“Dancing With the Stars” premiered in 2005. Since then, it has become one of TV’s most successful reality competition shows. A huge draw for “DWTS” has always been its celebrity casting. Over the years, the ballroom has welcomed Oscar winners, gold-medal-winning athletes, chart-topping musicians, and social media stars. These contestants’ star power extended far beyond the dance floor. We are taking a look back at all the contestants who’ve hit the dance floor and giving you the five biggest stars ever on “Dancing With the Stars.”
1. Kim Kardashian
Before reality TV dominated pop culture the way it does today, Kim Kardashian’s appearance on “Dancing With the Stars” season 7 marked a major crossover moment. Sure, this was still early in her rising fame, but Kim was already a massive name, and most people knew her and her family thanks to “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”
Her casting helped pull in younger viewers. It also helps solidify the show’s ability to tap into trending celebrity culture. She was partnered with Mark Ballas, but still found herself eliminated during week 3. However, her casting on the show remains one of the most talked-about in “DWTS” history.
2. Simone Biles
Simone Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history. Getting her to be one of the contestants on season 24 was a huge accomplishment.
Her appearance on the dancing competition came at the height of her fame following the 2016 Summer Olympics. Biles, who was partnered with Sasha Farber and finished in fourth place, is one of the biggest sports stars to ever compete on the show.
Her time on the show did help create a conversation about the expectations of the judges and the pressure on athletes. She helped elevate the season and bring in more attention from sports fans.
3. Susan Lucci
Susan Lucci is a daytime icon. The soap opera legend had a decades-long career on “All My Children,” so she was a household name long before she stepped onto the dance floor during season 13.
Lucci made it further into the competition. She was partnered with Tony Dovolani, and they were eliminated during week 7, finishing in sixth place.
This casting brought in an older demographic, but also added some classic Hollywood prestige to the season. Lucci had elegance when she hit the dance floor, and it made her one of the most memorable contestants of her era.
4. Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger was a huge casting for “Dancing With the Stars” season 10. She was an established global pop star, best known as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. They were at the top of their game, and she brought serious star power to the show.
Scherzinger had elite performance skills and dominated the season. She was partnered with Derek Hough, and they consistently earned top scores.
This ultimately led them to victory, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy for season 10. Her combination of celebrity status and an unbelievable talent set the bar high for future contestants.
5. Charli D’Amelio
The casting of Charli D’Amelio for season 31 seemed to bring a new era to “Dancing With the Stars.” D’Amelio happened to be one of the biggest social media stars in the world at the time of her casting.
With her casting, that meant her fans were going to start watching the show. It worked, as her millions of younger viewers watched the show and helped generate massive online engagement.
Yes, Charli was a trained dancer, so she delivered standout performances every week. She went on to win the Mirrorball Trophy with her partner Mark Ballas. This victory just showed that digital-age celebrities could translate their influence and skill into traditional network television.
Who do you think were the biggest stars ever on “Dancing With the Stars”?
Definitely Charli!!