DWTS Winners: The Complete List Of Dancing With The Stars Winners
Hey everyone! Are you a Dancing With the Stars fanatic? Do you find yourself constantly wondering who clinched the mirrorball trophy in each season? Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the glittering history of Dancing With the Stars, highlighting each season's champions and their journey to victory. We'll dive deep into the memorable moments, the stunning performances, and the charismatic personalities that have graced the dance floor over the years. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let's relive the magic of Dancing With the Stars!
Dancing With the Stars has captivated audiences for years, becoming a beloved staple of reality television. The show's premise is simple yet compelling: pair celebrities with professional dancers and watch them compete in a variety of dance styles, from the elegant waltz to the fiery salsa. Each week, the couples perform in front of a panel of judges and a live audience, who score their routines. The couple with the lowest combined score and audience vote is eliminated, leading to a dramatic and suspenseful finale. But beyond the competition, Dancing With the Stars is a celebration of dance, showcasing the athleticism, artistry, and sheer joy that can be found in movement. The show has introduced a wide audience to different dance styles, inspiring many to take up dancing themselves. It has also provided a platform for celebrities to showcase their hidden talents and connect with their fans in a new and exciting way. The chemistry between the celebrity contestants and their professional partners is a key ingredient in the show's success, with many enduring friendships formed over the course of a season. The emotional journey of the contestants, as they overcome challenges and push themselves to their limits, is also a compelling aspect of the show. Ultimately, Dancing With the Stars is more than just a dance competition; it's a celebration of human potential and the power of perseverance.
Season 1 Winners: Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo
The inaugural season of Dancing With the Stars premiered in 2005, and it immediately captured the hearts of viewers. Among the six celebrity contestants, Kelly Monaco, best known for her role on the soap opera General Hospital, emerged as the first-ever champion alongside her professional partner, Alec Mazo. Their journey was a whirlwind of dazzling performances and nail-biting eliminations, setting the stage for the show's future success. Kelly's background as an actress gave her a natural flair for performance, but she had no formal dance training prior to the show. This made her victory all the more impressive, as she demonstrated a remarkable ability to learn and adapt to the challenges of ballroom dancing. Alec Mazo, a seasoned professional dancer, proved to be the perfect partner for Kelly, guiding her through the intricacies of each dance style and helping her to showcase her strengths. Their chemistry on the dance floor was undeniable, and their routines were consistently among the most memorable of the season. The finale was a tense affair, with Kelly and Alec facing stiff competition from fellow finalists John O'Hurley and Charlotte Jorgensen. However, Kelly and Alec's final performances, which included a captivating freestyle routine, ultimately won over the judges and the audience, securing their place in Dancing With the Stars history. Their victory marked the beginning of a long and successful run for the show, paving the way for future seasons and countless memorable moments.
Season 2 Winners: Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke
In Season 2, Drew Lachey, a member of the boy band 98 Degrees, partnered with the incredibly talented Cheryl Burke. Their dynamic partnership and undeniable chemistry led them to victory, setting a new standard for the competition. Drew's previous experience in the entertainment industry gave him a natural stage presence, but he had to work hard to master the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. Cheryl Burke, a two-time champion on the show, proved to be a masterful teacher and choreographer, pushing Drew to his full potential. Their performances were consistently energetic and engaging, showcasing Drew's athleticism and Cheryl's innovative choreography. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, from the quickstep to the rumba, demonstrating their versatility as a dancing duo. Their journey was not without its challenges, as they faced tough competition from other talented couples. However, Drew and Cheryl's dedication and hard work paid off, as they consistently earned high scores from the judges and the audience. The finale was a thrilling showdown, with Drew and Cheryl delivering some of their best performances of the season. Their freestyle routine, in particular, was a standout, showcasing their creativity and their undeniable connection. Ultimately, their talent and charisma won over the hearts of viewers, earning them the coveted mirrorball trophy. Their victory solidified Cheryl Burke's reputation as one of the show's most successful professional dancers, and it established Drew Lachey as a true force to be reckoned with on the dance floor.
