Kristi Yamaguchi Talks 'Dancing' Win With Access' Mel B

By Access HollywoodMay 21, 2008, 4:19 pm PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- She's an Olympic gold medallist in figure skating and now Kristi Yamaguchi is "Dancing With the Stars" champion as well.

Kristi became the second celebrity female to win in the show's history. The only previous female winner was Season One champ, actress Kelly Monaco. Kristi said she took inspiration from the "General Hospital" star in her battle to the top.

[ 'Dancing With The Stars:' Cristian de la Fuente Confirms Arm Surgery (May 20, 2008) - Play it Now ]

"It's amazing [to be a female and win]," Kristi told Access Hollywood's "Dancing" correspondent, Mel B following her win. "Kelly Monaco was a huge inspiration all year and I think all the women - you know - you can do it! You can do it."

Kristi bested Cristian de la Fuente, who left the competition in the first hour of the broadcast taking third place, and later, football player, Jason Taylor, who came in second.

[ Dancing With The Stars Season 6 Cast Shots - Check Out the Photos ]

"This is like cloud nine," Kristi enthused to Access. "My head is spinning still."

Kristi took the title with partner Mark Ballas, the first win for the pro.

[ All Access: Dancing With the Stars - TV One - Celebrities - Reality TV ]

The couple scored two perfect tens on the final night of competition on Monday night and ended up as the highest scoring team ever in the history of "Dancing With the Stars," a victory Kristi credited squarely on the shoulders of Mark.

"I think that says a lot about Mark and his challenging choreography and the way he teaches and instructs," she said.

[ Mel B's 'Dancing' Finale Wrap-Up (May 20, 2008) - Play it Now ]

As for Mark, finally clinching the title was a thrill.

"I don't have words," the happy dancer told Mel. "My knees just dropped from underneath me when they called our [names out]. We worked so hard for this. Kristi has been so amazing to teach. I couldn't be more proud of her and I'm on cloud nine and yet again I want to thank the fans we love you!"

[ 'Dancing With The Stars' Finale - Check Out the Photos ]

During the broadcast, the entire season of celebrity dancers including Penn Jillette, Marlee Matlin and Shannon Elizabeth performed.

After the show, Shannon and her "Dancing" partner Derek Hough, who she found a showmance with during the season, said they were pleased with Kristi and Mark's win

"I was so excited that they won," Shannon enthused.

Derek, who previously lived with Mark's family when he trained as a dancer was especially thrilled.

"I just want to say I love Mark," Derek told Mel. "He is my brother, he is my man! I am so excited that he won."

The two also took the opportunity to tackle the question of whether they are getting their own reality show.

"Actually we put something on YouTube today, not today, in about a week and it's us dancing the fox trot and doing spoofs on ourselves," Derek said.

Shannon apparently directed the piece.

"It's a little fun thing," Shannon said.

back to top

comments

  • Caroline
    I LOVE YOU DEREK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh, and btw, I HATE you shannon.
    report abuseposted June 29, 2008, 5:43 pm PDT
  • Amanda K
    Kristi was the best, and they awarded the best.
    report abuseposted June 25, 2008, 5:41 pm PDT
  • yp_ava_sherman_oaks
    HI CHRISTIAN! THUMBS UP!!!!FOR YOUR COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM SURGERY! AS FOR "DWTS" YOU ARE A WINNER IN THE EYES OF MANY SUPPORTERS..I BEING ONE OF THEM! BRAVO!
    report abuseposted May 25, 2008, 12:01 pm PDT
  • BellaJ
    I kinda thought she had an edge over everyone else b/c of her skating background. Jason was better.
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 5:47 pm PDT
  • luv_my_catz
    I knew she would win! Figure Skating is dancing on ice and she was an Olympian! Congrats Kristi!
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 5:14 pm PDT
  • Unknown
    damn fixed show! jason my winner kristi had a huge advantage above the rest and that sux she was always the judges favorite.
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 4:42 pm PDT
  • wbgrl99
    Good Job Kristi!
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 10:02 am PDT
  • MissPriss
    Thought Jason has improved the most and that to me made him the winner. Kristi had an advantage from dancing and skating. I think it was an unfair show allowing those with some dancing background to compete. Helio was the best example and Jason this season. Enogh of the yeah I took some dancing when I was young! I say Foul!
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 7:58 am PDT
  • Lori W
    I am glad that CHeryl didn't win. SHe has won in almost the last two back to back season's . Once with Drew and then with Emmit Smith. GO Kristi...
    report abuseposted May 21, 2008, 7:50 am PDT

post your comment

hi there!

Want to post a comment? Just sign in and you'll be good to go.

sign in

Help us continue to improve omg! - Send Your Suggestions