SPOILERS!!!! DWTS Season 12 – And the Winner IS…..
Well, gotta put some white space so that the auto tweeting doesn’t inadvertently spoil someone.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HINES AND KYM!!! The winners of Season 12 of DWTS!!

For those who were wondering, the three-way tie during tonight’s dances decreased the margin between Hines/Chelsea and Kirstie to 19,100 – a sufficient drop for Kirstie to catch Chelsea (I figured she would catch her at 29k), but not enough for her to catch Hines. Understandable when you see all the people in the viewing party in Pittsburgh.








I’m happy Hines and Kym won. I also laughed at the faces the judges made when it was announced that Chelsea and Mark took third place.
The judges are severely out of touch, I’m thinking.
Yes!! Great show, great results, totally happy here.
Also, was it just me or did they show a different camera angle of H&K’s freestyle finish catching a proper kiss on the lips? Was I imagining things?
That was hysterical when they announced Chelsea & Mark as third! I was cheering so loud! Kirstie looked like she was in shock.
Kirstie’s cha cha is still her best dance! Congrats to Hines/Kym!
Woo hoo. For all my boo’s to the wacky judging this season and that stupid BonA$$ dance, the right couple won. Combo of good dancing and showmanship (with a hint of showmance – or at least a hope by some people). Not quite as happy as I was when Jennougher won last season, but still pleased. Will still boo Hines when he plays the Patriots, but maybe I’ll bring along a yellow satin towel to wave at him.
Thanks for all you guys have done this season on Pure DWTS – makes watching the show so much more enjoyable. Can’t wait for the final cheesecake….
Both Kirstie and Hines were shocked at Chelsea’s placement. I guess they don’t read PureDWTS.
Of the three that were in the finals, I wanted Hines or Kirstie to win. Glad to see Hines win even though I dislike the Steelers second to the Redskins (I will never vote for one if they are on the show even if they are Fred Astaire reincarnate!). I really appreciate Hines showmanship and was pretty much drama free, which is something I really value in this show. I still find Chelsea to be forgettable, the only thing that stood out about her was Marks choreography, which I didn’t like. Not surprised they took third.
Even though Kirstie and Maks lost, they were truly winners. I’m so proud of everything they did and how they moved and inspired everyone all season.
Anyway, congrads to Hines and Kym!!! I was so glad Mark and Chelsea got third where they belonged.
Once again, Heidi called it!
I said I would be happy if Kirstie and Maks made the finals. And they did. So I should be happy. But dammit, I wanted them to win – for both of them!! Maybe I’ll be happier next week?
Yay! So happy for Hines and Kym! So happy at the order of the finalists…
I think it’s odd this season that there didn’t seem to be the camaraderie that there’s been in the past. No-one could congratulate Hines and Kym right away?! Really?
I will miss the show. Can’t wait to hear the rumors for next season! Thanks, everyone at PureDWTS, for your excellent commentary and fun posts. It’s been real.
I am kind of surprised that I enjoyed this finale with so-so dancers season. I know Hines would win. Next time the judges should visit (or not) PureDWTS more if they want to know how the voting goes.
I love Josh Groban! he sounded just like in CD which is rare nowadays. DWTS should have more great vocalist performing next time. And I got to see my favorite couple, Romeo and Chelsie one last time and they were fantastic! They were dancing like they were in the finals. And Romeo just have to plug one last time! Hey, he just got himself and extra 7,000 followers as of now.
Can’t believe season 12 is over. But you guys are still going to update this site right?
In the press release, it said dances would be ranked. Why did they change that? To lessen the embarassment for Chelsea going third? Ralph was screwed last week.
Hurray Hines and Kym! Yes, sasa, I thought I saw a proper kiss tonight too! I’m glad Kirstie got second instead of third. Her cha cha was great tonight and she should be so proud of what she has accomplished.
Thanks to Heidi, Courtney, Vogue and John for keeping this site so informative and so much fun! I’m looking forward to the next few posts before “you go black” for awhile. Hopefully rumours for Season 13 will start to trickle in soon. Right now, I want to savour Hines and Kym’s win and imagine that a little showmance is happenin’
I just looked back on the list of previous winners and realized that the last time I was this happy about a winner was Helio, season 5! Wow. SO happy for Hines and Kym.
