In a celebration of rhythm, resilience and unforgettable performances, Us Weekly has teamed up with the stars of Dancing With the Stars to highlight the most iconic routines from the show's 34-season history. The magazine's latest cover story features insights from judge Derek Hough, cohost Julianne Hough, and fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who shared their personal favorites amid a lineup of dances that have captivated audiences since the program's debut in 2005.
According to the feature published on usmagazine.com, the selections blend high-scoring moments with emotional depth, showcasing routines that earned perfect 10s and left lasting impressions on judges and fans alike. Derek Hough, a six-time mirrorball trophy winner turned judge, pointed to his freestyle with country singer Kellie Pickler from season 16 in 2013 as a standout. “Everybody was going bigger, but my instinct was to go smaller and more intimate and tell her story. It was a powerful moment,” Hough said, describing the dance set to Labyrinth’s “Beneath Your Beautiful.” He called it “pivotal” for his approach to choreography.
Julianne Hough, who transitioned from professional dancer to cohost, selected a contemporary routine she performed with her brother Derek in season 24. The number, set to Sia’s “Elastic Heart” performed live, earned them choreography Emmys. “Things had fallen through with his partner, so we were like, ‘Let’s do it together,’” Julianne recalled. “That one was so personal. It represented some of our familial dynamics.” The dance aired in 2017 and highlighted the siblings' close bond, blending artistry with raw emotion.
Carrie Ann Inaba, a longtime judge since the show's inception, chose the freestyle by deaf model Nyle DiMarco and professional Peta Murgatroyd from season 22 in 2016. Dedicated to the deaf community and set to Disturbed’s haunting cover of “The Sound of Silence,” the routine featured poignant moments like Murgatroyd covering DiMarco’s ears and eyes while on his back. “I can see that moment where she’s on his back and covers his ears and his eyes, and I got chills,” Inaba raved. The performance not only scored perfectly but also raised awareness for accessibility in dance.
Bruno Tonioli, known for his flamboyant critiques, was initially reluctant to name a single favorite, emphasizing the collective effort across seasons. “I think if you pick one [dance as a favorite], it’s almost like taking credit away from what everyone else has achieved,” Tonioli explained. “I don’t think I loved every season. I couldn’t say, ‘Oh God, I hated it.’ No. Because [there are] ups and downs of [the] business, everybody really put so much work into it.” Despite his hesitancy, he highlighted Jenna Johnson and JoJo Siwa’s Argentine tango from season 30 in 2021 as “incredible,” praising its crisp execution and compelling energy.
Us Weekly itself curated several picks, starting with Val Chmerkovskiy and Zendaya’s jive from season 16 in 2013. At just 16 years old, Zendaya brought long legs and immense talent to the fast-paced routine set to Electric Guest’s “This Head I Hold.” The magazine noted her precision and flirty style that enthralled the crowd, marking an early highlight in the actress's career.
Another Us selection was Meryl Davis and Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Argentine tango from season 18 in 2014. The ice dancer and her partner delivered a seductive, sharp performance with off-the-charts chemistry, earning perfect 10s. “It had all the winning elements,” according to the feature, underscoring how their synergy propelled them to victory that season.
The list continued with Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach’s contemporary routine from season 30 in 2021, inspired by the 2019 horror film Us. Using the NBA star’s height for gravity-defying lifts, Karagach crafted a Halloween-themed number that secured their win and cemented her reputation for thematic choreography.
Us Weekly also spotlighted Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas’s freestyle from season 8 in 2009, leveraging the Olympic gymnast’s skills for air splits, backflips, and an over-the-head spinning lift. The routine began with the pair wearing masks, adding a cool, theatrical flair to the lively dance.
From earlier seasons, Cheryl Burke and Drew Lachey’s freestyle in season 2 from 2006 was hailed as the first DWTS number to go viral. Set to Big & Rich’s “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” the playful, sexy routine featured Burke straddling the 98 Degrees singer in boots, described as “pure fun” by the magazine.
Sharna Burgess and James Hinchcliffe’s tango from season 23 in 2016 emphasized trust, with Burgess blindfolded and relying on the race car driver for every step to Gotan Project’s “Santa Maria.” It culminated in Hinchcliffe’s handstand, getting hearts racing, as per the feature.
Rounding out Us Weekly’s choices was Gleb Savchenko and Jana Kramer’s Argentine tango from season 23 in 2016, which Savchenko called his “favorite.” Starting in bed and ending in a steamy shower, the sultry number showcased their inability to keep hands off each other, with the magazine joking that “it’s a wonder the water didn’t evaporate on contact.”
These selections come as Dancing With the Stars continues its run on ABC and Disney+, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu. The show, which has featured celebrities from athletes to actors since its premiere on June 1, 2005, has produced countless memorable moments, often blending personal stories with professional prowess.
The feature encourages fans to engage further through a partnership with Bracketology.tv, offering a free fantasy league for season 34 where participants can predict finalists and win prizes. As the program approaches its 500th episode milestone, such retrospectives highlight its enduring appeal in reality television, drawing millions of viewers each week.
In reflecting on the show's legacy, the judges' comments underscore the hard work behind every routine, from the highs of perfect scores to the challenges of varying seasons. With new episodes on the horizon, these top dances serve as a reminder of DWTS's role in blending entertainment with emotional storytelling, promising more unforgettable moments ahead.