Top 10 Emotional Most Memorable Year Dancing with the Stars Performances

#10: Amy Purdy & Derek Hough’s Contemporary Season 18

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For her most memorable year, the Paralympian took us back to 1999 when she contracted bacterial meningitis, which changed her life. In the VT, she talks about dance’s role in helping her adjust to her prosthetic legs. Her partner Derek Hough, choreographed a stunning routine depicting Amy’s journey learning to walk again and paid tribute to her father, who played a significant role in her recovery. Dancing to Christina Perri’s “Human,” the pair didn’t leave a dry eye in the studio or among many of us watching at home. She’s a beautiful dancer, and the emotion behind each step radiates out of her, too. We still can’t watch it without welling up. Can you blame us?

Season 27 really tried to wreck us. Alexis Ren’s emotional tribute to her late mother had us bawling. So did John Schneider, who remembered a tough year that also saw him lose a parent. But we were also moved by “Harry Potter” actress Evanna Lynch, who shared how her love for the franchise helped her through disordered eating. Her Viennese Waltz to “Hedwig’s Theme” is magical and captures why the franchise resonated with so many fans. Her spellbinding performance is filled with drama, theatricality, and elegance, entrancing audiences through every move. Her passion for the world of “Harry Potter” shines through her eyes, casting a spell that captivates us completely. Simply put, it’s utterly bewitching.

The singer chose to honor her late father with a gorgeous waltz to Josh Groban’s “To Where You Are.” Katherine’s solid technique and natural rhythm often saw her on the top end of the leaderboard. However, the emotion in this routine elevated her dance to the next level. As she smoothly and gracefully glides around the dance floor with her partner, Mark Ballas, you can tell she’s thinking of her dad every step of the way. The emotion she carries throughout is palpable, and it’s impossible to remain unmoved no matter how many times you watch it. We have no doubt that this dance would’ve made her father very proud.

“DWTS” has seen numerous veterans pay respects to their time in service, like this awe-inspiring number from Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess. But for us, it was J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff’s rumba that sent our tear ducts into overdrive. The vet talks about his injury and finding the light during his recovery. He danced in remembrance of the men and women who didn’t make it home with a rumba to Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This.” It’s an honest, raw, mesmerizing routine that moved us deeply. But what strikes us the most is the look in Martinez’s eyes that puts his heart and soul on full display. This one gets us every time.

Stirling is another celeb who chose to remember the year she had to say goodbye to a beloved parent. Her dance with Mark Ballas to Mindy Gledhill’s “Anchor” portrayed a poignant father-daughter relationship through elegant choreography, magnetic storytelling, and a remarkable connection between partners. Stirling invites us into this personal narrative, while Ballas does everything to make her memories soar. It’s an honest and beautiful performance brimming with intense emotions. Can you get through the dance without choking up? We certainly can’t. And when Lindsey revealed that the hat and scarf her partner wore during the dance belonged to her late father? Well, the score paddles were just blurs to our tear-soaked eyes.

#5: James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess’ Tango Season 23

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For his “Most Memorable Year,” The IndyCar driver looked back on a life-threatening accident that took place roughly 18 months before his “DWTS” journey. With that context, watching him sail across the floor with Sharna to “The Right Time” by Yves V, feat. Mike James is even more remarkable. The judges praised his posture, technique, and ability to add light and shade to his performance. However, what struck us most was the strength, control, and intensity he displayed throughout the routine. Each step tells a tale of tenacity, determination, and resolve, creating an emotionally charged showstopper. He appears truly unstoppable, both on and off the dance floor, and this number stirs something profound within us.

#4: Victoria Arlen & Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s Foxtrot Season 25

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In her VT, the Paralympian shares her journey of resilience after a life-changing diagnosis. Her dance pays tribute to her determination and courage in a way that’s both visually and emotionally powerful. Starting in a wheelchair, Arlen rises to perform a passionate and heartfelt Foxtrot to OneRepublic’s “I Lived” with her partner Val. Even if you don’t know her story, her dancing is impressive, but knowing the challenges she’s faced makes it even more touching. To call it inspiring falls short; it’s unforgettable. The routine ends with Arlen looking at the wheelchair, reflecting on her story. Her message of perseverance and triumph over adversity echoes long after the music ends.

Although Jordan and Lindsay’s dance continues to give us chills, he wasn’t the only celebrity on “DWTS” honoring adoptive parents. Like Biles, Fisher dedicated his dance to his maternal grandparents, who rescued him from a challenging home situation and whom he calls mom and dad. We don’t need to tell you that the season 25 champ is a phenomenal dancer. But here he lays everything he has on the dance floor and more, pulling at our heartstrings more than we thought any dance could. He executes the elegant choreography perfectly and really bares his soul to the audience. We were wiping away tears throughout. But the moment he embraced his parents broke us completely.

Bindi was just a kid when she went through the unimaginable pain of losing her father, conservationist Steve Irwin. Her partner, Derek, channeled her emotions into a routine that we would only advise watching with a box of tissues nearby. As always, Irwin and Hough proved to be a winning partnership. He brilliantly translates her deepest emotions into beautiful choreography, and she flawlessly narrates his steps to the audience. The dance shares her happy memories with her father and the heartbreak of losing him, breaking our hearts a little more with every move. We can feel how much the dance means to her, and we’re sure her dad was watching, glowing with pride. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Normani & Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s Rumba, Season 24 A Stirring Number Paying Tribute to Her Parents for Allowing Her to Live Out Her Dream Charity Lawson & Artem Chigvintsev’s Contemporary, Season 32 A Tear-Jerking Routine about Lost Love & Finding Herself Charli D'Amelio & Mark Ballas’s Contemporary, Season 31 A Beautiful Dance about Coping with Anxiety Jodie Sweetin & Keo Motsepe’s Foxtrot, Season 22 She Honored Rediscovering Her Spark after Overcoming Substance Use Disorder Lea Thompson & Artem Chigvintsev’s Contemporary A Breathtaking Tribute to Her Late Father

Selma Blair’s most memorable year was when she received her MS diagnosis. Sadly, it also led to her early exit from the competition— but what an exit it was! Even before her dance with Sasha began, emotions ran high, moving not only us but also her fellow contestants to tears. The bravery to walk away from the competition is as valiant as the strength it takes to participate in the first place. Her final dance was a breathtaking waltz to “What the World Needs Now Is Love” by Andra Day. We could talk about how beautifully she danced, but what will always stay with us is her parting message: We should all strive to put a little more love into the world. Which “Most Memorable Year” dance left you a blubbering mess? Tell us in the comments.