I loved Romeo and Chelsie too. They went home too soon.
@Melissa, maybe they let Brooke write the press release. I laughed when Tom mentioned all that was left to do was the math – I thought to myself I hope Brooke doesn’t have to add anything up, as the coin flip was above her difficulty level.
And just a random comment on last night’s freestyles. As much as there was discussion on Mark ripping off another dance, I noticed in the replay of the rehearsal footage and the freestyle that Maks did the same lift with Kirstie that Derek did with Jen last season (spinning with her hands placed on his mid-section).
I’m very happy for Kym – Hines definitely earned it, even if he wasn’t my favorite I did like him (hey he’s been on my fantasy football team like five times!). They landed in the order I expected, but I’m happy for them all.
So glad we weren’t subjected to Wendy dancing again. Loved Mike’s bit. The judge’s rap mix was HYSTERICAL – and it goes to show that even when their numbers are a bit screwy, they are endlessly entertaining.
My favorite return dancers of the night were Ralph & Karina (oh he looked GREAT, too bad he didn’t make the final) and Romeo and Chelsie – LOVED their dance together. Their lifts were AWESOMESAUCE. I’d have to say that was one of my favorite dances of the season. Really would have liked to have seen a freestyle from those two. I also loved Petra being back and the joy and surprise on her face when she saw that Josh Groban was singing. How adorable. She is such a lovely person and totally deserved the surprise she got – I actually teared up a little bit.
I think the right person won! Congrats to Hines and Kim. I think Chelsea receiving that 15 pts made people vote against her. Anyone else notice that Ralph was the only eliminated contestant that did not interview with Tom and Brooke? He didn’t even look the judges’ way! DWTS used to be my favorite show but this season left me sour. This show is forever tainted!
Thank you PureDWTS crew! Your writing is truly appreciated.
@ck410
Tell me about it. Last 5 seasons my favorites were in second place.
To add onto my last post:
What did Season 12 teach me?
Chris Jericho is as entertaining on the dancefloor as he is in the ring – and no one is safe from his impersonations.
Turning on a camera and/or microphone causes Romeo’s plugging mechanism to a go into overdrive. I hope the kids are getting a dollar for every mention he made.
Mike maybe Psycho, but he’s crazy funny (and hot).
I can like Wendy Williams even less than I thought I was going to.
There are few guys classier than Sugar Ray, and few women with less class than Kendra.
Never underestimate the power of a pro sabotaging the championship for a great dancer – but I think Chelsea will manage.
Just as well, never underestimate the power of great chemistry, surprisingly semi-competent dancing, a physical transformation and a whole lot of funny to propel you into the finals over better dancers, yet it never felt cheap.
A big smile, lovely pro, and some good dancing gets you that trophy.
There was a reason that I loved Ralph Macchio 25 years ago, and I have a thousand additional ones to love him now.
Angels do walk amongst us, look no further than our dearest Petra.
Josie – I thought I noticed that as well. I wondered if that was on purpose, or if it was a timing issue. I really hated how they talked to Ralph. Same thing with Kurt last season. They started doing the same thing with Aaron Carter before, but backpedaled when he got so shaken and upset and the voters abandoned him.
That being said, I think the judges are an important part of the entertainment factor, I just wish they didn’t have a whipping boy each season. Ralph totally deserved to be in that final.
Thanks DWTS scribes and forum contributors. Fun stuff to read. Great season for Maks; he and Kirstie really helped each other-the product was greater than the sum of the parts. That’s what a partnership should be. Would love to see Anna win the MBT. But, as they said about the astronauts, Kym does have the Right Stuff! Would also love to see DWTS bring some other pros along. Finally, next season’s Disney personality is …
?Never underestimate the power of a pro sabotaging the championship for a great dancer – but I think Chelsea will manage. ” Great line.
Hmmm….but they didn’t interview Kendra or Mike either. Those judges suck anyways! I’m just glad Chelsea ended up third.
