The 2017 season of Dancing With the Stars crowned a new champion in the spotlight. This year brought dramatic performances, surprising eliminations, and a finale watched by millions across the country.
Below is a quick reference that captures the key outcomes and standout moments of that season, helping you compare finalists and trace the path to victory at a glance.
| Celebrity | Professional Partner | Average Score | Finale Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gleb Savchenko | Eliza Sinnott | 38.6 | Winner |
| Rashad Jennings | Emma Slater | 37.9 | Runner-Up |
| Antonio Sabàto Jr. | Cheryl Burke | 36.8 | Third Place |
| Janel Parrish | Val Chmerkovskiy | 35.4 | Fourth Place |
Meet The Champion Gleb Savchenko
Professional dancer Gleb Savchenko returned to the competition with a polished technique and versatile style. His background in ballroom and Latin dance gave him a distinct edge in complex choreography.
Throughout the season, Gleb balanced technical precision with expressive storytelling. Judges consistently praised his timing, frame, and ability to adapt to different music genres.
The Runner Up Rashad Jennings Performance
Former NFL player Rashad Jennings brought energy and enthusiasm to the ballroom. His athletic background translated into powerful lifts and ambitious routine choices.
Although he fell short of the title, Rashad connected strongly with viewers. His partnership with Emma Slater showcased dramatic contemporary numbers and infectious stage presence.
Notable Elimination Moments
Key eliminations reshaped the competition week by week. Tight scores meant that small execution details often decided who stayed and who left the ballroom.
- Week 3 double elimination tested the consistency of each couple.
- A surprise judges save in Week 5 kept an unexpected pair in the running.
- Last to be eliminated celebrity showcased strong recovery after a shaky start.
Judges Scores Breakdown
Understanding the scoring helps explain why certain couples advanced while others did not. The judges weighed technique, creativity, and connection differently each week.
| Week | Style | Top Score | Lowest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 2 | Cha Cha | 27 | 21 |
| Week 4 | Jive | 29 | 23 |
| Week 6 | Samba | 30 | 25 |
| Week 8 | Quickstep | 31 | 26 |
Choreography And Creative Choices
Each week brought new themes, from classic movie scenes to bold reinterpretations of pop hits. Choreographers tailored routines to highlight each dancer's strengths.
Costumes, staging, and camera work amplified the drama. Gleb Savchenko often chose intricate footwork and seamless lifts that impressed both fans and professionals.
Celebrity Stories Beyond The Dance Floor
Contestants shared personal motivations, from honoring family members to raising awareness for health causes. These narratives added emotional depth to every performance.
Behind the glitter, competitors navigated rehearsals, injuries, and intense media scrutiny. Their resilience shaped how audiences connected with them week after week.
Key Takeaways From The 2017 Season
- Consistency matters more than one viral routine.
- Professional partnerships developed strong trust under tight deadlines.
- Emotionally driven performances often resonated with judges.
- Adaptability to different music styles set the champions apart.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won Dancing With the Stars in 2017?
Gleb Savchenko won the 2017 season of Dancing With the Stars alongside his professional partner Eliza Sinnott.
Who was the runner-up in Dancing With the Stars 2017?
Rashad Jennings finished as the runner-up, dancing with professional partner Emma Slater.
Which celebrity finished in third place in 2017?
Antonio Sabàto Jr. placed third in the competition with his partner Cheryl Burke.
What dance style earned the highest score in the finale?
The Freestyle routine in the finale achieved the highest score, showcasing the couples' most innovative and technically demanding choreography.