In 2016, Season 23 of Dancing With The Stars crowned its winner in a finale filled with high-energy routines and emotional send-offs. Fans tuned in to see which celebrity and pro team would take home the Mirrorball Trophy.
The show blended veteran competitors with fresh faces, setting up a season that became a talking point among viewers and online communities alike.
Competition Finalists And Results Overview
| Place | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bindi Irwin | Derek Hough | 39.0 |
| 2 | Bobby Bones | Sharna Burgess | 38.8 |
| 3 | Ken Jeong | Emma Slater | 37.3 |
| 4 | Claudia Jordan | Val Chmerkovskiy | 35.8 |
Meet The Winner Bindi Irwin
Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Steve Irwin, impressed judges and viewers with her precision, showmanship, and dedication. Her partnership with Derek Hough brought a mix of classic technique and heartfelt storytelling to the floor.
Bindi’s journey highlighted her ability to balance complex choreography with emotional resonance, which was key in securing the season’s win.
Key Performances That Defined The Season
Certain routines became iconic within the season, drawing praise for creativity and execution. From tributes to musical legends to daring athletic feats, each week built momentum toward the finale.
Judges consistently highlighted Bindi and Bobby as frontrunners, with close scoring battles week after week leading to a tightly contested finale.
Judging Criteria And Scoring System
Scores combined technical execution, artistic impression, and synchronization with the music. Judges also considered how performers connected with the audience and grew across the competition.
Consistency played a major role, as Bindi demonstrated steady improvement and reliability, while also delivering standout performances under pressure.
Celebrity And Pro Partnership Dynamics
The chemistry between each celebrity and their professional partner influenced both scores and viewer perception. Strong partnerships showed trust, clear communication, and shared commitment to weekly improvements.
Bindi and Derek exemplified this synergy, regularly hitting high marks for presentation, difficulty, and overall performance quality throughout the season.
The Enduring Impact Of Season 23
The 2016 season reshaped audience expectations by showcasing diverse talents and heartfelt narratives, with Bindi Irwin emerging as an inspiring champion.
- Bindi Irwin won with a performance-driven, technically strong routine under Derek Hough.
- Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess delivered highly entertaining, crowd-pleasing performances.
- Consistency, partnership trust, and adaptability to multiple dance styles proved decisive.
- The season highlighted the show’s ability to combine sport, art, and emotional storytelling.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were the top finalists on DWTS 2016?
The top finalists were Bindi Irwin, Bobby Bones, Ken Jeong, and Claudia Jordan, with Bindi Irwin and Bobby Bones in the finale showdown.
What set Bindi Irwin apart from other contestants?
Bindi Irwin stood out for her technical precision, strong storytelling through dance, and consistent high scores across multiple dance styles.
Who was Bindi Irwin’s professional partner on the show?
Bindi Irwin was paired with professional dancer Derek Hough, a multiple champion known for his expertise and ability to elevate his partners’ performances.
What were the average scores in the season finale?
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough earned an average combined score of 39.0, compared to Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess at 38.8, making the finale one of the closest in recent seasons.