"DWTS: MIRROR, MIRROR, WHO'S THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL?"

After 11 long and grueling weeks plagued with injuries this side of Toronto General Hospital the wait is finally over. 'Shawn Johnson' has sashayed her way to take this season's infamous Mirror Ball trophy away from 'Gilles Marini' and 'Melissa Rycroft'. Ahhhhh the thrill of victory (for Shawn) and the agony of defeat (for the rest) you must be thinking. Well, not so considering the teen wonder (and youngest winner ever) did a number on the viewers and the judges that landed her in the prestigious top-spot. Oh Mark Ballas must be doing backflips with win number two (he found success with yet another tiny Olympic champion with Kristi Yamaguchi in Season 6).

It is reported by those at the TMZ (who apparently got their hands on her contract) that Johnson took home a nice pay cheque. An estimated $365,000 would have anyone foxtrotting all the way to the bank. Cha-cha-cha-ching!

Sadly, I too (like I'm sure many) was quite surprised at the outcome. I could have sworn that Marini would take top spot with Melissa coming in second followed by Johnson in third. Who knew? Johnson was good I'll give her that. She executed each dance gracefully and always gave it her all. But do I think she was the greatest thing since toast bread? No I don't.

Marini, on the other hand, gave the audience exactly what they wanted. Aside from his 'eye candy' appeal he did do something that Rycroft and Johnson didn't. Not only did he have depth and character behind each of his performances (which is what the ladies lacked by comparisson) but his versatility sold me the very moment he started his journey on Dancing as well. All that and more made him one of the most memorable stars ever to grace the ballroom floor. Can you say Argentine Tango? Wow!

So now the lights have dimmed, the judges have put their paddles away and the spray tan machine is on hiatus when Dancing returns this fall. Until then folks...Paso Doble away! Ole!