Season 3 Winners: Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke
Emmitt Smith, the legendary NFL running back, partnered with Cheryl Burke in Season 3, proving that his athleticism extended far beyond the football field. Their powerful performances and undeniable connection resulted in another mirrorball trophy for Cheryl, making her the first professional dancer to win the competition twice. Emmitt's background as a professional athlete gave him a strong foundation of physical fitness and discipline, which proved to be invaluable in the demanding world of ballroom dancing. He approached each dance with a competitive spirit, pushing himself to master the steps and techniques. Cheryl Burke, once again, demonstrated her exceptional talent as a teacher and choreographer, tailoring their routines to Emmitt's strengths and showcasing his natural charisma. Their performances were characterized by their energy and precision, earning them consistently high scores from the judges. Emmitt's personality shone through on the dance floor, as he embraced the challenge and connected with the audience. His genuine enthusiasm and infectious smile made him a fan favorite, and his partnership with Cheryl was a joy to watch. The finale was a thrilling contest, with Emmitt and Cheryl facing off against two other strong couples. However, their final performances, which included a memorable freestyle routine, sealed their victory, earning them the mirrorball trophy and solidifying their place in Dancing With the Stars history. Emmitt Smith's win proved that athletes can excel in a variety of disciplines, and it cemented Cheryl Burke's status as a dancing superstar.
Season 4 Winners: Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough
In Season 4, Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno teamed up with the vibrant Julianne Hough, creating a partnership that was full of energy and excitement. Their athleticism and artistry combined to create some truly memorable performances, ultimately leading them to victory. Apolo's background as an Olympic athlete gave him a unique advantage in the competition, as he possessed the strength, stamina, and competitive drive necessary to excel in ballroom dancing. He approached each dance with a focused determination, pushing himself to master the intricate steps and techniques. Julianne Hough, a newcomer to Dancing With the Stars, quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing her exceptional talent as a dancer and choreographer. Her routines were innovative and dynamic, perfectly complementing Apolo's athleticism and energy. Their partnership was characterized by their infectious enthusiasm and their genuine connection, which resonated with viewers. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, earning consistently high scores from the judges. Their performances were full of personality and excitement, making them a joy to watch. The finale was a nail-biting contest, with Apolo and Julianne facing tough competition from other talented couples. However, their final performances, which included a stunning freestyle routine, secured their victory, earning them the coveted mirrorball trophy. Apolo Anton Ohno's win demonstrated the versatility of athletes, and it launched Julianne Hough's career as a star in the world of dance and entertainment.
Season 5 Winners: Hélio Castroneves and Julianne Hough
Season 5 saw race car driver Hélio Castroneves partner with Julianne Hough for her second consecutive win. Their partnership was marked by its charm, grace, and consistent improvement throughout the season. Hélio's initial performances showed promise, but he needed to refine his technique and build his confidence. Julianne Hough, drawing on her experience from the previous season, proved to be an exceptional mentor, guiding Hélio through the challenges of ballroom dancing and helping him to unlock his potential. Their performances became increasingly polished and sophisticated as the season progressed, earning them high scores from the judges and the admiration of the audience. Hélio's personality shone through on the dance floor, as he embraced the elegance and artistry of ballroom dance. His genuine enthusiasm and infectious smile made him a fan favorite, and his partnership with Julianne was a delight to watch. The finale was a thrilling showdown, with Hélio and Julianne delivering some of their best performances of the season. Their freestyle routine, in particular, was a standout, showcasing their creativity and their undeniable connection. Ultimately, their hard work and dedication paid off, as they earned the mirrorball trophy and solidified their place in Dancing With the Stars history. Hélio Castroneves' win demonstrated the power of perseverance and the importance of a strong partnership, and it cemented Julianne Hough's status as one of the show's most talented and successful professional dancers.
Season 6 Winners: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas
Figure skating legend Kristi Yamaguchi joined forces with the innovative Mark Ballas in Season 6, creating a partnership that seamlessly blended athleticism and artistry. Kristi's background as an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating gave her a natural grace and poise, as well as a deep understanding of movement and performance. Mark Ballas, known for his creative choreography and his ability to push his partners to their limits, proved to be the perfect match for Kristi. Their performances were consistently elegant and expressive, showcasing Kristi's technical skill and Mark's artistic vision. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, from the Viennese waltz to the jive, demonstrating their versatility as a dancing duo. Their partnership was characterized by their mutual respect and their shared passion for dance, which resonated with viewers. They consistently earned high scores from the judges, and they quickly became fan favorites. The finale was a highly anticipated event, with Kristi and Mark facing off against two other strong couples. However, their final performances, which included a breathtaking freestyle routine, solidified their victory, earning them the coveted mirrorball trophy. Kristi Yamaguchi's win was a testament to her extraordinary talent and her dedication to her craft, and it cemented Mark Ballas's reputation as one of the show's most creative and innovative choreographers.
