In 2017, Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars crowned its winner in a finale packed with emotional performances and nail-biting scores. The competition featured celebrities paired with professional dancers, culminating in a title that reflected both technical skill and audience connection.
Here is a structured overview of the season results, highlighting the top finishers, signature styles, and key outcomes.
| Position | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Dance Style Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Ginger Zee | Val Chmerkovskiy | Contemporary, Samba, Argentine Tango |
| 2nd | Juan Pablo Di Pace | Emma Slater | Paso Doble, Foxtrot, Hip-Hop |
| 3rd | Ricky Martin | Yarema Yakovlev | Salsa, Jazz, Cha-Cha |
| 4th | Ashford Miller | Witney Carson | Waltz, Jive, Street Jazz |
The Winner Reveal Performance
A Night of Live Dancing and Decision
The finale featured three rounds of live dancing, including a freestyle and a fusion routine with past champions. Judges evaluated precision, artistry, and chemistry while viewers voted in real time, narrowing the gap between the top two contenders until the final moment.
Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy delivered a heartfelt contemporary piece and a high-energy Argentine Tango that consistently impressed the panel throughout the season. Their technical consistency and emotional storytelling set the tone for the final competition and ultimately secured the trophy.
Season Journey and Key Moments
Progress Through Weeks and Styles
Each episode introduced new dance genres, from Broadway to Latin night, challenging celebrities to adapt quickly while maintaining stage presence. Zee’s journey from shaky starts to confident execution demonstrated strong growth under intense pressure.
Consistent high scores and standout challenge performances positioned Ginger Zee as a frontrunner, while rival competitors like Juan Pablo Di Pace kept the competition fiercely close through dynamic routines and charismatic performances.
Judges’ Critiques and Scoring Trends
Expert Feedback Every Week
Judges offered detailed feedback on footwork, timing, and musicality, which helped viewers understand the nuances behind each score. The scoresheets shown during the recap segments reflected steady improvement for Zee, particularly in rhythm and synchronization.
Score trends across the season showed Zee maintaining top-tier averages in both training camp and prime-time weeks, reinforcing her status as a consistent leader rather than a flash-in-the-pan favorite.
Behind the Scenes Preparation
Training, Rehearsals, and Adjustments
Long rehearsal hours and daily coaching sessions played a critical role in mastering complex choreography. Val Chmerkovskiy’s meticulous approach to technique and performance detail helped Ginger Zee refine her style week by week.
Physical conditioning, injury management, and mental preparation were integral to maintaining high energy levels throughout the gruelling competition schedule, contributing directly to their victory.
Final Highlights and Impact
The victory solidified Ginger Zee’s profile beyond meteorology, showcasing her discipline, resilience, and passion for performance to a national audience.
- Winning pair: Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Key strengths: consistency, adaptability, emotional storytelling
- Standout routines: Contemporary, Argentine Tango, Samba
- Major challenge: maintaining peak performance under intense scrutiny
- Long-term impact: increased visibility and career opportunities for the winner
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was the winner of DWTS 2017 Season 25?
Ginger Zee, the ABC News Chief Meteorologist, won the season with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Who came in second place on DWTS 2017?
Juan Pablo Di Pace, the actor and singer, finished as the runner-up alongside his partner Emma Slater.
Which dance style did Ginger Zee perform best in on DWTS 2017?
Zee excelled in Contemporary and Argentine Tango, earning consistent high scores for emotional expression and technical precision.
How did public voting affect the outcome of DWTS 2017?
Public votes played a decisive role in the finale, with close margins amplifying the importance of viewer support in addition to judges’ scores.