Dancing With The Stars Winners: A Complete List

When you think about reality television competition shows, Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) immediately comes to mind for many. This beloved show pairs celebrities with professional dancers, putting their skills to the test each week in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. Over the years, countless celebrities have vied for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, but only a select few have emerged victorious. This article delves into the history of DWTS winners, celebrating their incredible journeys and the dances that secured them the championship.

The Inaugural Season and Early Champions

The first season of Dancing With The Stars premiered in 2005, introducing America to the glitz, glamour, and drama of ballroom dancing. The stakes were high, and the competition fierce from the very beginning.

Season 1: Kelly Monaco

The first-ever winner of Dancing With The Stars was actress Kelly Monaco, best known for her role on General Hospital. Paired with professional dancer Alec Mazo, Monaco surprised many with her dedication and improvement throughout the season. Her victory set the stage for the many exciting competitions to come.

Season 2: Drew Lachey

Singer Drew Lachey, a member of the popular boy band 98 Degrees, took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 2. Dancing with Cheryl Burke, Lachey showcased impressive footwork and stage presence, earning high scores and fan votes.

Season 3: Emmitt Smith

Former NFL star Emmitt Smith proved that athletic prowess could translate to the dance floor in Season 3. Alongside his partner Cheryl Burke (in her second consecutive win), Smith displayed remarkable rhythm and charisma, making him a fan favorite and a deserving champion.

Consistently Strong Performances Through the Years

As the show progressed, new celebrities emerged, each bringing their unique talents and stories to the dance floor. The competition only intensified, with memorable partnerships and standout performances becoming a hallmark of the series.

Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno

Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno showcased a different kind of speed and agility on the dance floor in Season 4. Dancing with Karina Smirnoff, Ohno’s energy and technical skill led him to victory.

Season 5: Hélio Castroneves

Professional race car driver Hélio Castroneves surprised many by winning Season 5 with Julianne Hough. His infectious enthusiasm and powerful performances captivated audiences.

Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi

Olympic gold medalist figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi demonstrated grace and artistry in Season 6. Paired with Mark Ballas, Yamaguchi's elegant routines and consistent high scores earned her the Mirrorball Trophy.

Season 7: Brooke Burke

Model and television personality Brooke Burke charmed her way to victory in Season 7 with Derek Hough. Their chemistry and dynamic routines were a major highlight.

Season 8: Shawn Johnson

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson proved her versatility in Season 8. Dancing with Mark Ballas, Johnson’s powerful yet graceful performances impressed the judges and viewers alike.

Season 9: Donny Osmond

Entertainment legend Donny Osmond brought his signature showmanship to the ballroom in Season 9. Alongside Kym Johnson, Osmond delivered energetic and crowd-pleasing performances.

Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger

Singer and actress Nicole Scherzinger, a member of The Pussycat Dolls, showcased her incredible talent in Season 10. Dancing with Derek Hough, Scherzinger's performances were consistently stunning.

The Modern Era of DWTS Champions

The show continued to evolve, introducing new professional dancers and attracting a diverse range of celebrity talent. The level of competition remained incredibly high, making each season's outcome eagerly anticipated.

Season 11: Jennifer Grey

Actress Jennifer Grey, known for her role in Dirty Dancing, brought her own dance expertise to the ballroom in Season 11. With Derek Hough, she delivered elegant and technically proficient routines. — EMT Salary In California: Your Guide To Pay & Opportunities

Season 12: Hines Ward

NFL star Hines Ward proved his dancing mettle in Season 12. Paired with Kym Johnson, Ward displayed surprising grace and rhythm.

Season 13: J.R. Martinez

Army veteran and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez captured hearts in Season 13. Dancing with Karina Smirnoff, Martinez’s inspiring story and heartfelt performances resonated deeply.

Season 14: Donald Driver

Another NFL star, Donald Driver, took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 14. With Peta Murgatroyd, Driver showcased strength and impressive dance skills.

Season 15: Shawn Johnson & Derek Hough (All-Stars)

In a special All-Stars season, Shawn Johnson returned and, this time, partnered with Derek Hough, securing her second Mirrorball Trophy.

Season 16: Kellie Pickler

Country music star Kellie Pickler brought energy and personality to the dance floor in Season 16. Dancing with Derek Hough, Pickler’s journey was a fan favorite.

Season 17: Amber Riley

Actress Amber Riley, known for Glee, showcased her powerful voice and dance talent in Season 17. Paired with Derek Hough, she delivered memorable performances.

Season 18: Meryl Davis

Olympic figure skater Meryl Davis demonstrated elegance and precision in Season 18. Dancing with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Davis’s technical skill was undeniable.

Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro

Actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro, famous for his role as Carlton Banks, brought his iconic dance moves to the ballroom in Season 19. With Witney Carson, Ribeiro’s performances were joyful and entertaining.

Season 20: Rumer Willis

Actress Rumer Willis showed significant growth and talent in Season 20. Dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy, Willis delivered strong, emotive performances.

Season 21: Bindi Irwin

Wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin captured the hearts of viewers in Season 21. With Derek Hough, Irwin’s youthful energy and dedication shone through.

Season 22: Nyle DiMarco

Model and activist Nyle DiMarco, who is deaf, made history in Season 22. Dancing with Peta Murgatroyd, DiMarco’s communication and performance were exceptional.

Season 23: Laurie Hernandez

Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez displayed grace and strength in Season 23. Paired with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Hernandez impressed with her dance skills.

