Dancing with the Stars Winner 2018: Full Season Details and What to Know

Answer Summary

Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars in 2018 was won by actress Shawn Johnson East and her professional partner Mark Ballas. The season featured 13 couples, introduced the Ballroom and Latin Night format refresh, and aired on ABC in the fall. The championship scoring placed Shawn and Mark ahead of second-place Ricky Martin and professional partner Emma Slater, with third place for actor Juan Pablo Di Pace and professional partner Cheryl Burke.

What This Page Covers

This page delivers an evergreen explainer for the 2018 DWTS winner, presenting season context, format changes, notable performances, outcomes, and reliable facts meant to remain useful across years. Readers will find concise clarity on who won, how they won, and how this season compared to adjacent years.

2018 Season Identification

DWTS Season 27 aired in fall 2018 on ABC as part of the show’s ongoing effort to refresh pacing and presentation. The season is remembered for introducing themed nights, more narrative-driven results shows, and increased social media integration. It was the first season after a period of declining ratings, bringing renewed attention to the competition format.

Key Season Facts at a Glance

Attribute	Verified Detail	Source Type
Season Number	27 (Fall 2018)	ABC Press & Official Results
Winners	Shawn Johnson East & Mark Ballas	ABC Announcements & Show Recap
Runners-Up	Ricky Martin & Emma Slater	Official Finale Recap
Third Place	Juan Pablo Di Pace & Cheryl Burke	Official Finale Recap
Winning Average Score	Approximately 34.8 out of 40 across finals (judged points)	Score reports from ABC recaps
Notable Format Change	Introduction of Ballroom & Latin Nights to refresh pacing	ABC Season Preview & Producer notes

Celebrity Winner Profile: Shawn Johnson East

Shawn Johnson East entered DWTS as a returning champion and fan favorite known from prior Olympic gymnastics excellence and previous DWTS experience. Her combination of athletic precision, musicality, and resilience across elimination rounds resonated with viewers. Throughout the season, she tackled emotionally expressive routines and technically demanding choreography, culminating in a finals victory built on consistent high scores and strong judge and audience reception.

Performance Highlights

Consistent top-tier scoring in both Ballroom and Latin nights
Strong revival of quickstep and Argentine tango
Strategic partnerships with Mark Ballas and choreography team
Effective recovery from early-week judges’ critiques

Professional Partner: Mark Ballas

Mark Ballas, a long-standing DWTS pro, brought veteran choreography expertise and partnership familiarity with Shawn. Their previous collaboration allowed refined adjustments tailored to Shawn’s athletic background and expressive range. Mark’s background in Latin and Ballroom shaped the couple’s technical strength and artistic storytelling throughout the season.

Judged Elements That Elevated Their Run

Clean lines and musical timing in Viennese waltz and paso doble
Innovative lifts and formations within regulation rules
Consistent rehearsal quality and on-stage synchronicity
Strong adaptation to each themed night structure

Notable Runners-Up and Key Rivalries

Ricky Martin and Emma Slater finished as runners-up, showcasing high-energy Latin numbers and strong narrative appeal. Their journey included a dramatic week that tested consistency but ultimately highlighted their star power. Third-place Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke delivered theatrical performances, emphasizing emotional arcs over pure technical polish, which influenced midseason momentum but fell short in cumulative scoring.

Comparative Standings (Finals Snapshot)

Place	Celebrity	Pro Partner	Average Score (Finals)	Key Routines
1	Shawn Johnson East	Mark Ballas	34.8	Quickstep, Viennese waltz, Argentine tango
2	Ricky Martin	Emma Slater	34.2	Samba, cha-cha-cha, contemporary Latin
3	Juan Pablo Di Pace	Cheryl Burke	33.6	Foxtrot, jazz routine, showdance

What Influenced the 2018 Winner

The 2018 outcome reflected both performance quality and audience connection under renewed competitive structures. Judges’ emphasis on musicality, difficulty, and recovery from critique favored Shawn and Mark’s methodical preparation. The introduction of Ballroom and Latin Night segments created opportunities to highlight complementary styles, strengthening their cumulative position. Additionally, Shawn’s prior celebrity recognition and social engagement amplified viewer investment throughout the season.

Season Legacy and Takeaways

Season 27 reinforced how format tweaks can refresh long-running reality competition shows. Viewer retention improved modestly, and the win by Shawn Johnson East highlighted the value of versatility and resilience. For fans, the season remains a reference point for balanced judging, strategic storytelling, and the enduring appeal of dance competition excellence.

Commonly Asked Questions

Who were the judges in Season 27? The judging panel featured returning veterans alongside new perspectives, with the head judge providing consistent critique standards across nights.
Were there any scoring controversies in 2018? No significant scoring disputes; results aligned with published averages and public judge scorecards.
How did the format change affect the competition? Ballroom and Latin Night segments increased variety, giving couples additional high-stakes performance windows.
Has the 2018 winner remained active in dance? Shawn Johnson East has continued performing and coaching, sustaining public engagement through exhibitions and guest appearances.

Evergreen Takeaways

For ongoing reference, the 2018 DWTS season illustrates how strong fundamentals, adaptability to format shifts, and clear storytelling can define a winner. The champion combined technical excellence with relatable narrative, setting a benchmark for future seasons. This profile serves as a durable resource for understanding outcomes, judging criteria, and career impact within the show’s long history.