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By Michael Lopez

We had a feeling Salvadorian-American hot footer J.R. Martinez was going to take down the Dancing With The Stars' trophy this year. And, much to the delight of everyone in the ballroom, that's exactly what he did.

Tuesday night's dance-off proved to be quite the heated battle. Both Ricki Lake and Rob Kardashian turned into some pretty tough competitors during the 11th hour. Ricki got rave reviews for her colorful tango and Rob channeled his retro side for an inspired foxtrot number. But once J.R. busted out his signature moves, America knew who their next champ would be.

"Thank you America, for believing in us," Martinez enthusiastically said after he learned of his victory.

J.R. made sure to heap tons of praise on his dance partner Karina Smirnoff and appeared quite emotional when his name was revealed.

Though all eyes were on Martinez throughout the night, DWTS still delivered one heck of a finale. Every eliminated celeb got a chance to strut their stuff again and Lady Antebellum performed two live songs off their latest album.

Congratulations J.R.!

Are happy J.R. won Dancing With The Stars? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dancing With The Stars, Hot Stuff, J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnoff, Lady Antebellum, Ricki Lake, Rob Kardashian, Television

By Michael Lopez

Something tells us J.R. Martinez will be hanging in on Dancing With The Stars for a very long time. Not only has he been able to wow the judges, he's proven himself to be a major crowd favorite too. And last night he delivered his most emotional number yet, with the military tribute song "If You’re Reading This."

Originally recorded by Tim McGraw, "If You're Reading This" has become somewhat of an anthem for the families of fallen soldiers. Its lyrics reflect the loss and bravery of those who give their life in battle and seeing all that J.R. went through, he can definitely identify with it.

Martinez performed a beautiful interpretation of the song with his partner Karina Smirnoff. When it was all over, he received a standing ovation and there literally wasn't a dry eye in the house. An emotional J.R. spoke about what the dance meant to him after it was all over.

"Sometimes in life, things happen so fast that you don't have an opportunity to really sit back and appreciate what you've done," he said. "Tonight was that moment. It felt like it really sunk in. Wow. I'm on this stage. I'm on Dancing with the Stars, and now I have an opportunity to really honor and pay a tribute to other service members and families that have gone on the same journey that I've gone on."

Do you think J.R. has a shot at winning Dancing With The Stars? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Dancing With The Stars, If You're Reading This, J.R. Martinez, Karina Smirnoff, Military, popnews, Television, Tim McGraw, Tributes

Despite rumors that Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff split due to his descarado ways, some chismosos are claiming that the ex-lovers are rekindling their flame.

According to OK! Magazine, the "Dancing With The Stars" partners were caught hooking up in a New York City restaurant:

They were super-flirty and very happy, kissing and cuddling.

Pobrecita Karina. Hasn't she heard the saying, "Once a player always a player"? [Latina]

Photos via Getty Images

Tags Chisme, Gossip, Karina Smirnoff, Latina, Mario Lopez, OK Magazine

Mario Lopez is no rookie at firing up chismes. His player rep has been all over the tabloids since allegedly cheating on his Dancing With The Stars ex-novia Karina Smirnoff. Now People magazine's "Hottest Bachelor" of 2008 is switching up his game and making moves as the sole host of NBC's hit entertainment show Extra!. The fly chicano is kicking off the show's 15th season and replacing former hosts Dayna Devon and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray fame.

Mario Lopez starts his Extra! gig September 15th. [The Associated Press]

Photo via Getty Images

Tags Blogamole, Break-ups, Celebrity Gossip, Dancing With The Stars, Extra, Karina Smirnoff, Mario Lopez, MTV TRes, NBC