The Dancing with the Stars Finale aired on ABC Tuesday night, May 19. Three remaining celebrity contestants, Shawn Johnson, Melissa Rycroft and Gilles Marini started out the night in a near dead heat after all three demonstrated strong performances during Monday night’s show.
Three celebrities and just one trophy. Shawn and her pro partner Mark Ballas performed the Cha Cha Cha and posted a combined score of 88 points. Melissa and her partner Tony Dovolani performed the Samba and posted a combined score of 86 points. Gilles and his pro partner Cheryl Burke danced the Tango and posted a combined score of 88.
The dancing was done and after the viewer votes were factored into each contestants score, it was determined to be the closest vote ever separating first and second place.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 8 winner was determined to be Shawn Johnson and her professional partner Mark Ballas. Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke took second place, and Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani placed third.
Incidentally, gymnast Shawn Johnson is the third Olympian to winner the title. Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno won Season 4 and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi won Season 6.
Check out photos of the three final challengers, the announcement of placement, and the top contestants performance videos below.