DANCING WITH THE STARS Showdown: And the Winner Is...

And the winner is...football player Hines Ward, with runner up Kirstie Alley, and third place finisher Chelsea Kane. Keep reading for a recap!

Tonight was the DANCING WITH THE STARS season finale! Whether your favorite left early in the competition, or danced for the title last night, all three of the finalists have shown determination, energy, and poise to make it this far.

They're not done yet, though - even though all the votes have been counted, and yesterday's dances are long since over, there's still one more round of scored competition for the contestants to raise or lower their standings.

First, of course, we have to have our weekly dose of starry entertainment. Taking the stage this week are The Black Eyed Peas (who perform their recently released "Don't Stop the Party") and this season's first eliminee Psycho Mike Catherwood performing a skit with some of the troupe. The eliminated contestants also perform takes on their "greatest hits" so to speak, notably Petra and Dmitry performing to Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" - with a surprise appearance from Groban himself. Finishing out the entertainment set are the Go-Gos (with their 1980 hit "We Got the Beat") and Sara Evans (performing "A Little Bit Stronger" to a montage of the finalists' highlights from this season).

In an attempt to improve their judges' totals, each contestant will perform their favorite number from the season. Chelsea and Mark recreate their wizard inspired Viennese Waltz, earning 30 points for a total of 89 out of 90 when combined from yesterday. Kirstie and Maks bring back their cha cha, receiving their first perfect score for a total of 87 out of 90. Hines and Kym revive their samba, getting another set of perfect 10s, tying Chelsea and Mark at 89 out of 90.

The third place finisher is revealed to be Chelsea; with just two left, it's time for the title. After thirteen weeks, a neck injury for his partner, and countless shimmying and shaking, this year's champion is Hines Ward! "I hope I represented well for the city of Pittsburgh," Hines says of his journey on the show.

That marks the end of this season, but it won't be long before another crop of stars is making their way onto the DWTS floor.

"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.

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