Dancing with the Stars has been a staple of television for over 15 years, entertaining audiences with its combination of celebrity contestants and professional dancers competing for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Over the years, the show has produced countless memorable moments that have kept viewers coming back for more. Here are 10 of the most unforgettable moments from the show’s history.
1. Kelly Monaco and Val Chmerkovskiy’s controversial win – In the first season of Dancing with the Stars, soap opera actress Kelly Monaco and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy caused quite a stir when they took home the Mirrorball Trophy. Many viewers were outraged, as they believed that runner-up John O’Hurley and his partner Charlotte Jørgensen were more deserving of the win.
2. The first perfect score – In season 5, Mel B and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy received the show’s first perfect score for their paso doble. This was a monumental moment in the show’s history and set the stage for many more perfect scores to come.
3. Kirstie Alley’s fall – During a live performance in season 12, actress Kirstie Alley took a tumble while dancing with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The moment became one of the most talked-about incidents in the show’s history and showcased Alley’s determination and grace under pressure.
4. The Proposal – In season 25, professional dancer Sasha Farber proposed to fellow dancer Emma Slater live on the show. The emotional moment captured the hearts of viewers and remains one of the most romantic moments in the show’s history.
5. Bindi Irwin’s emotional tribute – In season 21, Bindi Irwin and her partner Derek Hough performed a moving tribute to Irwin’s late father, Steve Irwin. The emotional dance earned the pair a perfect score and left many viewers in tears.
6. Nyle DiMarco’s win – In season 22, Nyle DiMarco made history by becoming the show’s first deaf winner. His incredible dancing skills and inspiring journey captivated audiences and made for one of the most memorable seasons of the show.
7. Alfonso Ribeiro’s “Carlton” dance – In season 19, actor Alfonso Ribeiro delighted fans by performing his iconic “Carlton” dance from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The nostalgic moment earned Ribeiro a perfect score and solidified his status as a fan favorite.
8. Zendaya’s impressive performances – In season 16, Disney star Zendaya wowed audiences with her incredible dancing skills and maturity beyond her years. Despite being one of the youngest contestants in the show’s history, she consistently received high scores and made it all the way to the finals.
9. Derek Hough’s record-breaking wins – Professional dancer Derek Hough has set the record for the most Mirrorball Trophy wins, with six victories under his belt. His incredible talent and chemistry with his celebrity partners have solidified his status as one of the show’s most beloved dancers.
10. The return of fan-favorite contestants – Over the years, Dancing with the Stars has brought back fan-favorite contestants for special seasons, such as the All-Stars season and the recent 30th season. These special seasons have allowed viewers to relive some of the show’s most memorable moments and see their favorite celebrities take to the dance floor once again.
Dancing with the Stars has certainly left its mark on television history, producing countless memorable moments that have kept audiences captivated for over a decade. Whether it’s emotional tributes, record-breaking wins, or unforgettable performances, the show has solidified its place as a beloved and iconic part of pop culture. With many more seasons to come, it’s safe to say that there will be many more memorable moments in Dancing with the Stars’ future.
Dancing with the Stars: 10 Memorable Moments from the Show’s History
