And The Winner Of "DWTS: Athletes" Is...?

SPOILER ALERT: On Monday night’s finale of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars: Athletes edition, out Olympian and self-proclaimed "America's sweetheart" Adam Rippon took home the mirror-ball trophy becoming the Season 26 champion.

Rippon and his pro partner Jenna Johnson had to go head-to-head with fellow Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding and Sasha Farber, and Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess.

Rippon and Johnson were tasked with two final dance styles: jazz and freestyle.

The jazz dance (performed to the Broadway classic “Anything You Can Do” from Annie Get Your Gun), was a pure show biz routine that brought the audience to their feet and received a perfect score from the judges.

“It was so exquisitely theatrical,” judge Bruno Tonioli gushed. “Technically, it was brilliant. Your timing and partner work is flawless.”

But the Asian-inspired freestyle fan dance (set to DJ Kass’ “Scooby Doo Pa Pa”) complete with vogueing, fan-snapping and more received a slightly mixed reaction scoring 9s and 10s for a 28 out of 30.

The judges read on the freestyle was perplexing in that it was full of very specific style and Team Rippon were definitely on fire from the get-go.

As a dancer and choreographer myself, I was floored at the complexity of the dance routines. And not only Team Rippon’s.

NFL-er Josh Norman absolutely killed in his football-inspired freestyle to “Walk On Water” by 30 Seconds To Mars. Not only difficult choreography, but he was dancing in formations with several other dancers and totally on point!

And it didn’t hurt that he performed the number shirtless and ended up under a shower ;)

Even Tonya Harding came out guns blazing with her disco-themed turn to “Hush Hush; Hush Hush” by The Pussycat Dolls.

But in the end, the prophecy of the season’s first night cha-cha to RuPaul’s “Sissy That Walk” came to fruition as Adam and Jenna were named the champions.

This is Johnson’s first win on DWTS in only two seasons with the dance show.

“The Mirrorball has now taken on a new meaning, someone like me is accepted and I feel loved,” Rippon shared before his freestyle routine.

Rippon is the first openly gay winner of Dancing with the Stars. Congrats, Adam!

DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 26 CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2cOabudmmI

— hayley | ADAM AND JENNA WON (@fishuponadwts) May 22, 2018

And as we close the books on this edition of DWTS, can we get one more peek at the awesome furry goodness that is Olympic luger Chris Mazdzer? #woof

A post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on May 10, 2018 at 9:35am PDT

DWTS: Adam Rippon Kills With Contemporary Dance

Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson on DWTS

Believe it or not, we have just one week left in this “Athletes-only” edition of Dancing with the Stars, and Olympic bronze medalist (and self-proclaimed “America’s sweetheart”) Adam Rippon is crushing it.

I’ve been pulling for Adam from day one and he hasn’t disappointed.

Charming, self-deprecating and hard-working as hell, Rippon has been everything the TV show’s producers could have wanted.

Performing a contemporary dance last night to “O” by Coldplay (which Adam knows uber-well since he skated to it at the Winter Olympics), Team Rippon came to slay, and slay they did.

Gorgeous choreography (I’m glad Carrie Ann pointed out later how deceptively challenging the steps were), complete commitment and detailed execution made the bird-inspired dance take flight.

And the judges agreed.

DWTS season 24 runner-up David Ross: “By far my favorite dance of the night.”

Judge Len Goodman: “It had great control mixed with flair. It’s the best dance I’ve seen tonight. Well done.”

Judge Bruno Tonioli: “You were like two birds of paradise - mesmerizing and enchanting. It’s impossible to tell who is the professional. This is a masterpiece of a dance.”

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba: “I love that you push yourself that hard. I just wanted to thank you. This is why artists create - to have moments like this. Where it’s just pure perfection.”

Team Adam received the evening’s high-score 39-of-40, which he dedicated to his mom, saying afterward: “The only thing that I’m thankful for is that I’m a beautiful crier.”

From where I stand, the mirror-ball trophy is Adam’s to lose. He’ll face off in the finals next week against fellow-figure skater Tonya Harding, and Washington Redskins defensive back Josh Norman.

Watch Adam and Jenna’s contemporary dance below:

Last night also featured a salsa “ballroom battle” between woofy Olympic luger Chris Mazdzer and the NFL’s Josh Norman.

