‘Dancing With the Stars’ crowns a historic champion and viewers are shocked
Season 30 of Dancing With the Stars came to a dramatic end on Monday, with Iman Shumpert and partner Daniella Karagach versus heavy favorites JoJo Siwa and partner Jenna Johnson. That’s when the fireworks — and the confetti — really started.
“One of these two couples is about to win it all. After 10 weeks of intense competition, it's time for the final result,” host Tyra Banks said before announcing the winner. “Oh my god, Iman and Daniella! Oh my god! Congratulations, Iman and Daniella!”
Shumpert makes history as the first former NBA star to win the Mirror Ball trophy, and if reactions on Twitter were any indication, the turning point may have been his freestyle dance. Guest judge Julianne Hough called it her favorite freestyle routine in 30 seasons, as it pulled in Shumpert's second and final perfect score of the night.
Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach dance Freestyle to “Lose Control / Bounce” by Missy Elliott ft. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop / DJ Clent on the Dancing with the Stars Finale! pic.twitter.com/hv5L3r3di6
— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@DancingABC) November 23, 2021
Despite not winning it all, it was still a groundbreaking season for Siwa as part of the first-ever same-sex dancing team. While some fans expected a different outcome, many took to Twitter expressing sadness over Siwa, but praising Shumpert’s evolution through the season.
Even tho I wanted JoJo to win, I am happy that Iman won. He has no experience as a dancer and fought his way to the top; getting better each week. That's what #DWTS was always about.
— 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐠 🦋 (@bluntquirkygirl) November 23, 2021
#DWTS Iman and JoJo absolutely both deserved their top two positions. Iman has improved so much since the start and is always so energetic. JoJo has constantly pushed the limit and has always made risks. Overall Iman is such a deserving winner.
— seddy🪐💫 (@seddyvan) November 23, 2021
Iman is the deserving winner of #DWTS in my opinion. He never had any dance experience and has turned into a star. Jojo and Amanda both had some dance experience before and it is pretty obvious too. Iman went from one of the worst to one of the best. That’s the point of the show
— tara🧣 (@taylorshughes) November 23, 2021
Of course, Shumpert’s biggest fans were out in full force as well, letting him know how proud they are, reminding people that this isn’t the first big-time trophy that Shumpert has won, considering he’s also an NBA Finals Champion.
I am so proud of Dani and Iman #DWTSpic.twitter.com/He8Prk5bum
— Katlynn Hauber (@hauber_katlynn) November 23, 2021
IMAN SHUMPERT NBA CHAMP and DWTS CHAMP!
— Shibu Vellamutil (@bigbrownmallu) November 23, 2021
Omg @imanshumpert
Yessssssssssssssssss #DWTS— Jane Carter (@mamajanetweets) November 23, 2021
OMG IMAN just won DWTS😀😀😀😀😀😀😀
— Tanya Bennett (@BENNETT0771) November 23, 2021
Like Shumpert said during one of the video packages that aired during the show: “I'm a very competitive person. I want the Mirror Ball. I'm a champion, man. That's what I do.”
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Watch DWTS champion Iman Shumpert's horror-themed dance from earlier in the season:
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