Dancing With The Stars Winners: A Complete Mirrorball Legacy

Oliver Brakus 23 Jun 2025

For nearly two decades, Dancing with the Stars has captivated audiences worldwide, transforming celebrities into ballroom sensations and creating unforgettable moments of triumph and artistry. Since its dazzling debut in the summer of 2005 on ABC, this hit celebrity dancing competition series has become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its blend of glitz, glamour, and grueling dedication. Each season culminates in the highly anticipated reveal of a new champion, adding another name to the illustrious list of Dancing with the Stars winners who have hoisted the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

The journey to becoming a Dancing with the Stars winner is arduous, demanding countless hours of practice, emotional resilience, and the ability to connect with both the judges and the voting public. From athletes to actors, musicians to reality stars, a diverse array of personalities has graced the ballroom floor, each vying for the ultimate prize. This article delves deep into the show's rich history, exploring the remarkable individuals who have earned their place in DWTS lore, from the youngest victors to seasoned professionals, and what makes this glittering spectacle an enduring favorite.

The Legacy of Dancing with the Stars: A Glimpse into Its History
The Coveted Mirrorball Trophy: More Than Just a Prize
Understanding the Competition: How Winners Are Crowned
A Complete List of Dancing with the Stars Winners: Seasons 1 to 32
Spotlight on the Youngest Winner: Laurie Hernandez
Notable Winners and Their Journeys
The Enduring Appeal of DWTS: Why We Keep Watching
Beyond the Ballroom: What Happens After the Win?

The Legacy of Dancing with the Stars: A Glimpse into Its History

It’s hard to believe Dancing with the Stars first premiered almost two decades ago! The show, an American reality television series, quickly established itself as a staple of prime-time television. Its premise is simple yet captivating: celebrity contestants are paired with professional dance partners, and together they compete to be crowned the best dancers, as determined by the show's judges and the votes of the viewing public. This format has proven incredibly successful, leading to numerous international adaptations, including Dancing with the Stars Australia, which continues to add more fabulous winners to its (very) long list of victors.

Since its inception, Dancing with the Stars has evolved, introducing new dance styles, theme nights, and even changes in its judging panel and hosts. Despite these changes, the core appeal remains: watching familiar faces step outside their comfort zones, learn complex routines, and often, discover a hidden talent for dance. This journey of transformation, coupled with the inherent drama of competition, is what keeps millions tuning in season after season, eager to witness who will join the ranks of past Dancing with the Stars winners.

The Coveted Mirrorball Trophy: More Than Just a Prize

For any contestant on Dancing with the Stars, the ultimate goal is to take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This glittering orb, emblematic of skill, dedication, and popular appeal, represents the pinnacle of achievement in the DWTS ballroom. It's not just a trophy; it's a symbol of a journey, a testament to overcoming challenges, and a recognition of pure entertainment value. Some might even argue, with a twinkle in their eye, that for these celebrities, the "Mirror ball trophy > olympic gold medal" in terms of personal fulfillment and public adoration within the context of the show.

The trophy’s significance extends beyond the show itself. For many winners, it marks a pivotal moment in their careers, opening doors to new opportunities and reintroducing them to the public in a new light. Each time a new champion is crowned, their name is etched into the show's history, forever associated with the iconic Mirrorball. It’s the ultimate reward for weeks of sweat, tears, and spectacular performances, making every moment leading up to its presentation fraught with excitement and anticipation.

Understanding the Competition: How Winners Are Crowned

The path to becoming one of the Dancing with the Stars winners is a multi-faceted process. Each week, celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners perform various ballroom and Latin dances, from the passionate tango to the graceful waltz. Their performances are then evaluated by a panel of expert judges, who provide scores based on technical execution, artistry, and overall impression. These scores are crucial, but they are only half of the equation.

The other critical component is the public vote. Viewers at home cast their votes for their favorite couples, and these votes are combined with the judges' scores to determine which couple is safe and which faces elimination. This dual system ensures that both technical prowess and audience appeal play a role in the competition. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts, and only the couples who consistently deliver strong performances and garner significant public support can hope to make it to the grand finale and ultimately, join the elite list of Dancing with the Stars winners.

