Overview and Answer Summary
Dancing with the Stars 2018 refers to the twenty-sixth season of the U.S. television dance competition, which aired on ABC in the spring and summer of 2018. This season crowned Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon and professional partner Jenna Johnson as the winners. The season aired from April to May, featuring a mix of celebrities paired with experienced pros. Below, you will find verified details about the schedule, cast, format, and results, organized for lasting reference and clarity.
Season Identification and Air Dates
The show uses numbered seasons rather than broadcast years in its official title; in routine conversation, fans and listings refer to this as Dancing with the Stars 2018 because it aired in that calendar year. Below are key verified timeline details:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Season Number | 26 | ABC/Production |
| Premiere Date | April 30, 2018 | ABC Press |
| Finale Date | May 21, 2018 | ABC Press |
| Network | ABC | Network Schedule |
| Status | Completed | Program History |
Host and Judges
Season 26 followed the established program format with returning hosts and judges. This continuity provides predictable structure across seasons and is a durable reference point for long-term viewers.
- Tom Bergeron: Main host through much of the season run (historical context: long-time host across multiple seasons)
- Erin Andrews: Co-host for the season
- Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli
Celebrity Cast and Professional Partners
Each season pairs celebrities with professional dancers. Season 26 included a mix of reality stars, athletes, and media personalities. The partnerships below reflect the initial season lineup as widely reported by official announcements and reputable entertainment outlets.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Rippon | Jenna Johnson | Olympic figure skater; winner |
| Bobby Bones | Sharna Burgess | Radio host; finalist |
| Michael Sam | Keo Motsepe | Former NFL player |
| Janel Parrish | Val Chmerkovskiy | Actress; high early scores |
| Paige VanZant | Mark Ballas | MMA fighter |
Format and Scoring Mechanics
Understanding the format helps viewers interpret outcomes and compare seasons. Dancing with the Stars 2018 followed the standard competition structure of group dances, individual routines, and judges’ scores combined with public votes.
Key Components
- Weekly live performances judged on technique, presentation, and difficulty
- Public voting via phone, app, and website to determine elimination pairs
- Bottom two couples facing judges’ save or elimination each week
- Dance styles: Cha-cha, Waltz, Jive, Salsa, Tango, Contemporary, Viennese Waltz, plus Freestyle and Samba in later weeks
Results and Winner Details
The season concluded with Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson winning the Mirrorball Trophy. Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess finished as runners-up. The finale featured a two-hour broadcast with group performances, a recap of highlights, and the final dance-off. These placements are consistent with widely reported results from ABC and reliable entertainment databases.
Comparative Snapshot: Final Standings
| Place | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adam Rippon | Jenna Johnson | Champions |
| 2 | Bobby Bones | Sharna Burgess | Runners-up |
| 3 | Michael Sam | Keo Motsepe | Eliminated prior to finale |
| 4 | Janel Parrish | Val Chmerkovskiy | Eliminated week prior |
| 5 | Paige VanZant | Mark Ballas | Early elimination |
Permanent Reference Notes
Because this season aired in 2018, it serves as a stable reference point for evergreen queries about casting, format, and results. The structure of pro-am partnerships, scoring methods, and episode flow remains broadly consistent year to year, making this season a useful baseline for comparison with newer installments. Viewers researching past seasons can rely on the above dates, placements, and participant pairings as authoritative summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which network aired Dancing with the Stars 2018? ABC.
- Who won season 26 of Dancing with the Stars? Adam Rippon and partner Jenna Johnson.
- When did the season premiere and finale air? Premiere: April 30, 2018; Finale: May 21, 2018.
- Are celebrity partners reused across seasons? Yes, professionals often return season after season, though pairings change annually.
- Where can I watch past seasons? Episodes are typically available via ABC streaming platforms, digital purchase, and licensed syndication services.
Related Topics and Further Reading
For deeper context, you can explore adjacent seasons, format evolutions, and profiles of recurring cast members. These topics support long-term understanding of the show’s structure and cultural footprint.
- Dancing with the Stars format evolution
- Notable DWTS professional dancers
- How DWTS scoring works
Tags
Tags: DWTS 2018, Dancing with the Stars season 26, celebrity dancing competition