Who Won Season 18 of Dancing with the Stars? The Full Breakdown
The Mirrorball Goes to...
Meryl Davis and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy claimed the crown. Their win happened during the season finale on May 20, 2014. Many had tipped Amy Purdy for the trophy instead. The para-snowboarder delivered breathtaking performances week after week. Yet the ice dancer and her partner simply could not be caught. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and dwts 18 winner.
The Road to the Finale
Davis and Chmerkovskiy were never the flashiest couple. They prioritized clean lines over acrobatic tricks. Judges praised their consistency in a brutal season packed with celebrity injuries. Their freestyle routine to Sing by Ed Sheeran sealed the deal. The performance felt raw, emotional, and technically perfect.
Who Were the Finalists?
The final four included some major surprises:
- Amy Purdy and Derek Hough — The crowd favorite. Purdy's contemporary work was pure fire. - Candace Cameron Bure and Mark Ballas — Steady and professional. Never a weak link. - Sean Spicer and Cheryl Burke — The comedian brought unexpected charisma to the ballroom. - Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy — The eventual champions with the most consistent scores.
The final night pitted technical precision against raw audience sentiment.
Why This Win Mattered
Davis brought Olympic-level credibility to the franchise. She won gold in ice dancing at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. Joining DWTS after the Olympics was a bold career move. She proved the show was not just about celebrity gossip. It showcased genuine athletic artistry.
Her victory also shifted casting trends. Producers noticed that serious athletes could compete with actors and singers. This created space for future professionals from outside entertainment.
The Rivalry That Defined the Season
No winner exists without a compelling antagonist. Derek Hough and Amy Purdy electrified the ballroom every week. Their lifts defied physics. Hough later called the season one of the most competitive in the show's history. The final vote came down to a razor-thin margin. Polls had the race deadlocked right until the last minute.
Behind the Scenes with the Champion
Davis has spoken openly about the grueling rehearsal schedule. She fractured a toe during rehearsals in week six. Shooting through the pain was non-negotiable. Training with Chmerkovskiy required total trust. Their partnership transformed from professional arrangement to genuine friendship. That bond translated directly to the judges' scores.
Legacy of the Season 18 Win
The mirrorball trophy launched Davis into a new media career. She landed hosting gigs and reality TV appearances shortly after. The win also boosted Chmerkovskiy's profile beyond the dance floor. He later starred in his own fitness venture. For the show itself, the season proved that authenticity beats polish. A contestant with a disability inspired millions. A champion with Olympic gold brought gravitas.
Final Reflections
Some winners fade from memory quickly. The DWTS 18 winner remains a case study in quiet dominance. Meryl Davis did not chase the spotlight. She let her feet do the talking. That strategy worked better than any dramatic stunt ever could.