How the DWTS Mirrorball Trophy Is Awarded
Each season of Dancing with the Stars culminates with the presentation of the mirrorball trophy. The winner is the celebrity contestant who earns the highest combined score across all judged performances and the finale vote. The trophy is awarded on the live season finale, typically decided by a combination of judges’ scores and viewer votes. This evergreen explainer covers the standard process, eligibility timing, and how the show confirms the winner.
Permanent Trophy & Replicas
The Original Mirrorball
The original mirrorball trophy remains the property of the show. Each season, the winning celebrity receives a personalized replica to keep, while the original is retired to the show’s trophy case. The replica includes the season number and year engraved at the base. These replicas are typically presented during the finale after the results are verified and aired.
Design and Inscription
Trophy design details are generally consistent across seasons, featuring a gilded mirrorball atop a polished wood base. Inscriptions include the season number and year, and sometimes a short celebratory phrase. The engraving is completed after the finale taping, ensuring accuracy with the official results broadcast to viewers.
Key Trophy Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Trophy Name | Mirrorball Trophy | Official show branding |
| Recipient | Season winner (celebrity contestant) | Show results & press releases |
| Original Trophy Owner | Disney–ABC Television Group / production company | Production asset records |
| Replica Awarded to Winner | Personalized replica with season details | Season post-finale interviews |
| Engraving Timing | After finale results are confirmed | Production workflow summary |
Celebrity & Professional Roles
On DWTS, the term winner refers specifically to the celebrity paired with a professional dancer who finishes first. Professional dancers do not receive the mirrorball trophy; they compete for season prize money and continued employment on the show. The scoring combines judges’ scores (typically 50%) and at-home viewer votes (typically 50%) during the finale to determine the season champion.
Voting and Result Verification
Viewer votes are tallied through multiple channels and cross-checked before the finale result is announced. Producers and the executive team review and verify the totals to prevent reporting errors before the trophy is presented. Once confirmed, the winning celebrity is called to the stage to receive their personalized replica trophy in front of the studio audience and television viewers.
Historical Context and Consistent Criteria
Since its U.S. revival in 2005, the method for awarding the mirrorball has remained consistent: the couple with the highest cumulative score in the finale is declared champion. The format has evolved with scoring systems and voting platforms, but the core principle—recognizing the top-performing celebrity–dancer pair—has not changed. This consistency makes the trophy outcome predictable in structure, even if each season brings new competitors and performances.
Common Misconceptions
- Professional dancers do not win the mirrorball trophy; only the celebrity does.
- The original mirrorball is not awarded to the winner; only a customized replica is given to them.
- In rare tie scenarios, producers and judges reference official scorecards and voting logs to confirm a single champion.
Judging and Scoring Framework
Although the mirrorball winner is determined by combined scores, understanding the judging criteria clarifies how dancers and celebrities improve each week. Scores reflect technique, performance quality, creativity, and synergy. Viewer votes reflect audience preference and engagement. Both inputs matter, but the final trophy goes to the pair with the highest verified total after all performances are complete.
Final Notes on the Trophy Legacy
For many celebrities, receiving the DWTS mirrorball represents a high-profile competitive milestone. The replica serves as a lasting memento of that season’s achievement. The show’s production and ownership structures ensure the original remains under company control, while the personalized replica delivered to the winner is a keepsake commemorating their season victory.