A Complete List of Dancing with the Stars Winners: Seasons 1 to 32

A look at all the Dancing with the Stars winners over the years reveals a fascinating tapestry of talent, dedication, and surprising transformations. From athletes to actors, singers to reality stars, each champion has left their unique mark on the ballroom. Below is a complete list of Dancing with the Stars winners from Season 1 to 32, showcasing the incredible journey of this iconic show.

Season 1-10: The Early Icons

**Season 1 (2005): Kelly Monaco & Alec Mazo** - The inaugural winners, setting the stage for future seasons.
**Season 2 (2006): Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke** - The 98 Degrees singer showed impressive moves.
**Season 3 (2006): Emmitt Smith & Cheryl Burke** - The NFL legend brought his competitive spirit to the dance floor.
**Season 4 (2007): Apolo Ohno & Julianne Hough** - The speed skater glided his way to victory.
**Season 5 (2007): Hélio Castroneves & Julianne Hough** - The IndyCar driver proved he could race and dance.
**Season 6 (2008): Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas** - The Olympic figure skater brought grace and precision.
**Season 7 (2008): Brooke Burke-Charvet & Derek Hough** - The TV personality showcased elegance and charm.
**Season 8 (2009): Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas** - Another Olympic gymnast to conquer the ballroom.
**Season 9 (2009): Donny Osmond & Kym Johnson** - The music icon proved he still had the moves.
**Season 10 (2010): Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough** - The Pussycat Dolls frontwoman delivered consistently high-scoring performances.

Season 11-20: Rising Stars and Surprises

**Season 11 (2010): Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough** - The Dirty Dancing star finally got her Mirrorball.
**Season 12 (2011): Hines Ward & Kym Johnson** - The NFL wide receiver scored another win for athletes.
**Season 13 (2011): J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff** - The actor and veteran captured hearts with his inspiring journey.
**Season 14 (2012): Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd** - Another Green Bay Packer added to the list of champions.
**Season 15 (2012): Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani** (All-Stars Season) - The former Bachelor contestant returned to win.
**Season 16 (2013): Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough** - The country singer charmed her way to victory.
**Season 17 (2013): Amber Riley & Derek Hough** - The Glee star brought powerhouse performances.
**Season 18 (2014): Meryl Davis & Maks Chmerkovskiy** - The Olympic ice dancer showcased incredible artistry.
**Season 19 (2014): Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson** - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star finally won after years of fan demand.
**Season 20 (2015): Rumer Willis & Val Chmerkovskiy** - The actress and singer delivered stunning routines.

Season 21-30: Memorable Performances

**Season 21 (2015): Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough** - The conservationist captivated with her joyful spirit.
**Season 22 (2016): Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd** - The first deaf contestant to win, inspiring millions.
**Season 23 (2016): Laurie Hernandez & Val Chmerkovskiy** - The youngest winner at the time, showcasing incredible talent.
**Season 24 (2017): Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater** - The former NFL running back showed surprising agility and grace.
**Season 25 (2017): Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold** - The multi-talented performer delivered near-perfect scores.
**Season 26 (2018): Adam Rippon & Jenna Johnson** (Athletes Season) - The Olympic figure skater brought his signature flair.
**Season 27 (2018): Bobby Bones & Sharna Burgess** - The radio personality was a fan-favorite underdog.
**Season 28 (2019): Hannah Brown & Alan Bersten** - The former Bachelorette proved her resilience.
**Season 29 (2020): Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev** - Another Bachelorette to claim the Mirrorball.
**Season 30 (2021): Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach** - The first NBA player to win, surprising everyone with his transformation.

Season 31-Present: The Latest Champions

**Season 31 (2022): Charli D'Amelio & Mark Ballas** - The TikTok star brought her massive following and impressive dance background to victory.
**Season 32 (2023): Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy** - The Marvel actress, at 17, became one of the youngest winners, showcasing incredible growth and talent.

