In this publicity image released by ABC, Donny Osmond, and his partner Kym Johnson, left, celebrate after they were crowned champions of 'Dancing with the Stars,' on the Season Finale, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 in Los Angeles. [Agencies]

NEW YORK – An estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond win "Dancing With the Stars" — the smallest audience for the show's finale since the first season.

This was the ninth edition of the contest, one of television's most popular shows. The Nielsen Co. says ratings have been down all season for the show, an indication that viewers weren't as attached to the contestants as they had in the past.

Osmond said the show has been a highlight in a career of ups and downs. He competed during the show's finale Tuesday against singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock star Ozzy Osbourne.