Emmitt is the Champ!

Emmitt Smith was cheered onto victory at the Dancing with the Stars finale on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. While Smith and fellow celebrity finalist Mario Lopez received identical scores on Tuesday night's show, it was Smith's fan base that voted him and professional dance partner Cheryl Burke onto victory.

Smith, 37, beat out the former Saved by the Bell star in the third season of the popular ballroom dance show. "I am so proud of this trophy and I am proud to share it with Cheryl," Smith told PEOPLE while gold-colored confetti fell from above. "We worked our tails off." "Emmitt embodied what this competition is all about," season 3 contestant Shanna Moakler said. "He deserved to win. Absolutely."

I don't think you could go wrong with either of these guys," former contestant Jerry Springer said. "They both had identical scores so it was who had the more compelling story and Emmitt's was the great American story. You saw his growth throughout the process and that's the great American story. That's the magic of this show."

Runners up Lopez, 33, and partner Karina Smirnoff couldn't hide their disappointment about coming in second place. Tears streamed down Smirnoff's face as she reluctantly talked to reporters and the usually jovial Lopez tried to console her. "Apparently world-class dancing wasn't enough. That wasn't the criteria it was based on," a dejected Lopez told PEOPLE. "I don't really care about the trophy. I just wanted to win for Karina.

She is honestly the best dancer in the world. No disrespect to the other girls on this show, but they don't hold a candle to her." Smith, Burke, Lopez and Smirnoff will be in New York City on Thursday for a Ronald McDonald House charity event. Then, Smith will reunite with his family at their Dallas home. "This is going to be a great Thanksgiving this year," Smith's wife, Pat, said. "He is one happy man and I'm so proud of him.".

Puh-leeze Slater! Emmitt improved 100% over the course of the season. He not only had the moves but he had a GREAT attitude and his positive spirit showed through his dancing. Obviously the fans agreed - and so do I. Congrats Emmitt! See Mario, guys who cheat on their wives with nasty hookers the day before their wedding don't win...