‘Glee’ star Amber Riley and her dance partner Derek Hough won the coveted championship trophy during the Dancing With The Stars Finale on Tuesday. Riley’s surprising footwork and her inspiring enthusiasm helped boost the season 17 ratings 17%, according to USA Today.
Riley said she had no hopes of even making it through to the final round when the season began.
“When I first started, I just didn’t think there was any way that I could win. It wasn’t a thought for me. It was just like, ‘Go and do your best, do your best,’ ” she said after Tuesday’s finale. “With every week, I kind of wanted it a little bit more and toward the end, I was just like, ‘Man, it’s actually possible. I’m in the finals.’ Getting through to the end was a reward in itself, but the trophy was the cherry on top.”
Watch Amber Riley and Derek Hough’s Samba and Quickstep (Fusion) dance after the break.
Photo: ABC/Adam Taylor