Dancing with the Stars: "The Finale" (Episode 620)

Staking claim on the mirrorball trophy, Olympic gold-medalist Kristi Yamaguchi beat out fellow finalists Jason Taylor and Cristian de la Fuente for the Dancing with the Stars title last night.  With a natural gift for the technical side of dancing, Kristi struggled throughout season six to develop her emotional skills.  But with the help of partner Mark Ballas (quite possible the most animated pro of 'em all), Kristi broke out her shell and wowed the judges with a reprisal of her previously perfect jive in order to cinch the championship.

Kristi and Mark entered the last leg of the finals with a flawless 60 in their arsenal.  Cristian had a one-point lead over football favorite Jason Taylor's score of 51, so it shocked everyone when Cristian was the first to be eliminated.  Jason looked especially stunned to not hear his name called, as Cristian had become the plucky underdog of the season, riding out surgery on a torn arm ligament in order to continue dancing.  As the least-known celeb of the bunch, Cristian is truly a testament to the power of DWTS, going from obscurity to the dream of every American housewife in nine weeks flat.

As his swan song, Cristian danced the paso doble along with partner Cheryl Burke, who he sweetly said made him a better dancer, "even with one arm."  Jason and Edyta, however, got to dance their final routine in the hopes of stealing the title from Kristi and Mark.  But alas, Jason's quickstep (despite receiving perfect marks!) was no match for Kristi's jive.  The face-off between the "thoughtful hero and Olympic champion" came to an end, and Jason graciously congratulated his competitor, saying she was a "most-deserving winner."

The night also included two performances from Usher and a parade of all the season six cast-offs.  Everyone came back for one last turn on the floor, reviving their favorite dances of the season.  Performing in the order they were eliminated, Penn Jillette was up first with the cha cha, followed by Monica Seles with the mambo, Steve Guttenberg with the tango, Adam Carolla with the paso doble, Priscilla Presley with the tango, Marlee Matlin with the samba, Shannon Elizabeth with the quickstep, Mario with the rumba and Marissa Jaret Winokur with the paso doble.

DWTS is back for season seven in September; see you then!