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ABOUT THIS BLOG: We have DVRs. We have cable. We have armchairs. That makes us highly qualified to talk about television. Join us as we explore what's good, what's bad, what's too bad to miss, and anything else TV has to offer. Contributors are Brooke Cain, Adrienne Johnson Martin and Thad Ogburn.

DWTS Finale: Recap of Kellie Pickler's big night

Even the morning after, our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G is still pretty psyched about North Carolina native Kellie Pickler winning last night's trophy. Lenni came down off of Cloud Nine this morning just long enough to send us a recap of the show. Thanks for all the great recaps all season, Lenni!

Lenni G: After nearly two hours of entertainment from the top ten stars, the pros, Pitbull, Wynonna, Psy, and a cast of thousands, we were more than ready for the announcement of the winner of Season 16 of "Dancing with the Stars."

Have to say I was feeling a little more confident about our home girl, Kellie Pickler, when she and her partner, Derek Hough, were chosen by the viewers for the encore dance. And it wasn't just any encore dance. It was, in my opinion, the best dance of any season of the show. Of course, I'm talking about the phenomenal, brilliant, utterly perfect contemporary routine from Monday night's supersized freestyle round.

Moving on to the eliminations... In what I would consider a mild upset, Aly and Mark were the first to go. I loved watching this girl "blossom" during the season and totally agree with Mark that she was "the best student" he has ever had.

With Aly's departure, the last three couples -- Jacoby and Karina, Kellie and Derek, and Zendaya and Val -- each did an "Instant Dance."

So, just what is an "Instant Dance?" Well, the couples know what the style will be ahead of time but get the music only about 30 minutes before they must perform. As is generally the case on finale night, the judges scores for the salsa from Jacoby and Karina, the jive from Kellie and Derek, and the jive from Zendaya and Val, were all perfect 30's.

First to go of the three couples remaining were Jacoby and Karina. Totally agree with the judges that Jacoby was "a breath of fresh air" in the competition and that he definitely deserved to be in the finals. Also have to give huge props to Karina for always getting the best out of him, no matter the style.

Host Tom Bergeron then announced the winning couple: KELLIE AND DEREK!!!! Yes, North Carolina, our girl took home the vaunted Mirror Ball Trophy! Actually, Derek had to tell her they won when she seemed not to hear Bergeron make the announcement. Yep, that's our girl. Derek's comment that her dancing reminded him of his dancing sister, the fabulous Julianne Hough, said it all. She really is that good and has been all season.

Second place finishers, Zendaya and Val, were also tremendous contenders all season. As Bruno said, Zendaya is a "pitch perfect" performer and will go very, very far in her career. Keep up the good work, little girl. We need lots more 16-year-old role models like you!

Well, time to "call it a season." I am so over the moon about Kellie and Derek's win. Many, many thanks to both of you for the great ride.

-Lenni G

(Also, be sure to check out our awesome photo gallery of some of Kellie Pickler's best moments on "Dancing with the Stars.")

What to Watch on Wednesday: Finales for 'Modern Family,' 'L&O:SVU' and others

MasterChef (8pm, Fox) - Season 4 begins with amateur cooks representing 26 states (including ours!) arriving in Los Angeles for a chance to impress judges Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich and Graham Eliot, who rate signature dishes based on flavor, creativity and presentation. Tune in to see Shaun Jay, a local magician who works at Casa San Carlo restaurant in Raleigh. Or head down to the restaurant and watch along with him!

The Middle (8pm, ABC) - In the fourth season finale, Axl gets ready to graduate but dodges Frankie's questions about a party, creating friction between them. Also, Sue takes her driving test for the sixth time.

Modern Family (9pm, ABC) - In the Season 4 finale, the Pritchett clan join Phil in Florida after his mother passes away, but his grief takes a backseat to his surprise at her dying wish. Meanwhile Mitchell helps Gloria deal with a legal problem, and Cameron warms up to a group of elderly women in Frank's retirement community.

