Melissa Rycroft
Melissa Rycroft definitely has one of my favorite 'arcs' in DWTS history. Last-minute casting, ends up making the final, comes back for All-Stars as a much more confident individual and takes the trophy. Unfortunately putting all that aside, she was a target for me this round with some of the recent noms and cuts.
Season 8 was a great start for Melissa, by coincidence she lands on the show and she's still not exactly used to fame. I mean one of her intro packages one week is her going to her office job to pack up her belongings because she's now on DWTS (scripted I'm sure but when else do you get that!). And she shines out the gate. Tony's a great partner for her, super encouraging and clearly he's been waiting for a good partner since Stacy. She's probably my #3 favorite in hindsight of that season behind Shawn and Lil' Kim, and while both Shawn and Gilles had higher highs in the dancing for me that season, Melissa is definitely up there. The run to third place considering she started an unknown is super impressive.
And then Melissa comes back for All-Stars. Fully formed, back with Tony, ready to kill it. I actually think she takes a little bit of time to come out her shell this season. The group is packed with greats and she delivers solid performances but doesn't have that wow moment to me for a while. I think it's her Viennese Waltz on Country Night which made it all click for me. Then the trio Paso. The Argentine Tango, and so on. And she does it while battling injuries. Again I don't think Melissa leaves this season my #1, but she's right up there. She has this warrior spirit and determination to prove herself in All-Stars which makes her a great champion. All that being said she has been on my radar and I knew it'd be a cut I'd have to make if the chance did arise.
Save Monique Coleman