While rushing off to the airport to appear on Good Morning America, Dancing With The Stars victor Donny Osmond got on the phone with EW.com to talk about his (not-so-surprising) win, his body aches, and how he plans to torture sister Marie with his shiny new prize.
EW: Did you think you would win?
Donny: You always hope you can win. This morning when I got up it was like, it could go any way. Kelly was the fan favorite, but Mya was the better dancer. I was worried, I didn’t know what was going to happen. When Tom called our names, it was a dream come true.
How much do you think Monday’s freestyle dance had to do with your win?
Everything. That was the breakthrough. This whole journey has been up and down, it hasn’t been consistent. Yesterday marked a breakthrough week for us, especially by what the judges said to us. Kym’s concept — everything she did for it — was spot on.
Did you collaborate or did she have it all planned out?
We collaborated. Initially it was her choice. She wanted to do Broadway right from the get-go. But the judges always said, “You are performing too much, get the technique down.” Kym said, “Let’s bring out the performer and do Broadway.” We had the idea of being backstage with the dressing table and all that kind of stuff. We took chances with the gimmicks but there are no rules so we said let’s go for it. That was the breakthrough.
A lot of attention was given to your “old age” even though you are far from the oldest contestant DWTS has ever had. Did the producers goad you into focusing on that storyline? Did you really talk about your age that much?
We did talk about it. It was an interesting story. I am the oldest recipient to receive the mirror ball trophy. I’m almost 52. And I’m not trying to hide it either. It was an angle that the producers were interested in, but it wasn’t the only thing they anchored on.
How do you plan to torture Marie with your disco ball trophy?
Oh I don’t know … I should put it outside her door so when she walks out she will see it [laughs]. I was joking to the press that I should put it on top of my house with a spotlight and a rotating beacon so all of Utah can see! All joking aside, one of the nicest moments for me was when I pulled her out at the very end. There were three things that I’ll always remember…one, when I saw Kym’s face when it was announced that we won, when I pulled my wife out on stage with us and when I pulled Marie out and she got to hold the trophy.
Which part of your body hurts right now?
Everything. I’ve been dancing on a broken toe since week 3.
Besides the week when you got sick, was there ever a time you felt like you hit the wall and didn’t want to go on?
Yes, it was Sunday night. I thought I couldn’t do this. I was lying down and saying I don’t think I can do this. Kym was so determined. She said, “We have to do it one more time.” From the get-go there were a lot of motivating factors to keep you going and one of the biggest ones was that Kym has finished in second twice. This is her first one, she wanted it so badly. That was a main motivation.
Where does this rank in terms of your career achievements?
Right at the top because I don’t think I’ve worked harder for any accolade than I have this one. When you record an album and it goes platinum … yeah, you’re in the studio and you work hard for months, but it’s not like your whole body hurts. Maybe you get a little hoarse and tired. But on Dancing With the Stars, everything hurts.
Settle the debate once and for all: Sequins or fringe?
Definitely sequins, Leave the fringe to the ladies. I’ll take the sequins.
Read Annie Barrett’s recap of Donny’s win and the rest of the two-hour finale, here.
Image credit: Craig Sjodin/ABC
Folks, and this is how something like Prop 8 passes in California. You use smoke and mirrors, smile and ask people to dismiss reality for the “good old days”. Osmond should be feeling sick to his stomach that his old school “charm” won over true talent (Mya) or actual progresses (Osborn).
UGH!
I can’t stand the fact that Osmond will continue to be in entertainment.
I stopped watching Entertainment Tonight a while back because they would use him as their “go to guy” for stories and then ET seemed to be trying to boost some sort of Osmonds revival.
Wow,that was a leap…Prop 8 = Donnie winning DWTS???? Get a life. Maya took dancing lessons and is a performer. Yes, Kelly was the surprise of the season and was a fan favorite, but her fans couldn’t save her from the OBVIOUS mistakes she made both nights of competition. Kym did a great job all season with her choreography for Donnie. I love Dmitri, but his choreography was just not as good. Hooray for Donnie!
Seriously? It’s DWTS!!!!! The country is about to collapse under the weight of socialism and you’re concerned that Kelly Osbourne didn’t get her props? Hello? Osmond’s been around for 40 years, get used to it! He must be doing something right.
Hear, hear, George W. While I’ve been a fan of Donny’s since forever, this is JUST a tv show, it’s not going to change life as we know it. Real issues are happening around us, people, find something out there to get upset about and do something about it.
Thank you for not being the only one who can see through this joke of a season. Part of this rests on the judges for inflating his scores.
Oh, come on! All 3 were great but I MUCH preferred Donny and Kelly over Mya – she left me kind of cold, week after week. Both Donny and Kelly were much more entertaining to me, and everyone has the right to their own preferences. I watch for fun and entertainment, maybe you should try that.
OK listen people, Mya seems to be a QUIET young lady, who smiled a lot- more than talked. She deserved to Win regardless.Everyone should not have to act ridiculous on the show, and this is what Donny did weekly.
Thanks for making sure I didn’t need to bother watching my DVR – EW! I am not usually one to call out Spoilers, but this is awfully early for a headline with the winner in your main news area.
