DWTS: Recap- And the Mirror Ball Trophy Goes To...

After the first part of the finals which premiered last night, Erin and Maks and Nicole and Derek were tied for the lead while Evan and Anna trailed behind by three points. But tonight, along with the entire season 10 cast returning for performances, the remaining couples will dance 2 more routines to be scored by the judges. Will the pressure of 4 dances in one week be too much for some of them to handle?

With such strong contenders, I highly doubt that any of them will crumble under the pressure.

When asked today who I wanted to win, I honestly could not choose. I think that Evan and Nicole are technically better, and I love them both, but I feel as if they're backgrounds made the competition easier for them. For me, what Erin has accomplished is the most impressive. Plus, I love Erin and Maks together! But whoever takes home the (gaudy) Mirror Ball Trophy will definitely deserve it. They aren't kidding when they say this is the most competitive season ever!

I'm really looking forward to the other contestants from the season coming back tonight, especially Kate. I'm also very intrigued that Jake and Vienna will be performing together. Let's get this grand finale going!

The night fittingly started off with a routine featuring 10 stars from Season 10. Chad Ochocinco was missing from the action due to a football injury.

Nicole and Derek were up first for the "Favorite Round" in which they chose to perform their Argentine Tango again. Yet again, Nicole and Derek's dance was full of precision and passion. They were full of hugs for each other by the end of the routine.

Len said the dance had intensity, passion, and artistry- an irresistible combination. Bruno was glad to see that the magic continued while Carrie Ann said, "Each step, each move, each lift is like a beautiful masterpiece come to life." After all the couples have performed in this round, the judges will rank them, and each ranking will mean a different number of points.

Evan and Anna also choose their Argentine Tango for this round, a routine that they received a perfect score on the first time around. Evan spinning Anna around during that one hold was crazy to watch, it seemed like they were going 100 miles per hour! Bruno said that Evan "danced this tango like a real lady killer" and that he kept it slick and stylish. Carrie Ann said it was beyond perfect, while Len again pointed out the high caliber of the season. He also pointed out that Evan is the only male celebrity left, and that you could really tell he was the one leading during the routine.

Also choosing to perform their Argentine Tango again, Erin and Maks wrapped up the round. The two were fighting like an old married couple during their video, but they fit together perfectly during their routine. Erin's jump from the stairs was just as thrilling the second time around, and brought back great memories of her freaking out about it during rehearsals.

Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful, while Len said that judging these routines is the hardest job imaginable. Bruno said that Erin has had the most spectacular growth, and that what she's achieved is incredible.

The judges ranked Nicole and Derek as number one, receiving 30 judge's points. Evan and Anna were in 2nd with 28 judge's points, and Erin and Maks received 26 judge's points.

Shannon, Buz, and Aiden were back with their partners performing all new routines. Buzz's definitely stole the show...he was beamed down in green lights and danced in a sparkly silver outfit to Star Wars music. He is too cute!

Jake performed with Chelsie while Vienna performed with someone whose name I didn't catch. By the end of the routine Jake and Vienna were in each other's arms...cheesy. But, MY DREAM CAME TRUE! They danced to "On the Wings of Love!" I knew the day had to come eventually! Vienna didn't do half bad either.

I loved the countdown of biggest arguments during the season- especially Erin and Maks', obviously. Another highlight was the interview with Apollo Anton Ono, one of my favorite Olympians.

Next, it was time for the couple receiving the lowest combination of viewer votes and judges points to be eliminated, leaving 2 couples left to perform one last dance. The couple who fell short, coming in third for the season, was Erin and Maks. I'm sad, but even Erin admitted that she knew it would be Evan and Nicole going head to head in the end. It may have been their last dance on the show, but I have a feeling Erin and Maks will be dancing together long after tonight.

The College Dance Championship started off with Purdue University (Boilermakers!) who were up against Utah Valley University. After seeing both routines, Utah Valley University definitely seemed like the clear winner. Their moves seemed much more complicated and difficult. Sure enough, the judges gave a special Mirror Ball Trophy to Utah Valley University.

Here we go- time for Kate to show us her idea of dancing. She was attempting to improve her atrocious Paso Doble, and get this...she asked Tony to make it harder. Oh boy. This time, the routine went into "I Will Survive" as Kate stripped down to a shorter skirt and ended up in the air on some machine. While the routine was funnier, it wasn't any better in terms of dancing.

Next was a "sexy" routine by Pamela and Niecy. It started with Pamela dropping in from the ceiling in a Glinda-esque bubble covered in neon lights. It was a perfect song choice for Niecy's portion of the dance, "Bootylicious" by Destiny's Child.

Evan, Anna, Nicole and Derek descended to the stage in what looked like a giant mirror ball trophy.

Will Nicole be able to let go and not try to be a perfectionist for her final dance? Nicole and Derek's last performance was a Jive to "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner- and it definitely looked like Nicole let it all out. The routine was upbeat and as usual, Nicole nailed everything with ease. She really is incredible!

Bruno thought it was inventive, exciting, creative, and the crowning glory of the season. Carrie Ann said that Derek and Nicole have been nothing but amazing the whole way through. Len straight out told Nicole that she should be the winner! Nicole and Derek ended their season with a perfect score from the judges.

Evan and Anna chose to perform the Quickstep for their last routine to try to impress the judges one final time. It was a cute routine, and a great way to end the season! Bruno told Evan that his performance level has enhanced incredibly and that he can now pull off being dashing, sexy, and charminG. Carrie Ann told Evan that he has won everyone's heart, while Len said he has truly been a joy to watch. He also pointed out how amazing it is that Evan managed to do so well in the competition while touring with Stars on Ice. Carrie Ann gave the routine a 10 while Len and Bruno gave it 9s.

At the end of the 4 final dances, Nicole and Derek led with 115 judge's points while Evan and Anna had 108. These scores will be combined with viewer's votes to determine the winner.

And the champions are...Nicole and Derek!! They were both so excited, and their celebration was complete with jumping up and down and screaming. The two of them were lifted into the air where they each kissed their well deserved Mirror Ball Trophy!

Thanks for reading everyone!

The next season of Dancing with the stars will begin on September 20th. Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos"), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, who all return for their tenth season together.

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In the U.S., BBC Worldwide Productions, one of BBC Worldwide's seven core businesses, is based in Los Angeles and New York. It is responsible for the smash hit "Dancing with the Stars" and develops scripted and non-scripted projects for U.S. cable and broadcast networks.