Who Won Dancing with the Stars Season 17
Season 17 of Dancing with the Stars concluded with Hines Ward and professional partner Kym Johnson winning the Mirrorball Trophy. The finale aired in November 2013, crowning the NFL wide receiver and his ballroom specialist as the champions, while rookie rook Kirk DeWindt and Lacey Schwimmer finished as runners-up in the competition that paired celebrities with pro dancers in the Ballroom and Latin styles.
Season 17 Finale Details
The Season 17 finale delivered decisive scores across the standard Ballroom and Latin dances, ensuring that judges’ scores and public votes determined the Mirrorball champion. Hines Ward and Kym Johnson demonstrated consistent technique and performance quality over the season’s final weeks, securing the title in a format that rewards both technical execution and entertainment value in each routine.
Season 17 Final Standings
| Place | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hines Ward | Kym Johnson | Winner |
| 2 | Kirk DeWindt | Lacey Schwimmer | Runners-up |
| 3 | Alysse Oakley | Sasha Farber | Eliminated earlier |
| 4 | Jillian Barberie | Val Chmerkovskiy | Eliminated earlier |
Career Impact for the Winner
For Hines Ward, the DWTS Season 17 victory added a prominent reality-television milestone to his football legacy, reinforcing his public profile in sports and entertainment beyond the National Football League. Kym Johnson extended her record as one of the show’s most successful professional dancers, with multiple championship appearances shaping her career as a performer and choreographer.
How the Season Compared to Previous Editions
Compared to earlier seasons, Season 17 maintained the show’s formula of pairing well-known personalities with ballroom professionals across Standard and Latin dances, while retaining the weekly elimination structure and judges’ panel. The finale ratings and social engagement reflected steady viewer interest in the format, with the winner’s trajectory illustrating how the show continues to function as a career springboard for both athletes and entertainers.
Judging Criteria and Scoring
Judges evaluated each dance on technique, musicality, choreography, and performance quality, with scores typically ranging from 1 to 10 per judge. The combination of judge points and viewer votes each week created a competitive leaderboard, culminating in the final tally that crowned Hines Ward and Kym Johnson as champions.
Behind the Scenes and Rehearsal Process
Contestants rehearse several hours daily to master Ballroom and Latin techniques, including timing, footwork, and partnership dynamics. Choreographers tailored routines to highlight each celebrity’s strengths while ensuring technical correctness, stage presence, and emotional expression within the limits of weekly preparation times.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
DWTS Season 17 reinforced the broad appeal of dance competition television in the early 2010s, highlighting how sports and entertainment crossovers can attract diverse audiences. The season remains a reference point for format consistency, showcasing long-term viewer trust in the competition’s blend of training discipline, live performance, and audience voting.