The Unforgettable DWTS Season 11: Where Are Jennifer Grey, Bristol Palin, And Kyle Massey Now? (2024 Update)

Step into the past and revisit one of the most talked-about and controversial seasons in the history of the show: Dancing with the Stars Season 11. Premiering in September 2010, this season captivated millions, primarily due to the emotional journey of its eventual winner, the star of Dirty Dancing, and the shocking, politically charged run of its third-place finisher. More than a decade later, the drama and the stars of this season continue to make headlines, with fresh revelations and major life updates emerging even in late 2024.

The eleventh season was a pivotal moment for the show, showcasing a high-caliber celebrity cast, intense competition, and the emergence of one of the most dominant partnerships in DWTS history. From the emotional first dance to the controversial finale, Season 11 remains a benchmark for drama and talent. This deep dive uncovers the season's legacy and provides the latest, most current updates on the celebrity contestants and professional dancers who lit up the ballroom.

Dancing with the Stars Season 11: Full Celebrity Cast and Final Results

Season 11 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 20, 2010, and concluded on November 23, 2010. The season was notable for featuring a lineup of celebrities from diverse backgrounds, including Hollywood legends, sports heroes, and political figures. It was also the season where professional dancer Derek Hough secured his third Mirrorball Trophy, a major milestone at the time.

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• Winner: Jennifer Grey (Actress, Dirty Dancing) with Professional Partner Derek Hough
• Runner-up: Kyle Massey (Disney Channel Star) with Professional Partner Lacey Schwimmer
• 3rd Place: Bristol Palin (Activist/Reality Star) with Professional Partner Mark Ballas
• 4th Place: Brandy (Singer/Actress) with Professional Partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• 5th Place: Kurt Warner (NFL Quarterback) with Professional Partner Anna Trebunskaya
• 6th Place: Rick Fox (NBA Player) with Professional Partner Edyta Śliwińska
• 7th Place: Audrina Patridge (Reality Star) with Professional Partner Tony Dovolani
• 8th Place: Florence Henderson (Actress, The Brady Bunch) with Professional Partner Corky Ballas
• 9th Place: Michael Bolton (Singer) with Professional Partner Chelsie Hightower
• 10th Place: The Situation (Reality Star) with Professional Partner Karina Smirnoff
• 11th Place: Margaret Cho (Comedian) with Professional Partner Louis Van Amstel
• 12th Place: David Hasselhoff (Actor) with Professional Partner Kym Johnson

The Enduring Legacy of Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough

The partnership of Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough was widely considered the frontrunner from the start, living up to the high expectations placed on the star of the iconic dance film Dirty Dancing. Their journey was marked by emotional performances, technical precision in dances like the Viennese Waltz and Paso Doble, and a powerful connection that resonated with the judges and the audience.

Jennifer Grey: From Mirrorball to Memoir and Beyond

Following her emotional Mirrorball Trophy win on November 23, 2010, Jennifer Grey has maintained a presence in Hollywood while also focusing on personal projects. Her victory on DWTS was a personal triumph, helping her overcome long-standing injuries and a fear of performance.

• Recent Career: Grey published a candid memoir in 2022, titled Out of the Corner, where she discussed her career, her relationship with her famous father, and the lasting impact of her nose job.
• Acting Roles: She has continued acting, appearing in films and television shows, but her DWTS win remains a significant highlight of her later career.
• The Derek Connection: She has consistently praised Derek Hough, calling him a key figure in her successful DWTS run.

Derek Hough: The Reigning DWTS Judge

Derek Hough's win with Jennifer Grey solidified his status as the show's most successful professional dancer, making him the first pro to achieve three Mirrorball victories.

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• Current Role: Today, Derek Hough is no longer a professional dancer but a permanent and respected judge on Dancing with the Stars, a role he has held since 2020.
• Touring: He continues to be a major figure in the dance world, performing and touring with his own production, such as the "Symphony of Dance" show, with dates scheduled well into 2026.

Controversies and Explosive 2024 Updates from the Finalists

While the top three couples were all strong contenders, Season 11 was plagued by controversy, particularly surrounding the shocking longevity of Bristol Palin's run, which many believed was due to a massive, politically motivated fan vote despite lower judges' scores. However, the true drama and "rigging" allegations have only intensified years later, with recent 2024 revelations from two of the finalists.

Bristol Palin’s New 2024 Claim: Maksim Chmerkovskiy "Hated" Her

Bristol Palin's journey with Mark Ballas was a lightning rod for media attention and public debate, as the daughter of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin consistently survived elimination despite receiving lower scores than other eliminated couples, like Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

In a major, fresh revelation in August 2024, Palin opened up about her experience, claiming that pro dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy "hated" her "so much" during the season.

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• The Tension: Palin stated she felt "tension" from Maks, suggesting his disdain was palpable backstage.
• Maks' Response: Chmerkovskiy publicly responded to the claim in late August 2024, clarifying that his strong feelings were directed at the political controversy and the voting system that kept her on the show, not at Bristol personally.
• Enduring Controversy: This back-and-forth proves that the political and scoring controversy of DWTS Season 11 remains a hot topic in the reality TV news cycle over a decade later.

Kyle Massey’s "Rigged" Allegations

Runner-up Kyle Massey, the popular Disney Channel star, and his partner Lacey Schwimmer were fan favorites known for their energetic performances and high scores. However, Massey later leveled his own heavy allegations against the show's integrity.

• The Claim: Massey suggested that the show was "rigged" during his time, believing that the public voting system was not entirely transparent or fair, especially given the outcome of the finale.
• Lacey Schwimmer Update: His partner, Lacey Schwimmer, who also made the finals in Season 7 with Lance Bass, has largely stepped away from the show but has shared recent personal news, including her engagement.
• Season 11 Entity: The combination of Massey's "rigged" claims and Palin's controversial run solidified Season 11's reputation as a season where public opinion and political factors overshadowed the judges' technical scores.

The Lasting Impact of the Season 11 Celebrity Cast

Beyond the finalists, the Season 11 cast featured several other major entities whose appearances had a lasting impact on their careers and the show's history. The season was truly a blend of Hollywood glamour and unexpected celebrity appearances.

• Brandy and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Their elimination at the semi-finals was one of the season's biggest shockers, as they were consistently top scorers. This early exit is often cited as a prime example of the unpredictable nature of the DWTS fan vote.
• Kurt Warner: The NFL Hall of Fame quarterback proved to be a surprisingly adept dancer, making it to the final five. His pairing with Anna Trebunskaya was a fan favorite among sports enthusiasts.
• Michael Bolton: The singer's early elimination was memorable, not for his dancing, but for his public clash with judge Bruno Tonioli over a critique of his Jive. This moment became a classic example of celebrity-judge tension on the show.

The eleventh season of Dancing with the Stars was a powerhouse of celebrity talent and drama that continues to be relevant in 2024. From the triumphant, well-deserved win of Jennifer Grey and Derek Hough to the ongoing, explosive controversy surrounding Bristol Palin's claims and Kyle Massey's allegations, the legacy of Season 11 is one of both glittering perfection and backstage turmoil. The season set a precedent for the blend of celebrity gossip, political intrigue, and spectacular ballroom dancing that defines the show to this day.