On every season of Dancing With The Stars, the show has an “everyman” contestant that they cast nearly dead last. It’s usually someone topical, and that person usually doesn’t make it that far in the competition. On Season 21, that person was American hero Alek Skarlatos. What’s different this time is that Alek Skarlatos could totally win the DWTS trophy.
Alek made headlines this past summer for disarming a would-be terrorist on a Paris-bound train. He and his buddies were just traveling around Europe, doing what 20-somethings do when they’re exploring, and they ended up saving a train full of people. Alek is a hero in his own right, so when I heard he was on Dancing With The Stars, I just figured he wanted to cash in on his 15 minutes. Well, then I saw him dance. Alek really has this natural talent and an amazing chemistry with his dancing partner, Lindsay Arnold.
Now, I know that Bindi Irwin (teamed up with Derek Hough) and Hayes Grier (teamed up with Emma Slater) are the favorites in Season 21 of Dancing With The Stars, but I have a bone to pick with that. Alek has been the dark horse all season (even Bruno Tonioli said so), and I think that he has the skills, the drive, and the dreamy eyes to pick up the Mirror Ball Trophy. Here’s why.
1. He Can Dance
I mean, first and foremost, the guy can get down. That’s probably the most important thing you have to do to be able to win Dancing With The Stars. Alek is kind of a stocky guy, and yet he has this grace and agility on the dance floor. I’d boogie down with him any day.
2. He Has Charm To Spare
That twinkle in his eye. That smile. His humble demeanor, whether at a press conference or standing in front of the judges. The fact that he doesn’t think he’s all that is precisely what makes him all that, and at-home voters and tweeters alike totally love it.
3. He Keeps Improving
When you’re considered good at something, it’s hard to want to keep upping your game. Some people just like to rest on their laurels, but not Alek. He and Lindsay have worked crazy hard all season, never stopping to notice their good scores but pushing to make them better. That’s what makes a champion.
4. He Has Lindsay
Lindsay Arnold is pretty new to the Dancing With The Stars scene (compared to other longtime players like the Houghs, Maks & Val, and Mark Ballas), but it’s no wonder why she was promoted to professional partner for Season 21. She’s an exceptional dancer and, it seems, an even better teacher. Alek wouldn’t be nearly as good as he is without her.
5. His Search For Love Is So Cute
Partner Lindsay is happily married to her high school sweetheart, but Alek is single and ready to mingle. A potential object of his affection? Fellow professional dancer Emma Slater, whom he danced with during partner switch week. I’m not sure if she’s dating anyone, but Emma should sure give Alek a chance. He’s sweet, he can dance, and he’s a hero. How could that be bad?
There you have it — as far as I see it, Alek Skarlatos has an amazing shot at winning Dancing With The Stars. He’s already foxtrotted into all of our hearts.
Images: Adam Taylor/ABC; Giphy (5)
