How a 2013 reality competition season redefined the ballroom dance floor for twelve celebrities

History · Published 6 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the spring of 2013, ABC’s sixteenth season of Dancing with the Stars brought together a diverse group of twelve celebrities. From professional athletes to musical icons, the cast navigated rigorous training and complex challenges, ultimately crowning a country music star as the champion in a high-stakes television spectacle.

The season officially launched on March 18, 2013, featuring a cast that was revealed in stages. While eleven participants were unveiled during a morning broadcast on February 26, 2013, the final celebrity, Sean Lowe, was not announced until two weeks later. The lineup included notable figures such as Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones and Disney Channel performer Zendaya. The production also refreshed its professional roster, introducing Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, and Gleb Savchenko to the stage alongside returning veterans.

The competition was marked by significant technical and physical hurdles. Early in the season, Dorothy Hamill was forced to withdraw due to a training injury. To maintain intensity, the producers implemented unique formats, including a side-by-side challenge where couples performed alongside additional professionals and a dance-off segment where judges awarded bonus points. The musical landscape was equally varied, featuring themed nights dedicated to Stevie Wonder and the most memorable years of the contestants' lives.

As the season progressed toward the finals, the remaining couples faced increasingly demanding routines. The semifinals required contestants to perform viewer-selected dances via social media, while the two-night finale tested their adaptability with instant dances performed to music provided only minutes before the performance. Ultimately, country singer Kellie Pickler and her partner Derek Hough secured the top position. Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy claimed second place, while Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff rounded out the top three, concluding a season defined by its blend of professional choreography and celebrity endurance.

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