Lindsay Arnold has cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved and successful professional dancers in the history of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). Known for her powerful choreography, infectious energy, and ability to transform non-dancers into contenders, her journey is marked by a series of memorable partnerships that often led to the finals. As of December 2025, the Utah native has stepped away from the ballroom to focus on her growing family, a decision highlighted by the recent announcement of her third pregnancy, making her career highlights, especially her roster of celebrity partners, a hot topic for fans.
Her tenure on the show, which began in 2013, saw her climb the ranks from a young, ambitious pro to a coveted Mirrorball Champion. This article provides a definitive, season-by-season breakdown of every celebrity Lindsay Arnold has partnered with, their final standing, and the unique dynamics that made each season unforgettable.
Lindsay Arnold Cusick: Full Biography and Current Status (Updated 2025)
Lindsay Arnold Cusick (née Arnold) is more than just a DWTS champion; she is a professional dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, and mother who has consistently made headlines. Her career trajectory and personal life have seen significant developments, particularly in 2025, which keep her in the spotlight.
- Full Name: Lindsay Arnold Cusick (née Arnold)
- Born: January 11, 1994
- Age (as of 2025): 31
- Hometown: Provo, Utah, U.S.
- Spouse: Samuel "Sam" Cusick (m. 2015)
- Children: Two daughters, Sage and June, with a third child announced in November 2025.
- Career Start: Contestant on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 9)
- DWTS Debut: Season 16 (2013) as a professional dancer.
- DWTS Seasons: 9 seasons as a pro.
- DWTS Win: Season 25 with Jordan Fisher.
- Current Status: On hiatus from Dancing with the Stars to focus on motherhood and family life in Utah. She has also been open about her plans for cosmetic surgery in 2025, including a breast augmentation.
- Other Ventures: Businesswoman, running her own clothing and lifestyle brand.
The Complete Roster: Every Lindsay Arnold DWTS Partner and Final Placement
Lindsay Arnold has participated in nine seasons of Dancing with the Stars as a professional partner, guiding a diverse group of celebrities through the rigorous competition. Her partnerships are a testament to her versatility, ranging from athletes and actors to political figures.
Here is the definitive list of her celebrity partners, ordered by season:
1. Victor Ortiz (Season 16) - 8th Place
Victor Ortiz, a professional boxer, was Lindsay Arnold’s very first celebrity partner when she was promoted to a pro in 2013. As one of the youngest pros in DWTS history at the time, she faced the challenge of turning a heavyweight fighter into a ballroom dancer. Their journey was short-lived, with the couple being the fourth eliminated, placing 8th overall.
2. Alek Skarlatos (Season 21) - 3rd Place
After a few seasons in the DWTS troupe, Lindsay returned for Season 21 with American soldier and "Legion of Honour" recipient Alek Skarlatos. This partnership was a major breakthrough for Lindsay, as they unexpectedly made it all the way to the finals, finishing in 3rd place. Their emotional Freestyle to "Marchin On" by OneRepublic was a season highlight, earning a perfect score of 30.
3. Wanya Morris (Season 22) - 4th Place
In Season 22, Lindsay was paired with Wanya Morris, a member of the iconic R&B group Boyz II Men. Wanya was a natural performer with immense musicality. They were consistently high-scorers, delivering some of the season's most entertaining routines, but were eliminated just before the finale, finishing in 4th place.
4. Calvin Johnson Jr. (Season 23) - 3rd Place
The following season, Lindsay was paired with NFL legend Calvin "Megatron" Johnson Jr. The former Detroit Lions wide receiver proved to be a charismatic and dedicated student. Like her partnership with Alek, they were a fan-favorite "dark horse" couple who overcame initial technical hurdles to reach the finals, ultimately securing another 3rd place finish for Lindsay.
5. David Ross (Season 24) - 2nd Place
Partnering with retired MLB catcher David Ross in Season 24 proved to be one of Lindsay's most surprising successes. Known as "Grandpa Rossy," David was the first baseball player to ever reach the DWTS finals. Despite often receiving lower scores from the judges, their undeniable chemistry and the massive fan support from the "Rossy's Cubs" fanbase propelled them to a stunning 2nd place finish, just behind NFL running back Rashad Jennings.
The Mirrorball Triumph: The Partnership That Secured the Win
Every professional dancer dreams of lifting the Mirrorball Trophy, and for Lindsay Arnold, that dream became a reality in Season 25. This partnership stands out as the pinnacle of her career on the show, showcasing her ability to push a talented celebrity to perfection.
6. Jordan Fisher (Season 25) - 1st Place (WINNER)
In Season 25, Lindsay was paired with actor and singer Jordan Fisher. From their very first dance, the couple—dubbed "Team Fish Upon A Star"—were the clear frontrunners. Jordan's natural dance ability, combined with Lindsay's intricate and challenging choreography, resulted in a record-breaking season of high scores. They earned numerous perfect 30s and delivered a spectacular, flawless finale performance, securing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. This victory cemented Lindsay's status as a top-tier pro and a champion.
Controversy and Final Seasons: The Post-Championship Era
After her win, Lindsay continued to return to the ballroom, facing new challenges and even some public controversy with her subsequent partners, proving her resilience and commitment to her job.
7. DeMarcus Ware (Season 27) - 7th/8th Place
Lindsay was paired with another NFL superstar, former linebacker DeMarcus Ware, for Season 27. DeMarcus was known for his gentle giant persona and powerful presence. They had a strong start, with memorable dances like their Argentine Tango, but their journey ended mid-season, placing 7th/8th.
8. Sean Spicer (Season 28) - 6th Place
Perhaps Lindsay Arnold’s most talked-about and controversial partnership was with former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer in Season 28. Despite consistently receiving the lowest scores from the judges—including a 12 for their neon-green-ruffled Salsa—they were repeatedly saved by a massive wave of fan votes. Their persistence became a major talking point of the season, with the couple making it all the way to 6th place, a result that sparked a national debate about the show's voting system.
9. Matt James (Season 30) - 12th Place
Lindsay’s final partnership before her hiatus was in Season 30 with Matt James, the first Black Bachelor. Their time together was surprisingly brief. Despite the high expectations for the former college football player, they struggled to find their rhythm and were the fourth couple eliminated, finishing in 12th place overall.
What’s Next for Lindsay Arnold in 2025 and Beyond?
Lindsay Arnold's career has shifted its focus from the intense pressure of competitive ballroom dancing to the joys of motherhood and personal business ventures. Her decision to step away from DWTS for a few seasons has allowed her to prioritize her family, a choice that resonates with many of her fans.
The recent announcement of her third pregnancy in late 2025 ensures she will be off the dance floor for the foreseeable future. However, her influence remains strong. She continues to engage with her millions of followers online, sharing fitness tips, family life, and updates on her business. While she has confirmed she was not returning for the most recent seasons, she has left the door open for a future comeback, suggesting that the DWTS ballroom may yet see the return of the Mirrorball champion when the time is right for her and her expanding family.
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