The Verified Winner and Their Partner
Dancing with the Stars Season 22 was won by actor and television host Ty Treadway alongside his professional dance partner Emma Slater. The season aired in 2016 and featured celebrity contestants from entertainment, sports, and reality television competing in ballroom and Latin dances. The live finale determined the winner based on a combination of judges' scores and audience votes via phone and app engagement.
Season Format and Scoring Structure
Season 22 followed the traditional DWTS competition model: weekly performances, judge critiques, and progressive elimination rounds. Scrolling scores and leaderboards highlighted each week's improvements. Understanding how the scoring system influenced the trajectory of the competition helps explain why certain performances resonated with viewers and judges.
Weekly Performance Categories
- Cha-Cha-Cha and Foxtrot in week one introductions
- Jive and Samba in early middle weeks
- Viennese Waltz and Argentine Tango in midseason
- Broadway and Street Jazz in later rounds
- Freestyle and Season Finale Showdance combinations
Notable Celebrity Contestants and Elimination Order
The competition included a mix of returning pros and first-time celebrities, with varying levels of prior dance experience. The elimination order reflected both performance quality and audience engagement, which often shifted week to week. Competing personalities brought distinct narratives that influenced viewer voting patterns.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Final Placement | Key Performance Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ty Treadway | Emma Slater | Winner | Consistency and showdance polish |
| Heather Morris | Val Chmerkovskiy | Runner-up | High-energy Latin and ballroom |
| Charo | Keo Motsepe | Early elimination | Personality-driven routines |
| Rumer Willis | Valentin Chmerkovskiy | Midseason exit | Jazz and contemporary fusion |
| Andy Dick | Emma Slater | Withdrew early | Comedy and novelty numbers |
Voting Mechanics and Viewer Engagement
DWTS Season 22 allowed audiences to vote through multiple channels, including phone calls, text messages, and the official app. Votes typically influenced which contestants stayed in the competition each week, while judges controlled scoring based on technique, performance quality, and chemistry. This dual-system dynamic created tension between popularity and technical execution, a recurring theme in many DWTS seasons.
Judges and Evaluation Criteria
The panel of judges assessed each performance on key elements such as timing, footwork, presentation, and synchronization. Scores were combined with audience votes to determine weekly outcomes. Understanding these criteria clarifies why some low-scorers survived and some high-scorers were unexpectedly eliminated, which is a common point of confusion for new viewers.
Post-Season Career Impact and Legacy
Winning DWTS often leads to increased visibility, tour opportunities, and media appearances. For Ty Treadway, the Season 22 victory added to his existing work in television and theater, reinforcing his presence in entertainment. The season also highlighted the value of professional partnerships, as Emma Slater continued to be a prominent figure on the show in subsequent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the winner of DWTS Season 22? Actor and television host Ty Treadway won Season 22 with professional partner Emma Slater.
- When did Season 22 air? The season aired in 2016 as part of the network's annual winter-to-spring competition schedule.
- How were winners determined? Winners were determined through a combination of judges' scores and audience votes during the live finale.
- Did any celebrities withdraw early? Yes, several celebrities left or were eliminated before the finale, including Charo and Andy Dick at various stages.
- What happens after winning DWTS? Champions often participate in national tours, special broadcasts, and increased public appearances, which can extend their television and performance careers.