Both did great - you can watch below to see who won to compete next week - but how could I pass up a chance to gaze again upon Mazdzer’s furry goodness?

He knows what he’s working with. Just saying…

A post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on May 10, 2018 at 9:35am PDT

Adam Rippon's High Flying Quickstep Wows DWTS Judges

Out figure skater Adam Rippon and professional dance partner Jenna Johnson took on the uber-challenging Quickstep in serious style on last night’s all-athletes Dancing with the Stars.

In the pre-performance video, Rippon shared that his grueling ‘Stars on Ice’ tour schedule has him flying all over the country while Johnson travels with him everywhere to rehearse.

It’s airports, hotels, skating performances, 5 hour dance rehearsals, 3-4 hours of sleep a night, then rinse and repeat.

The Olympic bronze medalist says he doesn’t get back to L.A. until the day of DWTS tapings.

But a busy schedule and sleep deprivation did not stand in the mighty Rippon’s way.

Set to “Make Way” by Aloe Blacc, the duo delivered near perfection receiving 37 out of a possible 40 points. That made for a tie, with skating pal Mirai Nagasu and her pro partner Alan Bersten, for the night’s high score.

The judges gushed.

Bruno Tonioli: “No messing around, no distractions! Absolutely fantastic dancing all the way through. Your timing is impeccable.”

Len Goodman: “So much content, so much speed, but so much clarity of movement. Well done!”

Carrie-Ann Inaba: “You better work. So tight!”

“That was stunning, said guest judge Rashad Jennings. Although Adam’s snazzy red/black suit took the former NFL player aback: “This outfit though. Did you pick this outfit?”

“I actually stole it from your trailer,” said Rippon without missing a beat. “We’re the same size. Nobody knew that.”

After the performance, Rippons told Fox News his new Finnish boyfriend, Jussi-Pekka Kajaala, will be moving from Finland to Los Angeles to be with him.

"I live here in L.A. already but he's in the process of moving here. He lives in Helsinki right now," Rippon explained.

"He's coming as soon as the ['DWTS'] show is over. He's been to L.A. a bunch of times since the Olympics."

Bonus video: Adam and Jenna also took part in the group "1970s Football Dance" to the disco hit "Instant Replay."

I literally learned to dance to this song.

And how about Adam snagging that football pass like a pro? Watch below.

p.s. the pro guy's look pretty a-mah-zing in those sequin football pants. Just saying... ;)

Adam Rippon Kills In DWTS Debut As He Cha-Cha's To "Sissy That Walk"

Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon and partner Jenna Johnson debut on DWTS

Out Olympian Adam Rippon killed it last night on the new season of Dancing With The Stars as he and his pro dance partner Jenna Johnsona cha-cha'd to RuPaul's "Sissy That Walk."

Both Rippon and Johnson have acknowledged their personal chemistry in working together for the abbreviated "athletes-only" season of DWTS.

“I’m not a scientist, but we’ve got chemistry,” Rippon told Billboard Magazine.

The 28-year-old bronze medalist clearly came to slay, and the judges agreed giving the performance all 8s across the board. That score of 24 tied for the top spot along with pro football player Josh Norman.

As someone who's been a professional dancer and choreographer for over 35 years, I have to say I'm way impressed: the lines, the body positions, the energy extending all the way out to his finger-tips. This is a very strong performance.

Watch Rippon slay in his DWTS debut below.

Full Cast List For "Dancing With The Stars" Announced

ABC revealed the full cast of the upcoming "all-athletes" edition of Dancing with the Stars this morning on Good Morning America.

We knew Olympic bronze medalist Adam Rippon was going to be part of the season (looking forward to his antics), but the surprise this morning is that woofy Chris Mazdzer of the U.S. Olympic luge team will be cha-cha-ing his way into living rooms in the next few weeks.

Please, oh please, oh please let Mazdzer dance shirtless. Oh please, oh please...

