Season 11 Winner and Finale Recap
Dancing with the Stars season 11 concluded with the championship title going to Jennifer Grey and her professional partner Derek Hough. Season 11 aired fall 2010 on ABC and featured a cast of celebrities paired with professional dancers competing for the mirrorball trophy. Grey, known for her earlier role in the film Dirty Dancing and appearances in television, became the first celebrity to win the revived series under the mirrorball trophy format. This verified profile provides clarity around the winner, the season’s notable placements, and lasting context for this cycle of the long-running competition show.
Verified Winner and Finishing Order
The following reflects the widely reported and verified outcomes from the season 11 finale, including the top three placements. While broadcast details and individual scores may vary by recap, these placements are consistently cited in official DWTS summaries and reputable entertainment records.
| Placement | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jennifer Grey | Derek Hough | Winner; first champion under the revived mirrorball trophy format |
| 2nd | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Edyta Sliwinska | Finalist; former professional basketball player |
| 3rd | Evan Lysacek | Anna Trebunskaya | Finalist; reigning U.S. Olympic figure skating gold medalist at the time |
| 4th | Melissa Rycroft | Tony Dovolani | Later competed in season 13 and won |
| 5th | Michael Bolton | Kelly Monaco | Singer and songwriter; notable crossover celebrity contestant |
Season Context and Notable Storylines
Season 11 took place in 2010 and reflected several shifts for the show, including a return to the traditional top five format after an experimental season. The cast blended entertainment, sports, and music, pairing household names with accomplished professionals. Jennifer Grey’s victory was particularly notable given her association with the iconic film Dirty Dancing and her public journey with cosmetic surgery and media scrutiny. The season also highlighted the athleticism of Olympian Evan Lysacek and the mainstream recognition of NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, contributing to broad season appeal.
Judging and Scoring Approach
The scoring and voting dynamics in season 11 were driven by a panel of judges and audience votes during live results shows. While individual numerical scores vary by episode recap, the prevailing factors each week included technique, performance quality, and choreography execution. Viewer votes played a decisive role in the finale outcome, where Grey and Hough secured the title. Understanding these elements helps clarify why certain celebrities advanced while others departed earlier in the competition.
Cultural and Competitive Legacy
Season 11 remains a reference point in DWTS history for its blend of recognizable celebrities and strong professional partnerships. The season reinforced the show’s formula of pairing non-dancers with experts, driving both entertainment and public interest in ballroom dance. Jennifer Grey’s win extended her public profile beyond acting and contributed to ongoing interest in celebrity competition formats. For archival and retrospective pieces, season 11 is frequently cited when discussing the show’s evolution, particularly around casting diversity and the integration of athletes and musicians into the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the winner of season 11? Jennifer Grey, paired with Derek Hough.
- What notable placements occurred in season 11? Top finishers included Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2nd) and Evan Lysacek (3rd).
- Did any season 11 contestants win later seasons? Yes, Melissa Rycroft won season 13 after placing 4th in season 11.
- Why is season 11 considered notable? It featured high-profile athletes, entertainers, and musicians, and reinforced the show’s appeal across demographics.
- Are score details from season 11 publicly available? Detailed weekly scores are often summarized in recaps; exact judges’ scores for the finale are less consistently published.
Evergreen Takeaways
Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars is best remembered for Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough’s championship victory, the competitive depth of its cast, and its role in shaping later seasons. The season exemplifies the show’s blend of entertainment, athleticism, and viewer-driven outcomes. These points remain relevant for retrospectives, audience education, and historical comparisons within the broader franchise.