Whatever, thanks for supporting Kanenball. It’s funny how, everybody, either cheered that Chelsea got 3rd, or they were happy, or it was an unexpected happy ending, whatever. Nice guys. Hate to repeat probably some teachers or your childhood lessons, but /great/ sportsmanship. *sarcasm*
They tried. Chelsea and Mark tried their HARDEST at this. They deserved at /least/ 2nd. You dont even know how I reacted when Tom said their name. I starting sobbing.
Chelsea and Mark are two extremely inspirational people to me. Sure, someones Mark gets POed at the judges and what not and isnt happy, but otherwise, he’s amazing.
Chelsea has been my role model since I saw her in the Bratz movie. I hated Bratz, but I thought she was incredibly talented. Further on, she’s proved she can sing, and now dance.
No matter who got the throphy, Chelsea and Mark won in my book.
Even my friends don’t get it. Someone texted me; “R u mad they didnt win?” NO. DUH.
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I am so happy for Hines and Kym! I think they deserve the win and they had the best freestyle, IMO, if anyone wants to make that argument.
Part of me would have loved to see Maks finally win his first MBT…. But there is always next season! I want to thank all the PureDWTS bloggers for all the time and hard work that they have put into this blog this season. I always love to read what you guys have to say abt my favorite show!
I was sort of scared of the beady-eyed look that Bruno gave Kirstie after she danced her final dance. Did anyone else notice that? I really can’t stand him anymore. *shudder*
Figamentation
I think that Ralph not being interviewed was planned. Just like him not thanking them in his closing remarks. I don’t why but DWTS judges always feel the need to have a whipping boy and this season it was Ralph. Which was a shame b/c he could actually dance. Perhaps if they offered him constructive criticism instead of trying humiliate every chance they got he might have improved on the Latin dances. I think when Bruno made that Puzzy comment that was the last straw. I guess he was not going give them the chance to save face on live TV. OMG! Poor Aaron Carter those judges literally broke him down but had noting but praise for Kelly Osborne. It was disgusting!
I’ll admit my heart dropped when Hines won because I really wanted Kirstie to win. But, it was earned and in the end, I’m happy for Hines. Of course, I’m even MORE happier that Mark, er, Chelsea got 3rd. I think Kirstie’s fans fell a bit short (obviously) but looking at the Steelers fans in that satellite video, yeah, it’s clear they voted for him.
In the end, Mark lost and I’m ok with the results!
Congrats to Hines and Kym on the championship! Kym FINALLY gets a win! (I don’t count Donny Osmond a win, yes I’m mean). MAN, when will Maks get one? Hang in there buddy!
Congrats to Kirstie and Maks as well!
I have to admit that Chelsie and Romeo’s dance tonight was a highlight for me. Plus, the pro intro was pretty nice. Oh yes, and the judges “rap” edit was very well done.
I’m sure Heidi, Courtney and Vogue will be taking a bit of a post season break, but we’ve talked a bit about doing some Who Wore It Better (and a new Jewelry Edition) amongst other things to keep us entertained in the off season. I’ll probably do a post tomorrow so you can stay updated during the break.
Thanks everyone for reading and commenting. Always great to have so many passionate people participating.
Well it’s over!! Congrats to Hines. I wanted Chelsea to win. She would have gotten Maks his first MBT if she would have had the right partner. Kirstie worked hard but so did everyone. She just couldn’t compete. Placing her second was more than she deserved. Hope Maks isn’t punished again next season with an insufficient partner. He seemed relieved to me when he heard Hines and Kym’s names called. LOL.
So glad to hear that Hines and Kym won. Unfortunately I did’nt get a chance to watch tonight’s show. Will look forward to watching it tomorrow…Does any know who won the design a dance?
John, I totally agree – Romeo and Chelsie were amazing last night. Just gorgeous. I saw on twitter him saying something about a great dance to go out on or something, but they totally floored me. He was definitely one of the highlights of the season and last night. I liked how everyone kept saying they missed him – I think that was genuine, and meant to be taken with the utmost sincerity. Awww Romeo <3
WOO-HOO Hines and Kym take the MBT.. The right couple won this season, they were the whole package charm, great dancing, entertaining.. everything that pulls the audience into their dancing.
Kirstie and Maks should be proud. They were incredible this season. Bravo to them. Loved seeing Romeo last night, who would of thought that he would have become one of my favorites. I just cant take my eyes off of him when hes on the dance floor, and yes, sounded like he was a favorite to the cast as well. Mark should have been third, so take that Mark. Great Season. Couldnt of got throught this season without this site. You girls are amazing….
