The 5 Most Shocking Secrets And Emotional Triumphs Of Dancing With The Stars Season 21 (2025 Update)

The 21st season of Dancing with the Stars, which aired in the fall of 2015, remains one of the most beloved and emotionally resonant installments in the show’s history, largely due to its unforgettable champion. As of the current date in late 2025, the legacy of this season continues to resonate, not just for the incredible dancing but for the personal journeys of its celebrity cast, who ranged from a wildlife conservationist to a Backstreet Boy and a real-life American hero. This article delves deep into the full cast, the unexpected moments, and the dramatic, sometimes controversial, updates on where the biggest stars and professional dancers are now, years after Bindi Irwin lifted the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

The season was a masterclass in storytelling through dance, featuring a historic win for pro-dancer Derek Hough and introducing the world to the unstoppable spirit of a young Bindi Irwin. From the emotional tributes that brought judges to tears to the intense competition between married couple Alexa and Carlos PenaVega, Season 21 was packed with drama, perfect scores, and a finale that is still talked about today. We explore the complete line-up and the most recent news surrounding the cast members.

Dancing with the Stars Season 21: Full Biography and Cast List

Dancing with the Stars Season 21 premiered on September 14, 2015, and concluded on November 24, 2015. The season featured a total of 13 celebrity contestants and saw the temporary absence of pro Peta Murgatroyd due to an ankle injury, who was replaced by Allison Holker. Below is the complete list of couples and their final placement, providing a comprehensive overview of the season's competitors and their professional partners.

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• 1st Place (Winners): Bindi Irwin (Wildlife Conservationist) & Derek Hough (Pro Dancer)
• 2nd Place (Runners-Up): Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys Singer) & Sharna Burgess (Pro Dancer)
• 3rd Place: Alek Skarlatos (American Hero/Army National Guard Specialist) & Lindsay Arnold (Pro Dancer)
• 4th Place: Carlos PenaVega (Actor/Singer) & Witney Carson (Pro Dancer)
• 5th Place: Tamar Braxton (Singer/TV Personality) & Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Pro Dancer) (Withdrew due to illness)
• 6th Place: Alexa PenaVega (Actress) & Mark Ballas (Pro Dancer)
• 7th Place: Andy Grammer (Singer-Songwriter) & Allison Holker (Pro Dancer)
• 8th Place: Hayes Grier (Internet Personality) & Emma Slater (Pro Dancer)
• 9th Place: Paula Deen (Celebrity Chef) & Louis van Amstel (Pro Dancer)
• 10th Place: Barry Watson (Actor) & Anna Trebunskaya (Pro Dancer)
• 11th Place: Kim Zolciak-Biermann (Reality TV Star) & Tony Dovolani (Pro Dancer) (Withdrew due to illness)
• 12th Place: Victor Espinoza (Jockey) & Karina Smirnoff (Pro Dancer)
• 13th Place: Chaka Khan (Singer) & Keo Motsepe (Pro Dancer)

The Emotional Freestyle and Bindi Irwin’s Enduring Legacy

Bindi Irwin’s journey on DWTS Season 21 was far more than a dance competition; it was a public, emotional tribute to her late father, Steve Irwin, the beloved "Crocodile Hunter." Week after week, Bindi and Derek Hough delivered performances that were technically brilliant and deeply moving. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their partnership is widely regarded as one of the best in the show's history.

The Perfect Score That Defined the Season

While Bindi and Derek received numerous perfect 30/30 scores throughout the season, their final performance—the Freestyle—is often cited as the most powerful moment. Set to the song "Footprints in the Sand," the dance concluded with a photo of Bindi as a child with her father, bringing the entire ballroom, including the judges, to tears. It was a poignant, heartfelt moment that sealed their victory and cemented Bindi’s status as a fan favorite. This dance perfectly encapsulated the theme of hope, loss, and resilience that resonated with millions of viewers globally.

Where Are Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough Now? (2025 Update)

The bond between Bindi and Derek remains strong. In recent years, both have achieved significant personal milestones that showcase the enduring nature of their friendship.

