8 of the biggest upset wins in 'Dancing With the Stars' history

Since its debut in 2005, viewers have watched contestants on "Dancing with the Stars" transform on their journey from novice to full-fledged ballroom dancer.

But in true reality TV fashion, there were often supposed ringers, shocking eliminations, and surprising drama. But the biggest controversies are usually those who appeared to be sailing to victory and somehow got blown off the course.

Here are some of the wins still debated on "DWTS" message boards everywhere.

SEE ALSO: Everyone who will be on the new season of 'Dancing with the Stars'

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Some believe Mario Lopez missed out in season three.

"Saved by the Bell" heartthrob Mario Lopez seemed to have this win in the bag. The actor was oozing chemistry with his pro partner Karina Smirnoff and the duo was turning in near flawless performances on a weekly basis.

In fact, they nabbed the first perfect scores of the season. But the Lopez lovers underestimated the power of the Dallas Cowboys nation. The NFL's all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith won the popular vote and took home the mirrorball trophy much to Lopez's chagrin.

"I would like to think the criteria was based solely on being the best dancer, and I thought we did enough to accomplish that," Lopez told The Post.

"I figure if this was truly a dance competition they would have voted for the better dancer," he added.

Some thought Gilles Marini got robbed in season eight.

Viewers could not get enough of Gilles Marini. The "Sex and the City" and "Switched at Birth" actor dazzled with his phenomenal quickstep and tantalizing tango.

He appeared to be a lock for the title. But his plans for victory were thwarted by Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Shawn Johnson — fresh off an Olympic year no less. The two were separated by less than 1% in votes making it one of the closest competitions in "DWTS" history, according to People magazine.

Shawn Johnson had the script flipped in season 15.

How good was Shawn Johnson in season 15? The quickstep she performed with partner Derek Hough during what was dubbed the All-Stars season won an outstanding choreography Emmy.

If that wasn't enough, her finale freestyle was a powerhouse performance featuring the Olympic gold medal-winning Fierce Five. But in a shocking twist no one saw coming, former "Bachelor" contestant Melissa Rycroft was crowned champ.

Even Rycroft herself didn't see it coming. According to Entertainment Weekly, she told reporters after the show, "When it was our name called, I just went, oh, my gosh, how did this just happen."

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