Dancing with the Stars (American season 23)


Season twenty-three of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 12, 2016, on the ABC network.
On November 23, 2016, Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy were announced the winner; IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess placed second, and retired NFL player Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold placed third. Having won at age 16, Hernandez is currently the youngest winner of the show, surpassing Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.

Cast

Couples

The first eight professional dancers were revealed on Good Morning America on August 23, 2016, and have all appeared on the show before. The six returning from the previous season include Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Artem Chigvintsev, Val Chmerkovskiy, and Sasha Farber; the two returning from past seasons are Allison Holker and Gleb Savchenko. Later, other returning dancers were announced: Emma Slater, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Derek Hough and Cheryl Burke. Past troupe member Jenna Johnson is the only new pro this season. Pros from the previous season who did not return this season include reigning champion Peta Murgatroyd, who was expecting a child, Mark Ballas, Tony Dovolani, Edyta Śliwińska, and Karina Smirnoff. Keo Motsepe returned, but as a member of the show's dance troupe.
The full cast of celebrities and pros was revealed on August 30, 2016, on Good Morning America.
CelebrityNotability Professional partnerStatus
Jake T. AustinActorJenna JohnsonEliminated 1st
on September 20, 2016
Rick PerryRepublican politicianEmma SlaterEliminated 2nd
on September 27, 2016
BabyfaceSinger, songwriter & record producerAllison HolkerEliminated 3rd
on October 4, 2016
Vanilla IceRapper & actorWitney CarsonEliminated 4th
on October 4, 2016
Amber RoseModel & actressMaksim ChmerkovskiyEliminated 5th
on October 17, 2016
Maureen McCormickActress & authorArtem ChigvintsevEliminated 6th
on October 24, 2016
Ryan LochteOlympic swimmerCheryl BurkeEliminated 7th
on October 31, 2016
Marilu HennerActress, broadcaster & authorDerek HoughEliminated 8th
on November 7, 2016
Terra JoléReality television starSasha FarberEliminated 9th
on November 14, 2016
Jana KramerCountry music singer & actressGleb SavchenkoEliminated 10th
on November 21, 2016
Calvin Johnson Jr.Former American football wide receiverLindsay ArnoldThird place
on November 22, 2016
James HinchcliffeRace car driverSharna Burgess
Jenna Johnson
Runner-up
on November 22, 2016
Laurie HernandezOlympic artistic gymnastValentin ChmerkovskiyWinner
on November 22, 2016

Hosts and judges

and Erin Andrews return as hosts, and Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli return as judges. On August 26, 2016, it was reported that Julianne Hough would return to the show as a judge following a hiatus. Due to a personal tragedy involving her boyfriend, Erin Andrews took a week off from her co-hosting duties; former pro Kym Johnson-Herjavec filled in during week 3 Tuesday's results show. On October 17, Pitbull took over Len Goodman's position as a guest judge for week 6. On November 7, Idina Menzel took over for Goodman as a guest judge for week 9.

Scoring charts

Average score chart

This table only counts dances scored on a 40-point scale.
Rank by
average
PlaceCoupleTotal
points
Number
of dances
Average
11Laurie & Val5911636.9
22James & Sharna5861636.6
33Calvin & Lindsay5641635.3
44Jana & Gleb5211534.7
55Terra & Sasha4401333.9
66Marilu & Derek3491131.7
78Maureen & Artem237829.6
87Ryan & Cheryl261929.0
99Amber & Maks165628.4
1011Babyface & Allison99424.8
1110Vanilla Ice & Witney97424.3
1213Jake & Jenna46223.0
1312Rick & Emma65321.7