I like Hines and Kym a lot and would have been so happy with their win, but I can’t be. Unfortunately, I can’t help but feel it’s tainted because of how the semifinals were fixed. Ralph should have been in the final. He deserved to be there, and I firmly believe he would have been had the results not been fixed. I thought all season he had a real shot to win. If the show had not tampered with the results so outrageously, he would have had the chance to compete. Had Hines still won, which I think he also had a good chance to do, it would have been fair and square. Too bad the show never gave him, or any of the last four couples for that matter, that chance. That stinks for Hines and Kym because it’s absolutely not their fault. It’s just the hand dealt them by a horrible production decision. I really dislike this show now.
SueB – I noticed that too in Maks’ choreo, but I doubt Derek invented the move. There are lots and lots of moves in a dance and I don’t see borrowing one move in new choreography is a problem. What I want to know is: How much did Mark borrow?? I haven’t had a chance to look at the videos.
Ah yeah, don’t you people go ANYWHERE!! We actually do have things planned – I have several things I’ve been threatening to write for a while, and a series on past seasons judging to finish. I will need a week break before I start hitting it and I expect to see all of you here. :::insert beady eyes::::
Thanks pure dwts! This site makes the show for me(not the other way around). Hope you have a few more posts before a break.
Yes, everyone, please do check in this summer – PureDWTS never sleeps or goes off the grid, even in the off-season!
We definitely still have some stuff in the hopper for the off-season…more “Who Wore it Better?” the Search-Engine Round-up, other statistics posts that should be pretty interesting, and of course – rumor hunting for season 13
Plus I’m already working on the end-of-season awards like we did last season. Glad we have so many of you that are such dedicated & appreciative readers
Stay tuned!
@Heidi – Mark actually borrowed quite a bit from the original “Hip Hip, Chin Chin” routine. The entire arm section was from it, the opening pose, the hip shakes, the costuming – plus a lot of the steps in question were done almost to the exact same timing as the original. It’s definitely the most similar routine I’ve seen to the original, of all the “Hip Hip, Chin Chin” reincarnations. If I was truly bitchy, I would create a video that shows all the moves he copied, side-by-side with the original, with the title “Mark Ballas’ choreo is soooo original!” But alas, I just don’t care enough. He already gotten bitten in the ass by karma when Len disliked the arm section that was copied from it.
“judges” handing out 10′s like penny candy, “fans” voting for the local boy despite the fact he dances like an oak tree..fine, keep the same lame judges, let the same “fan” votes count..but change the name to “popularity contest”. can anybody HONESTLY say hines is a better dancer than chelsea? you gotta be kidding. CHELSEA GOT SCREWED!!
LOL, Butch – it’s ALWAYS been a popularity contest. And the only one who screwed Chelsea was her partner.
I figured Hines would win, it was a predictable outcome. However, seeing the judges faces when Chelsea got third was priceless, makes me think she really would have gone home last week if it weren’t for that stupid bonus dance.
I saw lots of material last night for “Who Wore it Better”, so that was exciting!
And Brooke’s dress looked like a bejeweled vagina. Just had to throw that in there, I was distracted by it… :3
LMAO!!! @ Blake…it really did, didn’t it? I just thought it was ugly, but now that you mentioned it…it really does look like a va-jay-jay. Guess I just needed a man’s perspective to see it
And yes, if you’re going to blame anyone for screwing Chelsea, blame Mark – and also blame those same judges that were trying so hard to ram her down the viewers’ throats. Tinker too much with the system and you’re bound to piss viewers off enough to fight back. Feel sorry for the poor girl, but if nothing else, she was a martyr for the cause of some very, very angry fans. I hope this sends a loud and clear message to TPTB that IT’S TIME FOR SOME NEW JUDGES.
Hopefully the judges got a smack in the head when Chelsea got third, and the producers will stop screwing with us by giving them too much power.
And I am woman, roar! (Don’t worry I get mistaken for a man all the time on the internet) haha.
Congrats to Hines and Kym….soooo glad YOU won.