This extensive list of Dancing with the Stars winners highlights the show's consistent ability to find and cultivate dance talent among celebrities from all walks of life. Each name represents a unique story of dedication, challenge, and ultimately, triumph in the dazzling world of ballroom dance.

Spotlight on the Youngest Winner: Laurie Hernandez

Among the celebrated Dancing with the Stars winners, Laurie Hernandez holds a special place in history. At just 16 years old, Laurie became the Dancing with the Stars' youngest winner and the first Latina to win the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 23 (2016). Her journey on the show was nothing short of spectacular, marked by her infectious energy, incredible athleticism, and emotional performances that resonated deeply with both judges and viewers.

Biography of Laurie Hernandez

Laurie Hernandez is an American artistic gymnast. Born on June 9, 2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, she began her gymnastics training at a young age. Her natural talent and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks, leading her to become a member of the U.S. women's national gymnastics team. She gained significant international recognition as a member of the "Final Five," the gold medal-winning U.S. women's gymnastics team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to her team gold, Hernandez also earned a silver medal on the balance beam.

Following her Olympic success, Laurie transitioned to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom, where she partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Her background in gymnastics provided her with an exceptional foundation in flexibility, strength, and spatial awareness, which she masterfully translated into her dance routines. Her youthful exuberance and ability to convey emotion through movement made her a standout performer, leading to her historic win. Post-DWTS, Laurie has continued to inspire, authoring books and advocating for mental health awareness, particularly among young athletes.

Personal Data and Biodata: Laurie Hernandez

Category	Detail
Full Name	Lauren "Laurie" Hernandez
Date of Birth	June 9, 2000
Place of Birth	New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Artistic Gymnast, Author, TV Personality
DWTS Season Won	Season 23 (2016)
DWTS Professional Partner	Val Chmerkovskiy
Olympic Medals	Gold (Team All-Around, 2016), Silver (Balance Beam, 2016)

Notable Winners and Their Journeys

Beyond Laurie Hernandez, many other Dancing with the Stars winners have left an indelible mark on the show's legacy. Each victory tells a unique story of growth, unexpected talent, and the power of human connection. For instance, Season 24 (2017) saw the triumph of Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater. Rashad, a former NFL running back, surprised many with his fluidity and emotional depth on the dance floor, proving that football prowess could translate into ballroom elegance. His journey was a testament to how celebrities, often known for one specific skill set, can truly reinvent themselves through dance.

Another interesting figure who had connections to the DWTS world, even if not a winner, is Stacy Keibler. While she didn't win her season (Season 2), her impressive performances as a wrestler and model captivated audiences. Her agility and stage presence were undeniable. Added to Keibler's list of film roles is The Comebacks (2007), a 20th Century Fox feature she appeared in alongside comedian David Koechner, showing how a stint on DWTS can sometimes springboard contestants into other entertainment avenues, regardless of winning the Mirrorball.

The show has consistently featured athletes, and their track record of winning is remarkable. From Emmitt Smith to Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi to Hines Ward, and more recently, Iman Shumpert, athletes often bring a competitive drive, discipline, and physical conditioning that gives them an edge. However, it's their ability to shed their athletic personas and embrace the artistry and emotion of dance that truly elevates them to become beloved Dancing with the Stars winners. Similarly, actors and musicians like Alfonso Ribeiro, Nicole Scherzinger, and Rumer Willis have leveraged their performance backgrounds to deliver captivating routines, demonstrating that the skills honed in one art form can often be adapted and celebrated in another.

The Enduring Appeal of DWTS: Why We Keep Watching

What is it about Dancing with the Stars that keeps audiences hooked for nearly two decades? It’s the glittery, all-moving and shaking dancing spectacular, a vibrant escape into a world of sequins, spray tans, and spectacular routines. The show offers a unique blend of entertainment, competition, and human interest stories. Viewers become invested in the journeys of the celebrity contestants, watching them overcome fears, learn new skills, and form deep bonds with their professional partners. This emotional connection is a powerful draw.</

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