Television November 15, 2006
Which Dancer Was in Tears Following the Finale?
It was the biggest showdown in “Dancing with the Stars” history, and the race between the NFL legend and the teen heartthrob couldn't be tighter.
When the lights dimmed and the cameras stopped rolling Tuesday night, “Extra” learned that Mario's dancer partner, Karina, was overcome with emotion, crying backstage.
But the amazing performer pulled herself together as Mario talked with our “Extra” special correspondent, Shanna Moakler, about winning that “Dancing” trophy.
“If we get the trophy that would be great and we would love it,” Mario admitted. “But at the same time, we already feel like winners.”
On the dance floor, Emmitt nailed his Hammer routine. But who's idea was it to jam to that tune?
“Both of our ideas,” Emmitt's partner, Cheryl Burke, dished. “We were in a car about two months ago, and we heard MC Hammer's “You Can't Touch This,” and we're like you have to do it!”
On Wednesday, the original MC told “Extra” that Emmitt's performance made him proud.
Once the “Dancing” routines were done, “Extra” spotted Cheryl at Hollywood hotspot Hyde, while Mario and Karina celebrated just a few blocks away.
As for who will win, nobody is quite sure. Even last season fan favorite George Hamilton can't decide who will take home the “Dancing with the Stars” disco ball trophy Wednesday night.
“It's neck and neck; it could go either way,” George insisted.
“Extra” has learned that Sara Evans will return Wednesday night, although she won't dance. The finalist's families will also be there once again.
“Having my kids here was definitely a big plus for me because they have sacrificed for me, and I have sacrificed for them,” Emmitt admitted. “And they understand now why daddy's had to do what he had to do.”
Backstage, we witness Emmitt's little girls checking out Mario, but only “Extra” was with Mario's mom, Elvira, who had a strong warning for the judges!
“Chill out with my son,” she said.
But Elvira revealed she wants something more for Mario than a “Dancing” trophy.
“Give me a little Mario, and I'll be the happiest grandma in the whole wide world,” she said. “You win this, you win this. But a grandchild? Mama will be so happy.”
Find out if Mario will make his mama proud or if Emmitt becomes the king of the dance floor, as the “Dancing with the Stars” champion is crowned Wednesday night on ABC.