Val Chmerkovskiy’s Dancing with the Stars Partnerships: Who Did He Win With?

Val Chmerkovskiy is a professional dancer who found fame on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) as both a competing pro and an All-Star. The question “who did Val win Dancing with the Stars with” has a concise answer: he lifted the coveted Mirrorball Trophy twice, first with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson in Season 8 (2009) and later with actress and singer Zendaya in Season 28 (2019). This evergreen profile clarifies those victories, distinguishes them from runner-up seasons and other notable partnerships, and supplies reliable context for viewers evaluating his DWTS legacy and the format of pro–celebrity dance competition.

Core Answer Up Front

Val Chmerkovskiy won Dancing with the Stars twice: (1) Season 8 (2009) with gymnast Shawn Johnson, and (2) Season 28 (2019) with actress and singer Zendaya. He reached the finals many other times—often as a top contender—but these two seasons represent his Mirrorball Trophy victories. The rest of this article explains each win, the couples’ backgrounds, season contexts, and how these results compare with his other high-profile partnerships.

What It Means to “Win” DWTS

The Trophy and the Format

In DWTS, the “win” refers to being the final couple standing at the season finale, crowned by viewers’ votes and confirmed by the judges. The prize is the Mirrorball Trophy. For pros, a win validates their celebrity–pro partnership and often elevates their status on the show. Val’s two wins anchor his reputation, though he has been a runner-up and part of acclaimed All-Star casts in other seasons.

Pro Versus All-Star Roles

Early in DWTS, Val competed as a pro with celebrity partners. Later, the show introduced the All-Star format, where popular returning pros competed without a celebrity partner (or with a new one midseason). Wins in the All-Star format are still season wins, but the competitive dynamic differs. Val’s two main victories came while partnered with celebrities in the classic pro–celebrity format.

Val’s Championship Seasons at a Glance

2009: Season 8 with Shawn Johnson

Partnership Details

Season 8 paired Val Chmerkovskiy with Shawn Johnson, a 19-year-old Olympic silver medalist from Utah. Their contrasting backgrounds—Val’s ballroom training and Shawn’s elite gymnastics—created a compelling narrative. They leaned into theatrical storytelling and precise technique, becoming early favorites.

Season Arc and Finale

Val and Shawn consistently scored high marks, delivering polished Argentine Tango, emotional Viennese Waltz, and dynamic Jazz routines. They reached the finale against Gilles Marini and Hélio Castroneves (both strong contenders). Viewer votes crowned Shawn and Val the champions, marking Val’s first Mirrorball Trophy and establishing him as a top-tier pro on the show.

2019: Season 28 with Zendaya

Partnership Details

Season 28 featured Val Chmerkovskiy alongside Zendaya, a major film and television star known for her role in Euphoria and involvement in music. This was labeled an All-Star season, with returning pros given new celebrity partners mid-competition in some cases; Zendaya and Val were paired from the start. Their partnership generated widespread media attention and record-setting ratings.

Season Arc and Finale

Zendaya and Val delivered showstopping performances, including a samba that leaned into Zendaya’s pop background and a refined waltz that showcased their technical chemistry. They advanced to a finale with fellow power couple Koko Iwasaki and Alan Bersten. Once again, viewers chose Zendaya and Val, awarding them the Mirrorball Trophy and cementing Val’s second championship.

Other Notable Runs and Runner-Up Seasons

Beyond his two wins, Val has been a finalist multiple times and finished as a runner-up on at least one occasion. He has also been part of acclaimed All-Star casts, where the format shifts and partners may change midseason. These appearances strengthen his reputation but are distinct from the championship victories with Shawn and Zendaya.

Quick Comparison of Val’s Key DWTS Seasons

• Season 8 (2009) with Shawn Johnson: First win; mirrorball trophy; early-career milestone.
• Season 28 (2019) with Zendaya: Second win; mirrorball trophy; All-Star season; high ratings.
• Multiple other finals appearances: Demonstrates sustained excellence and familiarity with high-stakes competition.

How Viewers and Critics See His Wins

Fans often point to Shawn and Zendaya as quintessential Val–celebrity pairings: complementary skills, strong on-screen chemistry, and consistent high scoring. Critics of DWTS sometimes debate pro–celebrity pairings, but Val’s wins are widely acknowledged as well-earned, reflecting rehearsal discipline and adaptability to varied dance styles.

Beyond the Trophy: Career Impact

Winning DWTS with Shawn and Zendaya opened doors for Val beyond the studio. It led to choreography credits, tours, judging opportunities, and higher-profile brand collaborations. His status as a two-time champion informs how partners, producers, and audiences perceive his expertise and competitive drive.

Recap and Takeaways

To directly answer “who did Val win Dancing with the Stars with”: Shawn Johnson in 2009 (Season 8) and Zendaya in 2019 (Season 28). Both seasons were built on strong choreography, clear storytelling, and viewer engagement. Whether you’re revisiting classic seasons or catching up on his All-Star performances, these two victories remain the pillars of Val Chmerkovskiy’s DWTS legacy.

Quick Reference at a Glance