Shawn Johnson Triumphs on 'Dancing with the Stars'

ABC

Olympian Shawn Johnson and her pro partner Mark Ballas became the newest championship duo of "Dancing with the Stars" on Tuesday night, triumphing over Gilles Marini with Cheryl Burke and Melissa Rycroft with Tony Dovolani in the season eight finale!

Johnson, at 17 the youngest-ever competitor on "DWTS," was breathless from excitement when claiming the coveted mirror ball trophy. "This has been the best experience ever," she exhaled.

After the judges' scores were combined with viewer votes to determine the winner, host Tom Bergeron declared the event "our closest-ever finale" -- with less than one percent difference separating champion Shawn from second-place finisher Gilles.

For his part, the French actor was graceful in defeat, saying, "I'm so happy for Shawn and Mark. [Cheryl and I] love them so much." Former "Bachelor" star Melissa thanked the fans for their support after placing third.

The three finalists each performed one last dance for a final judges' score, which was added to their scores from the previous evening's two dances. For their final routines, all three duos scored a perfect 30. Gilles and Cheryl mesmerized with the Argentine tango (finishing with 88 points out of 90); Shawn and Mark shook things up with cha cha cha (also for a total of 88 out of 90); and Melissa and Tony unleashed a sizzling samba (finishing with 86 out of 90).

Shawn becomes the third Olympian to win "DWTS." Apolo Anton Ohno and Kristi Yamaguchi have also reigned supreme on the show.

In another turn of events on the grand finale, Anna Demidova secured her spot as a pro dancer on next season's "Dancing" cast. She edged out Mayo Alanen.

Also on the show, the entire season-eight cast -- including the likes of Steve-O, Denise Richards and Steve "the Woz" Wozniak -- all took one last spin on the dance floor. Plus, comedian and former contestant Jeffrey Ross roasted the gang, and Lady Gaga raised eye-brows performing a couple of her hits.

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