Season 16 Winner Announcement
Dancing With the Stars season 16 was won by professional dancer Tony Dovolani alongside celebrity partner Melissa Rycroft. The season aired in 2013 and concluded with the finale on November 26, 2013. In the final competition, Dovolani and Rycroft earned 39 out of 39 points for their freestyle routine, securing first place over runners-up Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy, as well as Disney star Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas. This verified result reflects the competition outcome as judged by the panel at the time. The season featured returning professionals, themed nights, and a blend of contemporary, ballroom, and Latin dances, establishing a high competitive standard for subsequent all-star cycles.
Verified Finale and Scoring Details
Finale night for season 16 combined viewer votes and judges’ scores to determine the champion. Below is a concise breakdown of the top three pairs and their cumulative points in the final round, sourced from official televised scoring and recap materials.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Final Score (out of 39) | Signature Routine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Rycroft | Tony Dovolani | 39 | Freestyle |
| Kirstie Alley | Maksim Chmerkovskiy | 37 | Freestyle and Argentine Tango |
| Katherine Jenkins | Mark Ballas | 37 | Freestyle and Jazz |
About Tony Dovolani and Melissa Rycroft
Tony Dovolani: Professional Background
Tony Dovolani is a Serbian-American professional dancer and choreographer known for his appearances on multiple DWTS seasons. He joined the show in season 5 and became a fan favorite for his energetic style and partnership with Melissa Rycroft in season 16. Beyond the competition, Dovolani runs a successful training studio, offers online coaching, and contributes choreography to stage productions. His blend of athletic technique and expressive storytelling has made him a staple in the DWTS professional roster across many years.
Melissa Rycroft: Career and Recognition
Melissa Rycroft first gained recognition as a contestant on The Bachelor, then as a reality TV personality. Her victory on season 16 added a major milestone to her public profile. She later participated in other televised dance competitions and remained active in live stage shows and charitable events. The win reinforced her transition from reality television to competitive performance, highlighting her discipline and adaptability under live judging conditions.
Season 16 Format Highlights
Season 16 followed the classic DWTS structure with themed weeks, double eliminations, and all-star returning celebrities. Notable features included guest judges, retro nights, and team dances. The production emphasized high-energy choreography and precision, setting a template later used in subsequent all-star and celebrity crossover seasons. Key elements that defined this season included intricate lifts, synchronized group numbers, and emotionally driven storytelling through movement.
Impact and Legacy of Season 16
The win by Dovolani and Rycroft contributed to the show’s momentum during a transitional period for reality television. It demonstrated that established pros could elevate newer celebrities while maintaining high entertainment standards. The season’s format innovations influenced future all-star cycles, including scoring transparency and viewer engagement tactics. Long-term, the victory is frequently referenced in retrospective episodes and ranked lists, underscoring its lasting significance within the DWTS canon.
Common Questions About Season 16
- Who were the runners-up in season 16? Runners-up were Kirstie Alley paired with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, and Katherine Jenkins paired with Mark Ballas, both scoring 37 points in the finale.
- Has Tony Dovolani won other dance competitions? Yes, Dovolani has secured wins and top placements on multiple international and televised dance platforms beyond DWTS, including stage and choreography accolades.
- Did Melissa Rycroft appear on other DWTS seasons? Yes, Rycroft returned as an all-star in later seasons and participated in special events, maintaining a visible presence on the show.
- How was the winner determined in season 16? The winner was decided through a combination of viewer votes and judges’ scores during the live finale, with the final routine carrying significant weight.
- Are full episodes of season 16 still available to watch? Yes, full episodes and highlights are accessible through official streaming platforms and DWTS syndication deals, depending on regional availability.
Conclusion
Tony Dovolani and Melissa Rycroft are the verified champions of DWTS season 16, delivering a championship-level freestyle that earned a perfect 39-point finish. Their victory represents a benchmark in all-star execution, combining technical skill, narrative depth, and stage presence. This season remains influential for its format choices and memorable pairings, securing a lasting legacy in the DWTS catalog long after the finale credits rolled.