Dancing With The Stars Winners A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever wondered who actually clinched the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars? Guys, it’s a question that’s sparked countless discussions and celebratory moments over the years. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the winners, seasons, and some of the most memorable moments in Dancing with the Stars history. Let’s dive in!
A Brief History of Dancing with the Stars
Before we delve into the winners, it’s crucial to understand the legacy of Dancing with the Stars. The show, inspired by the British series Strictly Come Dancing, premiered on ABC in 2005. It quickly became a sensation, pairing celebrities with professional dancers to compete in a variety of ballroom and Latin dances. Over the seasons, it has captivated audiences with its blend of glitz, glamour, and high-stakes competition. The format is simple yet compelling: each week, couples perform a choreographed routine, judged by a panel of experts and the viewing public. The couple with the lowest combined score gets eliminated, adding a layer of suspense and drama.
Dancing with the Stars has not only entertained millions but has also revitalized interest in ballroom dancing. It’s a show that celebrates hard work, dedication, and the transformative power of dance. Many celebrities have credited the show with helping them rediscover their passion for performance, overcome personal challenges, and even improve their physical and mental health. For viewers, it’s a chance to see their favorite stars in a completely new light, pushing their boundaries and showcasing their vulnerability. The chemistry between the celebrities and their professional partners often adds an extra layer of intrigue, making each season a unique and compelling narrative. The show’s success is also due to its ability to constantly evolve, incorporating new dance styles, innovative challenges, and engaging themes that keep viewers coming back for more. This adaptability has allowed Dancing with the Stars to remain a relevant and beloved fixture in the landscape of reality television.
The Allure of the Mirrorball Trophy
The ultimate prize, the Mirrorball Trophy, symbolizes not just victory but also the culmination of weeks of grueling training, emotional highs and lows, and personal growth. Winning the trophy is a career highlight for both the celebrity and the professional dancer, cementing their place in Dancing with the Stars history. For celebrities, it represents validation of their hard work and a demonstration of their versatility and determination. For professional dancers, it’s a testament to their teaching abilities, their creativity, and their passion for dance. The Mirrorball Trophy has become an iconic symbol of the show, instantly recognizable and synonymous with excellence in dance. The journey to the trophy is often filled with challenges, including injuries, personal setbacks, and intense competition. But it’s these obstacles that make the victory even sweeter, adding depth and meaning to the final triumph. The Mirrorball Trophy is more than just a sparkly prize; it’s a symbol of perseverance, artistry, and the transformative power of dance.
Dancing with the Stars Winners: A Season-by-Season Breakdown
So, who are these champions we’ve been talking about? Let’s break down the winners season by season, highlighting some of the most memorable moments and performances.
Season 1: Kelly Monaco & Alec Mazo
The very first season set the stage for what Dancing with the Stars would become. Kelly Monaco, known for her role on General Hospital, partnered with Alec Mazo and danced their way into our hearts, winning the inaugural Mirrorball Trophy. Their chemistry and Monaco’s natural grace made them a formidable duo. This historic win marked the beginning of a reality TV phenomenon.
Season 2: Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke
Drew Lachey, from the boy band 98 Degrees, teamed up with the amazing Cheryl Burke and brought some serious rhythm to the dance floor. Their performances were energetic and precise, making them fan favorites and eventual winners. Lachey's background in music certainly gave him an edge, but it was his dedication and partnership with Burke that sealed the deal.
Season 3: Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke snagged her second consecutive win with NFL legend Emmitt Smith. Their partnership was a beautiful blend of strength and elegance, proving that even the toughest athletes can excel in ballroom dancing. Smith’s charismatic personality and Burke’s exceptional choreography made them an unstoppable force. Their victory underscored the show's ability to attract viewers from diverse backgrounds.
Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno & Julianne Hough
Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno traded his skates for dancing shoes and partnered with Julianne Hough, wowing audiences with their athleticism and artistry. Their routines were innovative and daring, making them well-deserved champions. Ohno's Olympic discipline translated perfectly to the dance floor, and Hough's creative choreography highlighted his strengths.
