Ward and Johnson win 'Dancing'

LOS ANGELES, May 24 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and his professional dance partner Kym Johnson are the Season 12 winners of "Dancing with the Stars."

The pair beat out fellow finalists Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane and their professional dance partners for

the honor Tuesday night.

"Starting this competition, I never thought I'd be in the finals, but I owe it all to Kym. She is an amazing teacher and I want to thank the judges for giving us constructive criticism to help me get better each week. I also want to thank the fans," Ward said upon learning his fate.

"It's like the most extraordinary adventure I've ever been on in my life," runner-up Alley said.