Season 7 Winners: Brooke Burke-Charvet and Derek Hough
Season 7 saw television personality Brooke Burke-Charvet partner with the dynamic Derek Hough, resulting in a winning combination of grace, energy, and undeniable chemistry. Brooke's background as a model and television host gave her a natural stage presence and a strong sense of performance, but she had to work hard to master the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. Derek Hough, a rising star among the professional dancers, proved to be an exceptional teacher and choreographer, pushing Brooke to her full potential. Their performances were consistently polished and engaging, showcasing Brooke's elegance and Derek's innovative choreography. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, from the foxtrot to the paso doble, demonstrating their versatility as a dancing duo. Their partnership was characterized by their mutual respect and their playful banter, which made them a joy to watch. They consistently earned high scores from the judges, and they quickly became fan favorites. The finale was a thrilling showdown, with Brooke and Derek delivering some of their best performances of the season. Their freestyle routine, in particular, was a standout, showcasing their creativity and their undeniable connection. Ultimately, their talent and charisma won over the hearts of viewers, earning them the mirrorball trophy. Brooke Burke-Charvet's win demonstrated the power of hard work and dedication, and it established Derek Hough as one of the show's most popular and successful professional dancers.
Season 8 Winners: Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson teamed up with the creative Mark Ballas in Season 8, creating a partnership that was full of youthful energy and impressive athleticism. Shawn's background as a gymnast gave her a remarkable sense of body awareness and control, as well as a strong work ethic and competitive spirit. Mark Ballas, known for his innovative choreography and his ability to push his partners to their limits, proved to be the perfect match for Shawn. Their performances were consistently energetic and engaging, showcasing Shawn's athleticism and Mark's artistic vision. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, from the cha-cha-cha to the tango, demonstrating their versatility as a dancing duo. Their partnership was characterized by their playful banter and their genuine respect for each other, which resonated with viewers. They consistently earned high scores from the judges, and they quickly became fan favorites. The finale was a highly anticipated event, with Shawn and Mark facing off against two other strong couples. However, their final performances, which included a dynamic freestyle routine, solidified their victory, earning them the coveted mirrorball trophy. Shawn Johnson's win was a testament to her extraordinary talent and her dedication to her craft, and it cemented Mark Ballas's reputation as one of the show's most creative and innovative choreographers.
Season 9 Winners: Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson
Season 9 saw the legendary Donny Osmond partner with the talented Kym Johnson, resulting in a winning combination of showmanship, experience, and undeniable chemistry. Donny's decades-long career in entertainment gave him a natural stage presence and a deep understanding of performance. He approached each dance with a professionalism and enthusiasm that was infectious. Kym Johnson, known for her energetic choreography and her ability to connect with her partners, proved to be the perfect match for Donny. Their performances were consistently polished and engaging, showcasing Donny's versatility and Kym's creative vision. They tackled a wide range of dance styles with confidence and flair, from the jive to the Viennese waltz, demonstrating their ability to master both fast-paced and elegant routines. Their partnership was characterized by their mutual respect and their playful banter, which made them a joy to watch. They consistently earned high scores from the judges, and they quickly became fan favorites. The finale was a thrilling showdown, with Donny and Kym delivering some of their best performances of the season. Their freestyle routine, in particular, was a standout, showcasing their creativity and their undeniable connection. Ultimately, their talent and charisma won over the hearts of viewers, earning them the mirrorball trophy. Donny Osmond's win demonstrated the power of experience and the importance of a strong partnership, and it cemented Kym Johnson's status as one of the show's most talented and successful professional dancers.
Seasons 10-32 Winners: A Quick Recap
To keep this guide comprehensive, let's briefly recap the winners from Seasons 10 through 32:
- Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough
- Season 11: Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough
- Season 12: Hines Ward and Kym Johnson
- Season 13: J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff
- Season 14: Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd
- Season 15: Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani
- Season 16: Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough
- Season 17: Amber Riley and Derek Hough
- Season 18: Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
- Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson
- Season 20: Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Season 21: Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough
- Season 22: Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd
- Season 23: Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
- Season 24: Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater
- Season 25: Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold
- Season 26: Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson
- Season 27: Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess
- Season 28: Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten
- Season 29: Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev
- Season 30: Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach
- Season 31: Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas
- Season 32: Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy
Conclusion: Celebrating the Stars of the Dance Floor
Dancing With the Stars has provided us with countless memorable moments, showcasing the transformative power of dance and the dedication of its contestants. From soap opera stars to athletes to musicians, the show has celebrated a diverse range of talents and personalities. Each winner's journey is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the magic that happens when two people connect on the dance floor. So, the next time you find yourself wondering who won Dancing With the Stars, remember this guide and relive the excitement of each season. And who knows, maybe you'll even be inspired to lace up your dancing shoes and try a few steps yourself!