Pop star Nick Carter credits his time on reality TV competition series Dancing With The Stars with bringing back a "Nick Carter that was hidden for a while".

The Backstreet Boys star landed in second place during the finale on Tuesday (24Nov15), just behind late Australian animal expert Steve Irwin's 17-year-old daughter Bindi, who was crowned the champion.

However, despite the loss, Carter insists the entire experience has helped renew a passion within him that had been gone for some time.

"I'm thankful for Dancing With the Stars," Nick tells E! News. "I'm thankful for (professional dance partner) Sharna (Burgess), all the pros, because they've opened my heart. They brought back a Nick Carter that I think was kind of hidden for a while... that makes me a winner in my mind. I feel just so grateful."

"Dancing is one of the things in my repertoire that I definitely needed to work on," he adds. "Singing was the first thing and now it's getting a little even with the dancing because I've been in school for the past 11 weeks."

Nick, who is preparing to become a first-time father next year (15), continued his positive outlook with a post on Instagram.com following his second place finish, writing, "This may be the end of the road on #DWTS, but it is the beginning of so much more: a new album, so many new friends, BSB 2016, FATHERHOOD!!!

"I feel so lucky for this experience, and for my girl @sharnaburgess who gave her all for me... Thanks for all your votes, tweets, support and for having me @dancingabc. You're the best. This experience was unreal. PS congrats @bindisueirwin, you earned it."