For 16 seasons, ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars' program has produced some of the most entertaining television there is, taking everyday celebrities - who may or may not be the most talented dancers - and turning them into fantastic performers.
This season may have been the best however, as a star-studded cast featuring NFL star Jacoby Jones, 16-year-old Disney Channel sensation Zendaya and country music star Kellie Pickler wowed live audiences and fans watching from home on a weekly basis.
Following a strong performance to end what was a magical season for Kellie Pickler and her professional partner - three-time champion Derek Hough - the duo was crowned Season 16 'DWTS' champions, narrowly defeating Zendaya and Jacoby Jones in one of the closest finishes in program history.
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Reduced to tears because of the brilliant performance of Pickler and Hough, 'DWTS' judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised the country star turned dancer following her performance.
"Kellie, you just bared your soul on the dance floor and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Thank you," Inaba said on the hit ABC show.
Not long after the compliment of Inaba, Pickler and her partner were crowned champions, sending the singer into a state of overwhelming emotion and praise for Hough because she was able to overcome moments of tenseness throughout the course of the season to win the famed Mirrorball Trophy, the award given to each pairing upon winning the competition.
"Derek has taught me so much - not just about dancing, but about life," Pickler said after winning. "And this performance tonight was about trust, and letting those walls down. You have to trust one another when you are out there on that floor - especially when you're slinging each other around."
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While the 26-year-old country sensation was full of elation following her performance and victory, partner Derek Hough - who earned his fourth Mirrorball Trophy - dedicated the win to Pickler's grandfather.
"Grandpa Ken, we got you the trophy, buddy," Hough screamed after grasping the trophy.
The pairing of Pickler and Hough was an answered prayer for the grandfather of the singer as back in February, Pickler noted that her grandfather's favorite pro on the show was in fact Derek Hough and he was constantly praying his granddaughter would be partnered with the former champion.
"Right before I left Nashville for L.A., my Grandpa Ken, who is a huge fan of the show, told me he was praying that Derek would be my partner, because that's his favorite male dancer on the show."
Grandpa Ken's prayers were certainly answered as his granddaughter was not only paired with the dancing sensation but the duo went through a grueling competition that culminated with a Season 16 championship.
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Teen sensation Zendaya performed admirably throughout the competition and even though her efforts did not lead to a trophy, the rising star was humble and extremely proud with her performance in the finale.
"I'm very proud and I'm very happy," she said. "It was an amazing experience."
Although Zendaya and her partner Val Chmerkovsky scored a total of 95 - one point above Pickler and Hough - the winning team ultimately scored higher when the judge's scores were combined with fan votes.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones became an instant fan favorite because of his ability to light up the dance floor with his quick and fancy foot work.
Jones recently won a Super Bowl with the Ravens where he returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, so it came as no surprise that the football speedster would be able to move in precise ways, especially when you take into consideration that NFL stars have enjoyed monumental success on the program in years past.
Kellie Pickler is now set to return to her country music career and while she'll miss her run on the program, the singer is completely proud of her accomplishment.
"I hope this doesn't sound weird but I'm proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone because this wasn't easy for me to do."
WATCH Kellie Pickler's Emotional Final Performance:
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