Who Won Dancing with the Stars in 2014

2014 DWTS Champion: Answer First

In the Season 18 finale of Dancing with the Stars in 2014, Olympic gymnast Meryl Davis and professional partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy were crowned the winners. The competition concluded on November 25, 2014, with Meryl and Maksim securing the mirrorball trophy. The runner-up pair was Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani, with Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess placing third. This overview provides the verified outcomes, scoring context, and notable details from that season for readers seeking a durable reference.

Season 18 Finale Results Table

Place	Celebrity	Professional Partner	Average Score	Key Highlights
1	Meryl Davis	Maksim Chmerkovskiy	41.0 (final)	First Olympic figure skater to win DWTS; strong ballroom foundation
2	Melissa Rycroft	Tony Dovolani	39.8 (final)	Former Bachelor contestant; consistent technique
3	Nick Carter	Sharna Burgess	38.8 (final)	High-energy performances; strong public recognition

Key Details of Season 18

Finale Date: November 25, 2014
Winning Score: 41.0 out of 40 + bonus = 41.0 after deductions in prior rounds; judges’ score plus viewer votes decided the winner.
Notable Cast: Includes Olympic athletes, reality TV personalities, and music performers across varied ages and dance backgrounds.

Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Partnership Profile

Meryl Davis became the first American woman and first Olympic figure skater to win DWTS. Her partnership with Maksim Chmerkovskiy showcased strong waltz and quickstep foundations, contributing to consistent high scores. Their synergy in both training and on-stage storytelling resonated with judges and viewers, delivering a steady climb through the leaderboard.

Judges and Scoring Context

Judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba assessed technique, artistry, and synchronization. The scoring system combined judges’ marks with public votes, making each week’s performance critical. Meryl and Maksim’s ability to adapt to varied music styles and choreographic risk sets them apart among DWTS champions.

Runner-Up and Third-Place Performances

Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani provided polished Viennese waltz and energetic jive routines, maintaining high public votes. Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess balanced showmanship with technical execution, frequently earning praise for creative themes. While both pairs delivered memorable seasons, the Davis–Chmerkovskiy combination edged out the competition in the finale vote.

Season 18 Legacy and Viewer Takeaways

The 2014 season emphasized versatility, with celebrities tackling salsa, tango, contemporary, and Broadway influences. Meryl Davis’s victory reinforced the show’s tradition of pairing champions with strong fundamentals and adaptability. Viewers gain a reliable benchmark for evaluating future seasons: consistent technique, partnership chemistry, and resilience under live voting pressure remain decisive factors.

Evergreen Takeaways

First Olympic gold medalist to win Dancing with the Stars.
Finale aired on November 25, 2014.
Winning pair earned 41.0 points in the final combined score.
Runner-up: Melissa Rycroft and Tony Dovolani.

Quick Comparison: 2014 Finalists

Celebrity	Professional Partner	Final Place	Notable Strength
Meryl Davis	Maksim Chmerkovskiy	Winner	Olympic skating background; elegant ballroom
Melissa Rycroft	Tony Dovolani	Runner-up	Consistent scores; strong public appeal
Nick Carter	Sharna Burgess	Third	Creative themes; high energy