“Dancing with the Stars” has been a captivating reality TV staple since its premiere on June 1, 2005, captivating audiences for over 500 episodes and 33 seasons. The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a weekly dance competition, judged on technique and performance. Each season culminates in one celebrity-pro partnership being crowned the winner, taking home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. As we celebrate the legacy of this iconic show, let’s take a look back at all the “Dancing with the Stars” winners throughout the years.
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Image of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 32 promotional split screen featuring celebrity and professional dancers.]
From athletes and musicians to actors and reality TV stars, “Dancing with the Stars” winners represent a diverse range of talents and backgrounds. These champions have not only impressed judges and viewers with their dancing skills but have also captured hearts with their journeys of growth and determination on the dance floor. The competition spans across 32 regular seasons and one special all-star season (season 15), resulting in 33 unique winning pairs.
Below is a comprehensive list of “Dancing with the Stars” winners and their professional partners, showcasing the history of this beloved dance competition:
“Dancing with the Stars” Winners By Season:
- Season 1: Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo – The inaugural season set the stage for the “DWTS” phenomenon, with actress Kelly Monaco taking home the first Mirrorball Trophy.
- Season 2: Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke – Singer Drew Lachey continued the winning streak, partnering with Cheryl Burke for her first of many victories.
- Season 3: Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke – NFL legend Emmitt Smith brought his competitive spirit to the ballroom, securing another win for Cheryl Burke.
- Season 4: Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough – Olympic speed skater Apolo Ohno showcased his athleticism and won with Julianne Hough in her debut season as a pro.
- Season 5: Hélio Castroneves and Julianne Hough – Race car driver Hélio Castroneves charmed audiences and earned Julianne Hough her second consecutive Mirrorball win.
- Season 6: Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas – Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi’s grace and precision led her to victory with Mark Ballas.
- Season 7: Brooke Burke and Derek Hough – Television personality Brooke Burke and Derek Hough’s partnership marked the start of Hough’s record-breaking winning streak.
- Season 8: Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas – Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson’s incredible flexibility and artistry made her a standout winner with Mark Ballas.
- Season 9: Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson – Veteran entertainer Donny Osmond proved age is just a number, winning with Kym Johnson.
- Season 10: Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough – Singer Nicole Scherzinger’s dance background shone brightly as she claimed victory with Derek Hough.
- Season 11: Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough – Actress Jennifer Grey, of “Dirty Dancing” fame, had a memorable season, winning with Derek Hough.
- Season 12: Hines Ward and Kym Johnson – NFL star Hines Ward displayed surprising dance talent, earning Kym Johnson her second Mirrorball Trophy.
- Season 13: J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff – Army veteran and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez inspired viewers and won with Karina Smirnoff.
- Season 14: Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd – NFL player Donald Driver brought energy and charisma to the dance floor, winning with Peta Murgatroyd in her first season.
- Season 15: Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani – “All-Stars” season winner Melissa Rycroft, a returning contestant, partnered with Tony Dovolani for the win.
- Season 16: Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough – Country singer Kellie Pickler charmed audiences with her personality and dance improvement, winning with Derek Hough.
- Season 17: Amber Riley and Derek Hough – Actress and singer Amber Riley showcased powerful performances and secured another win for Derek Hough.
- Season 18: Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis brought elegance and artistry to the ballroom, winning with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
- Season 19: Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson – Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, known for “The Carlton,” brought joy and entertainment to his winning season with Witney Carson.
- Season 20: Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy – Actress Rumer Willis displayed grace and growth throughout the season, winning with Val Chmerkovskiy in his first victory.
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Promotional image featuring Julianne Hough, highlighting her journey from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ champion to co-host.]
- Season 21: Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough – Conservationist Bindi Irwin captured hearts with her emotional performances and won with Derek Hough, marking his sixth win.
- Season 22: Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd – Model and actor Nyle DiMarco, who is deaf, delivered groundbreaking performances and secured a win for Peta Murgatroyd.
- Season 23: Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy – Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez brought youthful energy and precision, winning Val Chmerkovskiy his second Mirrorball.
- Season 24: Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater – NFL player Rashad Jennings impressed with his rhythm and earned Emma Slater her first win.
- Season 25: Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold – Actor and singer Jordan Fisher displayed natural talent and won with Lindsay Arnold in her first victory.
- Season 26: Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson – Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon brought personality and flair, winning with Jenna Johnson in a shorter, all-athletes season.
- Season 27: Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess – Radio personality Bobby Bones, considered an underdog, won with Sharna Burgess, sparking debate among viewers.
- Season 28: Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten – Reality TV star Hannah Brown from “The Bachelorette” won with Alan Bersten after a season of growth and fan support.
- Season 29: Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev – “Bachelorette” star Kaitlyn Bristowe showcased her dance abilities and won with Artem Chigvintsev in his first win.
- Season 30: Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach – NBA player Iman Shumpert surprised audiences with his artistry and won with Daniella Karagach in her debut season.
- Season 31: Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas – TikTok star Charli D’Amelio, with a dance background, won with returning pro Mark Ballas in his third victory.
- Season 32: Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy – Actress Xochitl Gomez impressed with her versatility and won Val Chmerkovskiy his third Mirrorball Trophy.
- Season 33: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson – Most recently, in season 33, reality TV personality Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were crowned the champions, adding their names to this prestigious list of “Dancing with the Stars” winners.
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Image of Julianne Hough, host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, smiling and waving to the audience.]
“Dancing with the Stars” continues to be a cultural phenomenon, and the list of “DWTS” winners is a testament to the show’s enduring appeal. Each season brings new stars, new dances, and new champions, solidifying its place in television history. From season 1 to season 33, the Mirrorball Trophy winners represent the hard work, dedication, and magic of dance that “Dancing with the Stars” brings to our screens every season.
