'DWTS' finals: Rob Kardashian takes top spot

The three remaining Dancing With the Stars competitors went all out for the final performance show of Season 13. But it was dark horse Rob Kardashian who really impressed the judges.

Each celeb had to dance twice, and they were cheered on by a crowd that included Kim Kardashian, Kirstie Alley (seated next to her former partner, bad boy pro Maks Chmerkovskiy) and USA TODAY blogger Mark Ballas with former partner Chelsea Kane.

More:  Tweets from backstage

Rob Kardashian, coached by judge Bruno Tonioli, first danced a waltz. His valiant attempt was praised. "You're like the male version of Cinderella who's made it to the ball," said judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Bruno said Rob had some footwork problems. Len Goodman said he "had more rise and fall than Pam Anderson jogging." And that was a good thing. Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27.

In a pinstriped suit with a long coat for his second dance, the freestyle, Rob lifted and twirled pro partner Cheryl Burke all over the floor. Bruno loved it. Carrie Ann said, "To get a 10, you have to blow us away. Consider me blown away." Len told him he and his family "should be proud." Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30. Total: 57.

Ricki Lake, who has accumulated more points this season than any other star, kicked off the night with her first dance, a somewhat subdued cha-cha. Carrie Ann coached Ricki in rehearsals, urging her to be sexy. So how was her dance? Len liked it, saying it was "a dance deserving of this final." Bruno said, "You've never been hotter." And Carrie Ann called her "fierce." But all three judges cited a lack of "fluidity" at times. Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27.

For her freestyle, she and pro Derek Hough were sparkly and nightclubby with a fast-paced dance combining salsa and quickstep with other moves. Derek had Ricki up on his shoulders and twirling. Len loved it. Bruno said it "was the most demanding of the dances." Carrie Ann thought the lifts looked "effortless." Scores: 9, 9, 9 = 27. Total: 54.

J.R. Martinez, coached by Len, seemed to dazzle with his cha-cha. His music was upbeat. He smiled and swiveled his hips with Karina Smirnoff. He charmed the crowd. But the judges thought his technique was lacking. Carrie Ann cited the "magic of J.R.," but quibbled about his arms and musicality. Len said it "wasn't that good" and that he was "off time." Bruno liked "the mood he set" and praised his "character." Scores: 8, 7, 9 = 24.

Wearing a sparkly hoodie and sweatpants, J.R. incorporated more hip-hop moves into his flip-filled freestyle with pro partner Karina Smirnoff than his competitors. Carrie Ann raved. Len said: "Two things were revealed. Karina's body and your talent." Bruno stood up and praised his "comeback." Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30. Total: 54.

On Tuesday, Lady Antebellum performs, the celebs dance once more and a winner will be crowned.