Amber Riley
Amber Riley and her partner Derek Hough have been crowned winners of season 17 of Dancing with the Stars.

Amber Riley has beaten off her rivals to become the first black woman to win Dancing with the Stars.

The 27-year-old Glee star and her partner Derek Hough were crowned the winners of season 17 of the dancing competition after captivating the judges with their moves week after week.

Professional dancer Hough tasted victory for the second year running. He helped country star Kellie Pickler win in 2012.

Riley dedicated the win to women of all creeds, colours and body shapes.

Holding up the coveted mirrorball trophy, she said: "I want to let women of all sizes out there know that you can do whatever you put your mind to.

"It doesn't matter what size you are, what colour you are you can do whatever you put your mind to."

Riley gained the highest cumulative score of any contestant and impressed judges with her work ethic, tenacity, flexibility and rhythm.

Before emerging victorious, the singer broke down backstage and revealed that the show had boosted her confidence.

"I'm a stronger person than I thought I was and I can do things I never thought I could," she said.

Riley's Glee co-stars were equally blown away and tweeted congratulation messages.

Lea Michele wrote: "@MsAmberPRiley! OMG! So proud of you. #DWTSWINNER."

Naya Rivera said: "That's right. @MsAmberPRiley won DWTS. Proud of you."

Corbin Bleu finished the series in second place while Jack Osbourne came third.