Season 5: HĂ©lio Castroneves & Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough continued her winning streak with IndyCar driver HĂ©lio Castroneves. Their infectious energy and undeniable chemistry made them a joy to watch. Castroneves's background in motorsports provided him with the stamina and focus needed to excel in the competition. Their win demonstrated the power of personality and partnership in capturing the hearts of viewers.
Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas
Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi partnered with Mark Ballas and brought a level of grace and precision that was unmatched. Their performances were consistently flawless, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. Yamaguchi's experience as a skater gave her a natural advantage in terms of balance and coordination, but it was her artistry and connection with Ballas that truly set them apart.
Season 7: Brooke Burke-Charvet & Derek Hough
Actress and television personality Brooke Burke-Charvet teamed up with the brilliant Derek Hough and delivered stunning performances week after week. Their partnership was marked by creativity and passion, making them memorable champions. Burke-Charvet's dedication to the competition and Hough's innovative choreography made them a dynamic duo.
Season 8: Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas
Gymnast Shawn Johnson partnered with Mark Ballas and brought her incredible athleticism and charm to the dance floor. Their routines were filled with energy and excitement, making them a fan favorite and deserving winners. Johnson's background in gymnastics gave her a unique advantage in terms of flexibility and body awareness, but her genuine enthusiasm and partnership with Ballas resonated with viewers.
Season 9: Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson
Entertainer Donny Osmond proved that age is just a number, partnering with Kym Johnson to win the coveted trophy. Their performances were polished and entertaining, showcasing Osmond’s natural showmanship. Osmond's decades of experience in the entertainment industry gave him a distinct advantage in terms of stage presence and performance quality. Their win was a testament to the enduring appeal of seasoned performers.
Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Singer Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough were a match made in dance heaven. Their routines were technically brilliant and emotionally captivating, making them clear frontrunners and eventual winners. Scherzinger's background as a performer gave her a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and stage presence, but her partnership with Hough elevated her performances to new heights.
Season 11: Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough
Derek Hough secured another win with actress Jennifer Grey, who charmed audiences with her grace and vulnerability. Their partnership was marked by emotional depth and artistic expression, making them memorable champions. Grey's personal journey on the show resonated with viewers, and her connection with Hough made their performances even more compelling.
Season 12: Hines Ward & Kym Johnson
NFL star Hines Ward traded his helmet for dancing shoes and partnered with Kym Johnson, surprising audiences with his natural rhythm and charisma. Their performances were energetic and entertaining, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. Ward's background as an athlete gave him the stamina and determination needed to excel in the competition, and Johnson's choreography highlighted his strengths.
Season 13: J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff
Actor and Iraq War veteran J.R. Martinez inspired audiences with his resilience and determination, partnering with Karina Smirnoff to win the competition. Their routines were filled with emotion and power, making them a fan favorite. Martinez's personal story resonated deeply with viewers, and his partnership with Smirnoff showcased his strength and vulnerability.
Season 14: Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd
NFL player Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd brought their A-game to the dance floor, delivering consistently impressive performances. Their chemistry and athleticism made them deserving winners. Driver's background as an athlete gave him a natural advantage in terms of stamina and coordination, and Murgatroyd's choreography highlighted his strengths.
Season 15: Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani
After a previous stint on the show, Melissa Rycroft returned with a vengeance, partnering with Tony Dovolani to claim the Mirrorball Trophy. Their performances were polished and captivating, showcasing Rycroft’s growth as a dancer. Rycroft's previous experience on the show gave her a unique advantage in terms of familiarity with the format and expectations. Their win demonstrated the power of perseverance and growth.
Season 16: Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough
Country singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough brought their charm and talent to the dance floor, winning over audiences with their natural chemistry and captivating routines. Their partnership was marked by fun and enthusiasm, making them a joy to watch. Pickler's background as a performer gave her a natural advantage in terms of stage presence and charisma, but her partnership with Hough elevated her performances to new heights.
