How Many Times Did Derek Hough Win Dancing with the Stars
Derek Hough is the most successful professional dancer in Dancing with the Stars history, with six wins across thirteen seasons. His first victory came in season 12 with Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi. He later won in season 15 with Brooke Burke, season 18 with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, season 20 with actress Amber Riley, season 22 with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and season 29 with actress Kym Johnson. Across these seasons, Hough set the standard for technical precision, showmanship, and consistency, establishing benchmarks still referenced by judges today.
Derek Hough’s DWTS Record at a Glance
Holds the record for most professional wins and most seasons won. He competed in a record 13 regular seasons (through season 30), illustrating durability across more than 15 years of televised competition. Below is a concise table of his titles, partners, and season outcomes.
| Season | Partner | Role / Occupation | Champion? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Kristi Yamaguchi | Figure skater, Olympic gold medalist | Yes |
| 15 | Brooke Burke | TV host, actress | Yes |
| 18 | Shawn Johnson | Gymnast, Olympic silver and gold medalist | Yes |
| 20 | Amber Riley | Actress, singer | Yes |
| 22 | Laurie Hernandez | Gymnast, Olympic gold medalist | Yes |
| 29 | Kym Johnson | Professional dancer | Yes |
Key Milestones and Notable Seasons
Beyond the wins, Hough’s DWTS journey includes several standout performances and turning points. In season 12, his partnership with Kristi Yamaguchi highlighted his ability to adapt to celebrity partners from sports, establishing a high level of technical rigor. Season 15 with Brooke Burke brought entertainment-driven routines and strong storytelling. With Shawn Johnson in season 18, he balanced athleticism and artistry, earning some of his highest scores. Season 20 with Amber Riley showcased his versatility in music-driven choreography, and season 22 with Laurie Hernandez demonstrated sustained excellence with a younger Olympic champion. Season 29 reaffirmed his status with Kym Johnson, validating consistency over multiple decades.
Defining the Record
- Six professional competition wins, a benchmark unlikely to be surpassed soon given the show’s format changes.
- Competed in 13 regular seasons, reflecting longevity and sustained relevance.
- Partnered across sports, entertainment, and music, demonstrating adaptability to varied performance styles.
Impact on the Show and Professional Legacy
Derek Hough’s wins redefined expectations for professional dancers on DWTS. His technical mastery, timing, and stage presence became a reference point for scoring and choreography. Many all-stars and pro weeks segments are still compared to his performances for clarity and quality. By holding the record for most wins, Hour influences judges’ criteria, contestant preparation, and audience appreciation of dance on the show.
Comparisons and Context
While other pros, such as Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani, have multiple titles, Hough’s count remains the highest as of the latest seasons. His sustained excellence over more than a decade distinguishes him from one-season champions and informs his ongoing role as a judge and mentor on the program.
Current Status and Relevance
Hough remains an active contributor to DWTS in roles such as judge and mentor and continues to appear in live tours and specials. His past wins inform his authority on the show and his influence on choreography, training, and performance standards. For viewers and contestants, understanding his record clarifies the history of professional excellence on Dancing with the Stars.
Quick Clarifier: Is This Still Accurate?
Yes. As of the most recent completed seasons, Derek Hough’s six victories and 13-season participation remain the benchmark in the show’s professional division. Future format changes may alter how wins are measured, but his record continues to define a high-water mark in the program’s history.