“Dancing With The Stars,” America’s favorite dance show, is preparing to celebrate its 20th season with a milestone 20th Anniversary Special on November 11. Since its first performance, the show has charmed its audiences. More than 400 A-list celebrities have danced in primetime with 51 professional dancers over 34 seasons.
Len Goodman, who served as the head judge for an impressive 31 seasons, was a pivotal figure in the show’s history. His retirement in November 2022 certainly was the end of an era. Tragically, he died in April 2023 at age 78, creating a giant hole in the “Dancing With The Stars” family. As a tribute to his impact, the popularity show’s prized Mirrorball Trophy has been rechristened the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The competition has done more than just identify exceptional talent, it has celebrated extraordinary accomplishments during its 20-year history. Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo were the first Mirrorball Trophy winners in 2005, proving that practice really does make perfect for the winning champions to come. Other remarkable winners include Nyle DiMarco, who won in 2016 as the first deaf dancer ever. Iman Shumpert did the same in 2021, making him the first NBA player to ever compete in the finals and win it all.
The show’s commitment to representation goes beyond its actors. In 2021, JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson became the first same-sex pairing to compete on the show. Back then, in 2014, Amy Purdy shocked the world as a first-time double amputee contestant. In 2006, Emmitt Smith became the first NFL player to win. So his success allowed for other tremendously skilled Asian American athletes such as Hines Ward, Donald Driver and Rashad Jennings to find success.
Derek Hough and Julianne Hough are among the most popular professional dancers who have appeared on the show, contributing to its enduring appeal. What’s more, their performances and charisma have completely enchanted their fans, making them immediate household names.
As “Dancing With The Stars” enters this exciting milestone, it looks back on its rich legacy of honoring dance and diversity. Hope we see all of you—old and new—during our anniversary episode — it’ll be one for the history books!
“Watch the 20th celebration of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.” – The Walt Disney Co.