Highest and lowest scoring performances

The best and worst performances in each dance according to the judges' 40-point scale are as follows:
DanceHighest scored dancerHighest scoreLowest scored dancerLowest score
JiveJames Hinchcliffe40Jake T. Austin22
FoxtrotLaurie Hernandez40Ryan Lochte
Amber Rose
24
Cha-cha-chaMarilu Henner34Rick Perry20
Viennese WaltzLaurie Hernandez
James Hinchcliffe
40Maureen McCormick22
QuickstepCalvin Johnson Jr.40Rick Perry22
TangoTerra Jolé40Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds24
Argentine tangoJana Kramer
Laurie Hernandez
40Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds30
Paso dobleJana Kramer40Rick Perry
Vanilla Ice
23
SalsaCalvin Johnson Jr.40Amber Rose25
CharlestonTerra Jolé38Marilu Henner29
SambaLaurie Hernandez40Maureen McCormick31
JazzLaurie Hernandez40Calvin Johnson Jr.32
ContemporaryLaurie Hernandez
Jana Kramer
40Ryan Lochte32
RumbaTerra Jolé40Ryan Lochte28
JitterbugJames Hinchcliffe36
Team danceRyan Lochte
James Hinchcliffe
Maureen McCormick
Calvin Johnson Jr.
38Laurie Hernandez
Terra Jolé
Jana Kramer
Marilu Henner
35
WaltzJana Kramer40Calvin Johnson Jr.37
Team-up danceLaurie Hernandez
Jana Kramer
40Marilu Henner
Terra Jolé
36
FreestyleCalvin Johnson Jr.
Laurie Hernandez
James Hinchcliffe
40Jana Kramer36
Fusion danceLaurie Hernandez
James Hinchcliffe
Calvin Johnson Jr.
40

Couples' highest and lowest scoring dances

Scores are based upon a potential 40-point maximum.
CouplesHighest scoring danceLowest scoring dance
Laurie & ValJazz, Viennese Waltz, Argentine tango, Contemporary, Foxtrot, Samba, Freestyle & Foxtrot/Argentine tango fusion Cha-cha-cha & Tango
James & SharnaViennese Waltz, Jive, Freestyle & Viennese Waltz/Foxtrot fusion Paso doble & Cha-cha-cha
Calvin & LindsayQuickstep, Salsa, Freestyle & Jive/Quickstep fusion Cha-cha-cha
Jana & GlebArgentine tango, Waltz, Contemporary & Paso doble Jive
Terra & SashaRumba & Tango Jive
Marilu & DerekViennese Waltz, Samba & Jazz Jive
Ryan & CherylContemporary Foxtrot & Quickstep
Maureen & ArtemArgentine tango & Foxtrot Viennese Waltz
Amber & MaksArgentine tango & Samba Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz
Vanilla Ice & WitneyViennese Waltz Paso doble
Babyface & AllisonArgentine tango Tango
Rick & EmmaPaso doble Cha-cha-cha
Jake & JennaCha-cha-cha Jive

Weekly scores

Individual judges' scores in the charts below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.

Week 1: First Dances

The couples danced the cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, jive, or Viennese Waltz.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusic
Marilu & Derek27 Jive"Can't Stop Dancin'—Captain & Tennille
James & Sharna31 Foxtrot"Live Life"—Zayde Wølf
Calvin & Lindsay26 Cha-cha-cha"That's What I Like"—Flo Rida feat. Fitz
Maureen & Artem22 Viennese Waltz" A Natural Woman"—Mary J. Blige
Babyface & Allison26 Foxtrot"'Deed I Do"—Ray Charles
Amber & Maks24 Foxtrot"Here"—Alessia Cara
Vanilla Ice & Witney25 Cha-cha-cha"Ice Ice Baby"—Vanilla Ice
Jana & Gleb27 Viennese Waltz"Dangerous Woman"—Ariana Grande
Jake & Jenna22 Jive"Kiss You"—One Direction
Rick & Emma20 Cha-cha-cha"God Blessed Texas"—Little Texas
Terra & Sasha25 Jive"Stuff Like That There"—Betty Hutton
Ryan & Cheryl24 Foxtrot"Call Me Irresponsible"—Michael Bublé
Laurie & Val31 Cha-cha-cha"American Girl"—Bonnie McKee

After Ryan & Cheryl's Foxtrot, two protesters are arrested for rushing to the stage and shouting out, "Liar".

