TV personality and model Brooke Burke was crowned season 7 champ last night on “Dancing with the Stars.” The 37-year-old mother of four was announced the winner after the judges scores were combined with viewer votes.
Professional partner and first time winner Derek Hough was in shock, saying, “I actually can’t believe it! I really can’t, I honestly can’t. The journey’s been so long. It’s been tough. It’s been wonderful. It’s been everything I could ever hope for. Wow. I can’t believe we actually did it, girl!”
Burke came in first place eight out of ten times, receiving a 10 from the judges 16 times this season. She was able to maintain an eight point lead over Super Bowl champ Warren Sapp. The former football star took second place with professional partner Kym Johnson. *N Sync’s Lance Bass landed in the third spot with partner Lacey Schwimmer.
Previous season 7 competitors included actor Cody Linley, Olympic sprinter Maurice Green, soap star Susan Lucci, Oscar-winner Cloris Leachman, chef Rocco DiSpirito, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, actor Ten McGinley, comedian Jeffrey Ross, volleyball star Misty May-Treanor and singer Toni Braxton.
Some of the contestants will hop on a tour bus for a 38-city “Dancing with the Stars” tour. The show kicks off December 17 in San Diego.
