The final episode of 'Ballando con le Stelle' on December 21, 2024, not only crowned Bianca Guaccero and her partner Giovanni Pernice as the champions but also sparked controversy surrounding the absence of judge Guillermo Mariotto and the record-setting ratings.
Guaccero, who dazzled audiences throughout the season, achieved victory with 61% of the audience vote. She faced stiff competition from former Olympic swimmer Federica Pellegrini, who secured the second spot with her partner Pasquale La Rocca, and showgirl Federica Nargi, who claimed third with Luca Favilla. This season was pivotal for 'Ballando', recording the highest final viewership since its inception, boasting an impressive 34.1% share which translates to 4.147 million viewers. This marked a significant rise from the previous year, which averaged 3.912 million with 28.5% share.
Guaccero’s triumph was celebrated not just for her dancing prowess but also for the chemistry she shares with Pernice, recently speculated to be more than just dance partners. The two have claimed to have found love during their time on the show, with Pernice joking about potential marriage.
Pellegrini's efforts were commendable; she faced numerous challenges, including switching partners due to injury but still managed to secure her place. "Despite being more swimmer than dancer, she showed exceptional determination," commented one judge, reflecting the spirit of competition present throughout the season.
While the performances were captivating, the finale was overshadowed by the absence of the ever-controversial judge Guillermo Mariotto. Guests and viewers noted his conspicuous absence, which was explained by host Milly Carlucci during the broadcast. "Guillermo has sent us a medical certificate; he hurt his leg, including ligaments," she stated, addressing the mystery of his departure from the season finale.
Social media erupted with speculation over the veracity of Mariotto's claim as some fans questioned the legitimacy of the medical certificate. Enthusiasts of the show expressed their eagerness to see Mariotto return, stating he is integral to the program's dynamic. Carlucci reassured fans, hinting at Mariotto's potential return for the next season, though specifics remain unclear.
The addition of new judging dynamics this season, particularly the contributions from the outspoken and often polarizing judge Safari Lucarelli, has also sparked debate among longtime viewers. "Selvaggia is the most uncomfortable judge," noted Carlucci, highlighting the intensity she brings to her critiques.
The competition concluded not just with breathtaking performances but also significant ratings success which haunts the competition on other networks. Rai1's success with 'Ballando' became evident, effectively dominating the Saturday night programming and leaving competitors far behind, with Canal5's film earning only 10.3% and other networks struggling to keep pace.
Despite the controversies, the buzz surrounding the finale continues to flourish, with Guaccero and Pernice's romance as the cherry on top of this already successful season. Fans are now left speculating what the next season will bring and whether it can replicate the success and drama of this year.
"There's always excitement about the new additions and leadership shifts, and next year could be our best yet,” Carlucci remarked, promising fans more dazzling displays and heartwarming competition.
