Who Won Dancing With the Stars? A Recap of DWTS Champions
Hello there, dance enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the glittering world of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) to find out who won this iconic dance competition. So, grab your dancing shoes, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who won dwts.
A Brief Dance Through DWTS History
Before we reveal the winners, let's do a quick spin through the history of Dancing With the Stars. This beloved show first hit our screens in 2005, pairing celebrities with professional dancers in a bid to outshine each other with their dance moves. Over the years, DWTS has seen a dazzling array of stars strut their stuff, from actors and musicians to athletes and reality TV personalities.
The Format: A Dance-Off Extravaganza
Each season of DWTS follows a simple yet thrilling format. Celebrities are paired with professional dancers and must learn and perform a variety of dance styles, from the Foxtrot and Tango to the Samba and Jive. A panel of judges critique their performances, and viewers at home vote for their favorite couples. The couple with the lowest combined score from the judges and viewer votes is eliminated each week, until only one duo remains standing.
The Mirrorball Trophy: A Symbol of Dance Excellence
The ultimate prize for the winning couple is the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. This gleaming symbol of dance excellence is awarded to the celebrity-pro dancer duo who have impressed the judges and viewers the most throughout the season. Let's take a look at some of the most memorable Mirrorball winners!
Season 1: The Original Mirrorball Winners
In the very first season of DWTS, the Mirrorball Trophy went to Kelly Monaco and her professional partner, Alexis Denisof. They danced their way to victory, impressing judges with their chemistry and skill on the dance floor.
Season 2: The Rise of Drew Lachey
Drew Lachey and his partner Cheryl Burke took home the Mirrorball in season 2. Drew, the younger brother of 98 Degrees' Nick Lachey, proved that he had some serious moves of his own, wowing judges and audiences alike.
Season 3: An Emotional Victory for Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith, the NFL Hall of Famer, and his partner Cheryl Burke (who clearly knows how to pick a winner) won season 3. Emmitt's emotional journey on the show, from struggling to keep up with the pros to becoming a genuine dance force, made his victory all the sweeter.
Season 4: Apolo Anton Ohno Skates to Victory
Apolo Anton Ohno, the eight-time Olympic medalist in speed skating, traded his skates for dancing shoes in season 4. Paired with Julianne Hough, Apolo danced his way to the top, proving that Olympic athletes have what it takes to win on the dance floor too.
Season 5: Helio Castroneves Takes the Crown
Helio Castroneves, the IndyCar Series champion, and his partner Julianne Hough won season 5. Their high-energy performances and undeniable chemistry made them a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor.
Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi Lands a Perfect 10
Kristi Yamaguchi, the Olympic figure skating gold medalist, and her partner Mark Ballas took home the Mirrorball in season 6. Kristi's grace and skill on the ice translated beautifully to the dance floor, earning her and Mark a perfect score in the semi-finals.
Season 7: Brooke Burke Charms Her Way to Victory
Brooke Burke, the TV host and model, and her partner Derek Hough won season 7. Brooke's charm and charisma, combined with Derek's incredible choreography, made them a formidable duo on the dance floor.
Season 8: Shawn Johnson Flips Her Way to the Top
Shawn Johnson, the Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, and her partner Mark Ballas won season 8. Shawn's incredible flexibility and athleticism made her a natural on the dance floor, and her partnership with Mark resulted in some truly stunning performances.
Season 9: Donny Osmond Sings and Dances His Way to Victory
Donny Osmond, the pop music icon, and his partner Kym Johnson took home the Mirrorball in season 9. Donny's charm, charisma, and incredible work ethic made him a fan favorite and a deserving winner.
Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger Steals the Show
Nicole Scherzinger, the Pussycat Dolls lead singer, and her partner Derek Hough won season 10. Nicole's incredible talent and dedication to her craft made her a clear front-runner throughout the season, and her emotional journey with Derek made for truly unforgettable television.
Season 11: Hines Ward Scores a Dance Victory
Hines Ward, the NFL wide receiver, and his partner Kym Johnson took home the Mirrorball in season 11. Hines' athleticism and determination made him a strong competitor, and his partnership with Kym resulted in some truly impressive performances.
Season 12: Kristin Cavallari Shimmies to the Top
Kristin Cavallari, the reality TV star, and her partner Mark Ballas won season 12. Kristin's dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences made her a standout competitor, and her partnership with Mark resulted in some truly memorable performances.
