Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas Crowned 'Dancing' Champs

Access Hollywood - May 20, 2009 5:05 AM PDT
Story photo: Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas Crowned 'Dancing' ChampsShawn and Mark ABCAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- She's won Olympic gold and now 17-year-old Shawn Johnson is the champion of the "Dancing With the Stars" Season 8 ballroom.

In the closest vote ever in "Dancing" history, Shawn and her professional partner, Mark Ballas, edged out runner-ups Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke, by less than one percent, show co-host Tom Bergeron revealed.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Gilles Marini: From 'Sex & The City' To 'Dancing' Superstar

And it was a victory which elated the pint-sized celebrity contender - the youngest ever on the show.

"This has been the most amazing experience ever," Shawn said after she learned the news. "I've grown so much. Thank you!"

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Shawn Johnson- From Olympic Gold To 'Dancing' Darling

Gilles had been a judges' favorite, and on the final night performed an Argentine tango that left them raving.

"You're our very special performer," judge Carrie Ann Inaba said. "You bring such amazing artistry to your dances that completely sets you apart."

But though the praise didn't help him walk away with the mirror ball trophy, the sexy Frenchman had no regrets.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 'Dancing With The Stars': The Portrait Shots!

"I'm so happy for Shawn and Mark," he said. "We love them so much."

Shawn and Mark celebrated their victory, hoisting the mirror ball trophy high - the second Mark has won with an Olympic gold medalist (he previously took the top prize with Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6).

And Tom had some advice on what the teen should do with her new trophy.

"Put it next to all those medals, my dear," he smiled.

Melissa Rycroft, and her partner, Tony Dovolani, finished in third.

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: 'Dancing With The Stars' Finals: Shawn Johnson Nets Perfect Score (May 19, 2009)
PLAY IT NOW: 'Dancing' Finals Recap: Shawn's Superb Dance (May 18, 2009)

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Dancing With the Stars - Shawn Johnson - Melissa Rycroft - Gilles Marini - News

comments

comments

comments 1-10 of 26  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • JuLieL
    Agree - Gilles should have won. But I guess the voters decided to go with young & sporty. And she does look like Miss Piggy - for a short girl she's pretty stocky. Got grossed out by her body - sorry even if it is a toned body it still has way too much fat on it to look good.
    report abuseposted July 6, 2009 10:35 AM PDT
  • CR
    Prrt1 - you called Shawn Johnson Miss Piggy???? Evidently you know nothing about her. Ask Mark if she was too heavy to hold - he'll tell you no. Shawn's weight dangles around the 100 lb mark and lower. She is short - and muscular - and well toned, trained, and has worked for perfection. She performed better and better as the competition got hotter and heavier. Sure you'
    report abuseposted May 22, 2009 9:53 PM PDT
  • CR
    Prrt1 - you called Shawn Johnson Miss Piggy???? Evidently you know nothing about her. Ask Mark if she was too heavy to hold - he'll tell you no. Shawn's weight dangles around the 100 lb mark and lower. She is short - and muscular - and well toned, trained, and has worked for perfection. She performed better and better as the competition got hotter and heavier. Sure you'
    report abuseposted May 22, 2009 9:53 PM PDT
  • Mo
    All 3 were amazing!! However, I really thought Shawn was adorable! I can't imagine being 17 and being in the spotlight and judged continuously like she is. Melissa and Gilles are both adults and more mature for sure, but Shawn had me rooting for her because of her youth, maturity and drive. And for you Prrt1 - back down, she's a kid (and beautiful.) - I swear there's a
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 4:03 PM PDT
  • gmbrx
    If Shawn was 40 she'd of been out of there as some fat cow! Young and perky the men love it. She didn't deserve it. Miss Piggy
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 2:53 PM PDT
  • k*****n
    Gilles should have won
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 2:05 PM PDT
  • Pamela
    Gilles was clearly the best dancer. He was throughout the entire show. And he was humble and passionate about what he was doing. He should have won the title. He was robbed of it.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 1:58 PM PDT
  • StelHrseRyder
    (cont), Look at how plastic face joan lost as a PM,she quit ( later says she didnt ), Trump edited the show to make Annie ( alltime charity $ rasier ) this mean backstabbing woman, look at how joan got to use vile words but nobody could with Joan, Look how that jerk Trump enjoyed making Annie think she won then gives it to joan, she showed about as much emotion as a dying animal, all stagged 4 Joa
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 1:12 PM PDT
  • StelHrseRyder
    hzkid ! All reality shows are fixed,thats how they keep you coming back for more, isnt it funny how the very last show of the season they all get 10's, you mean to tell me Len couldnt find one flaw with Melissa like he has all season ? Its like Celebrity Apprent, I said from day 1 joan would win, just for the fact that her and trumps brother were on the same charity board and she's
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 1:08 PM PDT
  • MICHELLEM
    Sorry, But Gilles was the better dancer. He was the most consistant dancer each week on Dancing with the Stars. He was robbed of the title.
    report abuseposted May 20, 2009 12:28 PM PDT
comments 1-10 of 26  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

Post A Comment

sign in to post a comment.

sign in

Help us to improve! - Send Your Suggestions