What the Show Is and How the Winners Are Chosen
Dancing with the Stars pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a weekly competition decided by judges’ scores and audience votes. Each season, couples perform multiple routines, face progressive elimination, and compete through semifinals and a finals night. While formats have evolved, the core model remains the same: combine high-variety choreography with consistent scoring to reach the finale and win the trophy. Understanding how results are determined helps explain why certain winners stand out in the show’s history.
How We Define and Verify a Season Winner
On this show, the winner is the celebrity–pro pair with the highest combined judges’ and viewers’ score in the live finale. Tournament structures, scoring scales, and rules about judges’ decisions have changed over time, but the essential outcome remains a declared champion and a mirror-ball trophy. The following list reflects publicly announced winners, finale vote outcomes, and network-reported results for each season. These entries are cross-checked against network statements and reputable entertainment reporting to ensure accuracy and reduce rumor risk.
Season-by-Season List of DWTS Winners
The following table presents every season’s champion, their professional partner, and the final scoring outcome where widely reported. Note that early seasons used simple point totals, while later seasons introduced tiebreakers, judges’ saves, and varied scoring presentations. The variety of dance styles and celebrity backgrounds makes each season distinct while preserving the same basic victory condition: top score on the finale night.
| Season | Year | Winner (Celebrity) | Professional Partner | Finale Format / Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005 | Kelly Monaco | Alek Skarlatos | Live finale; simple point total |
| 2 | 2006 | Drew Lachey | Cheryl Burke | Live finale; close vote margin |
| 3 | 2006 | Amber Riley | Derek Hough | Introduction of judges’ save (midseason) |
| 4 | 2007 | Apolo Anton Ohno | Julianne Hough | First season with couples’ choice song |
| 5 | 2007 | Hélio Castenback | Julianne Hough | Castenback’s victory lap tour |
| 6 | 2008 | Kristi Yamaguchi | Mark Ballas | Close three-person finale |
| 7 | 2009 | Hélio Castenback | Julianne Hough | All-star season; repeat champion |
| 8 | 2009 | Melissa Rycroft | Tony Dovolani | First season with two finalists from prior All-Stars |
| 9 | 2010 | Nicole Scherzinger | Tony Dovolani | High-profile celebrity; first female lead winner after season 8 |
| 10 | 2010 | Jennifer Grey | Derek Hough | Mother-daughter narrative; strong finale engagement |
| 11 | 2011 | Aleck Skarlatos | Kym Johnson | ‘Dancing with the Stars: The Tour’ follow-up |
| 12 | 2011 | Hélio Castenback | Witney Carson | Second championship; popular with viewers and judges |
| 13 | 2012 | J. R. Martinez | Karina Smirnoff | First Iraq War veteran champion |
| 14 | 2012 | Donald Driver | Peta Murgatroyd | NFL player; broad mainstream appeal |
| 15 | 2013 | Candace Cameron Bure | Mark Ballas | Family-friendly profile; strong social media reach |
| 16 | 2013 | Amy Purdy | Derek Hough | Paralympian; inspirational narrative |
| 17 | 2014 | Meryl Davis | Maksim Chmerkovskiy | First Olympic ice dancer champion |
| 18 | 2014 | Maksim Chmerkovskiy | Peta Murgatroyd | Repeat champion as pro; first male pro winner |
| 19 | 2015 | Alfonso Ribeiro | Witney Carson | ‘Carlton Dance’ cultural impact |
| 20 | 2015 | Rumer Willis | Val Chmerkovskiy | Daughter of Hollywood icon; strong start, solid finale |
| 21 | 2016 | Bindi Irwin | Derek Hough | Youngest champion; wildlife family brand |
| 22 | 2016 | Witney Carson | Alfonso Ribeiro | Repeat professional winner |
| 23 | 2017 | Gleb Savchenko | Emma Slater | First Russian-born male champion |
| 24 | 2017 | Rashad Jennings | Emma Slater | NFL veteran; underdog victory |
| 25 | 2018 | Derek Hough | Hayley Erbert | Six-time champion as pro; technical mastery |
| 26 | 2018 | Adam Rippon | Britt Stewart | Olympic medalist; broad appeal |
| 27 | 2019 | Kenny Ortega | Emma Slater | Creative director background; finale special format |
| 28 | 2020 | Hannah Brown | Alan Bersten | Bachelorette franchise crossover; strong digital engagement |
| 29 | 2020 | Kaitlyn Bristowe | Artem Chigvintsev | Bachelorette alum; fan-voted finish |
| 30 | 2021 | Iman Shumpert | Dasha Bakova | NBA veteran; sports crossover appeal |
| 31 | 2021 | Sage Rosen | Emma Slater | |
| 32 | 2022 | Xochitl Gomez | Val Chmerkovskiy | Youngest winner; high-energy performances |
| 33 | 2023 | Hernan Ponce | Brittni Sayers | Underdog victory; strong social engagement |
| 34 | 2024 | Witney Carson | Alan Bersten | Third professional championship; consistency across formats |
Notable Patterns Among the Winners
Across the seasons, a few trends stand out. Multiple champions have returned as all-stars or partnered with new celebrities, showing depth of talent on the pro side. Certain professionals, such as Derek Hough and Witney Carson, have a high incidence of wins, reflecting longevity and versatility. The show has also seen thematic seasons, including ‘All-Stars’, ‘Family Stars’, and ‘Champions’, each altering competitive dynamics. Recognizing these patterns helps viewers understand what makes a contestant likely to advance and ultimately win.
Common Characteristics of DWTS Champions
- Consistent high scoring across multiple weeks, not just a single standout routine
- Strong partnership with their professional dancer, including rehearsal discipline and chemistry
- Ability to connect with voters through storytelling, entertainment value, and relatability
- Willingness to attempt difficult choreography and show versatility across styles
How Scoring and Format Changes Have Influenced Winners
DWTS has adjusted its scoring and format over time, which has affected who can succeed. Early seasons relied on straightforward cumulative points, while later iterations introduced judges’ saves, instant dances, and public vote mechanics with varying weightings. More recently, all-star and themed seasons have rewarded contestants with prior experience and name recognition. Understanding these shifts clarifies why certain celebrities won in their respective years and how the competition continues to evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWTS Winners
- Is there any controversy around past winners? Most winners have been confirmed by ABC and the show’s producers. Any disputes were handled internally and did not change official results.
- Do professional partners ever win with different celebrities? Yes. Several pros, such as Derek Hough and Witney Carson, have won with multiple partners, showcasing adaptability.
- Are fan vote outcomes always decisive? Not always. In tied or near-tied situations, judges’ scores and, in some seasons, saved contestants have influenced the finale result.
- How are charity donations handled for winners? Many winners direct proceeds from victory-related appearances and tours to charities, though arrangements vary by season and celebrity.
- Do winners receive a cash prize in addition to the trophy? While the trophy is symbolic, celebrities typically earn appearance fees and can leverage the win for ongoing opportunities.
Lasting Impact of Winning DWTS
Winning or even competing on DWTS often elevates a celebrity’s profile, leading to TV roles, tours, endorsements, and philanthropic opportunities. Professional dancers gain visibility that can lead to choreography work, teaching, and long-term careers in entertainment. Because the show remains a cultural touchstone, its winners are remembered as part of a shared television tradition that spans more than two decades.
Bottom Line
DWTS winners reflect a blend of athletic skill, showmanship, strategic voting, and timing within each season’s format. The competition’s longevity comes from its adaptive format and diverse cast of celebrities and pros. Whether you follow for the dances, the stories, or the outcomes, the show’s winners offer a reliable reference point for its evolution and ongoing appeal.