There’s officially a new pro entering the “Dancing With the Stars” world.
After weeks of challenges and testing their dancing, teaching and interpersonal skills on and off the ballroom floor, one performer was named the winner of “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.”
During the Aug. 31 finale, the final three contestants — Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton — were tasked with a final challenge: dancing with a star.
Derek Hough returned as guest judge alongside Mark and Shirley Ballas, while Witney Carson co-hosted with Robert Irwin.
The “DWTS: The Next Pro” finale kicked off with a dynamic performance by the dance troupe, as well as Mark and Shirley dancing together. They were also joined by Derek, while Robert got a chance to once again show off his talents on the dance floor alongside his former champion partner Witney.
The opening ended with the three finalists joining the judges and hosts for a sequence worthy of a “DWTS” finale.
Kicking off the competition, which was held in front of a live audience, AJ, Adele and Selena were partnered with former “Dancing with the Stars” finalists Charli D’Amelio, Nēv Schulman and Adam Rippon, respectively, to perform two dances.
In the first round, the finalists would be able to choose their favorite ballroom or Latin style to really impress the judges. In the second round, just like on “DWTS,” they would be performing a freestyle.
Selena and Adam were up first and performed a jive together. During rehearsals, the two appeared to work perfectly together, which was evident by their energy-filled performance. Mark called Selena an “electric” dancer and loved the kick, kick, Pas de Bourrée sequence. However, he did note he was left wanting more. Shirley called Selena “Miss Wow” and praised her ability to take direction, while Derek said she “commands attention” and is a star.
While rehearing AJ made sure Charlie felt comfortable in his arms while dancing the Viennese waltz. That was made evident in their performance. Mark began by praising his former partner, before complimenting AJ as a “fantastic” ballroom dancer. While there were some moments at the end that needed tweaking, he called it a “really solid performance.” Derek echoed the sentiments, applauding their trust. Shirley noted that AJ’s technique was on point but questioned if he had enough “wow moments” with Charlie.
Up next were Adele and Nēv with a samba. During rehearsals she noted that it was the “hardest” Latin ballroom style and wasn’t aware she’d be teaching someone who had never danced samba before. Nēv, on his end, was experiencing jet lag, which prompted Adele to end their first day early. However, the judges gave their routine a standing ovation with Derek calling it Nēv’s “redemption.” The judge did note that the routine needed more creativity, but the quality was there. Mark said the “Queen cobra struck again,” yet when it came to Nēv he wished he would’ve seen him go “wild, crazy” and let loose a bit more. Shirley called Adele a “magical teacher” and said “well done” to both of them.
Before the second round, the trio reflected on what led them to pursue a career in dance and what fueled their passion. Then it was freestyle time.
Selena described her routine with Adam as “gritty, contemporary fusion.” Their performance to “Cry Me a River” was met with an “oh my God” from Shirley mid-routine. After a standing ovation from the judges, Mark said he loved the dangerous opening and the various standout moments. Shirley noted that if this was on “DWTS” it would be “ranked as one of the best” routines she’s seen, calling Selena “one of a kind.” Derek, on his end, was a fan of the choreography, execution, musicality and confidence they brought to the ballroom. He said if she was on “DWTS,” she would be a “fan favorite.”
For AJ and Charlie’s final routine, he wanted to celebrate his “Next Pro” experience by including everything he learned over the last weeks. Filled with plenty of wow moments, the routine had the judges on their feet. Shirley congratulated AJ for “going big” and jam-packing the dance with a slew of epic and fun moments. Derek said the freestyle “had it all” and challenged Charlie in the best way. Mark, on his end, commended AJ on putting together a grandiose routine in such a short amount of time.
Last but not least Adele chose a paso doble “with a twist” for her and Nēv’s freestyle. Finishing strong with a standing ovation, Derek said the routine was “on fire, pun intended,” powerful and stood out from the others. Mark admired all the ballroom elements Adele incorporated, calling it “captivating.” Shirley appreciated that Adele makes her “partners work hard” and called both of her routines “excellent.”