Season 24: Rashad Jennings

Former NFL player Rashad Jennings showcased surprising dance talent in Season 24. Dancing with Emma Slater, Jennings delivered dynamic and powerful routines.

Season 25: Jordan Fisher

Singer and actor Jordan Fisher brought star power and incredible talent to Season 25. With Lindsay Arnold, Fisher delivered technically brilliant and captivating performances.

Season 26: Bobby Bones

Radio personality Bobby Bones won Season 26, proving that passion and hard work could lead to victory. Dancing with Sharna Burgess, Bones showed remarkable improvement.

Season 27: Hannah Brown

Reality TV star Hannah Brown became the champion of Season 27. Paired with Alan Bersten, Brown’s journey was one of resilience and determination.

Season 28: Kaitlyn Bristowe

Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 28. Dancing with Artem Chigvintsev, Bristowe overcame challenges to deliver stunning performances.

Season 29: Artem Chigvintsev & Kaitlyn Bristowe (New partnership)

In Season 29, professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev finally won as a pro with celebrity partner Kaitlyn Bristowe.

Season 30: Iman Shumpert

NBA star Iman Shumpert made history in Season 30 as the first active NBA player to win. Dancing with Daniella Karagach, Shumpert’s innovative routines were a highlight.

Season 31: Charli D'Amelio

TikTok sensation Charli D'Amelio showcased her natural dance ability in Season 31. Paired with Mark Ballas, D'Amelio delivered polished and impressive performances.

Season 32: Xochitl Gomez

Actress Xochitl Gomez, known for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, won Season 32. Dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy, Gomez showed remarkable poise and talent.

Who Has Won Dancing With The Stars Multiple Times?

Several professional dancers have achieved the incredible feat of winning Dancing With The Stars more than once, demonstrating their consistent skill and ability to connect with celebrity partners.

• Derek Hough: Holds the record for the most wins by a professional dancer, with six Mirrorball Trophies. He won with partners Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Shawn Johnson, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.
• Cheryl Burke: A two-time winner, her victories came with Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith.
• Mark Ballas: Has won the competition twice, with partners Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson, and later with Alfonso Ribeiro and Kaitlyn Bristowe, and finally with Xochitl Gomez.
• Kym Johnson-Herjavec: Won with Donny Osmond and Hines Ward.
• Valentin Chmerkovskiy: Has two wins, with Rumer Willis and Laurie Hernandez.
• Peta Murgatroyd: Won with Donald Driver and Nyle DiMarco.
• Emma Slater: Won with Rashad Jennings.
• Artem Chigvintsev: Won with Kaitlyn Bristowe.
• Daniella Karagach: Won with Iman Shumpert.
• Lindsay Arnold: Won with Jordan Fisher.
• Witney Carson: Won with Alfonso Ribeiro.

Frequently Asked Questions About DWTS Winners

Who is the most famous winner of Dancing With The Stars?

"Most famous" is subjective and depends on individual recognition. However, winners like Emmitt Smith (NFL legend), Kristi Yamaguchi (Olympic champion), and Bindi Irwin (global conservation icon) are widely recognized figures who brought significant fame to the show. — Assistant Property Manager Salary Guide

Has anyone won Dancing With The Stars twice?

Yes, several celebrities have won Dancing With The Stars more than once. Shawn Johnson is a notable example, winning first with Mark Ballas and later with Derek Hough in the All-Stars season. However, the prompt asks for celebrities who have won twice. In the list provided above, Shawn Johnson is the only celebrity to have won twice. Other winners have returned to the show as professional dancers and won again in that capacity, but for celebrity contestants, Shawn Johnson is the only one to have achieved multiple wins as a contestant. — Miami OH Vs. Northern Illinois: A Detailed Comparison

Who has the highest score in Dancing With The Stars history?

The highest scores in Dancing With The Stars history are often achieved during the finale or in routines where celebrities and their professional partners push the boundaries. While specific scores can vary slightly based on judging criteria and season, numerous perfect scores have been awarded throughout the show's run. For instance, Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, along with Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson, have received perfect scores for their performances.

Which celebrity won the first season of Dancing With The Stars?

Actress Kelly Monaco won the very first season of Dancing With The Stars in 2005, partnered with professional dancer Alec Mazo.

Who is the current winner of Dancing With The Stars?

The most recent winner of Dancing With The Stars as of the end of Season 32 is actress Xochitl Gomez, who was partnered with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy.

Which professional dancer has won the most?

Derek Hough holds the record for the most wins as a professional dancer, with a total of six Mirrorball Trophies. His winning partners include Brooke Burke, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Shawn Johnson, Amber Riley, and Bindi Irwin.

The Enduring Appeal of the Mirrorball Trophy

The journey of a Dancing With The Stars winner is more than just a competition; it's a transformation. Celebrities often start with little to no dance experience and, through dedication, hard work, and the guidance of professional partners, blossom into accomplished dancers. The Mirrorball Trophy is not just a prize; it represents perseverance, growth, and the magic that happens when stars step outside their comfort zones and onto the dance floor. Each winner adds a unique chapter to the show's rich history, leaving a lasting impression on fans and the world of entertainment.

Whether you're rooting for a seasoned athlete, a chart-topping musician, or a beloved actor, the allure of Dancing With The Stars and the quest for the Mirrorball Trophy continues to captivate audiences year after year. The stories of triumph, the dazzling routines, and the emotional journeys make the Dancing With The Stars winners an integral part of television history.