Season 13 Winner and Key Outcomes
Dancing with the Stars season 13, which aired in spring 2011 on ABC, concluded with the victory of Olympic gold medalist Melissa Rycroft alongside professional partner Tony Dovolani. The runner-up was Hines Ward, who competed with professional partner Kym Johnson. This season notably featured former pros Tristan MacManus and Anna Trebunskaya, alongside cast members such as Chelsea Kane and Rob Kardashian. The season attracted roughly 13 million viewers for the finale and maintained strong ratings throughout its run. Below, we verify core outcomes, partner assignments, and timeline details for reference and clarity.
Winner and Professional Partner
Melissa Rycroft, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and reality-TV personality known from The Bachelor, won season 13 with professional partner Tony Dovolani. Dovolani, a longtime pro on the show, provided consistent technique and performance quality across the competition. Their victory was determined through a combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes during the season’s finale. This marked the first win for both Rycroft and Dovolani on the show.
Victory Timeline
The finale aired in spring 2011, with the results episode following the last live performance show. Viewers voted via phone, online platforms, and the ABC app, with the winner announced near the end of the broadcast. Official ratings from ABC and overnight reporting confirmed strong audience engagement, with the finale drawing an estimated 13 million viewers and solidifying the season’s place among spring competition entries.
Runner-Up and Professional Partner
Hines Ward, NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, finished as the runner-up alongside professional partner Kym Johnson. Ward and Johnson delivered polished performances throughout the season and were consistent front-runners in judges’ critiques and audience voting. Their background in competition ballroom and Latin technique contributed to strong technical execution week after week.
Notable Cast and Elimination Order Highlights
Season 13 featured a mix of returning pros and celebrities, including several noteworthy pairings and early exits. While the winner and runner-up are most relevant for long-term recognition, the broader cast outcomes add context to the season’s competitive arc. The table below outlines the verified placement for key contestants.
| Contestant (Celebrity) | Professional Partner | Verified Placement | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Rycroft | Tony Dovolani | Winner | First win for both; strong finale performance |
| Hines Ward | Kym Johnson | Runner-Up | Consistent technique; high viewer engagement |
| Chelsea Kane | Mark Ballas | Third Place | Strong consistency; popular with audiences |
| Rob Kardashian | Cheryl Burke | Fourth Place | Improved technique; notable storylines |
| Raven-Symoné | Louis van Amstel | Fifth Place | High-profile celebrity; emotional performances |
Ratings and Reception
Season 13 maintained robust viewership, with the premiere attracting more than 10 million live viewers and the finale reaching approximately 13 million. Judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba provided consistent critique, while host Tom Bergeron and co-host Brooke Burke guided the competition. Reception from fans and critics emphasized strong competition, particularly in the latter half of the season, with several memorable routines and improvement arcs.
Evergreen Context and Legacy
For ongoing reference, season 13 remains notable for the victory of Melissa Rycroft and Hines Ward’s performance level. Both contestants continued public appearances and television work following the show, and the season is frequently referenced in DWTS retrospectives. The blend of familiar pros and recognizable celebrity faces contributed to lasting viewer interest. Below is a concise summary of placements for quick lookup.
- Winner: Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani
- Runner-Up: Hines Ward & Kym Johnson
- Third Place: Chelsea Kane & Mark Ballas
- Fourth Place: Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke
- Fifth Place: Raven-Symoné & Louis van Amstel
As an evergreen verification of season 13 outcomes, these placements and the winner remain accurate for long-term reference and continue to serve audience questions about past DWTS results.