Dwight Howard’s DWTS Finish: What Place Did He Get
Dwight Howard finished in 3rd place on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), which aired fall 2016 on ABC. He and professional partner Sharna Burgess were eliminated in week 9, after making it to the double elimination round. This marked Howard’s only DWTS season to date and established him as a consistent top-tier competitor despite not winning the Mirrorball Trophy.
Season 23 Context and Format
Season 23 introduced a double elimination twist in the later weeks, allowing couples already in the bottom two to face a second chance before final elimination. Howard and Burgess were in the running for the finale, but ultimately fell just short of the top two. Understanding this format is essential to interpreting his third-place finish.
How DWTS Final Standings Are Determined
Final placement on DWTS depends on a combination of judge scores and viewer votes. The couple with the lowest combined total is eliminated each week, except during double elimination weeks, where the lowest combined score sits in the bottom and the second-lowest is eliminated after viewer votes are tallied. Howard’s results table below summarizes his trajectory.
Dwight Howard’s Season 23 Results Snapshot
| Week | Dance | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha-Cha-Cha | 21 | Safe |
| 2 | Foxtrot | 20 | Safe |
| 3 | Jive | 24 | Safe |
| 4 | Quickstep | 25 | Safe |
| 5 | Rumba | 26 | Safe |
| 6 | Samba | 28 | Safe |
| 7 | Tango / Salsa | 29 / 30 | Safe |
| 8 | Argentine Tango / Viennese Waltz | 27 / 29 | Safe |
| 9 (Double Elimination) | Paso Doble / Freestyle | 27 / 27 | Eliminated (3rd Place) |
Comparative Finale Positions
Placing 3rd means Howard was among the final three couples when the season concluded. The table below contrasts typical outcomes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places on DWTS to frame his result.
| Place | Typical Recognition | Judges’ Influence | Viewer Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Winner) | Mirrorball Trophy, title | High combined scores over season | Wins vote in crucial weeks |
| 2nd (Runner-Up) | Finalist, highly praised | Consistently strong across styles | Loses close vote |
| 3rd (Third Place) | Strong performance, double elimination | Solid scores, occasional dips | Eliminated before finale vote |
Performance Highlights and Challenges
Howard’s season stood out for high-energy routines and notable improvements in technique. His Paso Doble in week 9 earned a 27, and the freestyle scored 27 as well, demonstrating versatility. However, consistency on faster Latin dances proved challenging at times, contributing to his elimination before reaching the finale.
Post-Show Career and Public Impact
Since DWTS, Howard has remained in the public eye through sports appearances, interviews, and social media engagement. His participation raised the show’s profile among sports fans and demonstrated cross-industry appeal, even without a win. The third-place finish remains his most prominent televised competition result to date.
Why Placements Matter on DWTS
Finishing position affects visibility, future TV opportunities, and public perception of a celebrity’s versatility. Howard’s 3rd place reflects strong ability while acknowledging that the competition rewards consistent excellence over a single standout night.
Status Clarifier: Common Misconceptions
- Howard did not win season 23; he placed 3rd.
- He was not eliminated in the first half of the season; he advanced to the double elimination round.
- His result is consistent across official DWTS records and reputable entertainment reporting.
Takeaway
Dwight Howard earned 3rd place on Dancing with the Stars season 23, competing alongside Sharna Burgess. His run through week 9 highlighted athleticism and growth, culminating in a double elimination exit that solidified his standing as a top competitor in that season.