Criminal Minds (9pm, CBS) - The eighth season closes out with two new episodes in which The Replicator returns and targets a member of the BAU and Hotch's estranged brother is caught in the middle of the investigation into a string of drug overdoses.

Law & Order: SVU (9pm, NBC) - In the 14th season finale, a man exposes himself in a park and is arrested, but it turns out to be more than a routine arrest. The mysterious criminal hides his true identity and outwits the detectives, eventually putting Benson's life in jeopardy.

Nashville (10pm, NBC) - In the Season 1 finale, Rayna performs at the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley, but the night may not end well as Deacon confronts her about a buried secret. Meanwhile, Juliette finds a revealing letter from her mom, and Gunnar tries to win back Scarlett.

Chicago Fire (10pm, NBC) - Season 1 concludes with the squad facing a dangerous, unstable situation at Cook County Jail. Also, Hermann's wife goes into labor, while Dawson and Mills deal with major decisions.

North Carolina native earns 'Dancing with the Stars' trophy

Albemarle, N.C., native Kellie Pickler (right) has been named the winner of this season's "Dancing with the Stars" competition.

Pickler and her partner Derek Hough (right) performed three dances in last night's final night of judged performances, earning a perfect 10 out of 10 points for two of the dances. Still, Pickler and Hough were one point out of first place at the end of the show, relying on fan votes to boost them over the higher scoring couple, Disney star Zendaya Coleman and her professional partner Val Chermkovskiy.

Pickler, a country music star who got her big start as a contestant on "American Idol," performed a quick-step and a freestyle in Monday's show, in addition to a cha-cha relay with the other three couples. NFL star Jacoby Jones and former Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman where the other two celebrities in tonight's finale.

Pickler competed in the fifth season of "American Idol" in 2006, making it to the Top 6 before being eliminated. Since then, she has released three albums. Her most recent album is "100 Proof," released in January 2012.

If you haven't had enough dancing from Pickler and Hough, rest assured that they'll both be making the rounds on all the talk shows for the next week or so.

Here's a photo gallery of Kellie Pickler's best moments on "Dancing with the Stars."

And check back here tomorrow for a full recap of tonight's show from our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G!

DWTS: Kellie Pickler one point from the lead going into tonight's finale

As we get down to the wire, Our "Dancing with the Stars" correspondent Lenni G offers her recap of last night's final night of judged performances for the four final couples. Check out tonight's two-hour finale at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Lenni G: Monday night's challenge for the four finalists included three dances: a judges' pick, a cha cha relay (each couple dances a cha cha for 40 seconds and then passes it off to the next couple) and a "supersized" freestyle.

I know you're wondering how our girl, Kellie Pickler, did. Can you say, "PHENOMENAL, BRILLIANT, UTTER PERFECTION."

Judges' Pick: Kellie and Derek, with an assist from Len, did a quick step, a style they had received a 29 for earlier in the season when Carrie Ann felt they lacked "connection" and gave them a 9. Not this time, Carrie Ann. As Len said, they were as connected as a "stamp on an envelope." Bruno called it a technical tour de force with tons of content. And yes, Carrie Ann said she got her "connection" this time. I was completely blown away by all the changes in rhythm in this routine and how effortless they made it look. Can you say, "WOW." Judges scores - 10's from all three for a perfect score of 30.

In case there was doubt, some proof that Zach Galifianakis is a great guy

We're big fans of North Carolina native Zach Galifianakis here at Happiness is a Warm TV. Not just because he's from our state and still lives much of the time on his 60-acre farm near Boone, and not because he went to N.C. State and talks about "the wolfpack" in his "Hangover" blockbuster movies (that can't be a coincidence).

But all of that helps.

Now, learning that Galifianakis befriended an elderly Los Angeles woman early in his career and later saved her from homelessness, puts him near sainthood in our book. Zach covers the 87-year-old laundry mat attendant's rent and utilities and also takes her to Hollywood Red Carpet premieres with him.