I was just about to post the same thing. Though I did happen to catch the end, I am at work and would have been mighty po’d if going to the main page ruined it for me.
Learn to watch TV as it happens and don’t turn on the internet. Gee, has all of this technology turned you two into idiots?
Wait. I apologize for using the word “idiots”. That wasn’t called for. My point is, WATCH it as it happens on TV. I realize being at work poses a problem.
What does DWTS have to do with Proposition 8? Random.
Glad Donny won. Sorry Mya, you were too bland.
It proves that the public don’t care about about actual talent (mya) or growth and effort (osborn). If it’s got shiny teeth and makes them feel good, it’s a-okay with them.
Don’t read so much into it. And I think you’re forgetting about the built-in fanbase that Donny Osmond had prior to the show.
Give him a break, he danced almost the entire season with a broken toe; that couldn’t have been easy. He gave decent performances and I am glad he won.
Shiny teeth? Mya’s teeth were so shiny and big she looked like she would paw at the ground and whinny at any moment. Get a grip. It’s about who the public votes as best. And they voted for Donny. Get the concept? If you didn’t vote you shouldn’t post on this and news flash: The person that got the most votes won!!!! DA DA
I’m glad Donny won. He was one of the best all season, and his final freestyle had an incredible WOW! factor. Mya was good too, would have been just as happy to see her win. But let’s recognize the show is not just about talent; its also about likeability and popularity. Kind of like politics. Congratulations Donny and Kym!
exactly.
How can you say Donny was the best all season. First, Donny hips, butt are stiff, second his posture is not good at all, third the only dance that Donny did close to good was the tango. All of the other dances he made mistakes and did a whole lot of smiling really big for the viewers and made jokes and kissing on the judges. Even Donny himself said Mya is the better dancer. The show is called “Dancing with the Stars” and it is suppose to be based off who is the best “BALLROOM” dancer. But because this is TV, shows like this never let the best win, so in essence this show is full of cramp. Donny did what alot of “Non-Dancers” do on shows like this make alot of jokes, do alot of “over the top” acting. And the so called “broken toe” I never saw Donny walk with a lip not once and I know from experience of having a broken toe and being a dancer, you cannot help but to walk with a lip when you are not dancing and you sit down every chance you get. Donny never did any of that so the “broken toe” was a lie just like his sister Marie “fainting” when she was competing. It was to get sympathy votes. The Osmonds were something way back in the day to some people but how many people really today have a CD of the osmonds music? None. Oh and the crack about politics being a popularity thing, I really dont know where you got that from because until Obama, George Bush and his father won prior and there is no way on earth they are likeable or popular. George had to get his brother in Florida to fix the votes in order for him to win and you know its true. Finally americans got tired of being stuck with a president that doesnt care about people (My Reference on that is did you see the movie that showed Bush response when he found out about 9/11) case and point. But getting back to the show. Mya is not bland she was just shy. If not Mya then Kelly should have won based off the fact she could not dance at all now she can. These competition shows are fixed period.
I totally agree, Lady L, I found Donny very stiff and boring in most of his dances. His hip shakes this Monday seemed so forced and thus were not sexy or smooth. I guess he WAS trying to be sexy. What a shame, I will not be watching this crap any more. People said Mya had no personality, because she did not butter up to anyone, fawn over anyone or behave like a buffoon? She has the most beautiful brown eyes, and is a perfect representation of Maryland. Thanks Mya. YOU are the best and deserved to win!
Oh, my gosh – you have waaaay too much time on your hands and you also sound a bit paranoid. Try to relax – it’s tv.
By the way – I didn’t find Donny or Kelly boring in the least.
You’re taking this all waaaaaay too seriously. And, for the record, Donny’s toe IS broken (a friend was in Vegas when it happened) and Marie’s faint was NOT fake. She has a history of fainting – did it again recently in Vegas. Mya is very talented but her personality left a lot of people cold. It’s as simple as that.
everyone has their own thoughts but lady you don’t know nothing!!
I agree and all were good, but Mya thought her big eyes and batting eyelashes would win it instead so her freestyle she didn’t put forth any effort even after they said it would make her or break her.. so it was just as much her fault.. yeah Donnie!!!!!
Remember Dmitry made up the Freestyle dance,she said they went along with what he wanted. She used her beautiful eyes because she is a Quiet girl, and she did not want to act like an idiot the way Donny did every week!! Smooching with the judges, falling on the floor,tantrums and talking waaaaaaayyyyy too much!! GOOD GRIEF
he was so irritating-but thats what his old fans like ,so Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Congrats Donny and Kym!! You totally deserved this win. Especially loved your finale dances – cha cha and freestyle.
I had never heard of Donnie Osmond before, but I have to say, he definitely deserved to win! Mya may have been better technically, but she had NO chemistry, she came across as arrogant and self centered. This is NOT a dance competition, if you think it is, then you haven’t been watching the show! This is a POPULARITY contest! When you figure this out, then you will realize that Donnie won by talent and charisma, and because he had the most fans!
You’d never heard of Donny Osmond???
