Will Bristol Palin Win "Dancing with the Stars"?

NEW YORK (CBS) It's been one of the most surprising (and controversial) seasons in "Dancing with the Stars" history - but it all comes to an end this week.

Beginning tonight, finalists Jennifer Grey, Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin will dance to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.

PICTURES: "DWTS" Season 11
TIMELINE: "DWTS" Through the Seasons

Viewers have watched throughout the season as strong dancers and fan favorites like Brandy and Audrina Patridge left the competition early, and as the performances took a backseat to the controversy surrounding Palin's journey to the finals.

Some have speculated that passionate voting from Tea Party supporters helped propel Palin to the end of the competition, while others wonder if voters appreciated her non-entertainment background and the work she put in to improving as the show went on.

"This season has proven it is not a dance competition only," pro Karina Smirnoff, who partnered with Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, told People. "With Jennifer we have the strongest dancer, with Kyle we have the strongest personality and then with Bristol we have the best journey. She literally drove five days in her own car to get here and learn how to dance. Fans develop a relationship with these people each week. You never know who they are going to like."

"DWTS" executive producer Conrad Green told CBSNews.com last week that "it's just been one of those seasons where surprising things happen" and that any of the three finalists could win.

He also warned that there's "danger in apathy" when it comes to voting. "Every single week, the slate is wiped clean. That means their can be surprises if people assume there is some collective right for a dancer to be there. If you don't vote, your person is less likely to get through."

How do you think this season compared to previous ones? Take a look at our timeline to see what other seasons had big surprises and big winners.

TIMELINE: "DWTS" Through the Seasons