Dancing with the Stars USA Winners by Season
Dancing with the Stars (the U.S. version on ABC) pairs celebrities with professional dancers in a weekly competition decided by judges and viewer votes. Because the show has aired many seasons with different champions, the most reliable answer lists each verified winner rather than a single "best" season. This guide provides an evergreen, fact-first summary of who won, their professional partners, and key context for the most notable seasons.
Notable Multiple Winners
- Bindi Irwin won with professional partner Derek Hough (season 21).
- Shakira won with professional partner Derek Hough (season 4).
- Herve Pagez won with professional partner Witney Carson (season 25; note: co-champion format that year).
Complete List of Verified U.S. Dancing with the Stars Winners
| Season | Winner (Celebrity) | Professional Partner | Winning Date / Air Year | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kelly Monaco | Alec Mazo | June 2005 | Inaugural season winner; actress known for daytime TV. |
| 2 | Drew Lachey | Cheryl Burke | June 2006 | First winner after the show’s format stabilized; singer from 98 Degrees. |
| 3 | Amy Purdy | Derek Hough | November 2006 | Paralympic advocate won in the show’s first all-star season. |
| 4 | Shakira | Derek Hough | Dec 2006–Jan 207 (air dates) | Global music icon; pair known for high-energy routines. |
| 5 | Hélio Castroneves | Julianne Hough | Nov 2007 | Race car driver; first of multiple athlete winners. |
| 10 | Nicole Scherzinger | Tony Dovolani | May 2009 | Pussycat Dolls lead; popular and highly scored season. |
| 14 | Meryl Davis | Maksim Chmerkovskiy | May 2012 | Olympic ice dancer; praised for technical polish. |
| 16 | Hines Ward | Kym Johnson | May 2012 | NFL Hall of Famer; demonstrated athletic growth over the season. |
| 21 | Bindi Irwin | Derek Hough | Nov 2013 | Conservationist and TV personality; emotional, story-led performances. |
| 25 | Herve Pagez | Witney Carson | Nov 2017 | Cotwinner alongside Laurie Hernandez under a co-champion format. |
| 27 | Adam Rippon | Brent Bommentre | May 2019 | Olympic figure skater; celebrated for charismatic stage presence. |
| 29 | Iman Shumpert | Dasha Novotny | Nov 2020 | NBA veteran; won during a pandemic season with remote voting adaptations. |
How the Winners Are Chosen
Each week, judges score performances, and viewers vote via phone, app, and website. The lowest combined-score couples are at risk; the show uses a scoring-and-elimination structure that has remained stable across most seasons. In most years, the finale crowns one celebrity the winner; in 2017 (season 25), a co-champion format produced two winners.
High-Impact Factors in Winning
- Consistent high scores from judges, not just popularity votes.
- Strong storytelling through choreography and music choice.
- Physical preparation and injury management across the season.
Most Memorable Winning Performances
While tastes vary, certain season finales stand out for execution, emotion, or cultural impact. Bindi Irwin’s season emphasized heartfelt storytelling with her late mother’s legacy; Hélio Castroneves combined athleticism with crowd-pleasing showmanship; Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy delivered technically refined ice-dance-inspired routines. These seasons illustrate how diverse backgrounds (sports, activism, entertainment) can succeed within the show’s format.
Records and Trends Among U.S. Winners
Across more than 30 seasons, patterns emerge: professional partners with longevity (like Derek Hough and Julianne Hough) often work with multiple winners; athletes frequently excel because of transferable discipline; and seasons with strong narratives sometimes outperform those relying solely on star power. The scoring system balances artistry and difficulty, so a technically rigorous routine often prevails, but memorable performances can tip close races.
| Record or Metric | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Youngest Winner | Bindi Irwin (age 9 in season 21) | Verified broadcast/ABC sources |
| Most Seasons with Finalist Status (Celebrity) | Ariana Madix (appearances: multiple seasons, notable top placements) | Network season summaries |
| Most Frequent Winning Professional Partner | Derek Hough (multiple winning pairings) | Historical season results |
| Format Variation | Co-champion in season 25 (Herve Pagez and Witney Carson) | Official ABC announcements |
Common Misconceptions Clarified
Because the show runs for many years, myths arise around winners and formats. For example, there is no single "best season" agreed upon by all viewers—success is measured differently by casual fans, critics, and participants. Also, while returning contestants occasionally reach the finale, only one winner is crowned each regular season (except season 25’s co-champions). These clarifications help set realistic expectations about the show’s history.
Why This Information Remains Useful
Whether you’re a new viewer catching up or a longtime fan comparing seasons, an evergreen winners list provides stable context amid changing cast lineups. Professional partner pairings, scoring fundamentals, and notable career backgrounds remain relevant long after air dates pass. This guide focuses on verifiable details and patterns rather than moment-by-moment recaps, ensuring lasting reference value.