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Kellie Pickler might have finished just sixth on American Idol back in Season 5.

But she can now proclaim herself a dancing champ.

Kellie was named winner of Season 16 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” tonight.

Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough after their freestyle performance Monday night. (ABC Photo)

Kellie and partner Derek Hough had finished second in the scoring from Monday night’s performance finale on the show.

But their stripped-down version of the show’s “super-sized” freestyle dance was the best received performance of the night.

It drew a standing ovation from judge Len Goodman, which I’m told doesn’t happen very often.

The timing couldn’t be better for Kellie, who is trying to revive her music career with a new record label (Black River Entertainment).

Her third album, “100 Proof,” was released last January to solid reviews, but also turned out to be her weakest selling to date.

She just released a new single, “Someone Somewhere Tonight,” her first with Black River.

And next week, Kellie will be performing twice in Pennsylvania.

Her Friday night show at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, Pa., is sold out.

But tickets remain for a Saturday show at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Pa. Head here for details.

If you missed it, here’s video of Kellie’s freestyle dance routine from Monday night, followed by a lyric video for her new single.