Season 17: Amber Riley & Derek Hough
Derek Hough continued his winning streak with Glee star Amber Riley, who wowed audiences with her incredible voice and dance moves. Their performances were powerful and emotional, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. Riley's background as a performer gave her a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and stage presence, but her partnership with Hough showcased her versatility as a dancer.
Season 18: Meryl Davis & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy and brought a level of artistry and precision that was breathtaking. Their routines were technically flawless and emotionally resonant, making them clear frontrunners and eventual winners. Davis's background as an ice dancer gave her a unique advantage in terms of balance and coordination, and her partnership with Chmerkovskiy elevated her performances to new heights.
Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson
Actor Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson brought their infectious energy and charisma to the dance floor, winning over audiences with their fun and engaging routines. Their partnership was marked by joy and enthusiasm, making them a fan favorite. Ribeiro's background as a dancer gave him a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and coordination, and his partnership with Carson showcased his personality and charm.
Season 20: Rumer Willis & Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Actress Rumer Willis partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy and delivered consistently impressive performances, showcasing her grace and artistry. Their partnership was marked by emotional depth and artistic expression, making them memorable champions. Willis's personal journey on the show resonated with viewers, and her connection with Chmerkovskiy made their performances even more compelling.
Season 21: Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough
Derek Hough secured another win with conservationist Bindi Irwin, who inspired audiences with her resilience and positive spirit. Their routines were filled with emotion and joy, making them a fan favorite and deserving winners. Irwin's personal story resonated deeply with viewers, and her partnership with Hough showcased her strength and vulnerability.
Season 22: Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd
Model and actor Nyle DiMarco, who is deaf, partnered with Peta Murgatroyd and broke barriers, proving that dance is for everyone. Their performances were innovative and inspiring, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. DiMarco's ability to feel the music and express himself through movement was truly remarkable, and his partnership with Murgatroyd showcased his talent and determination.
Season 23: Laurie Hernandez & Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy and brought her incredible athleticism and charm to the dance floor. Their routines were filled with energy and excitement, making them a fan favorite and deserving winners. Hernandez's background in gymnastics gave her a unique advantage in terms of flexibility and body awareness, but her genuine enthusiasm and partnership with Chmerkovskiy resonated with viewers.
Season 24: Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater
NFL player Rashad Jennings partnered with Emma Slater and surprised audiences with his natural rhythm and charisma. Their performances were energetic and entertaining, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. Jennings's background as an athlete gave him the stamina and determination needed to excel in the competition, and Slater's choreography highlighted his strengths.
Season 25: Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold
Actor and singer Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold were a match made in dance heaven. Their routines were technically brilliant and emotionally captivating, making them clear frontrunners and eventual winners. Fisher's background as a performer gave him a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and stage presence, but his partnership with Arnold elevated his performances to new heights.
Season 26: Adam Rippon & Jenna Johnson
Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon partnered with Jenna Johnson and brought a level of artistry and precision that was unmatched. Their performances were consistently flawless, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy. Rippon's experience as a skater gave him a natural advantage in terms of balance and coordination, but his artistry and connection with Johnson truly set them apart.
Season 27: Bobby Bones & Sharna Burgess
Radio personality Bobby Bones partnered with Sharna Burgess and surprised audiences with his determination and improvement throughout the season. Their win was controversial, as they often received lower scores from the judges, but their fan base rallied behind them, proving the power of public vote. Bones's journey on the show was marked by growth and vulnerability, and his partnership with Burgess showcased his dedication to the competition.
Season 28: Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten
The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown partnered with Alan Bersten and brought her charm and vulnerability to the dance floor. Their performances were often emotionally charged, earning them a dedicated fan base and the Mirrorball Trophy. Brown's personal journey on the show resonated with viewers, and her partnership with Bersten made their performances even more compelling.
Season 29: Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev
Another Bachelorette star, Kaitlyn Bristowe, teamed up with Artem Chigvintsev and danced her way to victory. Their routines were polished and captivating, showcasing Bristowe’s growth as a dancer throughout the season. Bristowe's background as a dancer gave her a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and coordination, and her partnership with Chigvintsev elevated her performances to new heights.
