COMMENTARY | Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and dancing partner Kym Johnson were named the winners of "Dancing with the Stars" Tuesday, reports Reuters. Statistically not a shocker, as the pair danced off against two blonde celebrities in the season finale: actress Kirstie Ally and Disney star Chelsea Kane. In the 12 season history of the popular celebrity dancing show, a fair-haired (at the time) star has only once victoriously claimed the prized Mirror Ball trophy. That honor went to gymnast and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson in the show's eighth season.
Given his smoothly shaved head, Ward's black hair is only shown in his barely there facial hair -- similar to season three winner Emmitt Smith, only not as abundant. Which also means more bald men have won than blonds.
Non-Blond Celebs Rule 'DWTS'
The overwhelming amount of triumphant dark-haired celebrities to win the ballroom competition is a trend that started in the summer of 2005, when "General Hospital" actress Kelly Monaco became the first "DWTS" winner. A blonde, Stacy Keibler took third place in season two, an occurrence that wouldn't repeat again until after Johnson's win. Season 10 also featured a pale-tressed third place star.
In fact, out of 12 seasons and 36 final three competitors, only six of the celebrities have been blond. These include Alley, Kane, Johnson and Keibler, leaving only Kelly Osbourne and Erin Andrews to finish off the list. Alley won the distinction Tuesday night of becoming the first blond (albeit dyed) to win second place.
Even the 'DWTS' Judges are Brunette
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli both have brunette locks. What about head judge Len Goodman's silvery white hair? Once upon a time, the dancer enjoyed a full head of dark strands.
Even of the nine guest judges, Osbourne has been the only one to have blonde hair at the time. She appeared on the show in that capacity last season.
Blonds May Have More Fun, but Can They Dance?
Just using "Dancing with the Stars" as an example, you might start to believe that blonds just aren't as good on the dance floor. That, perhaps, the best of sultry gracefulness can only be found in the movements of the brunette or ebony-haired. That is, if you ignore an important aspect of the show: the pro dancers.
Watching the stars bust a move is novel and even sometimes beautiful, but make no mistake, the superior dancing is naturally to be found in the bodies of the professional dancers. On the "DWTS" stage, it is the blond pros who have the majority of Mirror Ball wins.
Keep in mind that out of 12 seasons, only seven dancers have been part of winning pairs. Three have been blond, dancing to victory a combined total of seven times. Tow-headed three-time champ Derek Hough leads the pros in all-time wins. His sister, Julianne Hough, and Kym Johnson, equally fair-haired, have each won twice.
Would Kirstie Alley be celebrating a win right now, instead of Hines Ward, had she only gone back to brunette? Probably not. Hines consistently impressed the judges and had the support of his fans. The "Dancing with the Stars" winner typically being dark-haired is likely coincidence. Besides, that tactic didn't pan out for Audrina Patridge last season.
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