How to Identify the Second Place Finisher on Dancing with the Stars
The short answer is: it depends on the season. Because Dancing with the Stars has aired for more than 30 seasons and features a new cast each year, there is no single person who is second place overall. To answer who got second place, you must specify the season year or the celebrity. In most regular seasons, the contestant who receives the second-highest final average score and loses the finale vote is named the runner-up. In rare formats such as All-Stars or special all-celebrity seasons, the same rules apply, but the cast and scoring context differ. This guide explains how to determine the second-place finisher for any season and how the DWTS scoring system produces that result.
Why There Isn’t One Universal Second Place
Dancing with the Stars produces a separate winner and runner-up each season. Because the show has aired on ABC (and previously on ABC’s predecessors and time slots) since 2005, the term second place refers to the finalist who placed second in a specific season, not an all-time career ranking. Some seasons feature a traditional finale with two couples remaining, where the judges’ scores and viewer votes decide first and second. Other seasons, especially all-star or special formats, may crown a winner but leave the ordering of the final group less formal. Therefore, to state who got second place, you must anchor the question to a season or a celebrity.
The Basic Mechanics of DWTS Scoring and Final Placement
At the heart of determining second place is the scoring system. Each week, celebrity contestants perform a dance and receive judges’ scores out of 30 and a public vote (via app, phone, and online voting). The total score each week is a weighted combination: in most recent formats, the judges’ score accounts for a portion of the weekly total and the public vote accounts for the remainder. In the finale, accumulated scores determine the ranking. Typically, the couple with the highest cumulative score is crowned champion, and the couple with the second-highest cumulative score is named runner-up. Here is a concise overview of how these placements are determined in a standard season finale.
How the Finale Ranking Is Decided
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Ranking Metric | Cumulative weighted score (judges + public votes) through the finale | Network competition format rules |
| Determining First Place | Highest cumulative score in the finale; wins the mirrorball trophy | Historical season results |
| Determining Second Place | Second-highest cumulative score; loses the finale vote | Historical season results |
| Judges’ Score Weight | Varies by season; often 30–50% of weekly total in recent years | Seasonal rule changes |
| Public Vote Weight | Complements judges; constitutes majority of weekly score in many seasons | Network voting disclosures |
How to Find the Official Second Place for Any Season
Because seasons vary, the most reliable method is to check the official season recap on the show’s website or a trusted network source. Look for results articles that state the final standings immediately after the finale. Runner-up information is typically presented as part of the recap, alongside the winner and notable placements. If you are asking about a specific celebrity, identify which season they competed in and review that season’s finale recap. Avoid headlines that refer to runner-up claims before the finale; only the post-finale results are authoritative.
Notable Seasons With Clear Runner-Ups and How to Verify
Over more than 30 seasons, many years have produced definitive second-place finishers. To verify a runner-up for a given year, consult the season’s official recap, which lists placements in order. When reading recaps or articles, distinguish between confirmed placements and pre-finale speculation. Only post-finale coverage that cites judges’ scores and vote totals should be treated as verified. Below is a concise, illustrative example of how placement data is reported for a typical season. This pattern mirrors how most regular seasons report results.
Example Result Table (Illustrative; Verify With Official Sources)
| Season (Year) | Winner | Second Place | Finale Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 (2005) | Kelly Monaco & Alec Mazo | Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas | Traditional finale, judges + viewer votes |
| Season 10 (2010) | Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough | Ross Mathews & Lacey Schwimmer | Traditional finale, judges + viewer votes |
| Season 25 (2017) | Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold | Antonio Sabàto Jr. & Cheryl Burke | Traditional finale, judges + viewer votes |
| Season 30 (2021) | Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach | Gina Carano & Keo Motsepe | Modified format due to circumstances |
| Season 32 (2023) | Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach | Not applicable (winner only in celebrity format) | Special celebrity format |
Common Misconceptions About Second Place
One frequent misconception is that runner-up status is a permanent career label rather than a season-specific result. Another is that second place reflects judges’ preferences more than viewer preference, when in fact the public vote carries substantial weight in most seasons. Additionally, some assume that the runner-up couple continues competing after the finale; in reality, the competition ends with the finale reveal. Understanding these nuances helps interpret news articles and avoid confusion when multiple seasons are discussed.
How to Stay Updated and Verify Future Results
To remain accurate about who got second place on Dancing with the Stars, rely on official network announcements, verified entertainment news outlets, and the show’s recap pages after each season finale. Treat social media rumors and pre-finale predictions as speculation. When a new season concludes, check the official ABC recap and cross-reference with trusted journalists who cite score totals and vote data. This practice ensures that your understanding of runner-ups remains both evergreen and evidence-based.
Key Takeaways
- Second place on Dancing with the Stars is defined per season, not as an all-time title.
- The runner-up is the finalist with the second-highest cumulative weighted score in the finale.
- Verification requires post-finale results from official or trusted sources; pre-finale claims are not reliable.
- Always specify the season or celebrity when asking or answering who placed second.
- Judges’ scores and public vote percentages are disclosed in official recaps and confirm placements.
Conclusion
Because Dancing with the Stars has multiple seasons, there is no single person who holds second place across the show’s history. To answer who got second place, identify the season and review the verified finale results. The show’s scoring system combines judges’ evaluations and public voting to determine final rankings, with the runner-up being the finalist who earns the second-highest total. Use official recaps and trusted reporting after each season to confirm placements accurately and reliably.