Kellie Pickler Crowned ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 16 Winner

Written by Lauren Laffer May 22, 2013

After a season filled with shimmies, hip thrusts and toe taps, ABC’s hit show “Dancing with the Stars” crowned Kellie Pickler the winner of Season 16. The “Someone Somewhere Tonight” singer is bringing the mirror ball trophy to Music City!

Pickler topped the leader board for most of the competition and made sure she brought her A-game for the finale. After three incredible dances during the finale show Monday night, Kellie and her partner, Derek Hough, ended with a score of 64 out of 65 possible points.

On Tuesday (5/21), the two-hour results show highlighted every star and dance from throughout the season. Wynonna returned to the ballroom to dance with partner Tony Dovolani once again. The super star also performed the song, “I Want To Know What Love Is.” The finale also included worldwide sensations Psy and Pitbull, as well as “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez.

After Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman was eliminated earlier in the evening, the final three couples took an hour to prepare an instant dance while the rest of the results show continued to review the highlights of season 16.

For the instant dance, Pickler and Hough prepared a jive that scored a perfect score. For his final judges comments, Bruno Tonioli said “It’s like watching the incredible siblings. I have to be honest, you remind me of Julianne Hough and that really is a compliment. That jive… the accuracy, the precision, the technique, the way you play with each other. I’m telling you, weird and unbelievably wonderful!” Carrie Ann Inaba was equally as excited about the dance, adding “What a perfect ending to what a wonderful journey, truly. You guys are like the wonder twins. Every time you dance, you light up this house like a bright ray of sunshine. I love watching you. Congratulations!” Head judge Len Goodman made sure to chime in. He told Kellie “You’re always clean. You’re always precise. You’re sharp. Your dancing is always polished. I’m telling you, Kellie, you’re the bees knees… You’re awesome, I’m telling you!”

After the instant dances were completed, pro-football player Jacoby Jones was eliminated after the additional judges scores were added to the fan votes and previous nights scores. In the last several minutes of the show, hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke-Charvet announced that Pickler and Hough were the season 16 champions.

Check out the videos of the finale dances below:

Finale opening number with all of the stars