Since 2005, Dancing With the Stars has appeared all over consumers’ television screens. This ABC hit show pairs celebrity contestants with a trained professional ballroom dancer. These celebrities can be anything from Olympic athletes to television stars. The pairs are judged by a panel of qualified judges and online voters to hopefully attain the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Many successful celebrities have been on the show through the years, but here are the best of the best.
10. Kristi Yamaguchi
In Season 6, she partnered with Mark Ballas and won the mirrorball trophy. Kristi was an Olympic figure skater, so she was comfortable being in the spotlight creatively. With her partner Val Chmerkovskiy, her versatility began to grow as she experimented with different styles each week.
9. Laurie Hernandez
Laurie won the season 23 title at the age of 16 as an Olympic gymnast. Because of her young spirit, Laurie came in with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy as an underdog. She quickly became the youngest winner to date. The dances each week showed grace and choreography tailored to her skills.
8. Emmitt Smith
Emmitt took home the season 3 mirrorball trophy with pride. Contrary to his former NFL football career, he showed versatility and musicality. Cheryl Burke, his professional partner, grew his television image with his likable personality. It was a very satisfying win, as he showed passion and determination.
7. Bindi Irwin
As the daughter of icon Steve Irwin, Bindi came in with a strong fanbase. Her partner Derek Hough connected the audience and judges to their well-orchestrated dances. She won season 21 with one of the most positive support groups.
6. Meryl Davis
Everyone was rooting for Meryl during season 18. She had previously competed as an ice dancer in the Olympics and surprised the dance world with her abilities. Her content-filled dances allowed her to grasp the season 18 Mirrorball trophy with her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
5. Amber Riley
This former Glee star created a multitude of admirers on season 17. Amber had an inspiring personality that engulfed the fans and judges every week. Her partner Derek Hough created dances to showcase that personality. Along with those traits, she had great rhythm and musicality to earn the Mirrorball trophy for herself rightfully.
4. Charli Damelio
Charli Damelio is the most recent contestant on this list with her partner Mark Ballas. Social media gave her the boost for fan engagement votes because she came on the show with a massive following. Her previous dance training has made her season 31 win controversial to some. There is no debate that her dance skills were undeniable putting on a masterclass each week.
3. Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso returned to television after starring in the hit The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and captured the audience more and more every week. His dances with Witney Carson had slick moves that flowed effortlessly. Everyone was proud to support him on his season 19 victory. Along with popular demand, he has returned to the show as a host.
2. Jordan Fisher
Jordan Fisher, a famous actor and performer, showed the world his talented skillset. His background on the stage helped him to rise and deliver captivating performances with his partner Lindsay Arnold. Jordan holds the record for the most perfect scores in a single season which is nine times. From the very beginning, he was suited to secure the season 25 win.
1. Nyle DiMarco
Season 22 winner Nyle deserves the top spot as he gave the show’s most outstanding performances with Peta Murgatroyd. He was a former America’s Nest Top Model and showed the world what it means to be a dancer. Nyle is deaf and has to count beats in his head to match the dance. It is astonishing to see his growth while overcoming such hurdles.