Dancing with the Stars Winners List: Every Champion Through the Years

“Dancing with the Stars” has become one of the most iconic reality shows on television and in 2024, it will premiere its 33rd season, where participants will compete for the final trophy.

Each edition usually lasts around 10 to 12 weeks. According to the official schedule, it also indicated when the highly anticipated premiere will take place, which will be hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.

Celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in a series of dance routines. Each episode, the couples perform a routine in different dance styles, such as the waltz, tango or cha-cha.

All Dancing with the Stars winners by season

• Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo (Season 1, 2005)

Kelly Monaco, known for her role in “General Hospital”, started the competition a bit awkwardly on the dance floor. However, her determination and chemistry with professional dancer Alec Mazo led her to improve week after week.

Her victory was somewhat controversial, as some fans believed that John O’Hurley, the other finalist, deserved to win. This led to a special rematch, but Kelly kept her trophy.

• Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke (Season 2, 2006)

Drew Lachey, a former member of the boy band 98 Degrees, showed natural dance skills from the start. Alongside Cheryl Burke, he impressed with energetic and precise routines, including their famous “Freestyle” with a country dance.

His charisma and ability to connect with the audience made him a clear favorite, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

• Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke (Season 3, 2006)

Emmitt Smith, an NFL legend, entered “Dancing with the Stars” with an athletic advantage, but it was his hard work and charming personality that led him to success.

With Cheryl Burke, he formed a dynamic duo that dominated the competition, especially in Latin dances. His victory solidified Smith as one of the most beloved competitors in the series.

• Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough (Season 4, 2007)

Olympic skater Apolo Anton Ohno used his agility and precision to stand out on the dance floor. With Julianne Hough as his partner, they created vibrant and energetic routines, winning over both the judges and the audience. Their dedication and ability to adapt to different dance styles secured them the victory.

• Hélio Castroneves and Julianne Hough (Season 5, 2007)

Hélio Castroneves, an IndyCar driver, brought his speed and competitiveness to the dance floor. Alongside Julianne Hough, who won two consecutive seasons, Hélio surprised everyone with his ability to capture the essence of each dance, especially in Latin rhythms. His infectious smile and joy in dancing were key to his triumph.

• Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas (Season 6, 2008)

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic figure skating champion, came to “Dancing with the Stars” with a technical advantage that made her stand out from the beginning. Her grace and ability to tell a story through dance, combined with Mark Ballas’ creative choreography, made her one of the strongest competitors of the season. Her victory was practically inevitable.

• Brooke Burke and Derek Hough (Season 7, 2008)

Brooke Burke, television host and model, showed natural elegance on the dance floor from the start. With Derek Hough as her partner, their routines stood out for their precision and emotional depth. Her ability to master both Latin and standard styles allowed her to win the season, earning praise from both the judges and the audience.

• Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas (Season 8, 2009)

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson used her strength, flexibility, and body control to quickly adapt to the dance floor. Together with Mark Ballas, she captivated audiences with dynamic and acrobatic routines that left everyone in awe. Her combination of technique and charm led her to win the competition.

• Donny Osmond and Kym Johnson (Season 9, 2009)

Donny Osmond, music and television star, brought his extensive stage experience to the dance floor. With Kym Johnson, he demonstrated incredible versatility across various dance styles, always adding his personal touch. His experience and charisma helped him connect with the audience, securing his victory in the final.

• Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough (Season 10, 2010):

Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls, was one of the most technically skilled competitors in the show’s history. Together with Derek Hough, her impeccable precision and ability to execute complex routines made her the favorite from the start. Her victory was a reflection of her commitment and exceptional skills on the dance floor.

• Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough (Season 11, 2010)

Jennifer Grey, known for her role in “Dirty Dancing”, entered the competition with high expectations. Alongside Derek Hough, she revived the magic of her cinematic past, especially in her emotional recreation of the famous “Dirty Dancing” lift. Her ability to convey emotions through dance secured her the trophy, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s history.

• Hines Ward and Kym Johnson (Season 12, 2011)

Hines Ward, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, showed that his skills extended beyond football. With Kym Johnson, he surprised everyone with his ability to master both Latin and standard rhythms, displaying a balance of strength and grace on the dance floor. His consistent growth throughout the competition led him to a well-deserved victory.

• J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff (Season 13, 2011)

J.R. Martinez, war veteran and actor, inspired everyone with his story of perseverance and resilience. His connection with Karina Smirnoff and his ability to tell stories through dance made him stand out. Each performance was a testament to his determination and spirit, culminating in a deeply emotional victory.

• Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd (Season 14, 2012)

Donald Driver, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver, brought his work ethic and competitiveness to the dance floor. With Peta Murgatroyd, he delivered performances full of energy and passion, impressing both the judges and the audience. His dedication and constant improvement week after week led him to lift the trophy.

• Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani (Season 15, 2012)

Melissa Rycroft, a former contestant on “The Bachelor”, returned to “Dancing with the Stars” for the champions season. Alongside Tony Dovolani, she demonstrated significant growth in her technique and confidence on the dance floor. Her victory was particularly meaningful as it represented redemption after her third-place finish in Season 8.

• Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough (Season 16, 2013)

Kellie Pickler, a country singer, surprised everyone with her natural dancing ability. With Derek Hough, she formed an unbeatable team, delivering routines full of emotion and technical precision. Their contemporary dance was one of the season’s highlights, sealing her path to victory.

