Iraq War Vet Wins “Dancing With The Stars”
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Make no mistake about it, the dance floor belonged to the troops on Tuesday night’s emotional, surprising season 13 finale of “Dancing With the Stars.”
J.R. Martinez may not have out-shaken his bon-bon next to Rob Kardashian’s plentiful derriere, but the Iraq war veteran and actor capped off a solid season on the dance floor with a victory that will likely make his just as much of a household name.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the viewers who voted for us for 10 weeks,” a glowing Martinez said shortly after being announced winner.
“Thank you, America, for believing in us,” he continued before turning to thank his partner, dancer Karina Smirnoff. “You are amazing, and I’m so glad I could be a part of your first mirror ball.”
Martinez, who had enough charm to “light up the ballroom” each week, was the least-known name among a gaggle of dance-hopefuls this season, including Chaz Bono, Kristin Cavallari and David Arquette – but his spirit quickly won over the audience – and the judges.
“You are such a catalyst for joy,” judge Carrie Ann Inaba remarked.
This is the first first-place finish for recently engaged Smirnoff, who put off her wedding plans earlier this year to focus on the dancing competition.
“I got an amazing partner and we spend so much time at the studio because we have a great shot at ,” she said of Martinez just one month prior. “And we truly enjoy putting together these great routines.”
Kardashian and partner Cheryl Burke shared similar sentiments after learning of their second-place finish.
“We’re not going anywhere,” the contestant better known as “Cinderfella” said as mom Kris Jenner and sisters – including recently divorced Kim – cheered from the audience.
Agreed Burke: “I’m going to see him at least once a week. I love this guy!”
Martinez, Kardashian and fellow finalist Ricki Lake performed two dances during the star-filled evening, packing strong one-two punches with the judges by revisiting their favorite dances.
Tuesday night’s shocker came when Lake, who had been a frontrunner alongside Martinez for much of the season, was the first to be ousted for the evening, coming in third.
“I’ve loved basically every minute of this,” the cheery talk show host said, saying that for a “middle-aged mom,” getting so far in the competition “was a fantasy come true.
“You really get the feeling that if you can do this, you can do anything.”
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