Here's the full cast list for DWTS "All-Athletes" edition:

• Adam Rippon (Olympic figure skater) with Jenna Johnson
• Arike Ogunbowale (Women’s basketball player) with Gleb Savchenko
• Chris Mazdzer (Olympic luger) with Witney Carson
• Jamie Anderson (professional snowboarder) with Artem Chigvintsev
• Jennie Finch Daigle (Olympic softball player) with Keo Motsepe
• Johnny Damon (Former MLB star) with Emma Slater
• Josh Norman (NFL star) with Sharna Burgess
• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Former NBA star) with Lindsay Arnold
• Mirai Nagasu (Olympic figure skater) with Alan Bersten
• Tonya Harding (Former Olympic figure skater) with Sasha Farber

In case you needed reminding why I'm excited about Chris Mazdzer's participation... :)

A post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on Mar 25, 2018 at 11:37am PDT

A post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on Jun 5, 2017 at 4:37am PDT

A post shared by Chris Mazdzer (@mazdzer) on Jun 1, 2017 at 9:41am PDT

Las Vegas: Hunky "Dancing With The Stars" Pros Open DANCE WITH ME

Val Chmerkovskiy & Tony Dovolani celebrate the opening of Dance With Me studios in Las Vegas

I've long felt the true stars of Dancing with the Stars are the fab professional dancers.

Not only do they come up with the choreography for the celebs, but also the concepts, the lighting and the costume ideas.

And then there's the fact that the men of DWTS are all so easy on the eyes.

I confirmed that last night when I attended the gala opening of Dance With Me dance studio - the ballroom dance studio chain founded by Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani.

After years of watching at home, fans can learn the cha cha in private dance lessons, rumba in a group setting, and even mambo at social dance parties. Students at Dance With Me can learn ballroom, Latin, hip hop or contemporary dance moves, and can even take dance fitness classes.

According to press materials, all the instructors are hand-picked by Val, Tony and Maksim. And the space is gorgeous.

I chatted with Val and Tony on the red carpet (Maks' flight was slightly delayed but he appeared about an hour into the event). Both Val and Tony were way charming, and super-comfortable with their fans.

And speaking of the fans - the line out the door went around the block. Hundreds and hundreds of DWTS die-hards had no problem waiting their turn to get to meet the ballroom boys.

Dance With Me now has nine locations now open across the country.

Val showed he's also a selfie pro
Me with Val, Tony and hubby Michael on the red carpet

Quick interview with Val and Tony

Just one more question...

Tony Dovolani took plenty of time with every fan

Val Chmerkovskiy had no shortage of personality & charm interacting with fans

Meeting The Uber-Handsome Nyle DiMarco

Me with the uber-handsome Nyle DiMarco and my hubby Michael

So, this happened yesterday :)

I teased a pic of American's Next Top Model and Dancing With The Stars champ Nyle DiMarco yesterday in advance of me dropping by a photo shoot he did for the Chippendales in Las Vegas where he will be appearing for four weeks as the next "Celebrity Guest Host" for the Chipps.

Not only did I meet and snap a pic with the VERY handsome DiMarco, but I interviewed him for The Randy Report and my online radio show - coming soon.

I have to say I've met a lot of celebs over the years, and most look like themselves in real life for the most part (versus their "prettier" TV or film selves).

However, Nyle exceeds all expectations. He really is this awesomely handsome. And very charming.

In addition to his current modeling career and upcoming gig at Chippendales, he's launched The Nyle DiMarco Foundation. Nyle wants to work with parents and families to ensure Deaf children receive the same opportunities he did in terms of being able to learn American Sign Language and English. I was surprised to learn that out of the 70 million deaf people worldwide, only 2% has access to education in sign language.

Look for the interview here in the next day or so. I first have to recover from meeting him.

Regular readers of The Randy Report know I was a big supporter of Nyle during his triumphant DWTS run with Peta Murgatroyd, posting several times about him. You can see those posts here.

UPDATE: I aired my radio show interview. You can listen below.

Nyle DiMarco Wins Dancing With The Stars

Now,  if I'm posting this - you know :)

Nyle DiMarco, the deaf "sexually fluid" model who came to DWTS as the final champion of America’s Next Top Model, was awarded the Mirror Ball Trophy Tuesday.

UFC Fighter Paige VanZant came in second place, and Good Morning America’s Ginger Zee came in third.

“This is such an amazing feeling,” said DiMarco’s partner Peta Murgatroyd after winning. “This whole thing has been so incredible because of this man. I owe everything to him.”