Also happy for Kirstie. Sorry Ralph didn’t get into the finals…instead of Chelsa and Mark. I think Mark lost it for Chelsa….too intense and cocky…..needs to relax and not look so “spastic”. Lose the short pant look, Mark….looks retarded!!! Also I think Mark needs to take a break from the show…..bring Derek back!!! Looking forward to next season…..without Mark!!!
Enjoyed following the season on this site! Great job!
I was a Ralph fan – good to see him with the big smile last night.
I have to hand it to Mark – every season he is the first one to run over and congratulate the winner. Last night was no exception – he and Chelsea and Lacey were the first ones there.
Anyone remember Len being outright rude to Evan before the final dance – telling Nicole that she should win? The judges really need to shape up.
@Heidi: And the only one who screwed Chelsea was her partner.
My first thought was “I MISSED THIS GOSSIP!” and then my thought was “OH GOD MENTAL IMAGE DO NOT WANT.”
I am SUCH a sucker for finales. I love the bits, the returning contestants (Mike’s legwarmers! Petra getting surprised! Sugar Ray and Chris! ROMEO!!), the montages, the glitter… I love everybody and just want mirrorballs all around. I was so happy that Kirstie got her three 10s and am delighted that Hines & Kym won, and I just adored how gracious and lovely Chelsea was in all of her Brooketerview clips this week – I look forward to seeing where her career goes next!
Glad you guys are sticking around for the off-season! I’ll be here, still probably writing Hines & Kym romance novels in my head.
Given the final three we were given and the dances on the night, am glad that Hines won. This will not go down as my favourite season ever though.
Just to echo the thanks to you all for this site – as an overseas viewer, I am even more reliant on the power rankings and media posts to help keep me up to date! It’s also really great to know that there are plenty of other people obsessed with more than just watching the show – who think about things!
Also – lots of thanks to Courtney. Thanks to her link to their ‘Hip Hip, Chin Chin’ dance, I have really discovered Yulia – think she is absolutely amazing. Spent ages last night watching her dances on youtube. How talented is she? She reminds me a little of Julianne. Would love to see her dance with Derek!
@Blake – Oops! My bad
Duly noted – Blake has 2 X-chromosomes.
@Lisa W – You’re very welcome – I adore Yulia as well! She is, in my opinion, the most skilled professional Latin dancer I’ve ever seen. Her precision is just RIDICULOUS. Those legs should be registered as a lethal weapon!
I thought we weren’t going to talk about partners screwing their partners in the comments. Especially since Chelsea has a b/f;-) Too bad Chelsea was taken out by many people’s dislike for Mark. BTW, does anyone really think that Mark won’t be back next season? That sounds like wishful thinking on the part of some people that don’t want him back. I’ll be very surprised if Mark doesn’t come back.
Now I must go and certify Yulia’s lethal legs. It’s the least I can do to keep myself educated on ballroom dancing.
Mark??? We were talking MAKS I thought. I’m sure Mark will be back too, unless it’s not up to him.
SueB, I think that Kym and Joey did that spin in their freestyle as well (Season 3).
@MMC/@Heidi – I realize that the spin isn’t original (as there is a lot of the same moves used), I was just surprised that Maks used it in the freestyle, one season after Derek used it in the freestyle. Maybe it’s the preferred spin move for older dancers
I wish now that the season is over, DWTS would publish the amount of votes the couples got each week. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see that? But then our conspiracy theories might become truth.
Rosie O’Donell on her Siruis/XM show said she thought Kristie should have won. She even thought things were tweaked to Hines’ advatage (more sympathy votes) like showing Kim in the neck brace. Her friends thought the same too. Interesting, right?
The hightlight of the season for me was Romeo. Loved him and Chelsie dancing, and I would have loved to see them do a freestyle dance. Here’s hoping Chelsie gets a star with dancing potential and a huge and ravid voting fanbase next season!!!
Chris Jericho needs to be on a sitcom or something other than WWE.
As someone said on youtube (I haven’t watched the results show yet), Romeo & Chelsie had the best freestyle of this season, too bad the boy didn’t get in the finale.
Do you know the song that Chelsie & Romeo danced to during the finale by chance?