Season 13: The All-Stars Battle It Out
In season 13, DWTS brought back some of the show's most memorable competitors for an all-star season. In the end, it was Kirstie Alley and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy who took home the Mirrorball Trophy. Kirstie's incredible journey on the show, from struggling to keep up with the pros to becoming a genuine dance force, made her victory all the more inspiring.
Season 14: Maria Menounos Dances Her Way to the Top
Maria Menounos, the TV host and actress, and her partner Derek Hough won season 14. Maria's incredible work ethic and dedication to her craft made her a standout competitor, and her partnership with Derek resulted in some truly stunning performances.
Season 15: Melissa Rycroft Takes the Crown
Melissa Rycroft, the reality TV star, and her partner Tony Dovolani took home the Mirrorball in season 15. Melissa's charm, charisma, and incredible work ethic made her a fan favorite and a deserving winner.
Season 16: Jacoby Jones Scores a Dance Victory
Jacoby Jones, the NFL wide receiver, and his partner Karina Smirnoff won season 16. Jacoby's athleticism and determination made him a strong competitor, and his partnership with Karina resulted in some truly impressive performances.
Season 17: Amber Riley Sings and Dances Her Way to the Top
Amber Riley, the Glee star, and her partner Derek Hough took home the Mirrorball in season 17. Amber's incredible talent and dedication to her craft made her a clear front-runner throughout the season, and her emotional journey with Derek made for truly unforgettable television.
Season 18: Meryl Davis Skates to Victory
Meryl Davis, the Olympic figure skating gold medalist, and her partner Maxim Chmerkovskiy won season 18. Meryl's grace and skill on the ice translated beautifully to the dance floor, earning her and Maxim some truly stunning scores.
Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro Jives His Way to the Top
Alfonso Ribeiro, the actor and TV personality, and his partner Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball in season 19. Alfonso's incredible talent and dedication to his craft made him a standout competitor, and his partnership with Witney resulted in some truly memorable performances.
Season 20: Rumer Willis Rocks the Dance Floor
Rumer Willis, the actress and daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy won season 20. Rumer's incredible talent and dedication to her craft made her a clear front-runner throughout the season, and her emotional journey with Val made for truly unforgettable television.
Season 21: Bindi Irwin Dances for Wildlife
Bindi Irwin, the conservationist and daughter of the late Steve Irwin, and her partner Derek Hough took home the Mirrorball in season 21. Bindi's incredible talent and dedication to her craft, combined with Derek's incredible choreography, made them a formidable duo on the dance floor.
Season 22: Nyle DiMarco Signs His Way to the Top
Nyle DiMarco, the deaf activist and model, and his partner Peta Murgatroyd won season 22. Nyle's incredible talent and dedication to his craft, combined with Peta's incredible choreography, made them a standout duo on the dance floor.
Season 23: Laurie Hernandez Flips Her Way to Victory
Laurie Hernandez, the Olympic gymnastics gold medalist, and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy took home the Mirrorball in season 23. Laurie's incredible athleticism and dedication to her craft made her a strong competitor, and her partnership with Val resulted in some truly impressive performances.
Season 24: Jordan Fisher Sings and Dances His Way to the Top
Jordan Fisher, the singer and actor, and his partner Lindsay Arnold won season 24. Jordan's incredible talent and dedication to his craft made him a clear front-runner throughout the season, and his partnership with Lindsay resulted in some truly stunning performances.
Season 25: The Athletes Take Center Stage
In season 25, DWTS brought together a cast of athletes for an all-athletes season. In the end, it was Adam Rippon, the Olympic figure skater, and his partner Ashleyasim Chmerkovskiy who took home the Mirrorball Trophy. Adam's incredible talent and dedication to his craft made him a standout competitor, and his partnership with Ashleyasim resulted in some truly memorable performances.
Season 26: The All-Athletes Edition
In season 26, DWTS brought back some of the show's most memorable athletes for an all-athletes edition. In the end, it was Figure Skating Champion Olympian Meryl Davis and her partner Maxim Chmerkovskiy who took home the Mirrorball Trophy for the second time. Meryl's incredible talent and dedication to her craft made her a clear front-runner throughout the season, and her partnership with Maxim resulted in some truly stunning performances.