Words escape me. Dan Vickery and Antonio Ballatore both did amazing jobs with the final challenge on HGTV's Design Star, but in the end, the judges decided that Antonio would have his own show. We'll see his first on HGTV next week when he makes over his own home.

Want to catch up with what others are saying? See my roundup in today's post and check back for more of my own thoughts later today.

But the journey isn't over for Dan. For starters, everybody needs to vote for Dan at HGTV's site. The winner of that online voting gets his/her own online show on HGTV. Dan would be awesome. So get out and vote early and often through Tuesday.

Because Dan knew the outcome, he answered some questions I posed to him and sent them to me when the show ended so I could share them with you. Dan's had a lot of time to think about this and we — all his fans — are just now having to process the fact that Antonio won. Dan won in so many ways. And he has a very bright future ahead of him. Watch for most blog postings later tonight and tomorrow. In the meantime, here's what Dan had to say.

How did it feel when you knew the final outcome?

The funny thing is I knew the final outcome before it was announced. Clive is a professional host and played the part to the 'T'. The announcer, however, had a little trouble with his lines and we shot the scene when he came into the elimination room at least 4 times, maybe more. He couldn't take his eyes off of Antonio the entire time and I knew then my name would not be called.

It had been a long and hard journey and I was proud of what I had done. At this point in the competition there is so much more being judged than simply design and hosting. I gave my all for this competition and was able to walk off that stage proud.

What did you think about the judges comments?

Antonio and I both had different strengths and weaknesses in this challenge. I really feel that their critiques were fair and honest.

Why do you think Antonio won?

Antonio and I were compared and contrasted from the beginning. We had some very similar strengths and some very different personalities. We talked about how my personality was a great fit for the HGTV family and that could also be my greatest weakness. Antonio had the opposite issue which was apparently a strength for him.

You mentioned before that it was a big challenge. How intense was the final challenge?

Because the challenge was so large it had as much to do with organization and communication as it did actual design. We were each working with a team of 6 carpenters. Some of them we had met on previous challenges but most of them were new. We had to put a lot of faith in their ability to understand our concepts and carry them out. I spent a lot of time each night working on drawings and written instructions for my team to be sure they had a clear vision of my design concepts while I out shopping.

I had a great crew and a couple of really spectacular guys who took the lead while I was away. Thank you to my entire crew but especially to Stephen and Randy.

How gratifying was the whole experience?

Extremely gratifying. It is amazing to look back and think I came so close without winning but there are so many things to be positive about. I had a dream and I went for it! After being told no last year I never slowed down. I was the youngest competitor besides Nathan and competing against someone who has been doing design for thirty years compared to my five. I had great moments with design and was able to share that with America. I kept my integrity and stayed honest throughout the competition, regardless of what editing may have you believe. I also made some friends I will have for life, Lonni in particular. She is an amazing woman.

What happens now for Dan Vickery?

I am waiting for September 15th and hoping that I will be the fan favorite. I still dream of having my own design show. That's been the goal for almost ten years now and I have only been encouraged to continue on this path. If I cannot achieve my dream with HGTV I will find another way.

Was the experience worth it?

Definitely. Especially because of my age I can only go up from here. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I also made some great connections and got some wonderful exposure. I feel great about my future.

Would you do it again? Or recommend someone else to try it?

Knowing everything I know now, yes, I would definitely do it again. I cannot imagine this will have anything but a positive impact on my life. I would also say that if it is your dream you have to go for it. An amazing opportunity is out there and it will change your life. Who wouldn't you go for it?

Can you talk about your future with HGTV?

I am sure you will see my face on HGTV again. They have brought back past finalist's from Design Star for Showdown's and even had them help with some special promotions. I cannot make any guarantees but things are looking positive.

Anything we missed on the season finale?

My family is my foundation and my best friends. Like past seasons they did bring our families into see us the morning of the final challenge. Somehow that footage never made it on the air. The day before my family flew down my Grandpa Don, my dad's father, passed away. With everything going on at home my parents and my sister still came down for me. They went against their instincts when the producers told them to tell me about it.

As wonderful as it was to see my family it was still tough news to hear. I broke down and remained a wreck the entire first day of the challenge. I quickly changed my attitude and fought for my dream. This was certainly no time to give up.

I would have loved to share my family with America. They are a huge part of who I am. My sister's strength and humor. My mom's will and insight. My dad's patience and of course his laugh, exactly like mine.

Because the challenges really do go by as quickly as they seem to on TV I was able to make it home in time for my grandpa's funeral and spend time with my family.

Dan, anything else you want to mention or say?

Overall I feel the competition was a success. I am happy to have it done and no longer have this secret to hide even though it has been one of the most exciting secrets of my life. I have surprised myself and am very proud of my accomplishment.

I want to thank the judges. They each had things to teach us throughout the competition and I know I am a better designer because of it. Thanks also to HGTV for the exciting opportunity and for remembering me from Season 3 auditions and giving me another chance. Thank you especially though for all the people who have stood by me and believed in me. Thanks also to my fans. It is still strange thing to think that I have fans but I am thrilled with their support.