@Haimfeldman – I think Hines and Kym received an astronomical amount of votes even before Kyms injury. Hines had the Steeler nation behind him and gained many more new fans due to his likeability and charm.
The cameras are always rolling in rehearsals so the neck brace was gonna be shown regardless. Kym suffered a severe injury that could have turned out much worse (for example, paralysis) and most compassionate people would have realized how lucky she was, and just be thankful she was okay. I really dont think Kirstie had a chance up against Hines and Kym, period.
BTW Rosie Odonnell stinks!!!
@Sandy I agree with you about Hines and Kym getting votes by Steeler nation and even non-football fans. Hines is such a sweetie and seemed the most hungry for the trophy. It’s interseting how not just fans of this site have conspiracy theories about the voting, judging, etc.
I was loving me some Romeo as well. I would have much rather had Romeo and Chelsie in the finals then Chelsea and Mark. Romeos dancing is breathtakinging different than anyone else. Heres one middle age woman thats crushing on Romeo….
Rosie O’Donnell always has a conspiracy theory going on in her head! Remember her theory on the 911 Twin Towers implosion?!? Enough said!
Yeah I just watched that last dance of Romeo’s again – I think it was definitely in my top two or three of the season. Just gorgeous. Love the two of them together.
Did anyone catch Tom saying at the end of the finale about stayed tuning this September 19 for the new cast AND surprise and twist and turns?????…..hummmm.. Does this mean anything?
I was so thrilled – and surprised! – to see Hines and Kym come in first. As much as I thought Chelsea was an excellent dancer and had the best skill of the entire cast, I couldn’t bear to see Mark win for a third time. I haven’t been fond of him since he won with Shawn Johnson in Season 9 (when Gilles should have taken it!), and to make matters worse, last season’s “Bristol-bored” experience completely turned me off him. Great for Kirstie and Max too … I love both of them, and to see Kirstie do what she did at the age of 60 was just remarkable.
Ooops … got that wrong. Shawn Johnson won in Season EIGHT. Too many seasons now … I get them confused.
P.S. One final note – thanks to you guys at PureDWTS. You do an amazing job! Looking forward to reading more of your analysis throughout the summer : )
I thought Hines and Kim deservedd to win the MBT. However, I would have been pleased to see Chelsea go to the top, also. For Kirstie Allie to get into second place was insane. She should have been eliminated at least three week’s before that.For those (including me) who feel the dancing score’s are based upon Popularity, favoritism, predudice, etc. there is only one way to establish “Honest” voting. Eliminate the Public vote and change Judges every three session’s. Let’s face it,..Cari Ann Inaba, Len Smith and Bruno are “weirdos” !! They play favorite’s also but, at least, there are only three of them. The odd’s on “fairplay” are much better this way.
I couldn’t help laughing at the judges/producers when Chelsea was announced as 3rd. I felt like saying, “See, we all saw thru your manipulation of the WTA dance, and we’re not going to put up with it.” I no longer cared who won, but did think Hines and Kym deserved it. The highlight of the finale for me was seeing Ralph and Karina dance again. I’m still disgusted with the judges for how they treated them/the manipulation, especially when he was such a great dancer. I also enjoyed seeing all the eliminated celebs dance again.
Thanks PureDWTS for all the updates/articles.
I’m happy with the results among the finalists. Just wish that Ralph wouldn’t have been cheated out of the 3rd spot in the finals. I found R/K the most enjoyable fun to watch team this year, followed by Hines.
Ok so I was rooting for Hines And Kym or Chelsea and Mark. Honestly, I thought very strongly that Chelsea was the best dancer of the three finalists and that Kirstie Alley had no business getting that far. No Offense to Kirstie, because I commend her for getting out there at her age and really committing to the show, she was much better than I expected her to be. However, I do feel that America was voting for her because of her story, her hard life, and not because they honestly thought she was a magnificent dancer. Let’s be realistic everyone, she was fine, but she was not the best one out there and never should have placed higher than Chelsea. I’m glad Hines and Kym won, he was such a sweetheart and a hard worker, but Chelsea and Mark were by far the best couple….they knew it, the judges knew it, and whether we want to admit it or not, America knew it. I’m sorry you didn’t get the credit you deserved Chelsea, but I admire you for being such a nice, supportive cast-member