Dancing with the Stars: The Finale (Episode 721)

Slow and steady wins the race.  The ever consistent and spot-on Brooke Burke waltzed away with the mirror ball trophy Tuesday night, joining the ranks of Kristi Yamaguchi and Kelly Monaco as "Dancing with the Stars" female champs.

Since week one, Brooke and her partner Derek have been slated to take home top honors, delivering technically detailed and near perfect routines.  Tuesday night the duo turned in one last performance--a Viennese waltz--that took home a solid 30.  Combined with their 30 from Monday's freestyle round, Brooke was strides ahead of her competition going into the final elimination.

Lance Bass and Warren Sapp also each got the chance to show off one last time, with scores from Monday night added in.  Warren kicked the dancing off, choosing to encore his hustle routine from earlier in the season.  It was as irresistible this time around as the last, highlighting exactly why Warren hung around so long in the competition: his charm and high spirits.  The judges applauded his universal appeal and enthusiasm, and Carrie Ann called him an inspiration to viewers to "get out there and dance."  Nevertheless, a score of 27 was in no way going to cut it in the finals!

Up next, Lance worked his hit jitterbug that earned him his first 10 a few weeks ago.  Although Lance and Lacey struggled in weeks past marrying their unique, young perspective with the technical, tradition elements of the dance, this was the performance that showed the judges they could have their cake and eat it, too.  

Upsetting Brooke a mere week ago, Lance tried his best to keep up the pace, but a score of 28 fell short of Brooke and Derek's Viennese waltz.  Dipping way back into week three for their choice performance, Brooke's message was heard loud and clear: she's been good since the get go.  

Sadly, Lance and Lacey were the first couple to get booted, leaving Warren and Kym to hang onto a shred of hope.  It would've been nice to see Warren cinch the trophy along with Kym--they truly seemed to enjoy working together and are so stinkin' happy!  But ultimately, Brooke and Derek went home winners.  Kudos to Brooke, her hard work paid off, but I have say Derek was less than a gentleman.  Saying he needed to win because his sister (Julianne) and best friend (Mark Ballas) both have titles under their belts, Derek snatched the trophy away from host Tom before Brooke could even attempt to accept it.  Not nice!