Here's the full story in the New York Daily News. It has some great details (like how Galifianakis got Renee Zellweger to furnish the woman's apartment! Zellweger buys her groceries!).

I love this story. Please read it.

What to Watch on Tuesday: 'Ghost Army' and a 'Dancing with the Stars' winner

The Ghost Army (8pm, UNC-TV) - The story of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, a top-secret World War II Army group in Europe that used rubber tanks, sound effects and illusions to trick and misdirect the enemy about the strength and location of American units.

Dancing with the Stars (9pm, ABC) - A winner is announced in the 16th season finale. Of course, we're pulling for North Carolina native Kellie Pickler (left, with partner Derek Hough). Live performances tonight from Pitbull, Wynonna Judd, Psy and Jessica Sanchez.

Man-Eating Super Squid (9pm, Animal Planet) - An exploration of the myth behind the Scandinavian sea monster known as the kraken. (If you're into giant squids, check out "Monster Squid: It Lives" airing at 8.)

Grimm (10pm, NBC) - In the Season 2 finale, Nick enlists help from Monroe and Rosalee while investigating attacks involving the "undead" in Portland. Meanwhile, Capt. Renard's brother is in town on family business, and Adalind's allies battle each other.

Frontline: The Untouchables (10pm, UNC-TV) - An investigation into why Wall Street titans have avoid prosecution for the roles their institutions played in the 2008 financial meltdown.

Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (10pm, HBO) - Segments include a visit with Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien; a report on an Oklahoma City marathon honoring those killed in the 1995 terrorist attack; and a look at the dangers faced by referees and steps being taken to protect them from physical assaults.

Former 'Showgram' producer lands co-host gig on WNCN

Mike Morse, a former executive producer and on-air personality for G105's "Bob and the Showgram" radio program, is joining "My Carolina Today" on WNCN as Valonda Calloway's new co-host.

Morse left the "Showgram" in the summer of 2012, after nine years on staff. He previously worked for WRAL's Mix 101.5 radio station, becoming the executive producer of "The Bill and Sheri Show" in 1999. He left that station for "The Showgram" in 2003.

Morse and "Showgram" host Bob Dumas were involved in some controversy in 2008 when an intern was teased on-air about her upcoming wedding to a Lumbee Indian. But Morse was always seen as the nice guy on the show, typically playing the easygoing sidekick who offered contrast to Dumas' more strident persona.

Originally from Virginia, Morse lives in Cary with his wife and two children.

He replaces Sharon Delaney, who stepped down May 10 after three years on the show to devote more time to her family, according to a WNCN press release.

"My Carolina Today" airs weekday mornings at 11 on WNCN.

What to Watch on Monday: Finales for 'Mike & Molly,' 'Rules' and 'The Big C'

Dancing with the Stars (8pm, ABC) - The final night of performances features the final four couples dancing three dances each.

The Goodwin Games (8:30pm, Fox) - Buried in a sea of repeats is a new Fox sitcom in which three estranged siblings are forced back together as they compete in a series of games to win their father's inheritance.

Rules of Engagement (8:30pm, CBS) - The series ends with Brenda going into labor on Jennifer and Adam's wedding day. Meanwhile, Russell and Timmy attempt a reconciliation.

Mike & Molly (9:30pm, CBS) - In the Season 3 finale, Mike's mom dumps Capt. Murphy Gerald McRaney (right), who retaliates by sending Mike and Carl on a detail at a Renaissance Faire, where a tornado approaches while Mike and Molly try to reach each other with important news.

The Big C: Hereafter (10pm, Showtime) - In the series finale, Cathy gets a visit from her estranged father, and Andrea receives the opportunity of a lifetime from Isaac Mizrahi. Also, Sean has mixed feelings about his impending kidney surgery, and Adam surprises everyone by fulfilling one of Cathy's wishes.

