Top 10 Exact Moments We Knew a Dancing with the Stars Contestant Would Win

The actress and her partner made a stunning debut, dancing to “These Arms of Mine,” a song featured in “Dirty Dancing.” For Grey, this routine was deeply personal, bringing back memories of her time with the late Patrick Swayze. She channeled all that emotion into the most beautiful and elegant performance that would surely have made Swayze proud. The chemistry between Grey and Hough is electric, taking us back to the film’s most intimate moments. Each step is like reliving the love story that swept us all away years ago. Decades may have passed, but still, “No one puts Baby in the corner.” Also, did we mention this was only week one?

It was only week two, but the actress lit up the dance floor with a speedy and sizzling salsa. Val didn’t hold back on the choreography either, packing in fast footwork and tons of flair. But what really made this routine stand out is how Gomez didn’t just dance the steps—she performed with pure joy that washed over everyone watching. The judges couldn’t praise her enough, throwing out words like “superb” and “exceptional.” Carrie Ann Inaba even gave her the ultimate compliment, likening her to the legendary Rita Moreno. Honestly, even winning the mirrorball might not top that! Although, at least she can look at it and be reminded of the judges’ encouraging words.

From week one, Willis wowed us with her foxtrot and kept winning us over with every dance, from her rumba to her Viennese waltz. However, Riker Lynch was always right there, keeping the competition fierce. Then came the finals, and she and Val dropped a freestyle to “Toxic” that really pushed her ahead. One of the best things about their partnership was their incredible connection, and this routine had it in spades. The tension, drama, and pure passion they brought were so magnetic that we couldn’t look away. It’s no wonder this dance sealed their spot as not just that season’s winners but also one of the show’s most unforgettable pairings.

The 98 Degrees singer had a strong run with Cheryl Burke in the show’s second season, but it was the finals where they really made us sit up and take notice. They completely rewrote the rulebook with a daring and high-energy freestyle dance. If you’ve been watching since day one, you’ll recall that early routines emphasized steps over style. Yet, Burke found a way to marry the two together perfectly, and her partner delivered like a pro! This dance gave us everything we could want and more, all while making it look like the most fun. If there were any doubts about who deserved that year’s mirrorball, this performance almost definitely erased them.

For “Horror Night,” this duo danced in a contemporary style inspired by Jordan Peele’s psychological horror, “Us.” First off, the choreography is off the charts—so creative and spot-on with the scary movie theme. It was a high-risk routine packed with plenty of tricks and lifts that left us with our hearts in our throats. It’s a perfect example of why we love this show: a complete newbie who starts out not knowing his sidestep from his sashay and then blows us away with a performance like this. Shumpert hadn’t quite wowed the judges before, but this dance showed he was a serious contender. If that didn’t prove it, his freestyle definitely did!

The model and actor was the second contestant with a hearing impairment to join the show, following Marlee Matlin in season six. From the get-go, DiMarco wowed us with his amazing rhythm and smooth moves, seamlessly gliding through everything from a velvety Viennese waltz to an ardent Argentine tango. But it was the Finals that turned up the heat. The duo delivered a breathtaking freestyle to heavy metal group Disturbed’s cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence.” Reportedly, DiMarco personally contacted the band for permission to play the track, wanting to use it to pay tribute to his community. The performance was incredibly powerful and moving. It’s one of those moments that the fans will never forget.

You might have sensed Fisher was a top contender from his debut dance. Or perhaps it was his contemporary routine that first caught your eye. But for us, it was this foxtrot to his version of “You’re Welcome” from “Moana” that really proved he was in it to win it. The performance was graceful and elegant, featuring smooth, flowing movements, precise footwork, and impeccable rhythm. Practically everything about it screamed Broadway leading man. He kept up his strong streak with an extraordinary jive and a spectacular trio salsa. Yet, when we look back at the moment we knew we were watching a champion, it’s always his phenomenal foxtrot that stands out.

The conservationist was another contender who felt like a shoo-in for the finals from her very first dance. While she was for sure a front-runner from the off, it was her freestyle in the finals that allowed audiences to see a whole other side of her. Derek choreographed a stunning routine in tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin, and Bindi poured her heart and soul into every move. You could feel her connection to her father with each step, and her close bond with Derek made the performance even more impactful. By the end, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, and it was clear we had just witnessed something unforgettable.

It was a close competition between the “Fresh Prince” star and “Pretty Little Liars’” Janel Parrish, but Alfonso and his partner Witney knew exactly how to pull ahead. On “Most Memorable Year Night,” the actor celebrated his time on the 90s sitcom, dancing to Carlton’s iconic jam. The nostalgia hit hard, especially when he busted out those signature moves. But week after week, Ribeiro showed that his talents stretched far beyond The Carlton. His trio paso doble, for instance, practically brought the house down. Still, “It’s Not Unusual” for us to think back to this performance as the moment he truly stole the show and secured his path to victory.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Laurie Hernandez — Argentine Tango with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Season 23
As Soon As We Saw Her Dance We Knew She Had It Coming… the Mirrorball Trophy That Is

Charli D'Amelio — Jazz with Mark Ballas, Season 31
Now That’s How You Tell the Critics to “Eat My Shorts”

Amber Riley — Charleston with Derek Hough, Season 17
Talk About Hitting the Dance Floor with a Bang

Kristi Yamaguchi — Freestyle with Mark Ballas, Season 6
If the Mirrorball Was at Her Fingertips Before, This Was the Moment She Clinched It

Davis first caught our eye with a fiery Argentine tango during “Switch-Up Week,” dancing with her partner’s brother, Val. Yet, it was her week six tango that truly signaled she had the mirrorball in the bag. This performance was a masterclass in sharp, expressive movement, filled with passion and drama. Every step was bold and precise, making the dance even more intense. The dramatic angles and fast turns were absolutely captivating. Plus, the seamless connection between the dancers added an emotional depth that really drew us in. By the time they delivered their freestyle, it felt like they were just locking in their well-deserved win.

Which routine marked the moment you knew a celeb was a winner? Let us know in the comments.