Season 30: Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach
NBA player Iman Shumpert partnered with Daniella Karagach and surprised audiences with his artistry and grace. Their win was historic, as Shumpert became the first NBA player to win the Mirrorball Trophy. Shumpert's dedication to the competition and his partnership with Karagach made their journey truly remarkable.
Season 31: Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas
TikTok star Charli D’Amelio partnered with Mark Ballas and brought her incredible talent and fanbase to the dance floor. Their performances were consistently impressive, earning them the Mirrorball Trophy and cementing D’Amelio’s status as a versatile performer. D’Amelio's background as a dancer gave her a natural advantage in terms of rhythm and coordination, and her partnership with Ballas showcased her artistry and stage presence.
Season 32: Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy
Actress Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy were the latest champions to grace the Dancing with the Stars stage. Their partnership was marked by creativity, passion, and undeniable talent, making them a dynamic duo and well-deserved winners. Gomez's dedication to the competition and Chmerkovskiy's innovative choreography made their journey truly special.
Memorable Moments and Performances
Beyond the winners, Dancing with the Stars has gifted us with countless memorable moments. From unexpected falls and recoveries to show-stopping performances that earned perfect scores, the show is a treasure trove of entertainment. Who could forget Jennifer Grey’s emotional freestyle, or Alfonso Ribeiro’s iconic “Carlton” dance? These moments remind us that Dancing with the Stars is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of dance, partnership, and personal growth. The show has also seen its share of controversies, from judging decisions that sparked debate to unexpected eliminations that left fans in shock. But it’s these moments of drama and unpredictability that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what will happen next.
The Impact of Professional Dancers
The professional dancers are the unsung heroes of Dancing with the Stars. They not only choreograph the routines but also mentor their celebrity partners, guiding them through the ups and downs of the competition. Dancers like Derek Hough, Cheryl Burke, Mark Ballas, and Val Chmerkovskiy have become household names, thanks to their talent, charisma, and dedication to the show. These professionals bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the dance floor, elevating the performances and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They are also skilled teachers, able to adapt their instruction to the unique strengths and weaknesses of their celebrity partners. The relationships between the professionals and their partners often become the heart and soul of the show, adding an emotional layer to the competition. Many professional dancers have also used their platform on Dancing with the Stars to launch successful careers in choreography, teaching, and performance, further contributing to the world of dance.
What Makes a Winning Couple?
What does it take to win Dancing with the Stars? It’s a combination of factors: dance ability, chemistry, hard work, and fan support. While some celebrities come with prior dance experience, others rely on their dedication and the guidance of their professional partners to improve each week. Chemistry between partners is crucial, as it translates into captivating performances that resonate with the audience. Hard work is a given, with couples spending countless hours rehearsing and perfecting their routines. But ultimately, it’s the fans who have the final say, voting for their favorite couples and propelling them to victory. The ability to connect with the audience and create a compelling narrative is often just as important as technical skill. Winning couples often have a unique story to tell, whether it’s overcoming personal challenges, celebrating a milestone, or simply bringing joy to viewers through their performances.
The Future of Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars has evolved over the years, adapting to changing tastes and trends while remaining true to its core formula. With its move to Disney+, the show has embraced a new era, experimenting with formats and engaging with a new generation of viewers. The future of Dancing with the Stars looks bright, with the promise of more dazzling performances, inspiring stories, and memorable moments. The show’s ability to innovate and reinvent itself ensures that it will continue to captivate audiences for years to come. The move to streaming has also allowed for greater flexibility in terms of content and scheduling, opening up new possibilities for the show’s format and presentation. As Dancing with the Stars continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a beloved fixture in the landscape of reality television, celebrating the art of dance and the power of human connection.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the winners of Dancing with the Stars, along with some fun insights into what makes the show so special. Who will be the next to lift the Mirrorball Trophy? Only time will tell, guys!
