People: Dancers pondering their next steps

Now that the “Dancing With the Stars” mirror-ball trophy has been awarded, the show’s three finalists are looking to the future.

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, the youngest competitor ever at 17, was named the new “Dancing” champ Tuesday, beating out Gilles Marini and Melissa Rycroft.

But with the show’s 20 million weekly viewers, all are enjoying newfound popularity.

“This has given me so many opportunities,” Johnson said. “It opened up a whole new world that I’ve never even known about. It’s just been the best experience ever.”

Marini, a French actor best known for his shower scene in the “Sex and the City” movie, said job offers have been pouring in, but that’s not why he signed up for the ABC dance-off.

“I really did the show toward seeing my daughter twirling around in a tutu,” he said. “I thought she might like to see her daddy dancing on a big stage like that.”

Reality-show star Rycroft (she was jilted on this season of “The Bachelor”) has more short-term plans.

“I’m going home,” said the native Texan. “And I’m going to get a puppy.”

‘Idol’ hands, devil’s workshop

Los Angeles police have arrested a woman they saw try to attack Simon Cowell’s ex-girlfriend Tuesday outside the venue where “American Idol” is taped.

“Extra” correspondent Terri Seymour said the woman asked if she was on television before trying to choke her.

Surrogate mommy tracked

Sarah Jessica Parker says she’s concerned for the safety of the surrogate through whom she and husband Matthew Broderick are expecting twins.

Parker said the surrogate’s telephone and computer have been hacked into, and she’s received threats, adding.

“Even given the unfortunate way we live now in this unending appetite for the more salacious information, it has still shocked me, and it has still really disappointed me.”

Now that’s truly unforgettable

Natalie Cole has a new kidney.

The 59-year-old singer underwent successful transplant surgery “and is resting comfortably,” her publicist said Wednesday.

Cole, who’s been receiving dialysis three times a week, continued to perform in support of her latest album, “Still Unforgettable.”

Quoteworthy, take one

“24” star Kiefer Sutherland, charged with assault for allegedly head-butting a fashion designer at a nightclub, to advertisers at Fox’s party announcing its fall schedule: “I will be looking for you at the bar.”

Quoteworthy, take two

“My Name is Earl” creator Greg Garcia, on his show being canceled by fourth-place NBC: “It’s hard to be too upset about being thrown off the Titanic.”

The birthday bunch

Singer Ron Isley (Isley Brothers) is 68. Singer Leo Sayer is 61. Comedian/author Al Franken is 58. Actor Mr. T is 57. Actor Judge Reinhold is 52. Actress Lisa Edelstein (“House”) is 41. Actress Fairuza Balk is 35. Actress Ashlie Brillault (“Lizzie McGuire”) is 22.