Alfonso Ribeiro took the Mirrorball Trophy on a wildly close Nov. 25 season finale of "Dancing With The Stars," leaving Sadie Robertson in second place.
This season has been one of the most competitive, which judges noted during finals yesterday and tonight.
The finale began with "Road to the Finals," a special, one-hour presentation of all that led to tonight's big announcement. Each of the couples heading into the finale had their time to shine, with packages on their favorite performances, turning points, judges' commentary, answers to viewer questions and fun facts.
During Robertson's portion, country stars Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean gave her thumbs-ups. Her family -- celebrities in their own rights thanks to "Duck Dynasty" -- also chimed in.
"She's getting up in front of literally millions and risking falling down or not being very good, and that speaks well for her," said her Uncle Si Robertson. "She's turned into a very well-rounded and extraordinary woman."
The judges offered comments on her innocence and lightness, which they said is so refreshing for the show.
"She is the youngest of our competitors, and she has held her own from the beginning," said judge Bruno Tonioli.
Robertson has impressed fans around the country throughout the season with her loyalty to her standards and to God. Her “light” has even caught the attention of the show’s judges.
“There is a light that you have that just shines so much,” Julianne Hough said after Robertson’s performance last week. “People take that light. ... It’s just so infectious.”
Robertson posted the comment on her Instagram account and called it “the most rewarding comment of the season,” and added “all glory to God for everything.” Robertson also included her own take on Hough's observation: “We know what that light is: ‘You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the message that gives life’ (Philippians 2:15-16)."
Hough is not the only judge who has recognized Robertson’s light.
“You’re just a bright light,” Carrie Ann Inaba told Robertson following her freestyle dance during part one of the finale Monday night. “And you’re a brighter light now because you dance so much better.”
Before her dance last week, a video package was shown of a young Sadie Robertson delivering a sermon. Robertson later posted an extended cut of the video on Twitter. It includes what could be considered foreshadowing.
“If I was famous ... I would still love the Lord,” young Robertson tells the camera. “I would not just remember about myself. I would love the Lord.”