Motive (10pm, ABC) - This new series -- another Canadian import a la "Rookie Blue" -- offers a twist on the typical crime drama by building the mystery not around who committed the crime, but why they committed it. "Motive" identifies the killer and the victim at the opening of the show, and then hangs with the detectives as they catch the killer and figure out the "why." It's not a bad summer replacement series, but not as good as "Rookie Blue." (Okay, I like "Rookie Blue" -- so sue me!) Starting Thursday of this week, "Motive" moves to 9 right before "Rookie Blue," which returns for its fourth season.

Hawaii Five-0 (10pm, CBS) - Five-0 helps the CIA search for a killer on the island as the third season ends. Also, Kono goes on the run when she is accused of a murder she didn't commit.

Revolution (10pm, NBC) - A captured Nora is tortured and left for dead, and Monroe learns that Rachel is heading of the Tower. Also, Miles tries to figure out why many of his close associates are being killed.

What to Watch on Sunday: A night of music and finales for 'Simpsons' and 'Selfridge'

Call the Midwife (8pm, UNC-TV) - In the Season 2 finale, Chummy and PC face several challenges (I saw the previews of them putting Chummy into an ambulance and they better not let anything happen to her!!). Also, Jenny meets a potential suitor.

Billboard Music Awards (8pm, ABC) - Tracy Morgan hosts the music gala featuring performers Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Pitbull, Bruno Mars and Miguel. Prince is honored with the Icon Award.

The Simpsons (8pm, Fox) - In the Season 24 finale, Homer, Moe, Lenny and Carl hit the lottery, but when Carl takes off for Iceland with the winnings, the others set off after him.

Mr. Selfridge (9pm, UNC-TV) - In the Season 1 finale, the slated lecture by explorer Ernest Shackleton is marred by a tragedy, and Harry and Rose attend a scandalous play.

ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night (9pm, CBS) - Tim McGraw hosts a concert to support ACM Lifting Lives. Performing: Jason Aldean, the Band Perry, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Faith Hill and many others.

The Celebrity Apprentice (9pm, NBC) - Finalists Penn Jillette and Trace Adkins compete for the title in tonight's finale.

Family Guy (9pm, Fox) - In the Season 11 finale, Stewie and Brian hop in the time machine and head for Las Vegas and a Bette Midlerconcert. But the machine malfunctions and one of them is rendered "lucky" while the other is "unlucky."

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) - Don is disrupted by a surprise visitor, and Peggy looks for inspiration.

Veep (10pm, HBO) - Catherine's 21st birthday party becomes a forum for Selina's budget negotiation with the majority leader, but Amy an Gary are more worried how Selina will handle seeing her ex-husband.

The Borgias (10pm, Showtime) - Alexander believes his authority is being challenged when Cesare lands in northern Italy with a French army and plans to destroy the Sforza dynasty.

What to Watch on Saturday: Season finales for 'SNL' and 'Doctor Who'

Hiding (8pm, Lifetime) - A New York City teen is placed in the witness protection program after seeing her parents killed and testifying against the son of a vicious gangster, but realizes that her life is still in danger when a ruthless hit man discovers her secret identity.

Doctor Who (8pm, BBC America) - The seventh season ends with the discovery of a secret the Doctor planned on taking to his grave.

My Cat From Hell (8pm, Animal Planet) - Jackson Galaxy helps a family whose old cat is terrorized by a younger one that's new to the household. "America's Cutest Cat" (allegedly -- my cat was not interviewed) airs at 10.

Rock 'n' Royalty: Billboard's All-Stars (9pm, ABC) - Barbara Walters hosts a look back at past interviews with music stars such as Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber -- (remember, the word "royalty" is in the title of this program) -- Lady Gaga, Lady Antebellum and One Direction.

48 Hours (10pm, CBS) - "48 Hours" investigates drugs, guns and gangs in Chicago.

Saturday Night Live (11:29, NBC) - SNL closes out its 38th season with host Ben Affleck and music guest Kanye West.

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