right lets put lance armstrong in a charity bike competition againts snuffalufagus and see who wins LOL

ME Glendale, CA (Sent Thursday, May 22, 2008 6:50 PM)

Kelly Monaco was the first woman to win, not Kristi. Thought I'd correct.

Gladys (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 4:13 PM)

I don't have a problem with Kristi winning as much as I have a problem with the judges' attitudes.  Throughout the entire series we were constantly hearing how perfect she is, how great she is, etc. Essentially we were watching just to see who would snag second place, because it was obvious the judges wanted Kristi to win, hands down, and didn't want anyone else to think they stood a chance.  I hated when they gave poor Cristian those 7's after his injury, when we know his dance (although not worthy of 10's) deserved better, and then constantly reminding him how "amazing" he is for continuing after the injury.  The same with having to hear about how "amazing" Marlee Matlin was for competing as a deaf person.  Comparing Marissa to Kristi, telling Cristian his lifts can't hold a candle to the others because of the injury...those types of comments bother me more than Kristi having any kind of previous experience.

Terri, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Friday, May 23, 2008 10:29 PM)



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