Season 6 of Dancing with the Stars is nearing the end.  In only one more week, we'll find out which of the four teams will become the sixth team to win the Dancing with the Stars mirror ball trophy.  After last night's performances, only five points separate Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas at the top from Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani at the bottom, so it all comes down to how the audience votes.

Tonight, we found out which team will not be dancing in the finals next week.  Read on to see what transpired during the broadcast.

Kristi and Mark ended the evening last night with 57 out of 60 points.  Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke were right on their heels with 56 points, and Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska were right behind them with 55 points.  Marissa and Tony brought up the rear with 55 points.

Tonight, head judge Len Goodman selected Kristi and Mark to reprise their tango from last night, even though he had said at the time that he thought it was too hectic.

At the end of the show, Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris announced in no particular order that Kristi and Mark, Jason and Edyta, and Cristian and Cheryl would be returning for the Dancing with the Stars finals next week.  Marissa and Tony danced their last dance, but Marissa was cheerful and positive as ever, in her bubbly, energetic way.  She might be the most improved celebrity dancer of this season's cast, but it was definitely her time to go.  As entertaining as she is, this is a dance competition, and her dance abilities were clearly not as strong as those of the other celebrities.

The live musical act tonight was Omarion, performing a tribute to Michael Jackson's "Thriller."  He and his dance crew performed a medley of classic Michael songs, choreographed by Travis Payne.

And my favorite addition this season to Dancing with the Stars, the Ballroom Kids competition!  The winners of the 9 and under, 10 and under, and 13 and under divisions came back for the final round.  Rashell and Aaron (9 and under) performed a cha cha cha, Jaryd and Cara (10 and under) performed a samba, and Brandon and Brittany (13 and under) performed a paso doble.  Each team was amazing, not to mention adorable.  Audiences at home will have a chance to vote on which of them was their favorite, and the winner of the Ballroom Kids competition will be announced next week.  As BuddyTV member leleana pointed out, "we really need to have the Ballroom Kids segment become its own show. It's ADORABLE!"



-Debbie Chang, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of ABC)