Dish Of Salt: ‘Dancing’ Finals (November 15, 2006)

by Laura Saltman

Tonight ABC hands out that ugly mirror ball trophy to either Mario Lopez or Emmitt Smith. I’ve always said that they could at least give some money to the winner’s favorite charity and make it a little more exciting. The celebrities are all being paid to be on the show anyway. So, why not spread the love? Considering over twenty-one million are watching, I’m sure ABC could afford to give away a little chunk of change and make a charitable donation.

There was a wee bit of drama after the show between Mario and Emmitt. Though Emmitt’s kids had appeared on the show earlier that night, at one point they went over to meet Mario, who was in the middle of doing his TV interviews. While Tony Potts was interviewing Emmitt, I pointed out that this was happening. At first, Emmitt seemed ok with it saying, “Oh that’s alright, they’re having fun.”

However, once he realized that cameras were shooting the kids, he got a bit miffed and sent them away instantly. I would have felt bad, but the kids were just on a show with 20 million people watching. So, I can’t see getting upset over media outlets shooting them. I’m not a parent, though, so I’ll stay out of this one. Mario had no idea that Emmitt was angry, but Karina knew and remarked to us, “I think they’re not allowed to be on camera.”

Mario and Karina had their own issues. They were clearly irritated at the producers for the taped piece which repeatedly showed them kissing. Mario said, “We felt that they did some slick and clever editing to their benefit and at the end of the day it was like ‘ah, it’s a reality show.’ They wanna try to, you know, entertain and reach a certain demographic.” Karina chimed in, ” I think the dancing show is becoming more of a, you know….the “Blind Date” or something.”

So, they are still denying they are a couple. I’ve seen and heard evidence to the contrary, but after Tony asked them if they were and they made these comments, now I’m not so sure.

Tony: Let me ask you point blank, now that the dancing’s over, will you guys admit you’re a couple or will you still try to keep it private?
Mario: God Tony. You’re funny.
Tony: I’m ask, no I’m asking, because all the women are asking so, and the way it was intimated on the show, so I’m asking.
Karina: Let me answer that. I think we had great time together and we enjoyed the 3, 4 months that we had to spend together, but he lives on the west coast, I live on the east coast and I hope we’ll stay great friends and you know, communicate on holidays and send Christmas cards to each other.
Tony: Holidays?
Mario: And holidays, she’ll shoot me an e-mail once in a while.
Tony: On Easter you’ll hide eggs together maybe?
Mario: Tony!

I felt like I was standing in the middle of a breakup, but I’ll let you guys interpret that as you want.

I spent some time at a viewing party thrown by Vivica A. Fox last night. There were at least 150 people at this party. When Emmitt came on the crowd went wild. When Mario came on there were crickets.

If I were a betting woman I’d put money on Emmitt for the win.