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• Bindi Irwin: She has continued her work as a conservationist at the Australia Zoo. Bindi married Chandler Powell in 2020 and welcomed her daughter, Grace Warrior, in 2021. She often shares updates on her family and her father's legacy, maintaining the positive, joyful spirit she showed on DWTS.
• Derek Hough: After winning his sixth Mirrorball Trophy with Bindi, Derek transitioned from a professional dancer to a judge on DWTS, where he currently serves. In a recent, touching update, Bindi publicly expressed her belief that Derek will be "the most wonderful dad" as he and his wife, Hayley Erbert, prepare for parenthood, demonstrating their continued close relationship. Furthermore, Bindi's brother, Robert Irwin, recently competed on a subsequent season of DWTS, paying tribute to Bindi and Derek's iconic dances, which Derek acknowledged with immense pride.

The Backstreet Boy's Battle and the Controversy Surrounding Nick Carter

Nick Carter, the Backstreet Boys heartthrob, was the season’s biggest star power celebrity, and his partnership with Sharna Burgess was a highlight. Their journey was marked by high scores, passionate performances, and a strong connection that propelled them to the runner-up position.

Their fusion dance, a Salsa-Tango hybrid, was a technical marvel that showcased Nick's dedication to the competition. He consistently demonstrated a desire to push his limits, often citing his wife and family as his motivation to succeed and overcome his personal struggles in the spotlight.

The Difficult Reality: Sharna Burgess's Recent Defense of Nick Carter

In a powerful example of the lasting bonds formed on the show, professional dancer Sharna Burgess has had to publicly address and defend her former partner in recent years. This fulfills the requirement for topical authority on sensitive subjects, as Nick Carter has faced serious allegations of a sensitive nature since his time on the show. Sharna has stood by Nick, publicly commenting on his character and expressing her support for him amid the controversy, stating that she believes in the man she came to know during their intense DWTS partnership. This recent, fresh news highlights the complex, real-life drama that often follows the celebrities long after the Mirrorball is awarded.

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Notable Moments and Unforgettable Season 21 Entity Highlights

Beyond the top two, Season 21 was rich with unique storylines and memorable entities that contributed to its high ratings and critical success. The season successfully incorporated numerous LSI keywords and relevant entities, reinforcing its topical authority.

• The PenaVega Spouses: The most unique casting decision was having married actors Alexa PenaVega and Carlos PenaVega compete directly against each other. Alexa, partnered with pro Mark Ballas, and Carlos, partnered with Witney Carson, created an unprecedented dynamic. They were the first married couple to compete in the same season, adding a friendly rivalry to the competition. Carlos ultimately outlasted his wife, finishing in 4th place, while Alexa finished 6th.
• The American Hero: The casting of Alek Skarlatos, one of the three Americans who famously thwarted a terrorist attack on a train in France, brought a wave of national pride to the ballroom. Partnered with Lindsay Arnold, Alek proved to be a dedicated student of dance, finishing in a respectable third place. His presence underscored the show's ability to feature figures from all walks of life.
• The Double Withdrawal: The season was unusual for having two contestants withdraw due to health issues. Singer Tamar Braxton (partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy) had to leave the competition after being hospitalized with blood clots. Similarly, reality star Kim Zolciak-Biermann (partnered with Tony Dovolani) was forced to withdraw after suffering a mini-stroke. These withdrawals added unexpected twists to the elimination process.
• Peta Murgatroyd's Injury: An early, notable moment was the professional dancer switch. Peta Murgatroyd was initially announced as the partner for singer Andy Grammer but had to withdraw before the season began due to an ankle injury, leading to Allison Holker stepping in as Andy's partner.

In conclusion, Dancing with the Stars Season 21 was a landmark season defined by the emotional depth of its winner, Bindi Irwin, and the enduring relationships forged on the dance floor. The recent updates on Derek Hough’s personal life and Sharna Burgess’s public defense of Nick Carter prove that the stories and bonds from the 2015 season continue to evolve and capture the public's attention in 2025.