Week 2: TV Night

The couples performed one unlearned dance to famous TV theme songs; Argentine tango, paso doble, quickstep, and tango are introduced.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicTV showResult
Maureen & Artem26 Quickstep"The Brady Bunch"—Peppermint Trolley CompanyThe Brady BunchSafe
Jana & Gleb29 Tango"I Don't Want to Be"—Gavin DeGrawOne Tree HillSafe
Rick & Emma22 Quickstep"Green Acres Theme"—Vic MizzyGreen AcresSafe
Calvin & Lindsay28 Foxtrot"As Days Go By"—Jesse FrederickFamily MattersSafe
Amber & Maks24 Viennese Waltz"Game of Thrones Theme"—Ramin DjawadiGame of ThronesSafe
Jake & Jenna24 Cha-cha-cha"Go, Diego, Go! Theme"Go, Diego, Go!Eliminated
Vanilla Ice & Witney26 Foxtrot"Love and Marriage"—Frank SinatraMarried... with ChildrenSafe
Terra & Sasha31 Quickstep"Bewitched Theme"—Howard Greenfield & Jack KellerBewitchedSafe
Babyface & Allison30 Argentine tango"The X-Files"—Mark SnowThe X-FilesSafe
Laurie & Val32 Jive"DuckTales"—Mark MuellerDuckTalesSafe
James & Sharna29 Paso doble"The Walking Dead Theme"—Bear McCrearyThe Walking DeadSafe
Marilu & Derek29 Foxtrot"Angela"—Bob JamesTaxiSafe
Ryan & Cheryl24 Quickstep"The Muppet Show Theme"—Jim Henson & Sam PottleThe Muppet ShowLast to be called safe

Week 3: Face-off Night

The couples were paired off into six sets, with each set of couples performing the same dance to different songs. The highest-scoring couple from each set won immunity, and could not be eliminated. Salsa is introduced. The show was shortened to one hour due to the presidential debate.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Babyface & Allison25 Jive"Great Gosh A'Mighty"—Little RichardSafe
Jana & Gleb26 Jive"Too Many Fish in the Sea"—Bette MidlerImmunity
Rick & Emma23 Paso doble"Tamacun"—Rodrigo y GabrielaEliminated
Vanilla Ice & Witney23 Paso doble"Save Tonight"—Zayde WølfImmunity
James & Sharna29 Cha-cha-cha"Big Trouble"—OutasightImmunity
Ryan & Cheryl25 Cha-cha-cha"If It Ain't Love"—Jason DeruloSafe
Terra & Sasha30 Viennese Waltz"Iris"—Goo Goo DollsSafe
Calvin & Lindsay32 Viennese Waltz"Woman's World"—BJ the Chicago KidImmunity
Amber & Maks25 Salsa"Booty"—Jennifer Lopez feat. Iggy AzaleaLast to be called safe
Maureen & Artem28 Salsa"Tres Deseos"—Gloria EstefanImmunity
Laurie & Val31 Tango"Into the Sunset "—Crystal Lake feat. KifiImmunity
Marilu & Derek28 Tango"Battle Cry"—Imagine DragonsSafe

Week 4: Cirque du Soleil Night

Individual judges' scores in this charts are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
The couples performed one unlearned dance inspired by a Cirque du Soleil show, while Cirque du Soleil acrobats, aerialists, dancers, and fire stick performers performed alongside them; Charleston, jazz, and samba are introduced.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicCirque du Soleil showResult
Calvin & Lindsay23 Charleston"Bella Donna Twist"—Raphaël BeauKurios: Cabinet of CuriositiesSafe
Maureen & Artem24 Argentine tango"High Bar/Taikoba"—Benoît JutrasMystèreSafe
Jana & Gleb23 Foxtrot"Here Comes the Sun"—The BeatlesThe Beatles: LOVELast to be called safe
Marilu & Derek21 Paso doble"Battlefield"—René DupéréSafe
Amber & Maks24 Argentine tango"Two Two Tango"—Simon CarpentierZumanitySafe
Ryan & Cheryl22 Viennese Waltz"Jeux d'Eau"—Benoît JutrasOSafe
Babyface & Allison18 Tango"Come Together"—The BeatlesThe Beatles: LOVEEliminated
Terra & Sasha25 Samba"Tzelma"—Benoît JutrasOSafe
Laurie & Val30 Jazz"The Way You Make Me Feel"—Michael JacksonSafe
Vanilla Ice & Witney23 Viennese Waltz"La Nouba"—Benoît JutrasLa NoubaEliminated
James & Sharna28 Quickstep"The Hollywood Wiz"—Guy Dubuc & Marc LessardParamourSafe

