Steelers’ Ward dances to title

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES

Hines Ward can add a disco-ball trophy to his Super Bowl shelf.

The Steelers wide receiver and former Super Bowl MVP won the “Dancing With the Stars” title Tuesday, besting actresses Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane to become the season 12 champ.

The champion was chosen by viewer votes combined with judges’ scores.

Ward and professional partner Kym Johnson came into the season finale tied for first place with Kane. The couple added another 30 points to their total Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Ward is the second professional football player to win the “Dancing” crown. Emmitt Smith won in 2006.

Alley, Kane and Ward each earned perfect scores for their final performances Tuesday.

Ward and Kane came into the season finale tied with 59 points out of 60. Alley had 54 points.

Wendy Williams, Kendra Wilkinson, Sugar Ray Leonard and the rest of the celebrity contestants eliminated from the hit ABC show earlier in the season brought their sometimes stunning, sometimes wacky moves back to the ballroom for the season finale.

The show opened with an all-cast routine and the Black Eyed Peas singing their new single, “Don’t Stop the Party,” to an energized audience.

Besides the Peas, the Go-Go’s played their classic “We Got the Beat” for a frenzied dance routine.