For the second time, Mark Ballas has turned an Olympic gold medalist into a mirrorball trophy winner on Dancing with the Stars. He and partner Shawn Johnson won the competition last night by less than 1% over favorites, Gilles Marini and Cheryl Burke.

Melissa Rycroft was told she had placed third (after almost 3 hours of bore and nonsense), and everyone assumed Gilles would be taking home the title. When Shawn’s name was announced, looks of shock appeared all over the studio, including on the faces of Shawn and Mark.

“This has been the most amazing experience ever.  I’ve grown so much.  Thank you so much,” Johnson said.

Gilles and Cheryl were very gracious in defeat and expressed how proud they were of their friends.

“I’m so happy for Shawn and Mark, you know they worked so hard.  We love them so much,” Marini said after Johnson’s victory was announced.  “I want to thank all the fans, I want to thank all the people who helped me.  I want to thank my wife, I love you so much.  Cheryl, you’re one of the best things that has happened in my life, I love you.”

I guess Drew Lachey got his wish after all!! Oh, and if anyone cares, Anna Demidova won the competition to become next season’s new professional.

[images: WENN]

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