ABC's Dancing with the Stars (averaging 18.6 million viewers in its second season, up 11% from last season and besting the Olympics Thursday) wraps up competition Thursday (8 ET/PT) with three celebs trying to cha-cha their way to the top; Sunday (8 ET/PT), in a two-hour finale, a winner will be crowned. USA TODAY asks the celebs about their newfound fancy feet:

Stacy Keibler, 26

Partner: Tony Dovolani

ABC Stacy Keibler and Tony Dovolani

The essentials: Odds-on favorite; the WWE star has legs 41 1/2 inches from hip to floor; boyfriend actor Geoff Stults will soon be in The Breakup with Vince Vaughn.

What's been the toughest so far?

"It's been mentally and physically exhausting. I knew I was going to put 150% of my energy into it, but I still didn't expect it to be like this. And there's not even a big prize; it's just so we can put in a good performance."

Have you lost weight? Any other body changes?

"I haven't gotten on the scale. I bet I've lost 10 pounds. I've lost two jean sizes. And I'm eating more. My partner said dancing burns 250 calories in a half hour. ... We all have injuries — from pulling muscles and twisting things to using muscles you're not used to."

Who do you think will win?

"I don't know, only because the show is set up to have the fans be such a part of it. Last week, everyone thought Jerry would get kicked off. They don't tell us how many votes each of us has gotten or who has got the most or the least. I would like to win. I've put in so much time and hard work and I've really tried so hard."

What feedback have you gotten?

"This is the first thing I've done in my life where I have fans who are children and women, instead of just men. ... If I had the chance to do it again, I wouldn't think twice. It really has changed my life. I've been offered movies and I'm auditioning. I kind of wake up every day with a smile on my face and I pinch myself."

Drew Lachey, 29

Partner: Cheryl Burke

ABC Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey

The essentials: Sang with brother Nick in 98 Degrees; most recently completed six months in Rent on Broadway; wife Lea is expecting their first baby next month.

What's been the toughest so far?

"The mental stress it puts on you. Having to learn a new dance every week. And the sacrifice you have to make — giving up time for your family and friends. It is a ton of work. I don't think I've ever committed to myself. I had no idea it would be like this when I signed up for it."

Have you lost weight? Any other body changes?

"I'm not sure in pounds. I don't believe in getting on the scale. I've lost a lot of weight in my face and midsection. I'm nursing a pulled groin right now that happened two days ago."

Who do you think will win?

"To be perfectly honest, I can't let myself think anybody but me is going to win. I believe in the power of positive thinking. Stacy's the favorite, but I think to be perfectly honest, I would be happy with whoever won as well. I know everyone in the finals has been very committed to it. I know that Jerry and Stacy both have become very dedicated. And even when Jerry comes up a little short in the judges' eyes, he's got a huge fan base. That's the X factor — what is your fan call-in base?"

What feedback have you gotten?

"It has run the gamut, from people from Broadway calling up, 'We're about to open up this show and would you want to be the lead,' to different agencies having expressed interest in me. Just walking down the street, it's crazy. I have cars yelling at me, 'Good job, Drew.' You sell millions of records and star on Broadway and the thing you're most known for is dancing ballroom for eight weeks on ABC."

Jerry Rice, 43

Partner: Anna Trebunskaya

ABC Anna Trebunskaya and Jerry Rice

The essentials: Considered a long shot; former NFL wide receiver, one of football's all-time greats, lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with wife Jackie and three kids.

What's been the toughest so far?

"Just dancing in general. I think just learning the routines and then being able to go out there and put your own stamp on it, the way you present it to the audience and judges. If you've never had ballroom dancing, you're at a disadvantage. My professional partner told me if I was just beginning, there was no way she would take me this fast."

Have you lost weight? Any other body changes?

"I probably have lost 12 to 15 pounds, but my frame looks more like a dancer. The muscles have changed. I'm really excited about the transformation. I keep telling people: The secret to losing weight is ballroom dancing."

Who do you think will win?

"I don't know, to be honest with you. I realize I'm not the best dancer out there, but I think because a lot of people are living this through me, I have a legitimate chance at winning. Stacy is fantastic, Drew is fantastic. We have to wait and see, if my fans want me in there. ... I think Dancing with the Stars knew exactly what they wanted to do here. They wanted to cross over. After they contacted my agent, they knew they would tap into that audience."

What feedback have you gotten?

"I know my agent's phone is ringing off the hook. He's always trying to communicate with me, saying 'We've got this going on.' And I say, 'Wait, I've got dancing right now. When this is all over, we'll move forward. Right now, the main focus is dance.' ... I'm still trying to do business. I used to say 'off the field,' now I say 'off the dance floor.' "