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| JR Martinez |
The judges gave the first place Monday Kardashian, the reality show that follows her famous sister, who has gradually improved throughout the season. And his dance partner Cheryl Burke on the penultimate ball sparkled with an elegant waltz and a lively freestyle routine inspired by the swing judges rewarded him with a perfect score.
"I could not ask for a better end of the season," Kardashian said Monday. "We got our first perfect score. We are in the first place. We did it with dancing most crucial, which is freestyle. It is surreal and I still do not think so."
Lake and Martinez, favorites of the judges over the 10-week competition, tied for second place.
Martinez and his partner Karina Smirnoff dance are happy with the difficult acrobatics they achieved in their freestyle routine - with which it also got a perfect score - but would be happier if they win the trophy on Tuesday.
"I think we have a great chance," said Martinez, 28, Hispanic veteran disfigured in Iraq. "It would be incredible. It would be his first trophy (shaped) mirror ball, he deserves, and of course mine. They want to win on the other."
Smirnoff, who has been on the hit ABC for 10 seasons, said winning the title would be "the perfect end to a perfect story."
"With everything that we ... it's like this ball of mirrors would justify everything," he said. "No matter what happens, I feel it has been a rewarding experience in general. But the trophy would make it much better. It is the truth."
Lake said pleased with what has been achieved in the show, whatever the result. He earned high scores throughout the season, reduced more than 25 pounds (over 11 kilos) and danced some impressive numbers.
"I got farther than I or anyone else thought, so do not expect to win," said the actress and TV presenter 43 years. "I'm just happy to be between these two types. JR and Rob have really shown what they are capable. They are amazing people and I am happy to be one of them."
The professional partner Lake, Derek Hough, said they have had a winning season.
"I feel we can go, win or lose, saying, 'Yeah, we won,''' he said.
All three couples will dance their favorite number of the season against the judges, who eliminated who remain in third place. The remaining two couples then compete for the title.
