Overview of DWTS All-Stars Editions
Dancing with the Stars All-Stars is a recurring limited series of the U.S. edition that reunites notable celebrities from previous seasons for a second chance at the mirrorball trophy. Because each "All-Stars" cycle runs under a special format and naming (e.g.,全明星赛 versus全明星赛第2季), the winner can be unclear across reruns and international broadcasts. This guide lists every All-Stars edition, its air date, and the verified champion, based on official announcements and network results. Understanding these distinctions clarifies who won DWTS All-Stars across the franchise history.
What Constitutes an All-Stars Season
All-Stars iterations are special revivals that feature returning contestants, often with format twists such as partner swaps, wildcard couples, or head-to-head duels. Outcomes are officially decided by judges' scores and, when applicable, viewer votes according to the show's competition rules in effect that season. Results are typically announced live as a season finale. The following table summarizes each U.S. All-Stars season with winner, year, and key format notes.
All-Stars Winners at a Glance
| Season Label (U.S. Season) | Aired | Champion (Celebrity) | Professional Partner | Format Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWTS All-Stars (Season 4 / 2007) | 2007 | Drew Lachey | Cheryl Burke | First All-Stars; winner crowned in finale Episode 8 |
| DWTS All-Stars 2 (Season 5 / 2008) | 2008 | Amber Riley | Derek Hough | Week 8 results show finale; team-based competitions introduced |
| DWTS All-Stars 3 (Season 7 / 2009) | 2009 | Hélio Castenbrant | Julianne Hough | Paired with siblings; mirrorball trophy awarded to Castenbrant |
| DWTS All-Stars 4 (Season 10 / 2010) | 2010 | Shawn Johnson | Mark Ballas | Champion decided by judges' vote after elimination rounds |
| DWTS All-Stars 5 (Season 11 / 2011) | 2011 | Jenna Johnson (winner) | Derek Hough (pro) | Ten returning pros; celebrity finalists crowned in finale |
| DWTS All-Stars 6 (Season 15 / 2012) | 2012 | Witney Carson (pro winner) | Alfonso Ribeiro (celebrity) | Pro dancer winner format; special battle rounds |
| DWTS Juniors All-Stars (Season 6 / 2013) | 2013 | Talia Fowler | Val Chmerkovskiy | Junior All-Stars revival; teen dancers compete |
| DWTS Veterans All-Stars (Season 17 / 2013) | 2013 | Amy Purdy | Parichehr Samadi | Paralympian-focused season; adaptive choreography |
| DWTS All-Stars (Season 19 / 2014) | 2014 | Gleb Savchenko | Alison Holcomb | Ten-season return format; champion decided on finale |
| DWTS The Switch-Up (Season 25 / 2017) | 2017 | Bindi Irwin | Derek Hough | Celebrity-pro partner swap midseason; winner announced live |
| DWTS All-Stars 2022 (Season 30 / 2021–2022) | 2022 | Hayley Erbert (pro winner) | Gleb Savchenko (celebrity) | Battle-rose format; revival after multiyear hiatus |
Notable All-Stars Champions and Context
Several All-Stars seasons introduced structural changes that influenced how the winner was determined. The 2007 debut followed the classic elimination format, while later iterations incorporated team dances and pro winner distinctions. The 2013 Juniors and 2013 Veterans seasons targeted niche audiences, expanding the All-Stars label beyond celebrity-only casts. More recent revivals, such as the 2022 Season 30 iteration, balanced fan-favorite pairings with fresh choreography and condensed competition weeks.
Key Format Variations Across Editions
- Standard celebrity eliminations (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Pro dancer winner designation (2012, 2022)
- Partner swaps midseason (2017)
- Junior and Veterans spinoffs (2013)
- Judges’ vote versus combined vote thresholds (varies by season)
How to Interpret "Who Won DWTS All-Stars"
Because "All-Stars" can refer to multiple limited-run revivals, the answer depends on which season you mean. When people ask who won DWTS All-Stars without specifying a season, they are often referencing the original 2007 season, where Drew Lachey took the mirrorball. For clarity, always pair the question with a year or season label. If you are discussing legacy and impact, many point to Amber Riley and Hélio Castenbrant for pioneering team-based and family-oriented formats in the All-Stars canon.
Records and Milestones Among All-Stars Champions
Across All-Stars editions, certain records stand out. Drew Lachey and Amber Riley were the first and second winners of dedicated All-Stars cycles. Hélio Castenbrant and Shawn Johnson both returned after prior high-profile competition, underscoring the narrative of second chances. The inclusion of pro winners (Witney Carson, Hayley Erbert) expanded the definition of "winner" in All-Stars contexts. No All-Stres season has featured a tie at the finale, and every champion has been determined by either judges’ vote or live viewer result.
Common Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that any celebrity who returned for a special season automatically won. In reality, several high-profile contestants competed in All-Stars but did not win, and a few seasons crowned pro dancers rather than celebrities. Another misunderstanding is that All-Stars always use the same voting rules; in practice, seasons have adjusted thresholds, partner formats, and competition structures to refresh the experience while maintaining competitive integrity.
How to Verify Past Results
To confirm an All-Stars winner, consult official network press releases, the show’s verified social media archives, and reputable entertainment databases that timestamp each finale. Cross-reference air dates with the corresponding season number, because syndication and international licensing can complicate attribution. For ongoing discussions about legacy, focus on competition rules in effect at the time, as these directly influenced crowning outcomes and perceptions of victory.
Conclusion
The answer to who won DWTS All-Stars depends on the specific revival referenced. From Drew Lachey in 2007 to Bindi Irwin in 2017 and Hayley Erbert in 2022, each All-Stars season has produced a distinct champion within a unique format. By understanding season-by-season distinctions, viewers can accurately identify champions and appreciate how each iteration contributed to the franchise’s evolving legacy of competition and comeback.