The $100,000 Question: Who REALLY Won AUDC Season 2 And Where Are They Now In 2025?

The second season of Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition (AUDC) remains one of the most intense and pivotal chapters in reality dance television history. Airing back in 2013, the season introduced a cast of powerhouse dancers and their fiercely competitive mothers, all vying for a $100,000 cash prize and a scholarship to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School. The question of "who won AUDC Season 2" is often overshadowed by the meteoric rise of several contestants who didn't take the top prize, yet became household names years later. As of late 2025, the true story is not just about the winner, but the incredible, and sometimes controversial, careers of the entire cast.

The finale, titled "Meet Abby's Newest Ultimate Dancer," saw a dramatic showdown between the three remaining finalists. The ultimate victor, crowned as 'Abby's Ultimate Dancer,' was the talented contemporary and ballet specialist who consistently impressed the judges with her technical precision and maturity. The official winner of AUDC Season 2 was McKaylee True.

The Complete AUDC Season 2 Cast: Biography and Final Rankings

Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition Season 2 featured 11 talented young dancers and their mothers, with the goal of finding a versatile performer who could master any style. The cast was a melting pot of personalities and dance specialties, providing the high-octane drama the show was known for. This season is particularly famous for launching the careers of two of the biggest names in the dance world today: JoJo Siwa and Kalani Hilliker.

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Here is the full list of dancers, their accompanying mothers, and their final placement:

• Winner: McKaylee True (Mother: Shari True)
• Runner-Up: Gianna Newborg (Mother: Cindy Newborg)
• 3rd Place: Trinity Inay (Mother: Tina Inay)
• 4th Place: Kalani Hilliker (Mother: Kira Girard)
• 5th Place: Tyler Mezin (Mother: Jeanette Mezin)
• 6th Place: Hadley Walts (Mother: Tiffanie Walts)
• 7th Place: JoJo Siwa (Mother: Jessalynn Siwa)
• 8th Place: Ally Serigne (Mother: Lori Serigne)
• 9th Place: Travis Atwood (Mother: Jaime Atwood)
• 10th Place: Haley Huelsman (Mother: Melanie Huelsman)
• 11th Place: Sarina Jassy (Mother: Leslie Jassy)

The judges for this season were the formidable trio of Abby Lee Miller, choreographer and hip-hop specialist Richy Jackson, and Broadway veteran Rachelle Rak.

The Winner: Where is McKaylee True Now? (2025 Update)

McKaylee True was an undeniable force in the competition, known for her exceptional technique, particularly in ballet and contemporary dance. She was often praised by Abby Lee Miller for her maturity and ability to handle difficult choreography.

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The grand prize was a $100,000 cash award and a scholarship to the renowned Joffrey Ballet School in New York. However, a fascinating detail often missed by casual viewers is that McKaylee reportedly did not attend the Joffrey program.

Post-AUDC Career Insights:

• Current Status: McKaylee is now 26 years old and continues to be involved in the dance world.
• True Dance Company: Her mother, Shari True, owns True Dance Company, where McKaylee has been studying and training since a young age.
• Professional Focus: While the specifics of her current professional dance career in 2025 are private, her foundation remains in the elite world of ballet and contemporary, a stark contrast to the commercial paths of her co-stars.
• Early Life Ambition: During the show, McKaylee revealed that if she didn't become a professional dancer, she had an interest in becoming a marine biologist, showing a versatility that extends beyond the stage.

The Real Winners: The Shocking Success of AUDC’s Runners-Up

While McKaylee True secured the official title, AUDC Season 2 is arguably more famous for the careers it launched for the contestants who were eliminated. The show served as a stepping stone for two young dancers who would go on to achieve global fame on *Dance Moms* and beyond, proving that elimination is not the end of the journey.

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Kalani Hilliker: From AUDC to Dance Moms Star

Kalani Hilliker, who finished in 4th place, is one of the most successful alumni. Her journey was cut short in the finale episode after a notable mistake during a challenge, which Abby Lee Miller harshly criticized.

• The Pivot: Kalani and her mother, Kira Girard, quickly transitioned to *Dance Moms*, joining the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) elite team.
• Commercial Success: Kalani became a fan favorite, known for her incredible flexibility and lyrical/contemporary prowess. She has since amassed millions of followers across social media, launched her own clothing line, and starred in various acting roles, solidifying her status as a major dance and social media influencer.

JoJo Siwa: The Ultimate Commercial Dance Icon

Perhaps the most famous contestant from Season 2, JoJo Siwa, finished in 7th place, a surprisingly low ranking for a future superstar. JoJo's unique, high-energy style and her mother Jessalynn’s outspoken nature often clashed with Abby Lee Miller’s traditional views.

• The Brand: JoJo and Jessalynn returned to the reality TV circuit on *Dance Moms*, where JoJo’s vibrant personality and signature bow became a global phenomenon.
• Global Empire: JoJo Siwa has built a billion-dollar brand, encompassing music, merchandise, concert tours, and film and television roles. Her success far eclipses the original $100,000 prize, making her the most commercially successful contestant from *AUDC* history.

The Commercial Dance Powerhouse: Trinity Inay

Trinity Inay, who placed 3rd, is another success story who chose the commercial dance path. Known for her strong hip-hop and jazz-funk skills, Trinity has proven Abby’s praise of her versatility to be true.

• Post-Show Career: Trinity moved to Los Angeles (LA) and quickly found work as a professional commercial dancer.
• Major Appearances: Her credits include dancing on popular television shows like *Fuller House* and *Lip Sync Battle*. Most notably, she performed as a backup dancer for major artists, including a high-profile appearance with Cardi B at the BET Awards in 2019.

The Season 2 Legacy: More Than Just a Competition

The second season of *Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition* is remembered not just for the drama between the mothers and the demanding challenges, but for its role as a surprising launchpad for several significant dance careers. The show featured some of the most memorable challenges of the series, including the "Diva" week and the final "Meet Abby's Newest Ultimate Dancer" routines, which tested the dancers' ability to handle diverse styles like contemporary, ballet, jazz, and hip-hop.

The competition also introduced the "Call-back Card," a new twist allowing the judges to save one dancer from elimination, increasing the tension and the stakes.

Ultimately, while McKaylee True earned the title of Abby's Ultimate Dancer and the $100,000 prize, the lasting legacy of *AUDC Season 2* lies in the subsequent fame of its runners-up. The season serves as a perfect example of how reality television can be a career catalyst, even for those who don't win the grand prize, with JoJo Siwa and Kalani Hilliker becoming global superstars in the years that followed.