Short answer: did Lindsay Stirling win Dancing With the Stars
No, Lindsay Stirling did not win Dancing With the Stars. She was a celebrity contestant on season 29 (the all-stars season in 2022) and was paired with professional dancer Mark Ballas. The season concluded with Iman Benson and Sasha Farber crowned the winners, while Stirling and Ballas finished in third place. Below we explain her season, clarify common confusions, and provide context for why this misconception exists.
Lindsay Stirling at a glance: career context
Lindsay Stirling is a violinist, composer, and choreographer known for her contemporary classical music, electronic influences, and high-energy live performances. She gained widespread recognition through YouTube performance videos and has released multiple studio albums, toured globally, and built a strong personal brand at the intersection of music, dance, and visual production.
Season 29: the all-stars cycle (2022)
Dancing With the Stars aired its 29th season as an all-stars edition featuring former contestants returning for another chance. Lindsay Stirling joined this roster as a celebrity partner for three-time professional champion Mark Ballas. The season aired in 2022 and followed DWTS format, with weekly eliminations, scores from judges, and a finale deciding the champions.
Key moments for Stirling and Ballas
- Strong early performances built momentum and audience connection.
- Consistent high scoring placed them in the finale competition.
- Ultimately, they finished third behind the winning pair Iman Benson and Sasha Farber.
Who won season 29 of DWTS
Iman Benson, a Black Squad dancer and social media personality, won season 29 alongside professional partner Sasha Farber. The finale crowned them as the champions after a race through several high-stakes routines. By contrast, Stirling and Ballas were awarded third place, disqualifying them from the title but highlighting their competitive standing within an elite field.
Common confusion: why people think Lindsay Stirling won DWTS
Misremembering or conflating facts likely fuels the idea that Stirling won. Possible sources include:
- Prominent branding: Stirling’s high-production performances and visibility blur lines in fans’ minds.
- All-stars prestige: Because season 29 featured returning stars, outcomes may be misremembered.
- Online misinformation: Brief clips or parody edits can spread incorrect narratives quickly.
It’s important to distinguish between visibility and victory; appearing prominently does not equate to winning the competition.
Verified season 29 results at a glance
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Final placement | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iman Benson | Sasha Farber | Winners | Season 29 (2022) |
| Second place | Second place partner | Runners-up | Season 29 (2022) |
| Lindsay Stirling | Mark Ballas | Third place | Season 29 (2022) |
Context, takeaways, and lasting impact
For Lindsay Stirling, competing on DWTS represented an opportunity to introduce her artistry to a mainstream television audience, blending choreography with athletic partnering. Finishing third in an all-stars field is a notable accomplishment that expanded her reach. Yet her primary legacy remains in music-driven innovation and cross-platform storytelling rather than a television title. Viewers can appreciate her performance legacy without conflating it with a DWTS championship that did not occur.
Bottom line
To answer the question directly: Did Lindsay Stirling win Dancing With the Stars? No. She competed in season 29 as part of an all-stars roster and finished third with Mark Ballas. Her lasting influence continues through music, touring, and digital content. Clarifying this distinction helps separate performance acclaim from competition results, supporting accurate fan understanding and informed discussion.