Dancing With The Stars: Who Won? (Latest Winners)
Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is a popular reality show where celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dance. Each season culminates in a finale where the top couples vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to past DWTS winners, you've come to the right place. This article will provide a detailed overview of each season's champion, highlighting key moments and memorable performances.
Dancing with the Stars Winners: A Season-by-Season Breakdown
The show has had many successful seasons since it premiered. Each season has featured a diverse cast of celebrities, resulting in an array of winners from various backgrounds.
Season 1 Winner: Kelly Monaco
The first season of DWTS aired in 2005, and the winner was actress Kelly Monaco, partnered with professional dancer Alec Mazo. Their victory set the stage for the show's future success, demonstrating the appeal of celebrity dance competitions.
Season 2 Winner: Drew Lachey
The second season saw singer Drew Lachey and his partner Cheryl Burke taking home the Mirrorball Trophy. Lachey's win highlighted the blend of musicality and dance skills required to win the competition.
Season 3 Winner: Emmitt Smith
Former NFL player Emmitt Smith, paired with Cheryl Burke, won Season 3. Smith's athleticism and charisma made him a fan favorite, illustrating the importance of personality in the competition. — Northbrook To NYC: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Season 4 Winner: Apolo Anton Ohno
Speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and his partner Julianne Hough won Season 4. Ohno's stamina and competitive spirit, combined with Hough's choreography, led to their victory.
Season 5 Winner: Hélio Castroneves
Race car driver Hélio Castroneves, dancing with Julianne Hough, won Season 5. Castroneves's energy and enthusiasm on the dance floor captivated audiences.
Season 6 Winner: Kristi Yamaguchi
Figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas won Season 6. Yamaguchi's background in skating gave her a natural grace and advantage in the ballroom dances.
Season 7 Winner: Brooke Burke-Charvet
Actress and television personality Brooke Burke-Charvet, partnered with Derek Hough, won Season 7. Burke-Charvet's elegance and poise made her a standout competitor.
Season 8 Winner: Shawn Johnson
Gymnast Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas won Season 8. Johnson's flexibility and strength, honed from her gymnastics career, were instrumental in her success.
Season 9 Winner: Donny Osmond
Singer Donny Osmond, paired with Kym Johnson, won Season 9. Osmond's performance experience and dedication to the competition made him a strong contender.
Season 10 Winner: Nicole Scherzinger
Singer Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough won Season 10. Scherzinger's dance background and stage presence contributed to her impressive performances.
Season 11 Winner: Jennifer Grey
Actress Jennifer Grey, partnered with Derek Hough, won Season 11. Grey's emotional performances and connection with her partner resonated with viewers.
Season 12 Winner: Hines Ward
NFL player Hines Ward and Kym Johnson won Season 12. Ward's athleticism and hard work ethic translated well to the dance floor.
Season 13 Winner: J. R. Martinez
Actor and veteran J. R. Martinez, dancing with Karina Smirnoff, won Season 13. Martinez's inspiring story and determination made him a popular winner.
Season 14 Winner: Donald Driver
NFL player Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd won Season 14. Driver's charisma and dance skills made him a fan favorite.
Season 15 Winner: Melissa Rycroft
Television personality Melissa Rycroft, partnered with Tony Dovolani, won Season 15. Rycroft's natural dance ability and chemistry with her partner led to their victory.
Season 16 Winner: Kellie Pickler
Country singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough won Season 16. Pickler's personality and dance improvement throughout the season made her a memorable winner.
Season 17 Winner: Amber Riley
Actress and singer Amber Riley, dancing with Derek Hough, won Season 17. Riley's powerful performances and stage presence impressed both judges and viewers.
Season 18 Winner: Meryl Davis
Ice dancer Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy won Season 18. Davis's grace and artistry, refined through her ice dancing career, gave her a competitive edge.
