With less than 1% separating the winner and the runner-up, the season 8 finale of 'Dancing With the Stars' proved to be the biggest nailbiter ever. But in the end, all-American Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson squeaked past longtime frontrunner Gilles Marini and fan favorite Melissa Rycroft.
DWTS' Report: Shawn Wins
The most competitive season of 'Dancing With the Stars' also had the most shocking finale. With less than 1 separating the top two finalists, host Tom Bergeron announced the surprising result that Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her partner Mark Ballas won season 8 of 'Dancing With the Stars.'
Gilles Marini and his partner Cheryl Burke were ahead in many polls, and 'The Bachelor' fan favorite Melissa Rycroft and her partner Tony Dovolani were certainly in the running. AOL TV got the immediate reactions from all the finalists, as well as scoop on what's next for each of them, and caught up with some returning members of the 'Dancing' family, too.
Read on to see the stars' reactions, which pair had a bet on who'd win and to hear one pro's expert analysis of why Shawn and Mark walked away with the coveted mirror ball trophy. – Mike Maloney
ABC
Shawn, how does it feel to win?
Shawn: It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true. We worked so hard for this and we've come so far. To have won the trophy feels amazing.
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ABC
Is there another show on ABC you'd like to do? A sitcom? Maybe 'The Secret Life of the American Gymnast'?
Shawn: I have no idea. I'm trying to live this moment. We'll see what comes next.
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ABC
Mark, when you heard less than 1 separated the first and second place teams, did you think you'd won? Many polls picked Gilles and Cheryl to win ...
Mark: I don't know. We were just honored to be standing on the floor with Gilles and Cheryl. I think this has been the most entertaining season yet. We want to thank all the fans that voted for us. Thank you so much!
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ABC
Mark, you and Shawn seemed to have the best freestyle dance in the finals. Was your goal to pick a dance that featured Shawn and made her look great?
Mark: Honestly, that was my goal every week. I think she's continually proved herself. She's improved and peaked. We're blown away.
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ABC
Will you be back next season on 'Dancing'?
Mark: If they have me back, of course!
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ABC
Gilles, what did you say to your son after the show?
Gilles: He's 10 years old. I thought, 'My God, if they call my name as the winner of the trophy, I'll be [thought of] as the Big Bad Wolf' ... Shawn is only seven years older than my son. I am very happy for her. I told my son I was sorry because he only understands that [Daddy] lost. I'll make him understand soon.
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ABC
Gilles, when you started this show you said you were the guy America didn't know. Now that they know you, what would you like to do?
Gilles: It's very hard to say right now. There are a lot of great projects knocking at the door right now. I want to do something meaningful. Maybe the French guy will win an Oscar or an Emmy someday? Cheryl took me all the way to the finals. It's possible.
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ABC
Cheryl, were you surprised that Shawn and Mark won?
Cheryl: No. It was so close and so difficult [to choose]. This was the most competitive final in all seasons of the show. I'm so happy for Shawn and Melissa, too. Shawn is amazing. She did something new in the finals. Gilles deserved to be in the finals, too. He's a winner.
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ABC
How did you feel about each couple getting a perfect score of '30' on the last night?
Cheryl: That was the way to end it. Each one was well-deserved.
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ABC
Week after week, Gilles wowed the judges with his swiveling hips and sizzling dance moves, while Melissa drew in the sympathy vote after being rejected on 'The Bachelor.' But Shawn emerged as the dark horse, winning over fans and the judges with her drive, determination and positive attitude.
During Monday night's performance, Shawn stole the show by nailing her freestyle routine and getting a perfect score from the judges. At the same time, Gilles nabbed a perfect score for his Paso Doble to tie Shawn for the night while Melissa fell to the bottom of the leader board.
At the finale, the celebs took to the dance floor one last time. While viewers couldn't vote on their moves, the judges still popped up their score paddles. When all was said and done, all three dancers nabbed perfect scores. But it seemed like the judges thought Gilles was going to win.
In fact, after Gilles finished his Argentine tango, Bruno Tonioli jumped out of his seat to call it the "Argentine triumph" and proclaimed that a "star is born." Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba said his "amazing artistry" set him apart from the rest of the competition and the usually hard to please Len said he enjoyed watching Gilles more than any other contestant.
Dancing With the Stars' Show Photos
This image provided by ABC-TV shows from left: Melissa Rycroft, Tony Dovolani, Shawn Johnson, Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke and Gilles Marini on Dancing with the Stars Monday May 18, 2009. Shawn Johnson, the 17-year-old gymnast, was named "Dancing With the Stars" champion Tuesday during the season finale of the hit ABC show, the third Olympian in eight seasons to win. (AP Photo/ABC/KELSEY MCNEAL) MELISSA RYCROFT, TONY DOVOLANI, SHAWN JOHNSON, MARK BALLAS, CHERYL BURKE, GILLES MARINI
AP
In this May, 18, 2009 photo released by ABC, Shawn Johnson, left, and Mark Ballas perform during Dancing with the Stars in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ABC, Kelsey McNeal) **NO SALES **
AP
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Ty murray and Chelsie Hightower star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Ty murray and Chelsie Hightower star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Ty murray and Chelsie Hightower star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Ty murray and Chelsie Hightower star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
DANCING WITH THE STARS 8 Mark Ballas and Shawn Johnson star in the "Episode 810" - During the semi-finals, the remaining celebrities and professional dancers performed a dance discipline for the Ballroom Round and another for the Latin Round. Airs Monday, May 11, 2009.
ABC
As for Shawn, they were a little less gushing but still enamored with her cha-cha-cha nonetheless. Len Goodman told her "the longer you go, the stronger you get," while Bruno thought she had made the transition from "cute to sexy" over the course of the competition.
Right up until the end it was anyone's game, and there were audible boos when Melissa was the first to get the boot. When the winner was announced, Gilles took the loss like a gentleman while Shawn celebrated like she had just won another gold medal.
So what's your take on the finale? Sound off in our poll:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 101)
Shawn Johnson did not deserve that trophy. This is not a popularity contest. This is supposed to be DANCING WITH THE STARS. EITHER ONE OF THE OTHER TWO COUPLES SHOULD HAVE, COULD HAVE WON.
THIS IS TRULY UPSETTING. MY FRIENDS AND I REFUSE TO WATCH ANOTHER FUTURE SHOW. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE. THE JUDGES SHOULD CALL ALL SHOTS. THIS IS NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST. THAT'S WHAT IT HAS BECOME. BARBARA, EHANOVER
I agree. Lovely young lady, not the best of the season.
Absolutely, both Gilles and Melissa were the better dancers!
I totally agree with Barbara. What a farce!
I totally disagree. She was the most consistent dancer week in and week out.
Get the fuck over it, you're a sore loser. Dork!
I agree Gil was consistently the best dancer. Shawn looked good in some dances but lacked the consistency. This should be about who the best dancer is and Gil is the best dancer the show has produced thus far.
shawn should have won
You should have voted for who you wanted to win more then complain.
GO SHAWN!!!
I agree, with you. This should be about the Dancing, and not a popularity contest. I was so blown away when a little chunky kid won over a man who had become a very accomplished dancer, with no dance background. Melissa and Shawn should have been good dancers. Malissa with many years of dance background and a cheerleader with lots of dance there also, also Shawn was used to working with routines, she has done it since she was a little girl.
Barbara, it's a good thing for you to boycott the show. Then maybe you would have time for a life. Honestly, who cares?