Oh. My. GOD, do I feel old.
You think Mya is arrogant based off what? You feel this way because she wasnt cracking jokes or running up on the judges kissing them. Or lying about a “broken toe” or fake fainting like Marie did on her season. Or over doing it. The show is supposed to be a show about turning a star into a ballroom dancer. That is what the judges keep saying and if Mya didnt win then Kelly should have because she could not dance at all and now look at her even though she made some mistakes she is the only one that has really made a change. Do you even have a CD of Donny music, no and no one else does either. You will never see any Osmond win a “Grammy” award. They do the same moves they did many moons ago and they are not funny at all and they know it that is why they laugh at their own jokes.
exactly.
well if that is the case then Kelly should have won. she had no dance experience and grew as a dancer.
aww now see Lady there u are wrong again. I have Puppy Love on a CD sorry about that lol
I agree with you about Mya. She just had no personality when she danced. The dances were good but not entertaining. I have been a Osmand fan since forever. He was a teen idol when I was a tween. People like me are the age group that seem to be the main viewing audience. Give the man credit he has been an entertainer for over forty years.
All three finalists were great. I think the real winner of DWTS should have gone to Mya for being the best dancer throughout the whole season. Donny and Kelly were great dancers, but I think people were jealous of Mya because she is pretty and can dance. There are a lot of other seasons on DWTS where others should have won but didn’t like Mario, Mel, and so many others. Don’t get me wrong, I like Donny Osmond, but I just think this season’s true winner should have been Mya and Donny or Kelly could’ve been tied for second place. DWTS seems to be rigged, I just can’t believe Mya didn’t win after all the hard work she’s put in to get perfect scores.
I like Donny and don’t mind that he won. But Mya was robbed. Of course, this isn’t the first time the best dancer didn’t win. A number of dancers — Emmitt Smith comes to mind — have won based on personality and not because they were the best dancers.
Congrats to Donny and Kim. You both worked hard and deserve this win. Congrats to Mya, who maintained her dignity and graciousness, in being genuinely joyful for the winners. She has gained a new fan.
I agree. She was kind and gracious all evening. It was a tough call. She has everything to be proud of.
I think Mya had the best overall talent, but remember she was in the movie Chicago, so she had lots of dance experience.
What does that have to do with her not winning? That’s a stupid statement. Look at all the athletes that compete and win — they have balance and strength.
Dance experience maybe but no in ballroom.
Notice a pattern of winners: Mainly men, mainly white. Mya is bi racial, she was much better than he was but the audience don’t want anybody with some color to win; and esp. women.
Hmmm, off the top of my head I can think of Emmitt Smith, Apolo Anton Ono, Helio Castroneves, Kristi Yamaguchi as non-white men who won. It’s early maybe there were more but that is more than enough to prove your theory wrong. Mya just wasn’t as well known–period.
Isn’t Kristi Yamaguchi a woman?
Yeah, you’re right. It has only been two white guys (Drew Lachey & Donny Osmond). Three white women (Kelly Monaco, Brooke Burke, and Shawn Johnson), so they actually have the advantage right now. Four of the nine winners have been people of color. And up until last night, it was dead even between white and “non-white” winners and between male and female winners. Now it’s 5-4 with Donny’s win. So I have no idea where you’re coming from.
Of these that you mentioned, only Emmitt is black. I agree, I felt some kind of racist backlash here. But I am proud of Mya, very proud. She showed tremendous class throughout. I applaud Kelly for reaching to the finals as well, but she was not a good dancer, she’s very stiff and awkward, just like Donny at times. Mya was always smooth and flawless, and that takes great talent, cuz she made it look easy.
Yes, it is a conspiracy. Some white supremacists strong armed me into voting for Donny.
Seriously? I don’t think it was that at all. I think it was partly about her lack of personality and possibly because people felt she was a pro. I don’t like that someone with professional dance & choreography can compete with the rest.
Seriously??? We have a “black” man in the white house. GET OVER the whinny race thing!
Kristi Yamaguchi won, because she was a hella dancer–not male or white, as far as I know–it’s popular vote-don’t be so conspiracy-minded.
Actually, I always thought you should bet against the Olympains on DWTS, male or female – Apollo, Kristy, Shawn Johnson, but then they obviously have the moves and stamina that made them champion athletes in the first place. Congrats to Donny. Nice guys do finish first!
if thats true then explain Ali winning the dance compition?? her Daddy Moh. Ali is very Black
Ali didn’t win the dance competition (she was runner-up); Castroneves won that season.
Congratulations Donny and Kym! You deserve it!
Thanks for the interview. I’m so happy for Donny & Kym! They deserved to win. Congratulations!
You can’t win them all, I guess. I’m glad there are a lot of people that enjoy Donny’s cheesy, Las Vegas lounge act style of dancing. I am not one of them, but to each his own.
Great! That’s all we need…more Osmond entertainment news. They are on ET almost every night. Mya was the best of the bunch.
Donny Osmond was a class act last night. I wouldn’t have picked him to win but Mya lost it with their freestyle. It was way too tame. Dimytri dropped the ball on that one. Too bad.