Week 5: Most Memorable Year Night

The couples performed one unlearned dance to celebrate the most memorable year of their lives; contemporary is introduced. Due to the lack of a separate results show, no elimination took place this week.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusic
Maureen & Artem24 Foxtrot"From the Ground Up"—Dan + Shay
Calvin & Lindsay24 Jazz"Ain't No Mountain High Enough"—Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Jana & Gleb26 Contemporary"In My Daughter's Eyes"—Martina McBride
Ryan & Cheryl24 Contemporary"A Song for You"—Leon Russell
Laurie & Val25 Paso doble"Rise"—Katy Perry
Marilu & Derek27 Viennese Waltz"Surprise Yourself"—Jack Garratt
Amber & Maks24 Samba"Woman Up"—Meghan Trainor
James & Sharna29 Tango"The Right Time"—Yves V feat. Mike James
Terra & Sasha27 Contemporary"Stand by Me"—Florence + The Machine

Week 6: Latin Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Pitbull, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
The couples danced a Latin-inspired routine; rumba is introduced.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Ryan & Cheryl30 Salsa"La Negra Tiene Tumbao"—Celia CruzSafe
Terra & Sasha30 Paso doble"Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"—Santa EsmeraldaSafe
Amber & Maks28 Cha-cha-cha"Bla Bla Bla Cha Cha Cha"—Petty BookaEliminated
James & Sharna38 Rumba"Need the Sun to Break"—James BaySafe
Marilu & Derek34 Cha-cha-cha"Echa pa'lante"—ThalíaSafe
Jana & Gleb40 Argentine tango"Hands to Myself"—Selena GomezSafe
Maureen & Artem31 Samba"Mas que Nada"—Sérgio Mendes feat. The Black Eyed PeasSafe
Calvin & Lindsay37 Argentine tango"Hotel California"—EaglesLast to be called safe
Laurie & Val37 Salsa"Light It Up"—Major Lazer feat. Nyla & Fuse ODGSafe

Week 7: Eras Night

The couples performed one unlearned dance and a team dance representing different historical eras; jitterbug is introduced.
After a three-week absence, Len Goodman temporarily returned to the judges' table.
;Running order

Week 8: Halloween Night

Individual judges' scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
Couples performed one unlearned dance to Halloween themes and songs; the couple with the highest score earned an immunity from elimination, while the rest of the couples participated in dance-offs for extra points.
After injuring her knee in week 7, Sharna Burgess was unable to perform with James Hinchcliffe; Jenna Johnson danced in her place.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Terra & Sasha24 Cha-cha-cha"Day-O "—Harry BelafonteLast to be called safe
Laurie & Val30 Viennese Waltz"Pure Imagination"—Jane MonheitSafe
Marilu & Derek23 Argentine tango"Sweet Dreams "—Emily BrowningSafe
Calvin & Lindsay30 Quickstep"Dr. Bones"—Cherry Poppin' DaddiesSafe
Ryan & Cheryl23 Tango"Howlin' for You"—The Black KeysEliminated
Jana & Gleb27 Jazz"Little Shop of Horrors"—Alan MenkenSafe
James & Jenna30 Viennese Waltz"You Don't Own Me"—Grace feat. G-EazyImmunity

