Billy Crawford on winning France’s DWTS: 'Hard work really does pay off'
Billy Crawford declared his love and gratitude to everyone who contributed to his awe-inspiring victory at the recently concluded 12th season of Danse avec les Stars—the French version of popular dance contest Dancing with the Stars.
Sharing an Instagram carousel on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Filipino talent began his post by thanking his dance partner Fauve Hautot for her patience and “amazing talent.” He said, “I am forever grateful to have worked with someone as dope as you.”
Crawford went on to give a special mention to his fellow contestants on the show as well as its crew. “To all the pro dancers who helped each other to give an amazing show to the French public, salut and respect to all of you,” he wrote in the caption. “The judges, thanks for encouraging us that we could always be better no matter what the circumstances are!”
He also thanked those who helped him and his dance partner gain 53.5% of public votes, which led them to the highly coveted DALS trophy. “To all the public who voted for me and Fauve in the end, thank you!”
For Crawford, he could not have made it without the love of his life Coleen Garcia. “My wife Coleen, I love you, my family, never could’ve done it without you guys sacrificing being here.”
Aside from expressing his heartfelt gratitude to God, he also mentioned his homeland, the Philippines, “who tries to follow updates on what’s going on even if it’s super early in the a.m.”
“Thank you all for this experience as it will be forever imprinted in my heart. In the end, hard work really does pay off,” said the local star.
“With all the love in the world, before the trophy, I have already won ‘cause of the relationships we have built! Till next time,” he concluded.
On Nov. 12, Crawford emerged as the grand winner of the tilt that lasted for 11 weeks, getting ahead of Carla Lazzari and Pierre Mauduy.
The Filipino actor announced his participation in the French dance contest in July. He earned consecutive wins prior to his big feat as well as a standing ovation from the judges since its pilot episode that aired in September.