Season 14 Winner and Runner-Up
Who won DWTS season 14? The winner of season 14 of Dancing With the Stars was Meryl Davis, the American ice dancer. She was paired with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy and claimed the Mirrorball Trophy on season 14. The runner-up was Adam Rippon, competing with professional partner Jenna Johnson. Davis became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in ice dance earlier in 2014, which contextualized her victory as both athletic and competitive within the show.
Quick Finale Snapshot
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Meryl Davis | Official DWTS announcement |
| Runner-Up | Adam Rippon | Official DWTS announcement |
| Professional Partner (Winner) | Val Chmerkovskiy | Season 14 cast list |
| Professional Partner (Runner-Up) | Jenna Johnson | Season 14 cast list |
| Finale Air Date | November 25, 2011 (Tuesday) | DWTS press archives |
| Winning Average Score | 46 (exact tally varies by source) | Judge scorecards reported in recaps |
About Season 14 Context
Season 14 aired in fall 2011 and featured a mix of celebrities from reality TV, sports, and entertainment. Meryl Davis, an ice dancer and 2014 Olympic gold medalist, brought a unique profile to the competition as an already decorated athlete. Her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy showcased technically demanding ice dance routines adapted for the ballroom stage. Judges noted her precision, artistry, and consistency across the season, which contributed to a strong finale performance and victory in the voting.
Judging Panel and Scoring Notes
The season featured judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and a rotating fourth judge across episodes. Scoring was based on technique, performance, and choreography, with each routine receiving a cumulative point total that advanced through weekly eliminations. Meryl Davis maintained high average scores, and in the finale, her combined judges’ scores surpassed Adam Rippon’s, securing the win. Understanding scoring helps explain why consistency and high difficulty routines were advantageous in season 14.
Finale Format and Results Night
The finale followed the standard two-night format: finalists performed multiple dances on results night, with judges’ scores combined with viewer votes to determine the winner. Meryl Davis and Val Chmerkovskiy executed clean, high-energy performances in jive, waltz, and freestyle. Viewer votes and judges’ preferences aligned in favor of Davis, resulting in her being crowned champion. Audience engagement was strong, reflecting broad support for her journey from Olympian to dance champion.
Legacy and Career Impact
Winning DWTS season 14 elevated Meryl Davis’s public profile and reinforced her status as an elite athlete. For Adam Rippon, the runner-up outcome amplified his visibility within and beyond skating, leading to continued media and philanthropic work. The season also highlighted the appeal of ice dance to mainstream audiences, demonstrating how athletic backgrounds translate to success on the ballroom stage. These outcomes have durable relevance in discussions about DWTS alumni careers and crossover influence.