What happened at the DWTS finale 2018
The Season 27 finale of Dancing With the Stars aired on November 20, 2018, crowning Olympic gymnast Adam Rippon as the winner. In the final competition, Rippon and mentor Jenna Johnson competed against finalists Tony Dovolani and professional Emma Slater, and season runner-up Johnny Weir and mentor Ksenia Mashkova. The episode featured high-energy opening group dances, emotionally charged contemporary routines, and a decisive freestyle round that solidified Rippon’s victory. This verified overview summarizes scores, performances, and outcomes for viewers seeking a clear, lasting record of the 2018 season finale.
Finale night results and eliminations
During the two-hour season finale, judges and the public determined which pair would advance to the championship round. After the initial elimination, Johnny Weir and Ksenia Mashkova were eliminated, leaving Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson to compete against Tony Dovolani and Emma Slater in the final showdown. The scoring combined judges’ scores with viewer votes, culminating in Adam Rippon being declared the Season 27 champion. These decisions marked the last televised eliminations of the regular season and reflected both artistic execution and public support.
Final competition scores table
| Contestant Pair | Finale Total Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson | 96.0 | Winner |
| Tony Dovolani and Emma Slater | 94.5 | Runner-up |
| Johnny Weir and Ksenia Mashkova | Eliminated pre‑final | Third place (season) |
Notable performances in the finale
Each finalist presented a signature freestyle routine designed to showcase technical skill and emotional storytelling. Adam Rippon’s freestyle to "When You Believe" highlighted power and precision, while Tony Dovolani and Emma Slater performed a rapid‑tempo salsa that emphasized athletic choreography. Opening group numbers featured all remaining pros and celebrities, offering a vibrant snapshot of the season’s diverse dance styles. These performances were crafted to highlight the competitors’ growth and versatility under live conditions.
Judging criteria and scoring details
Judges evaluated performances based on technique, musicality, choreography, and presentation, with each category influencing the overall score. Viewer votes submitted via phone and online platforms were tallied in real time and combined with judges’ scores to determine the outcome. Transparency in methodology has remained consistent across recent seasons, allowing audiences to understand how finalists are selected and why certain pairs advance. This blend of expert assessment and public voting defines the competitive integrity of the DWTS finale format.
Post-finale career impact for the winner
Winning Season 27 brought Adam Rippon increased visibility, leading to opportunities in media, public speaking, and branded collaborations. He has appeared on talk shows, authored a memoir, and advocated for LGBTQ+ representation in sports and entertainment. While maintaining a public profile, Rippon has balanced performance work with personal projects, demonstrating how a DWTS victory can amplify an athlete’s platform beyond the show. For other finalists, exposure from the finale often translates to dance tours, guest roles, and social media growth.
Season context and lasting legacy
Season 27 highlighted the show’s shift toward including Olympians, actors, and influencers, broadening its appeal beyond traditional entertainment audiences. The finale reinforced DWTS as a long-running competitive dance format that adapts to cultural trends while preserving core elements of live performance and audience participation. Its influence is visible in continued franchise adaptations, viewer engagement metrics, and the ongoing popularity of professional partner dancing on broadcast television.
Frequently asked questions
- Who won DWTS Season 27 in 2018? Adam Rippon, partnered with Jenna Johnson, won the Season 27 finale.
- What were the final scores? Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson scored 96.0; Tony Dovolani and Emma Slater scored 94.5.
- When did the finale air? The finale aired on November 20, 2018.
- Did any notable contestants return in later seasons? Some professionals and celebrities from Season 27 appeared in subsequent seasons in different capacities, though not always as competing celebrities.
- How are winners decided at the DWTS finale? Winners are determined by a combination of judges’ scores and accumulated viewer votes across the season and finale.