The 20th season of Dancing with the Stars, which aired in 2015, was a landmark moment for the show, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a star-studded cast and a special Golden Mirrorball Trophy. This season captivated millions, culminating in a dramatic finale where Rumer Willis and professional partner Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy were crowned champions. The season is widely considered one of the most memorable in the show's history, not just for the high level of competition but also for the lasting impact it had on the lives of its celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Today, years later in late 2025, fans are still curious about the fate of the Season 20 cast. Did the coveted Mirrorball Trophy truly change their lives, or did the pressure of the ballroom lead them down unexpected paths? From finding true love to major life announcements and heartbreaking personal journeys, the stars of the 10th-anniversary season have certainly kept busy since their final dance.
Dancing with the Stars Season 20: The Cast and Their Current Status
Season 20 featured a diverse lineup of celebrities and introduced a special 10th Anniversary Golden Mirrorball Trophy for the winners. Here is a look at the key players and what they are doing now:
- Rumer Willis & Valentin Chmerkovskiy (Winners): Rumer, the daughter of Hollywood legends Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, was the celebrity champion. Val is a long-time professional on the show. Rumer has since embraced motherhood, welcoming her first child in 2023. Val is also a father, married to fellow DWTS pro Jenna Johnson, and continues to be a core part of the DWTS family. The pair recently reunited for a special interview, reminiscing about their Golden Mirrorball win.
- Riker Lynch & Allison Holker (Runners-Up): Riker, a singer and actor known for R5, and Allison were fan favorites, often challenging Rumer and Val for the top spot. Riker is now focused on his own band, "Riker and The," and his solo music career. Allison Holker, a beloved professional dancer, has faced a tragic and public loss with the passing of her husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, but has returned to the DWTS ballroom in a supportive role, cheering on her friends and colleagues.
- Noah Galloway & Sharna Burgess (3rd Place): Noah, an inspiring U.S. Army veteran and adaptive-sports athlete, delivered one of the most emotional journeys with his partner, Sharna. Noah continues his work as a motivational speaker and advocate. Sharna Burgess is now a mother with her partner, actor Brian Austin Green, and remains a prominent figure in the dance community, often sharing her insights on the show and her life as a former pro.
- Robert Herjavec & Kym Johnson (6th Place): The "Shark Tank" star and the Australian professional dancer are the season's most famous romantic success story. They got married in 2016, a year after their season, and welcomed twins in 2018. They are a testament to the show's ability to spark real-life romance, proving that the ballroom magic can last long after the finale.
- Patti LaBelle & Artem Chigvintsev (8th Place): The legendary "Godmother of Soul" brought incredible energy to the ballroom. Patti LaBelle continues her iconic music career, touring and performing, and is also known for her successful line of food products, including her famous sweet potato pie.
- Nastia Liukin & Derek Hough (4th Place): The Olympic gymnast and five-time Mirrorball champion were a powerhouse duo. Nastia has since become a successful businesswoman and sports commentator, covering gymnastics events. Derek Hough has transitioned from a professional dancer to a full-time judge on the show.
The Golden Mirrorball Trophy: A Season of High Stakes and Lasting Bonds
Season 20 was a celebration of a decade of ballroom brilliance, and the level of competition reflected the momentous occasion. The introduction of the special Golden Mirrorball Trophy elevated the stakes, making the win for Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy even more historic. The season was characterized by perfect scores and emotional performances, setting new benchmarks for the show.
The chemistry between the celebrity contestants and their professional partners was palpable, leading to some of the show's most memorable routines. Rumer and Val's powerful contemporary pieces and Riker and Allison's innovative choreography are still discussed by fans today. The season also featured other notable celebrity contestants, including NFL player Michael Sam and actress Suzanne Somers, who contributed to the season's diverse and engaging narrative.
The relationships formed in the ballroom proved to be the most enduring legacy of Season 20. The romance between Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson, which blossomed into a marriage and family, is a highlight frequently cited by fans and the show itself. This real-life connection underscored the genuine bonds that can form under the intense pressure of the competition.
Life After the Ballroom: The Enduring Legacy of the DWTS 20 Finalists
The journey on Dancing with the Stars is more than just a dance competition; it's a launchpad for new careers and life chapters. For the Season 20 finalists, the exposure and training they received have had a long-term impact on their lives and careers in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Rumer Willis: From Champion to Motherhood and Hollywood
Rumer Willis's win was a significant personal triumph, helping her to overcome self-doubt and step out of the shadow of her famous parents, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Since her victory, Rumer has continued her acting career, appearing in various film and television projects. Her recent focus on motherhood has been a major personal milestone, frequently shared with her fans. Her strong bond with her former partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, remains evident, highlighting the lasting friendships forged on the show.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy: Pro Life, Marriage, and Fatherhood
Val Chmerkovskiy secured his first Mirrorball Trophy with Rumer, an emotional and long-awaited victory for the popular professional dancer. Since Season 20, Val has become one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise. His marriage to fellow professional dancer Jenna Johnson and the birth of their child have been major life events, often shared with the DWTS audience. Val's journey from a competitive dancer to a husband and father has resonated deeply with fans, solidifying his place as a DWTS icon.
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker: The Power of Perseverance
Riker Lynch's journey with Allison Holker was marked by consistent high scores and a youthful energy that made them formidable contenders. Riker has successfully transitioned his fame into a solo music career, demonstrating the versatility gained from his DWTS experience. Allison Holker's return to the DWTS set, even after her personal loss, is a powerful symbol of the resilience and supportive community that defines the show. Her professional legacy on DWTS, including her innovative work with Riker, is frequently celebrated by fans and fellow dancers.
Noah Galloway: Inspiration Beyond the Stage
Noah Galloway's third-place finish with Sharna Burgess was a victory in itself, showcasing his incredible resilience as a double amputee. His performances were often a source of inspiration, demonstrating that physical limitations do not define a person's capability. Today, Noah leverages his platform to motivate others through speaking engagements and his continued involvement in adaptive sports. Sharna, his partner, has also found personal happiness and continues to be a vocal and influential figure in the DWTS world.
The 20th season of Dancing with the Stars will forever be remembered as the 10th-anniversary milestone. The season’s legacy is not just about the Golden Mirrorball, but about the enduring connections, personal growth, and new life paths forged by its incredible cast, proving that the dance floor is truly a stage for life-changing moments.
Detail Author:
- Name : Ms. Ana Abbott I
- Username : kamren.veum
- Email : okuneva.taya@zulauf.com
- Birthdate : 1974-07-25
- Address : 61447 Pollich River Suite 452 Paucekside, VA 06215-9713
- Phone : 628.381.6065
- Company : Vandervort, Fadel and Veum
- Job : Cutting Machine Operator
- Bio : Accusamus rerum doloremque ipsum odit suscipit animi non. Numquam est perspiciatis quae corporis quis soluta est. Doloribus sed quis ullam.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/jordyn_real
- username : jordyn_real
- bio : Voluptas voluptatem est quod placeat similique quae. Animi quia minus error voluptatem doloremque perferendis. Corrupti laboriosam quidem officia non ut minus.
- followers : 666
- following : 1390
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/hillsj
- username : hillsj
- bio : Expedita qui omnis nesciunt et.
- followers : 3356
- following : 1665
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@hills1982
- username : hills1982
- bio : Quae possimus laudantium odit consequatur sunt voluptate.
- followers : 5364
- following : 2608