Who Won DWTS 2018? Unveiling the Mirrorball Champion
Alright, guys! Let's dive into the glitz and glamour of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) and find out who won DWTS 2018. If you're a fan of sparkling costumes, dazzling dance moves, and heart-pounding performances, then you're in the right place. So, grab your dancing shoes and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and who won dwts 2018.
The Journey Began: DWTS Season 26
The 26th season of DWTS kicked off in March 2018 with a diverse cast of celebrities, ready to prove their dancing prowess. Among the contestants were Olympic figure skaters, actors, athletes, and even a former Bachelor. They were paired with professional dancers and set out to master the art of ballroom and Latin dancing.
The Competitors: A Star-Studded Lineup
Olympic Figure Skaters
The 2018 Winter Olympics had just wrapped up, and two of its stars joined the DWTS lineup. Adam Rippon, the bronze medalist in ice dancing, brought his grace and precision to the dance floor. Mirai Nagasu, who made history as the first American woman to land a triple axel at the Olympics, also joined the cast.
Actors and TV Personalities
Bachelor nation was represented by Nick Viall, who sought to redeem himself after his controversial season. Josh Norman, a cornerback for the Washington Redskins, traded in his football cleats for dancing shoes. And let's not forget Jennie Finch, the Olympic softball pitcher, who showed off her athleticism on the dance floor.
Musicians and Singers
Tonya Harding, the controversial figure skater, tried to rewrite her story through dance. Victoria Arlen, a Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker, brought her inspiring spirit to the competition. And Chris Mazdzer, an Olympic luger, proved that he could handle the twists and turns of ballroom dancing just as well as those on ice.
The Judges: Critics and Cheerleaders
The panel of judges, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Julianne Hough, offered their expert critiques and scored each performance. They evaluated the celebrities' technique, showmanship, and connection with their partners. The audience also had a say in who stayed and who went home, voting for their favorites each week.
The Road to the Finale: Highlights and Eliminations
Week 1: First Impressions
The season premiered with a bang, as the celebrities performed for the first time. Adam Rippon and his partner, Bruno Tonioli, wowed the judges with their quickstep. Meanwhile, Tonya Harding and her partner, Sasha Farber, struggled with their foxtrot but managed to avoid elimination.
Week 2: Movie Night
The celebrities paid homage to their favorite films with dance routines inspired by iconic movies. Josh Norman and his partner, Sharna Burgess, delivered a powerful performance to Black Panther's soundtrack. Unfortunately, Arike Ogunbowale, a WNBA player, became the first celebrity to be eliminated.
Week 3: Latin Night
Salsa, cha-cha, and rumba took center stage as the celebrities spiced things up. Mirai Nagasu and her partner, Alan Bersten, dazzled the judges with their salsa. However, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA legend, found himself in the bottom two and was sent home.
Week 4: Most Memorable Year
The celebrities paid tribute to significant years in their lives with emotional performances. Jennie Finch and her partner, Keo Motsepe, moved the audience with their contemporary dance dedicated to her daughter. But it was Adam Rippon and Bruno who stole the show with their breathtaking quickstep, earning the first perfect score of the season.
Week 5: Switch-Up
The couples switched partners for a week, forcing them to adapt to new styles and chemistry. Despite the shake-up, Ginger Zee and her new partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, delivered an impressive foxtrot. Meanwhile, Tonya Harding and her new partner, Derek Hough, received their first 10s.
Week 6: Dance Marathon
The celebrities performed three dances in one night – a marathon that tested their stamina and skill. Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess delivered a powerful freestyle routine that earned them the first perfect score of the night. But it was Adam Rippon and Bruno who ended the night on a high note with their stunning Argentine tango.
Week 7: Halloween Night
The celebrities donned costumes and took to the dance floor for a spooktacular Halloween performance. Mirai Nagasu and Alan Bersten wowed the judges with their eerie Argentine tango. However, Evanna Lynch, the Harry Potter actress, found herself in the bottom two and was eliminated.
Week 8: Guilty Pleasures
The celebrities danced to their favorite guilty pleasure songs. Nick Viall and his partner, Peta Murgatroyd, delivered a saucy salsa to I'm Still Standing. Meanwhile, John Schneider, the Dukes of Hazzard actor, and his partner, Emma Slater, received their first perfect score with their jive.
Week 9: Country Night
The celebrities paid tribute to country music with their dance performances. Ginger Zee and Val delivered a heartfelt foxtrot to I Hope You Dance. But it was Adam Rippon and Bruno who stole the show with their charismatic country two-step.
Week 10: Semi-Finals
The remaining couples delivered their best performances yet, fighting for a spot in the finale. Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess wowed the judges with their emotional Argentine tango. Meanwhile, Jennie Finch and Keo delivered a powerful freestyle routine that earned them their first perfect score.
Week 11: Finale
The final three couples – Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess, Jennie Finch and Keo Motsepe, and Adam Rippon and Bruno Tonioli – gave it their all in the season finale. Each couple performed three dances: a redemption dance, a favorite dance from the season, and a freestyle routine.
Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess opened the finale with a powerful redemption dance, a paso doble that earned them a perfect score. Jennie Finch and Keo Motsepe followed with their emotional contemporary dance, which also received a perfect score. But it was Adam Rippon and Bruno Tonioli who truly stole the show with their stunning freestyle routine, a dazzling display of technique, showmanship, and emotion.
And the Winner of DWTS 2018 Is...
After weeks of exhilarating performances, heartwarming moments, and fierce competition, the moment we'd all been waiting for finally arrived. The judges cast their votes, and the audience held their breath as Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews revealed the winner of DWTS 2018.
With a perfect score of 60 out of 60, the Mirrorball Trophy went to... Adam Rippon and his partner, Bruno Tonioli! The Olympic figure skater and his professional partner danced their way to victory, proving that grace, determination, and a little bit of sparkle can go a long way.
A Night to Remember
As the confetti fell and the music played, Adam and Bruno embraced, their eyes filled with tears of joy. They had come so far, from their first dance together to their triumphant freestyle routine in the finale. Their journey was a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a celebrity and their professional partner.
And so, another season of DWTS came to an end, leaving us with unforgettable memories, newfound friendships, and one shining Mirrorball Trophy. But fear not, dance fans! The stage will be set once again, ready for a new cast of celebrities to take their shot at the coveted prize. Until then, keep dancing, and remember: you never know when your moment to shine will arrive.