The 5 Most Iconic Moments Of Dancing With The Stars Season 18: Where Are The Champions Now In 2025?

Dancing With The Stars Season 18, which premiered in March 2014, remains one of the most transformative and emotionally resonant seasons in the show's history, often cited by fans as a true turning point for the series. It was a season of dramatic changes, including a new co-host, a refreshed band, and a shift in format, all leading up to one of the most anticipated Mirrorball Trophy victories ever: the Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis and the long-time professional Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Their partnership captivated millions, finally giving Maks his long-awaited win after 13 seasons. As of the current date in late 2025, the legacy of Season 18 continues to resonate, not just for its high-scoring performances but also for the incredible journeys of its finalists. From the inspiring story of Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy to the surprising dance skills of actress Candace Cameron Bure, this season cemented its place in the *DWTS* hall of fame. This deep dive revisits the full cast, the season's most iconic dances, and provides a fresh, up-to-date look at what the stars and pros are doing today.

Dancing With The Stars Season 18: Full Celebrity & Professional Cast

Season 18 of *Dancing With The Stars* featured a diverse lineup of celebrities, from Olympic champions to sitcom stars and reality television personalities. The season premiered on March 17, 2014, and introduced a significant change with Erin Andrews replacing Brooke Burke-Charvet as co-host, joining Tom Bergeron.

• Meryl Davis (Olympic Ice Dancer) with Maksim Chmerkovskiy (WINNERS)
• Amy Purdy (Paralympic Snowboarder) with Derek Hough (Runners-Up)
• Candace Cameron Bure (*Full House* Actress) with Mark Ballas (Third Place)
• James Maslow (*Big Time Rush* Singer) with Peta Murgatroyd (Fourth Place)
• Charlie White (Olympic Ice Dancer) with Sharna Burgess (Fifth Place)
• Danica McKellar (*The Wonder Years* Actress) with Val Chmerkovskiy (Sixth Place)
• NeNe Leakes (*The Real Housewives of Atlanta* Star) with Tony Dovolani (Seventh Place)
• Drew Carey (Comedian/Game Show Host) with Cheryl Burke (Eighth Place)
• Cody Simpson (Australian Singer) with Witney Carson (Ninth Place)
• Billy Dee Williams (*Star Wars* Actor) with Emma Slater (Tenth Place)
• Sean Avery (Former NHL Player) with Karina Smirnoff (Eleventh Place)

The 5 Most Iconic and Game-Changing Moments of DWTS 18

Season 18 introduced several format changes and delivered a series of unforgettable, high-scoring performances that elevated the competition. The chemistry between Meryl and Maks was undeniable, but the inspirational story of Amy Purdy also created a compelling narrative that captured the hearts of viewers.

1. Maks’ Long-Awaited Mirrorball Victory

The single most iconic moment of the season was the crowning of Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy as champions. After 13 seasons as a professional dancer, Maks had never won the Mirrorball Trophy, despite being a fan favorite and a frequent finalist. The emotional final moment, where he lifted Meryl in triumph, was a cathartic release for both him and his dedicated fanbase. Their partnership was a masterclass in ballroom technique and emotional connection, proving that Maks could temper his fiery persona to achieve perfection.

2. Meryl and Maks’ Flawless Tango

While their Freestyle was powerful, their Argentine Tango in Week 5, danced to "Too Close" by Alex Clare, is consistently hailed as one of the greatest dances in *DWTS* history. It was a perfect blend of power, precision, and passion, showcasing Meryl’s incredible control and Maks’ renewed focus. The routine earned a perfect score of 40 (with guest judge Donny Osmond on the panel) and set the bar impossibly high for the rest of the competition.

3. Amy Purdy’s Inspirational Contemporary Dance

Paralympic snowboarder Amy Purdy, a double amputee, and her partner Derek Hough delivered a series of groundbreaking performances. Their Week 3 Contemporary routine, danced to Christina Perri's "Human," was a stunning display of emotion and artistry. Purdy’s ability to execute complex choreography despite her prosthetic legs was a powerful, moving testament to human resilience. This dance earned a perfect score of 40 from the judges and became a viral sensation, showcasing the show's potential to inspire beyond the ballroom.

