In 2017, millions tuned in each week to watch celebrities and professionals glide, skate, and improvise on Dancing With the Stars. The season finale crowned a new champion who combined athletic technique with emotional storytelling.
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Below is a quick snapshot of the key outcomes, followed by deeper dives into the winner, scoring dynamics, performances, and what viewers remember most from the season.
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2017 Season Championship Summary
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| Champion | \nProfessional Partner | \nRunner-Up | \nRunner-Up Partner | \n
|---|---|---|---|
| Gleb Savchenko | \nElena Grinenko | \nAntonio Brown | \nSharna Burgess | \n
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Profiles of the Finalists
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Gleb Savchenko and Elena Grinenko
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Gleb Savchenko, a seasoned professional known for his intensity and precision, returned to DWTS in 2017 and was paired with model Elena Grinenko. Their combination of explosive lifts, sharp timing, and chemistry pushed them to the top of the leaderboard week after week.
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Antonio Brown and Sharna Burgess
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NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown partnered with professional Sharna Burgess, bringing star power and a compelling personal story. Their high-energy routines and crowd connection kept them in the spotlight, ultimately securing a spot in the finale alongside Gleb and Elena.
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Key Competitive Moments
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The 2017 season stood out for several unforgettable nights, from triumphant perfect scores to nerve-wracking elimination dances. Each episode built toward the finale, where technique, showmanship, and longevity were tested under live television conditions.
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| Week | \nTheme | \nStandout Performance | \nImpact on Rankings | \n
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 | \nMost Memorable Year | \nAntonio & Sharna’s Viennese Waltz | \nSolidifies Antonio’s momentum | \n
| Week 6 | \nDisney Night | \nGleb & Elena’s Argentine Tango | \nGleb & Elena take lead | \n
| Week 9 | \nSemifinals | \nPerfect scores for Gleb & Elena | \nGleb & Elena near title | \n
| Finale | \nFreestyle & Instant Cha-cha | \nGleb & Elena win championship | \nCrowd vote confirms victory | \n
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Judging Criteria and Scoring Dynamics
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Each routine was evaluated on technique, partnership, musicality, and presentation. The judges’ scores often influenced the public vote, but viewer participation through saves and favorites played an equally decisive role in shaping the outcome.
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Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
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The season sparked conversations beyond the ballroom, with fans debating favorite dances, praising athleticism, and celebrating emotional storytelling. Gleb and Elena’s victory highlighted the artistry of professional dancers, while Antonio’s journey kept mainstream attention on the show’s dramatic potential.
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Key Takeaways
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- Gleb Savchenko and Elena Grinenko won the 2017 DWTS title. \n
- Antonio Brown and Sharna Burgess were the runners-up. \n
- Consistent high scoring and strong viewer engagement defined the season. \n
- Technical excellence and emotional storytelling set the winning routines apart. \n
- The finale showcased freestyle and instant cha-cha challenges under live pressure. \n
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were the professional partners for the 2017 season finalists?
Gleb Savchenko was partnered with Elena Grinenko, and Antonio Brown was partnered with Sharna Burgess.
Which week delivered the most dramatic performance of the season?
Disney Night, where Gleb and Elena’s Argentine Tango combined athletic choreography with strong storytelling, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.
Did any perfect scores influence the final outcome?
Yes, Gleb and Elena received perfect scores in the semifinals, which significantly boosted their lead before the finale.
How did viewer votes affect the results in the finale?
Viewer votes and saves in the finale reinforced the judges’ scores, confirming Gleb and Elena as the champions when the votes were tallied.