Kelly Monaco "Nervous" About Kristi's Bid to Be Next Female Champ

• May 3, 2008 12:16 AM ET
• by danceteam

As Season 6 of Dancing with the Stars quick-steps closer to its finale, let's not forget that once and only once has a female celeb walked away with that ghastly trophy. And while Kelly Monaco believes current front runner Kristi Yamaguchi and pro partner Mark Ballas have the tools to close this deal, she does have some concerns.

"I hope and pray that Kristi is going to be our girl to carry it through and take it home," the General Hospital beauty shared Thursday night at TV Guide's Sexiest Stars party in Hollywood. "But I get nervous about her coming out of the gate too strong. In the history of the show, those who have been on top in popularity and come out strong tend to fall back toward the end."

Monaco scoffs when reminded that before the season started, Yamaguchi claimed to possess no rhythm. "Oh, I beg to differ," she smiles. "She's got nothing but rhythm." That said, the show's premiere champ stresses that now is not the time for Kristi to rest on any laurels. "Even though she's fantastic already, you've got to keep getting better." - Matt Mitovich

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" Matt Mitovich takes you inside the Sexiest Stars party
" More Sexiest Stars party coverage
" Sexiest photo gallery: See who wore what!