DWTS Finals: Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd's Freestyle "The Sound Of Silence"

I've been pretty obsessed with the passion and charm brought to this season's Dancing With The Stars by Nyle DiMarco, the deaf, sexually fluid, America’s Next Top Model winner.

During last night's finals, Nyle and partner Peta Murgatroyd delivered a stunning freestyle dance set to Disturbed's cover of the Simon & Garfunkel classic, “The Sound of Silence.”

The judges (who awarded Nyle and Peta a perfect score of 30) were effusive with their praise.

Carrie Ann Inaba: “The best dance I have ever seen in 22 seasons” of the show. What was so profound about it is not only do I see a man who wants to prove that he can dance, but I also see a man that is proving he can change the world through dance.”

Bruno Tonioli: “That was beyond dancing, that was a work of art. I have chills.”

Len Goodman: “Well you said that was a dance for deaf people, but that wasn’t. It was a dance for everyone. Nyle, you’re a very special person. And that was a very special dance.”

I voted 5 times online and 5 times via phone. Watch below and then vote! 1800-868-3409

#TeamNyle

Nyle DiMarco Makes More History With DWTS First Same-Sex Dance

I wrote Monday about America’s Next Top Model winner and current Dancing with the Stars contestant Nyle DiMarco stopping the show this week with his moving Paso Doble which included a segment where he danced in silence to share with the audience his experience with dance.

Additionally, though, the "sexually fluid" hunk made history Monday night by being the first male star to be part of a same-sex dance on the show.

As part of the Judge's Team-Up Challenge, Judge Bruno Tonioli worked with DiMarco, his partner Peta Murgatroyd, and actress Jodie Sweetin & her partner Keo Motsepe to present a sexy tango set to "Habanera" by Georges Bizet.

Said DiMarco of the performance, “This is a Dancing With The Stars first, having same-sex dancing. It’s a different experience. Usually I’m lifting Peta but… should it only be for a woman? Maybe Peta can lift me at some stage?”

Nyle DiMarco Shares Silence With Powerful Paso Doble On DWTS

My current Dancing With The Stars super-crush was amazing tonight dancing an amazing Paso Doble with partner Peta Murgatroyd.

You have to watch this - Nyle included a moment of silence to share with the audience what dancing is like for him - in silence.

This KILLS.

This judges reactions:

“You dance with purpose and confidence,” said Len Goodman. “You’re amazing.”

“That was mind-blowing,” said Bruno Tonioli. “You have super powers.”

“I’ve never seen anything like that,” said Carrie Ann Inaba. “It was so profound.”

There is power in silence. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/ayioKxTEZg

— Nyle DiMarco (@NyleDiMarco) May 10, 2016

Audience To DWTS' Nyle DiMarco: We Get To Love You

I continue my rare sojourn with Dancing with the Stars this season due to the gorgeous and uplifting Nyle DiMarco.

His Viennese Waltz, set to “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle, with his new partner for “switch-up” night, Sharna Burgess, was clearly the highlight of last night's show.

From the judges:

Carrie Ann Inaba, who was brought to tears. “You take my breath away, and I’m not alone I can tell. At first I thought at the beginning of this competition you were at a disadvantage [because you’re deaf] but when I watch you perform I realize that you’re at an advantage because you’ve been telling stories with your whole body and communicating with your body your whole life. You were born to dance.”

Len Goodman: “That was like a total eclipse. It doesn’t turn up often, but when it does it’s fantastic.”

Serious kudos to Sharna for her emotionally charged choreography; plus, the stunning lighting and stage fog made for a heavenly visual.

Also in the audience last night was Tyra Banks, who's show - America's Next Top Model - discovered DiMarco.

Speaking to his relationship with the supermodel: “Tyra and I have a deep connection and I think we both know it. I think Tyra really saw me grow. I went into America’s Next Top Model and I was an amateur, I didn’t even know what modeling was. By the end when I won and now Tyra coming here to see me dance, I think, ’Wow! So much has changed for me!'”

There was an odd mix-up in the judges scores at the end of it all, but the point really is that Nyle is inspiring millions.

Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd's Stunning Tango On DWTS

I'm not a regular viewer of Dancing with the Stars, but I'm so enamored of America's Next Top Model winner Nyle DiMarco and his winning, authentic spirit.

Last night's dance earned DiMarco and partner Peta Murgatroyd the highest scores of the season so far - 25 out of 30. Their tango, set to Aloe Blacc and Owl City’s “Verge," brought the crowd to their feet. And deservedly so.

Important to keep in mind that besides being easy on the eyes and dancing very well, DiMarco is deaf - so he can't hear the music; he can't hear the tempo; and he can't hear the texture of the music.

Murgatroyd continues to impress with not only her spectacular choreography, but her clearly gifted sense of communication with DiMarco. 

Put all that together with his beaming personality, and you have a recipe for true star quality.

Dancing With The Stars All-Access: Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd

Nyle signs surprising himself and the experience so far and on DWTS All Access.

I'm really loving this guy. So charming and authentic.

Watch Dancing with the Stars Mondays at 8|7c on ABC.

Nyle DiMarco Shines In Dancing With The Stars Debut

Nyle DiMarco, winner of the final season of America's Next Top Model, gave a stunning performance on the opening episode of Dancing With The Stars.

DiMarco, who describes himself as "sexually fluid," is completely deaf, but in interviews has said he doesn't need to hear the music to execute the choreography. The results speak for themselves.

Teaming with the fab Peta Muratroyd, the couple turned in a aggressive, no holds barred cha-cha to DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean”

DWTS' Carlos PenaVegas Serves Up 'Magic Mike'-Style Rumba

Boy bander Carlos PenaVegas, of Big Time Rush, is a no-brainer as the hottest celeb cast member on this season of Dancing With the Stars.

But Carlos got a little uptight last week when assigned the "Magic Mike" dance moment "Pony" to reinvent.

His religious convictions held him back at first, but with some coaxing from Witney, he comes out of his shell.

And his t-shirt.

This Is How Derek Hough Shows Up To Rehearsal For DWTS

Alright, Derek. I ain't gonna hate you.

When you got a Porsche, you don't keep it in the garage...

(h/t Wicked Gay Blog)

Michael Sam Leaves DWTS On High Note

Out footballer Michael Sam became the third contestant eliminated from this season's Dancing With The Stars last night.

Sam danced an emotional rumba dedicated to his estranged father to the Cyndi Lauper song "Not My Father's Son" from the hit Broadway musical KINKY BOOTS.

Unfortunately, he only garnered 30 points out of a possible 40.

Gracious in defeat, Sam told Access Hollywood, “I thought my last dance was my best dance. And I would like to leave on my best dance instead of my horrible dance.”

I'm still a fan. I think Sam has tremendous heart, and his sense of commitment shows up in everything he does.

Here's hoping he takes to the football field again very soon.

NFL-er Michael Sam Makes DWTS Debut With "Uptown Funk"

NFL football player Michael Sam with Peta Murgatroyd makes DWTS debut

My man Michael Sam made his Dancing With The Stars debut last night, with pro dancer Peta Murgatroyd, cha-cha-ing to "Uptown Funk."

Murgatroyd won Season 14 with Donald Driver (formerly of the Green Bay Packers) so I'm thinking she's got an inside track on how to teach a football player to dance :)

Sam took to Twitter after his first dance:

America I hope you guys enjoyed @PetaMurgatroyd and I dance. Make sure you go vote for us 8552345603! 💃💃💃💃 pic.twitter.com/nIO2BoDFqh
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) March 17, 2015

Having been a professional dancer myself for over 30 years, I step back and watching this I'm awestruck at not only Sam, but any of these celebs who are not "performers" by trade. The idea of DANCING a difficult routine in front of millions for the first time? Wow. Imagine what goes through your head.

Sam and Murgatroyd ended up in the middle of the pack with a score of 26 out of 40 from the judges, so while there's room for improvement, we all know Sam isn't one to shy from hard work.

(And yes, I voted for Team Sambatroyd)

Michael Sam Tweets From DWTS Rehearsal

Hope you all are excited as @PetaMurgatroyd & I about the start of @DancingABC on 3/16. #4days #DWTS #TeamSambatroyd pic.twitter.com/5qcMm1NQ1R

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) March 12, 2015