KYM Johnson

KYM Johnson

This season of "Dancing with the Stars" may not have played host to the politically charged likes of Bristol Palin, but the show still had a very clear message: When it comes to dance, it's all about personality.

The feel-good dance competition show crowned NFL star Hines Ward as its reigning season 12 champion in a neck-and-neck finish against fellow finalistsKirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane.

Ward, who clicked instantly with both the judges and the TV audience from the get-go, was the epitome of charisma and class throughout the season - or, as judge Bruno liked to call him, "a ray of sunshine."

On Tuesday night's two-hour finale show, however, Ward made partner Kym Johnson turn beet red when he dropped his pants during the final rehearsal to reveal tights and shapely legs.

"It's my last time dancing with Kym, so I have to go all out," Ward deadpanned.

Add that to montages of the football player waltzing around the room with a stand-in pillow for a partner, and it's clear that good-natured Hines won for more than just his impressive dance skills - he drew in the votes with his fun-loving, yet focused, personality.

Kirstie Alley, similarly, who seemed just as thrilled about her physical transformation as her place in the finals, got audiences pumped with her wacky comments, incessant giggling and unpredictable reactions.

"This is a journey beyond anything I ever thought it could be," the newly svelte actress said. "I want to show everyone how far I've come since week one.

Even Disney star Chelsea Kane, who ended up finishing the season in third place, remarked on her maturation throughout the course of the show.

"It's just so bittersweet and surreal," she said of the experience. "I'll always remember the struggles, the times I wanted to quit and just go home - it's hard to say goodbye."

Celebs who DID say goodbye earlier on in the season returned for the finale Tuesday night, and the dance floor became a smorgasbord of ghosts of "DWTS" past.

Each former contestant - with the exception of Wendy Williams, who did an awkward and confusing interview with herself instead - performed his or her best dance on the show.

For first-ousted Mike Catherwood, this meant hamming it up in revealing spandex short-shorts and hot pink leg warmers while being carted around by partner Lacey Schwimmer.

For last-eliminated Ralph Macchio, this meant a shot at TV redemption in a crowd-raising quick step.

Highlights of the night, however, included more of the unexpected elements - Kendra Wilkinson's near-disaster falling off the judges' table; Josh Groban sneaking up on Petra Nemcova while singing "You Raise Me Up"; a quick pan to Sarah Palin, who sat smiling in the audience; even Chris Jericho's spot-on impression of judge Bruno, which earned him a 10 from Carrie Ann.

"I'm rubbing my chest for no apparent reason," the pro wrestler said, sidling up to the judges' table. "I don't understand half of what you're saying but I love it."

Performances by the Black Eyed Peas and Sarah Evans fleshed out the rest of the night, during which each of the finalists earned a perfect 30 for their last dance to close out the season.

"I'm gonna miss dancing with Maks every day," runner-up Alley commented. "You have to hand it to the pros for dancing with us. We're all just idiots, really."