Wanya Morris might have earned two perfect scores from the judges during Week 9 of “Dancing With the Stars” but not even all 10s could save the Season 22 contestant from getting eliminated. Lindsay Arnold’s partner was forced to say goodbye to his chances of winning the Mirror Ball when Wanya was sent home during the semifinals of the hit ABC series.

“It’s been a learning experience,” he said, revealing with tears in his eyes that the key to his success in the ballroom was finding someone who believed in him.

Wanya explained during a segment on “Good Morning America” that he always gets emotional when talking about “z-pack,” the nickname he gave Lindsay. He then added that he had no regrets about his experience in the ballroom.

“I left all that weight on the dance floor — my z-pack diet!” he quipped, adding that he persevered even when rehearsals got tough. “I feel absolutely great.”

Lindsay added that watching Wanya transform emotionally and physically in front of her eyes was “more rewarding than getting the Mirror Ball trophy.”

“It’s like he turned into a new man!” she continued.

Although the two won’t be shaking it out during the finals, Team BlondeZee did reveal who they’ll be cheering for during the finale. “Nyle [DiMarco] is a phenomenon,” Wanya said. “He can’t hear the music but he’s dancing and acting. There’s a lot of good chances … but it seems to me it’s being set up for Nyle [to win].”

Val Chmerkoskiy, who will be competing with Ginger Zee against Nyle and Peta Murgatroyd in the finales, responded to Wanya’s comment. “This is awkward,” the pro, who was conferencing into “Good Morning America” from California, said.

Val agree with Wanya that “there’s a clear front-runner” but noted that he doesn’t think the Mirror Ball is out of Ginger’s grasp. “We’ve been trying to dance our hearts out for the past few weeks,” he said, “and I think we’ve done that.”

Who do you think will take home the Mirror Ball trophy during the Season 22 “Dancing With the Stars” finale? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts before the final episode airs on ABC Monday, May, 23, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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