Congratulations to Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke. In what may be the most interesting season yet of Dancing With The Stars Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke took home the first place trophy. Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff ended up in second.

Here’s a quick rundown on the season 3 stars:

Tucker Carlson, this seasons version of Master P, was eliminated during the first week. No surprise there. Unlike Master P, he didn’t have people paid to vote. I’m not even sure why he showed up. Definitely should have been the first to go.

Shanna Moakler was in the middle of a potentially nasty divorce and ended up going home after week 2. I gained a new respect for Shanna when she got into a fight with Paris Hilton (which also involved one of her leftover boytoys who’s tough enough to harm a woman). Shanna, I could hug you for doing what I’m sure so many others want to do when you smacked her. Cheryl Burke was there when it happened too.

Note to Paris: it’s time to get over your cranial-rectumitis and pull your head out. Get over yourself. (By the way you are not now and never will be the “Princess Di” of this generation, and I’m sure a lot of people cry when they listen to your music).

Harry Hamlin ended up leaving after week 3. If he had relaxed a little more he might have gone further. I’m a little surprised he was so uptight after watching his wife in season 2.

Vivica Fox ended up leaving after week 4. Maybe her personality was a little too strong for some people. I think she should have gone a little further in the competition myself.

Willa Ford left after week 5. She was also starting to show some potential. She was 1 of 2 teams alleged to be romantically involved. Until that show, I was not familiar with her.

Sara Evans withdrew herself during week 6. She is in the middle of a messy divorce with her soon to be ex. She was also showing a lot of potential before she had to leave. It was great to see you able to make the final show. I hope things work out well for you and wish you good luck.

Jerry Springer gained newfound respect after having a long cheesy talk show host career after performing a Waltz in a touching tribute to his daughter that brought tears to most peoples’ eyes. Jerry was this seasons version of George Hamilton. He made millions laugh too and was very entertaining. He probably should have been off the show probably after week 2, but he left after week 7.

Monique Coleman ended up finishing 4th. She was voted off after week 8. Before this show I was not familiar with her. She also continued to improve along the way.

Joey Lawrence was always full of energy, very entertaining and upbeat. After watching the first week I thought for sure he’d be in the top 2. He’s a very talented dancer that left after week 9.

Mario Lopez finished in second. He’s also a very talented dancer. Technically he was probably the best. It perturbs me that he and Karina Smirnoff weren’t very gracious runner ups though.

If Ms. Smirnoff considers him her champion, she’s in for a rude awakening. Mario is known for being a womanizer. He married Ali Landry after dating for 6 years and divorced 2 weeks later after she couldn’t take anymore of his cheating. There were also rumors reported by entertainment tabloids (fact or fiction unknown) of an on again/off again affair with longtime friend Eva Longoria. He’s a great actor though.

Emmitt Smith kept getting better with each passing week. The last few weeks his personality really shined which may be part of the reason he and Cheryl won. He seemed to really enjoy it and he put everything he had into it.

Emmitt and Cheryl also had an unbeatable chemistry. Listening to them express their gratitude to each other undoubtedly brought tears to a lot of eyes. Emmitt always is and always will be a true champion and he conducts himself in that fashion. He’s also a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Technically, Mario may have had a slight edge, but during the finals, when Emmitt and Cheryl did their freestyle version of M.C. Hammer’s “You can’t touch this” that may have pushed them over the top. Fancy footwork has always been part of what makes Emmitt special. Unlike Mario, I’d have to say that Cheryl Burke is a better dancer than Karina Smirnoff, and is definitely an excellent teacher. She has also won the competition twice in a row. You go girl!

One last note. Tom Bergeron as usual did a fantastic job as the host. I must agree with Lauren Beckham Falcone about Samantha Harris though. She is completely out of her league on this show, and frankly, she’s quite annoying. Hopefully next season he’ll have a better cohost. I can’t wait to see what season 4 brings.

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