• Amber Riley and Derek Hough (Season 17, 2013)

Amber Riley, known for her role on “Glee”, brought her powerful stage presence to “Dancing with the Stars”. Partnered with Derek Hough, Amber combined her vocal talent with her dancing ability, delivering memorable performances each week. Her victory was a testament to her versatility and determination.

• Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Season 18, 2014)

Meryl Davis, an Olympic figure skater, was an example of grace and technique on the dance floor. With Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she displayed incredible adaptability to different dance styles, leaving an indelible mark on the competition. Their connection and flawless execution secured them the trophy.

• Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson (Season 19, 2014)

Alfonso Ribeiro, known for his role on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, brought nostalgia and fun to “Dancing with the Stars”. Alongside Witney Carson, Alfonso revived his famous “Carlton Dance”, delighting both the audience and the judges. His versatility and energy made him a clear favorite, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

• Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy (Season 20, 2015)

Rumer Willis, actress and daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, showed an incredible transformation throughout the competition. Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, she stood out for her intensity and ability to capture the essence of each dance. Her dedication and total commitment to every performance earned her the victory.

• Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough (Season 21, 2015)

Bindi Irwin, daughter of the famous “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, captivated the audience with her energy and contagious joy. Alongside Derek Hough, she showed an incredible ability to capture emotion and grace in every dance, quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Her victory was a tribute to her father, as she dedicated many of her performances to his legacy, making her win deeply emotional.

• Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd (Season 22, 2016)

Nyle DiMarco, a deaf model and activist, broke barriers on the dance floor by showing that music is not just something you hear, but also something you feel. With Peta Murgatroyd, he impressed the judges and the audience by executing perfectly synchronized movements despite being unable to hear the music.

His ability to overcome this challenge and his powerful message of inclusion led him to an inspiring victory.

• Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy (Season 23, 2016)

Laurie Hernandez, an Olympic gymnast, brought her discipline and precision to “Dancing with the Stars,” allowing her to stand out from the beginning. With Val Chmerkovskiy, she blended her gymnastics experience with the grace of dance, creating memorable and energetic routines.

Her youth and enthusiasm were key to winning over both the judges and the audience, securing her victory.

• Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater (Season 24, 2017)

Rashad Jennings, a former NFL player, surprised everyone with his dedication and evolution throughout the season. With Emma Slater, he showed a remarkable ability to capture the emotional essence of each dance, making him stand out.

His chemistry with Emma and his constant growth week after week led him to a well-deserved victory, winning the audience’s affection.

• Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold (Season 25, 2017)

Jordan Fisher, an actor and singer, was a formidable competitor from the start. With Lindsay Arnold, he delivered technically perfect routines, highlighted by their energy and creativity.

His previous stage experience gave him an advantage, but it was his ability to connect with the emotions of each dance that led him to win the season.

• Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson (Season 26, 2018)

Adam Rippon, an Olympic figure skater, brought his charisma and sense of humor to the competition, becoming an instant favorite. With Jenna Johnson, their routines were a perfect mix of technique and spectacle.

His bold style and confidence on the dance floor led him to a decisive victory, making him the first champion of the special athletes edition.

• Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess (Season 27, 2018)

Bobby Bones, a radio host, started the competition with less experience than many of his rivals, but his relentless effort and charisma took him far. Paired with Sharna Burgess, he won over the audience with his authenticity and energy, despite receiving mixed reviews from the judges. His victory was a surprise, highlighting the importance of the public vote.

• Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten (Season 28, 2019)

Hannah Brown, a former “The Bachelorette” contestant, showed great improvement throughout the season. With Alan Bersten, she overcame her initial insecurities to deliver strong and emotional performances, earning the judges’ respect and the audience’s sympathy. Her personal journey of self-discovery and growth was key to her victory.

• Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev (Season 29, 2020)

Kaitlyn Bristowe, a former star of “The Bachelorette”, fulfilled her dream of participating in “Dancing with the Stars” and quickly stood out. With Artem Chigvintsev, she showcased her dancing ability with technical and exciting routines.

Her perseverance and chemistry with Artem led her to a well-deserved victory, crowning her as the winner of a season marked by unique challenges due to the pandemic.

• Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach (Season 30, 2021)

Iman Shumpert, a former NBA player, defied expectations by proving that his height was not a limitation on the dance floor. Paired with Daniella Karagach, he executed innovative routines that fused his athletic style with dance technique.

His impressive progress and stunning Freestyle in the final made him a deserving winner, becoming the first former NBA player to win the trophy.

• Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas (Season 31, 2022)

Charli D’Amelio, a TikTok star, leveraged her popularity and social media skills to surprise on the dance floor. With Mark Ballas, she demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt to different dance styles, delivering polished and exciting performances.

Her youth and innate talent led her to win the season, proving she is more than just an internet star.

• Amber Riley and Derek Hough (Season 32, 2023)

Amber Riley returned to the competition after her victory in Season 17, this time with a renewed focus and even greater determination. Paired with Derek Hough, she once again captivated the audience with her powerful stage presence and dance skills.

Her routines, filled with emotion and technical precision, led her to a second victory, solidifying her as one of the best competitors in the show’s history.

• Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev (Season 32, 2023)

The former “Bachelorette” showed determination and grace.Together, Charity and Artem delivered memorable performances that combined technique and emotion.

Their dedication and teamwork led them to win the season, with Charity being crowned as the final trophy winner. Their victory was a reflection of their continuous effort and the effective chemistry between the pair.