KEY POINTS:
Infomercial queen Suzanne Paul struggled to hold back the tears last night as she was crowned the winner of TVNZ's Dancing With the Stars.
The nail-biting, two-hour grand finale saw Paul and singer and NZ Idol judge Megan Alatini battle it out for the title - but there could be only one winner.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Leanne Harford
Megan and Johnny should have won. As well as being better dancers, neither one tried for the "sympathy vote" each week with a running string of "Oh, I'm fifty", "My ribs are sore", My mother couldn't be here tonight, she's too ill"
Dance Watcher
Although Megan was a better consistent performer Suzanne out performed her in the last dance and was far less nauseating to listen to.
Ropeta
I am so glad Suzanne won- she was a real entertainer with a good sense of humour. She might not be as good a dancer as Megan, but sometimes "attitude" counts and Megan's attitude didn't do it with me.Well done Suzanne and Stefano. By the way, I think Megan was out there to promote herself more than Suzanne anyway.
Andy
The final was great, but I cant help but feel that the comments made by Suzanne last week tarnished things a bit. Who was she dancing for - Starship or herself? From the comments, we know the answer - and whilst I respect her for the courage shown during the competition, the self promotion and sympathy seeking was not required - "What about the Children?", surely thats a pretty good reason for a star to dance (rather than paying off your creditors)?
Diane
Personally, I don't think it matters who wins. They both performed brilliantly and worked very hard. What does concern me is the negativity expressed by the other comments. What has Suzanne's personal affairs got to do with her performance in DWTS. We have all made mistakes in our lives and she didn't deliberately set out to make Riwaka fail. Why are people not listening to the words Megan was saying instead of criticizing her. I thought she spoke confidently and clearly and had a wonderful message for the youth of today. Some New Zealanders seem to be developing very negative and critical opinions of our TV stars and sports people. Lighten up.
DWS fan
I am completely disgusted with those who have slammed Megan because they think she is too confident etc... I thought that the Tall Poppy Syndrome was dying a slow death but obviously not. Confidence and self-pride should be celebrated as a strength not a weakness. Those who feel the need to criticise others are probably non-achievers who are reminded of their averageness when someone like Megan comes along. Congratulations to Suzanne, she danced well and the public love her. Megan is an entertainer and I enjoyed watching her dance...she is a natural!
Lilia (Howick)
Yes, I think Suzanne Paul deserved to win. She proved a true trouper and you could tell she gave her all for each of her performances.
Leanne
I think that Megan should have won and that Suzanne only won because she received sympathy votes. The people who should have received the sympathy are the people who worked for Suzanne Paul at Rawaka. She has made little attempt to pay all the people who lost out when Rawaka went under. I hope that she will make good on her promise to pay these people back but as most of these companies are small owner operators the money may come too late to save their businesses.
Tracey
I've been following Dancing With The Stars from the very beginning. I feel that Suzanne thoroughly deserved to win last night. She's a true inspiration to all women.
Dance student
Suzanne and Stefano were definitely the right winners. They had a great attitude and didn't come across as being arrogant, just that they were out there to have a great time, and winning would be a bonus. I think Megan should try out as a politician, as every time she spoke, it was like a rehearsed speech that seemed less than sincere. Good on you Suzanne, I'm glad I kept voting for you.
Megan
While Megan is rather painful, she was definitely the better dancer. Big props to Suzanne for being 50+, dancing with an injury, going through a bit of financial grief, having fabulous legs & being a great dancer ... but Megan was in a league of her own. It's just a pity she isn't more likeable. However, congratulations to both women! You made for great Tuesday night viewing.
Belle
Megan Alitini should have won as she is a true star and a competitor. To me Suzanne Paul did not dance for charity she was so desperate to win so she can pay her creditors and promote herself.
Tanya
I thought Megan should have won,certainly was the better dancer in my opinion.
deb
I thought the name of the show was Dancing with the Stars...not Personality of the show. Megan was a way better dancer and it showed when her and Jonny danced. He didn't have to carry her as much as some of the other dancers had to with their partners...Megan had skill and ability of her own.They were much better dancers than Suzanne and Stephano .
ljh
Absolutley the right lady won last night. Suzanne was increadibly humble through the whole experience. Every time Megan spoke I had to change the channel. Way to go Suzanne, you are an amazing lady!
Robyn
Absolutely - Suzanne and Stephano were amazing. She was professional, determined despite injury and focused. The entertainment she gave was sufficient to keep people coming back every week. I certainly voted more than 1/2 dozen times for her. An inspiration for the generation other than Y and X.All the other dancers were brilliant but Suzanne had something extra! Very well deserved win.
Hadleigh (Blockhouse Bay)
Megan is too confident and believes she is a superstar when she is a struggling presenter. I am glad she did not win as she is too big headed and up herself.I love Suzannes grace and elegance!Congrats Suzanne!
Gulf Harbour
Absolutely the right person won! And don't forget she danced with a fractured rib last night. Suzanne Paul is a very brave and inspirational woman which no doubt found favour with the public too.
Julia
Paul should get a job and pay her creditors.