Because Calvin, Laurie, and James all earned perfect scores, the tiebreaker was cumulative points over the season, which resulted in James winning immunity and a five-point bonus. For each dance-off, the couple with the highest remaining score picked the opponent against whom they wanted to dance; the chosen opponent was allowed to pick the dance style. The winner of each dance-off earned three points. The general public helped to determine the winner of each dance-off via the show's official website.
CoupleJudges' votesPublic voteDanceMusicResult
Laurie & ValLaurie, Laurie, LaurieLaurie Jive"The Purple People Eater"—Sheb WooleyWinner
Calvin & LindsayLaurie, Laurie, LaurieLaurie Jive"The Purple People Eater"—Sheb WooleyLoser
Jana & GlebTerra, Jana, JanaJana Salsa"Magic"—Robin ThickeWinner
Terra & SashaTerra, Jana, JanaJana Salsa"Magic"—Robin ThickeLoser
Ryan & CherylRyan, Ryan, MariluRyan Cha-cha-cha"Can't Feel My Face"—The WeekndWinner
Marilu & DerekRyan, Ryan, MariluRyan Cha-cha-cha"Can't Feel My Face"—The WeekndLoser

Week 9: Showstoppers Night (Quarterfinals)

Individual judges' scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Idina Menzel, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
Couples performed one musical theatre-inspired dance and a team-up dance with another couple, which involved the celebrities dancing side-by-side to the same song and receiving the same set of scores from the judges for the routine. Waltz is introduced.
Jenna Johnson stepped in to dance with James Hinchcliffe again this week due to Sharna Burgess' knee injury.
;Running order

Week 10: Semifinals

Individual judges' scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
The couples performed an unlearned dance and a trio dance involving an eliminated pro or a member of the troupe; Sharna Burgess returned to the dance floor after a two-week hiatus.
;Running order
Couple
ScoresDanceMusicResult
James & Sharna
29 Argentine tango"Santa María "—Gotan ProjectSafe
James & Sharna
30 Jive"Gimme Some Lovin'"—The Spencer Davis GroupSafe
Terra & Sasha
30 Rumba"Scars to Your Beautiful"—Alessia CaraEliminated
Terra & Sasha
30 Tango"Hideaway"—KieszaEliminated
Jana & Gleb
28 Quickstep"Go Mama"—Wayne BeckfordSafe
Jana & Gleb
30 Paso doble"Kill of the Night"—Gin WigmoreSafe
Calvin & Lindsay
26 Tango"Seven Nation Army"—The White StripesLast to be called safe
Calvin & Lindsay
30 Salsa"Limbo"—Daddy YankeeLast to be called safe
Laurie & Val
30 Foxtrot"Hollow"—Tori KellySafe
Laurie & Val
30 Samba"Magalenha"—Sérgio Mendes feat. Carlinhos BrownSafe

Week 11: Finals

Individual judges' scores in the chart below are listed in this order from left to right: Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli.
On the first night, the couples performed a redemption dance and a freestyle.
On the second night, the final three couples danced a fusion dance that fused two dance styles.
Once again after a three-week absence, Len Goodman returned to the judges' table for the finals.
;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
Calvin & Lindsay35 Viennese Waltz"I Am Your Man"—Ryan ShawSafe
Calvin & Lindsay40 Freestyle"I Want You Back"—The Jackson 5
"Please Mr. Postman"—The Marvelettes
Safe
Jana & Gleb35 Tango"Stay the Night"—Zedd feat. Hayley WilliamsEliminated
Jana & Gleb36 Freestyle"Unstoppable"—SiaEliminated
Laurie & Val38 Paso doble"Wicked Ones"—DOROTHYSafe
Laurie & Val40 Freestyle"Brand New"—Ben RectorSafe
James & Sharna37 Foxtrot"It Had to Be You"—Harry Connick Jr.Last to be called safe
James & Sharna40 Freestyle"Beethoven's 5 Secrets"—The Piano GuysLast to be called safe

;Running order
CoupleScoresDanceMusicResult
James & Sharna40 Viennese Waltz
Foxtrot
"Over and Over Again"—Nathan Sykes feat. Ariana GrandeRunner-up
Calvin & Lindsay40 Jive
Quickstep
"Tutti Frutti"—Little RichardThird place
Laurie & Val40 Foxtrot
Argentine tango
"We Are the Ones"—MyonWinner

Dance chart

The celebrities and professional partners danced one of these routines for each corresponding week:

U.S. Nielsen ratings