Dancing With the Stars, or DWTS for short, has been a frontrunner in American television since its debut in 2005. In a nutshell, the show is a winning combination of glamour and fierce competition studded with some of the most popular celebrities: singers, actors, and athletes. To make the show really impressive, each celebrity is paired with a professional dancer, leading the pair toward the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Over the years, many winners have left a lasting impact on the show’s history through sweat and tears (thankfully, no blood). From singers to Olympic speed skaters and everything in between, some of the DWTS winners were truly unexpected! So, here’s a look at the top 10 winners who have positively stunned us with their performances.
1. Emmitt Smith (Season 3)
NFL legend Emmitt Smith teamed up with pro dancer Cheryl Burke to win Season 3 of DWTS. Smith’s athleticism and charisma, combined with Burke’s choreography, created a match like none other on the show. Their performances, particularly their freestyle, left both the judges and the viewers speechless. Smith’s victory proved that DWTS is the place where athletes could outshine even the pros on the field.
2. Apolo Anton Ohno (Season 4)
Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno and his partner Julianne Hough captivated viewers with their dynamic and highly technical routines. Unsurprisingly, Ohno’s competitive spirit and Hough’s expert guidance led them to victory in Season 4 of DWTS. Their memorable samba and freestyle routines showed both of the professionals’ incredible athleticism and drive, unmatched by any other pair in Season 4.
3. Helio Castroneves (Season 5)
IndyCar driver Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough, in her second consecutive win, brought cheery enthusiasm to the dance floor in Season 5. Castroneves’ charismatic performances, especially their memorable quickstep, won over both the judges and the audience. His win proved that race car drivers could also have nimble feet and dance like no one’s business.
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4. Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6)
Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas were the winning duo in Season 6. Yamaguchi’s grace and technical precision went seamlessly from the ice rink to the dance floor. Her performances consistently received high scores, and her paso doble remains one of the most iconic dances in DWTS history.
5. Shawn Johnson (Season 8)
Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson partnered with Mark Ballas to claim victory in Season 8. Johnson’s agility, strength, and performance quality made her a competitor to watch out for. Their freestyle dance, which incorporated acrobatics and high-energy choreography, left a lasting impression and earned them the Mirrorball Trophy. Although not an unexpected win, Johnson’s athleticism was still incredibly impressive.
6. Nicole Scherzinger (Season 10)
Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough wowed audiences with their technically challenging routines in Season 10. Scherzinger’s background in dance and performance gave her an edge, but her emotional depth and connection with Hough truly set her apart from the rest of the competition. Their Argentine tango and freestyle routines are still celebrated as some of the best in DWTS history.
7. J.R. Martinez (Season 13)
Actor and former U.S. Army soldier J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff won not just the hearts of the audience but also the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 13. Martinez’s inspiring story and determination resonated with viewers, and his dancing improved week after week. The pair’s samba and freestyle routines, combining emotion and technical skill, were particularly memorable. Everybody loves a good personal triumph, and DWTS Season 13 truly delivered.
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8. Kellie Pickler (Season 16)
Country music singer Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough formed an incredible duo in Season 16. Pickler’s natural talent and Hough’s innovative choreography led to some of the most memorable performances in DWTS history. Their contemporary dance and freestyle were lauded for their emotional impact and technical brilliance.
9. Alfonso Ribeiro (Season 19)
Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, best known for his role as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and his partner Witney Carson brought humor and high energy to Season 19. Alfonso Ribeiro’s showmanship and impressive dance skills, particularly in their jazz and freestyle routines, made him a fan favorite. Their win was a magic mixture of entertainment and a tinge of nostalgia, which the audiences simply couldn’t get enough of.
10. Jordan Fisher (Season 25)
Actor and singer Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold set a high bar in Season 25 with their consistent excellence. Fisher’s adaptability and Arnold’s never-before-seen choreography led to perfect scores and jaw-dropping performances. Their jive and freestyle routines were standout moments, all thanks to Fisher’s range and charisma.
Dancing with the Stars has always been a show that surprises. Not only with its choreography and entertainment but also with the display of how incredibly talented people can be! From athletes to singers and from actors to inspirational people, each winning pair stole a piece of the audience’s heart. These top 10 winners are a testament to that, proving that with loads of determination, a dash of charisma, and skill, anyone can become a dance champion on DWTS. Want to read more about DWTS? Here are our top 5 Dancing with the Stars finales, ranked.
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