4. The Introduction of "The Big Switch"

Season 18 was the first to introduce the highly dramatic "Switch-Up" week, where celebrities were temporarily paired with a different professional dancer. This format twist tested the celebrities' versatility and the pros' ability to adapt quickly. The week also featured former pro Julianne Hough as a guest judge, a role that would eventually lead to her becoming a permanent judge in later seasons. This innovation kept the competition fresh and introduced a new, high-stakes element that has been repeated in subsequent seasons.

5. The New Era of Hosting and Judging

Beyond the dancers, Season 18 marked a significant shift behind the scenes. Erin Andrews stepped in as the new co-host, bringing a fresh, energetic dynamic to the hosting panel alongside Tom Bergeron. Furthermore, the show introduced a new band leader, Ray Chew, replacing the longtime leader Harold Wheeler, giving the music a new sound. These changes signaled a revitalized, modern era for the show, which was necessary to keep the long-running series relevant.

Where Are The Stars of DWTS Season 18 Now in 2025?

More than a decade later, the top three celebrities and their professional partners from Season 18 have all continued their successful careers, with many exciting, up-to-the-minute updates in 2025.

Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy (Winners)

The chemistry that defined their winning season remains a fond memory for fans, though both have moved on to new chapters. * Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Maks has largely stepped away from the *DWTS* ballroom to focus on his growing family and new creative endeavors. In a very recent update, Maks and his wife, Peta Murgatroyd (who was paired with James Maslow this season), welcomed their third son in July 2024. He continues to be involved in dance through his studio and touring projects but has confirmed he has moved on from his role as a *DWTS* pro. * Meryl Davis: The Olympic gold medalist remains active in the figure skating community. She is a dedicated ambassador for the Women's Sports Foundation and serves as the founding co-chair of Figure Skating in Detroit, an organization dedicated to empowering young women through the sport. She continues to inspire through her work and advocacy.

Amy Purdy and Derek Hough (Runners-Up)

Amy Purdy's journey was arguably the most inspirational of the season, and her work continues to focus on empowerment and adaptive sports. * Amy Purdy: Purdy is a highly sought-after motivational speaker and a *New York Times* Best-Selling Author. She continues to be the driving force behind Adaptive Action Sports, the non-profit she co-founded, which helps individuals with physical disabilities get involved in action sports. Her work with organizations like Toyota in 2024 has furthered the creation of adaptive sports competitions, cementing her legacy as a champion both on and off the snow. * Derek Hough: Derek, who won his fifth Mirrorball Trophy this season, has become a permanent fixture in the *DWTS* family. He transitioned from a pro dancer to a full-time judge on the show in recent years, a role he continues to hold as of 2025. He also continues to tour and perform, maintaining his status as one of the world's premier dancers.

Candace Cameron Bure and Mark Ballas (Third Place)

The actress and the pro have both seen significant career developments since their run to the finals. * Candace Cameron Bure: Bure has fully transitioned her career into a powerhouse behind and in front of the camera with her production company. In a major 2024 update, she is starring in and producing multiple projects for Great American Family, including the new holiday movie *Home Sweet Christmas* and the launch of her new mystery series, *The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case* in 2025. * Mark Ballas: Mark Ballas took a break from the show but made a triumphant return in Season 31, winning the Mirrorball Trophy with Charli D'Amelio. He has since announced his retirement from *DWTS* to focus on his music career, performing with his wife, BC Jean, in their band, Alexander Jean. The enduring popularity of *Dancing With The Stars* Season 18 is a testament to its compelling cast, emotional performances, and the dramatic, well-deserved victory of Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. It was a season that truly changed the game, setting a new standard for artistry and emotional storytelling in the ballroom.