The Dancing with the Stars Australia 2013 winner has been announced, Taylor Swift met Prince William, and the CLEO Swim Party brought local celebs to Bondi.
By Chloe Schneider
Dancing with the Stars Australia 2013 Winner Crowned
After a close to three-hour show last night, the winner of Dancing with the Stars was crowned, with the top honour going to grand illusionist Consentino.
The star took out the prize over singer Tina Arena, who was largely picked as the favourite, and actress Rhiannon Fish. He was as shocked as many of those of us watching at home, saying, “I can’t speak, I can’t speak” as his dance partner, Jessica Raffa, took the microphone to speak high praises of Constentino, saying, “He’s been the best student I’ve ever had. He respected me and worked so hard.”
The prize comes at the end of what was a tough season for the pair. Starting out as the underdogs after Raffa was hospitalized with a back injury, and attracting some pretty serious criticism from Todd McKenney, it was far from an easy ride but their final performance, a freestyle routine to Des’ree’s Kissing You, attracted enough audience and judge votes to see them over the line.
Favourite Tina Arena, whose danced to I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) with dance partner Damian Whitewood drew tears from judges Helen Richie and Kym Johnson, was initially leading the pack but was eliminated due to lower audience votes.
The epic finale also saw the return of eliminated contestants including Jesinta Campbell, Jordan Stenmark, and Sophia Pou to perform their favourite routine from the season.
We’re pleased to report Dancing with the Stars will be back again in 2014 – hardly a surprise given it regularly garnered around a million viewers during the thirteenth series!
Watch the winning peformance below
Taylor Swift Meets Prince William
At just 23 years of age, Taylor Swift has encountered a whole host of seriously impressive people, and now she can add Prince William to that list. The pop star, who is likely still celebrating her many American Music Award wins, attended the Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace in London on Tuesday where she brushed shoulders with Jon Bon Jovi, and a whole heap of royals.
Swift looked nothing short of a princess in a winter-white-perfect dress and old-Hollywood beauty look. She was seen chatting to Prince William, and audibly exclaimed, ‘awesome!’ after he walked away. We have to say, we’d probably do the same if we were to get up close and personal with the Prince!
It wasn’t all mingling for Swift, though — the star performed her hits ‘Trouble’, ‘Fifteen’, and ‘Love Story’ for the guests who had each paid at least 500 pounds to attend with money being raised for Centrepoint, a charity in aid of youth homelessness. When she took the stage she said, “I’m Taylor, it is very nice to meet you, especially under these circumstances. It is my first time playing at Kensington Palace or any other palace for that matter. I have to thank you, Prince William, for having me. It’s amazing. To call attention to this age group especially, teens and young adults.” Other acts included James Blunt and rapper Tinie Tempah.
Although Kate was expected to make an appearance, she never showed as she was kept busy looking after four-month-old George in the couple’s 20 room apartment next door.
CLEO Swimsuit Party
CLEO has been an Australian icon since 1972, so it’s only fitting the young women’s mag kicks off summer with a killer swimsuit party each and every year!
Naturally, Bondi Beach was the scene for this year’s party where local celebrities headed to The Bucket List to watch models, including Australia’s Next Top Model’s Shinali and Duckie, show off the hottest swimwear looks of the season, as well as an exclusive CLEO+Billabong collection.
Guests included Kate Peck, who has just been signed on as a Myer ambassador, Laura Dundovic, Danny Clayton, and more. The event was MCed by model, media personality, and ambasssador for the 2013 CLEO Owns Summer campaign Nikki Phillips.
We now officially feel like summer has well and truly arrived — bring it on!
Images: Dancing With The Stars Online, Zimbio