Season 19 Winner: Alfonso Ribeiro
Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, partnered with Witney Carson, won Season 19. Ribeiro's dance background and infectious energy made him a standout performer.
Season 20 Winner: Rumer Willis
Actress Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy won Season 20. Willis's dedication and artistic expression resonated with audiences.
Season 21 Winner: Bindi Irwin
Television personality Bindi Irwin, dancing with Derek Hough, won Season 21. Irwin's enthusiasm and heartfelt performances made her a beloved winner.
Season 22 Winner: Nyle DiMarco
Model and actor Nyle DiMarco, partnered with Peta Murgatroyd, won Season 22. DiMarco's historic win as the first deaf contestant highlighted his incredible ability to feel the music.
Season 23 Winner: Laurie Hernandez
Gymnast Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy won Season 23. Hernandez's youth and exuberance, combined with her athletic prowess, made her a captivating performer.
Season 24 Winner: Rashad Jennings
NFL player Rashad Jennings, dancing with Emma Slater, won Season 24. Jennings's strength and agility, combined with his dedication to improvement, led to his victory.
Season 25 Winner: Jordan Fisher
Actor and singer Jordan Fisher, partnered with Lindsay Arnold, won Season 25. Fisher's natural talent and charisma made him a standout competitor.
Season 26 Winner: Adam Rippon
Figure skater Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson won Season 26. Rippon's artistry and personality shone through in his performances.
Season 27 Winner: Bobby Bones
Radio personality Bobby Bones, dancing with Sharna Burgess, won Season 27. Bones's unexpected win, despite lower scores, underscored the importance of fan votes.
Season 28 Winner: Hannah Brown
Television personality Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten won Season 28. Brown's journey of growth and improvement throughout the season resonated with viewers.
Season 29 Winner: Kaitlyn Bristowe
Television personality Kaitlyn Bristowe, partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, won Season 29. Bristowe's dance background and competitive spirit contributed to her success. — Conan Gray Tour 2024: Dates, Tickets & Locations
Season 30 Winner: Iman Shumpert
NBA player Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach won Season 30. Shumpert's groundbreaking win, showcasing his unique style and artistry, made him a memorable champion. — Santa Clarita City Jobs: Find Your Next Career
Season 31 Winner: Charli D'Amelio
Social media personality Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas won Season 31. D'Amelio's significant social media following and natural dance talent made her a frontrunner.
Season 32 Winner: Xochitl Gomez
Actress Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy won Season 32. Gomez's energy and rapid improvement throughout the season led to her victory.
FAQ About Dancing with the Stars Winners
How are the winners of Dancing with the Stars determined?
The winners are determined by a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes. Each week, the couples receive scores from a panel of judges, and viewers can vote for their favorite couples. The combined scores and votes determine which couple is eliminated each week, until a final couple is crowned the winner.
Which professional dancer has won the most Mirrorball Trophies?
Derek Hough has won the most Mirrorball Trophies, with a total of six wins across various seasons. His success highlights his choreography skills and his ability to connect with his celebrity partners.
Are there any patterns or trends among DWTS winners?
Many winners have backgrounds in athletics or performing arts, giving them a natural advantage in dance. However, personality, dedication, and the ability to improve throughout the season are also crucial factors.
How much do the Dancing with the Stars winners get paid?
The celebrities participating in DWTS receive varying amounts of compensation based on their popularity and how far they advance in the competition. The exact amount is not publicly disclosed, but it can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
How has the show evolved over the years?
Over the years, Dancing with the Stars has evolved by introducing new dance styles, incorporating different themes, and adapting to changes in popular culture. The show has also seen changes in judges and hosts, helping to keep the format fresh and engaging.
Conclusion
Dancing with the Stars has a rich history of memorable performances and deserving winners. From athletes to actors to singers, the show has showcased a wide range of talent and personalities. Each season brings new surprises and memorable moments, making DWTS a continuing success. If you're a fan of the show, reflecting on past winners provides insight into what it takes to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.