5 Shocking Twists And Historic Moments That Defined Dancing With The Stars Season 31

Dancing With The Stars Season 31 will forever be remembered as a monumental turning point for the iconic reality competition. As of December 18, 2025, this season's legacy continues to resonate, not just for the dazzling performances but for the seismic shift in the show's broadcast history and a truly star-studded cast that delivered week after week.

This deep-dive retrospective explores the most critical changes and unforgettable moments of the 2022 season, from the groundbreaking move to a streaming-only format on Disney+ to the emotional highs and lows of the competition, culminating in a surprising yet well-deserved champion.

The Complete Cast and Professional Partners of DWTS Season 31

Season 31 featured a diverse and highly competitive lineup of celebrities, marking the first time a mother and daughter competed simultaneously. The professional dancer roster also saw the triumphant return of a fan-favorite champion, Mark Ballas, after a five-year hiatus. The competition was fierce, setting a high bar for the entire run.

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• Charli D'Amelio with Mark Ballas (Winners)
• Gabby Windey (The Bachelorette) with Val Chmerkovskiy (Runners-Up)
• Wayne Brady (Comedian/Actor) with Witney Carson (3rd Place)
• Shangela (Drag Queen/Actor) with Gleb Savchenko (4th Place)
• Daniel Durant (Actor) with Britt Stewart
• Heidi D'Amelio (Reality Star) with Artem Chigvintsev
• Trevor Donovan (Actor) with Emma Slater
• Vinny Guadagnino (Reality Star) with Koko Iwasaki
• Jordin Sparks (Singer/Songwriter) with Brandon Armstrong
• Jessie James Decker (Singer) with Alan Bersten
• Joseph Baena (Bodybuilder) with Daniella Karagach
• Selma Blair (Actress) with Sasha Farber (Withdrew)
• Teresa Giudice (Reality Star) with Pasha Pashkov
• Sam Champion (Weather Anchor) with Cheryl Burke
• Cheryl Ladd (Actress) with Louis van Amstel
• Jason Lewis (Actor) with Peta Murgatroyd

The Historic and Controversial Move to Disney+

The single biggest story of Season 31 was not a dance score or a celebrity feud, but a massive corporate decision: the show was moving from its longtime home on ABC to stream exclusively on Disney+. This was a monumental shift for the Dancing With The Stars franchise and a groundbreaking moment for the streaming service.

The announcement in April 2022 confirmed that DWTS had been picked up for two more years but would be making the switch, with ABC filling the Monday night slot with NFL's Monday Night Football.

The move made Dancing With The Stars the first-ever live competition series to air on a major streaming platform. This change introduced new viewing habits for fans, who had to subscribe to Disney+ to watch the weekly live broadcasts, which began on September 19, 2022.

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While some fans lamented the loss of the show from broadcast television, the Disney+ platform allowed the show to experiment. For instance, the traditional "Disney Night" theme was elevated, with the entire season being a celebration of the Disney+ library, connecting the show directly to its new home.

However, the move was not without its challenges. The shift caused initial confusion for long-time viewers and raised concerns about accessibility for older demographics who were accustomed to the traditional network broadcast. Despite this, the season proved that live streaming could successfully host a massive, weekly production, paving the way for future live events on streaming services.

Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas: A Dominant Partnership

The winners of Season 31, Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas, delivered one of the most consistently high-scoring and dominant performances in the show's history. Charli D'Amelio, a global TikTok superstar, came into the competition with significant dance training, which immediately set her apart.

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Her partnership with veteran pro Mark Ballas was a match made in ballroom heaven. Ballas, who had been away from the show for five years, returned with a renewed creative energy, crafting innovative and complex choreography that perfectly showcased Charli's technical precision and emotional depth.

The duo received near-perfect scores throughout the competition, frequently earning 10s from the esteemed judging panel, which included Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. Their victory was a testament to their hard work, but also a significant moment for social media celebrities, proving their ability to translate online fame into mainstream competitive success. The finale saw them crowned champions, narrowly beating out fan-favorite Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy.

The Emotional Withdrawal of Selma Blair

One of the most powerful and emotional storylines of Season 31 revolved around actress Selma Blair and her professional partner, Sasha Farber. Selma, known for her roles in films like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde, was competing while managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the central nervous system.

Her performances were incredibly moving, often showcasing her determination to push past the physical limitations of her condition. She became an instant inspiration for millions, demonstrating grace and resilience on the ballroom floor. The judges and the audience alike were captivated by her journey.

However, during Week 5, Selma Blair made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition on the advice of her doctors. Her final performance, a beautiful and heartfelt waltz to "What the World Needs Now Is Love," was a non-competitive dance that brought the entire ballroom to tears, earning a standing ovation from the judges and the fellow competitors. The moment was a major highlight of the season, underscoring the show's ability to transcend mere competition and celebrate the human spirit.

Mother-Daughter Dynamic and Other Key Highlights

Season 31 also introduced a unique family dynamic with the casting of Charli D'Amelio and her mother, Heidi D'Amelio, marking the first time a mother and daughter competed against each other. While Charli was the frontrunner, Heidi, paired with Artem Chigvintsev, held her own, showcasing a surprising vulnerability and growth throughout the weeks. Their presence added a layer of personal drama and support that was unprecedented in the show's history.

Other notable moments that contributed to the season's topical authority include:

• Wayne Brady's Versatility: The seasoned entertainer, paired with Witney Carson, consistently impressed with his showmanship and technical ability, making a strong run to the finals and proving his skill across multiple dance styles.
• Shangela's Groundbreaking Run: As the first drag queen to compete on the US version of DWTS, Shangela and her partner Gleb Savchenko made history. Their performances were a celebration of self-expression, LGBTQ+ representation, and pure entertainment, proving that the ballroom is a stage for everyone.
• The Return of Mark Ballas: His partnership with Charli D'Amelio was a masterclass in professional choreography and execution, reminding fans why he is one of the most celebrated professional dancers in the show's history. His return injected a fresh wave of excitement and high-level artistry into the competition.
• The Judging Panel Consistency: The familiar faces of Len Goodman, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli provided stability amidst the change in broadcast platform, offering their expert critiques and maintaining the show's high standards.

Ultimately, Dancing With The Stars Season 31 was a season of profound change and historic firsts. The move to Disney+ solidified its future in the streaming era, while the cast—led by the dominant Charli D'Amelio and the inspiring Selma Blair—delivered a memorable and deeply engaging competition. The season successfully navigated its historic transition, proving that the magic of the ballroom can translate seamlessly to any platform.