2018 DWTS Cast Overview
The 2018 Dancing With the Stars cast, featured in Season 27, brought a mix of returning pros and high-profile celebrity newcomers. This lineup delivered strong television with competitive scoring and varied dance styles. This profile breaks down the celebrity contestants, their pro partners, premiere performance scores, average scores, and final placements, offering a clear, fact-first reference for fans interested in how the season unfolded. It focuses on who competed, how they performed early, and how the season resolved.
Celebrity Contestants and Pairings
The 2018 DWTS cast paired well-known names with experienced professionals. Notable pairings included Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez with Val Chmerkovskiy, actress and singer Mandy Moore with Keo Motsepe, and former NFL player Rashad Jennings with Emma Slater. Singer Juan Pablo Di Pace partnered with Cheryl Burke, while dancer Brittany Cherry joined Derek Hough. Each pairing brought unique dynamics and expectations based on prior experience and public profiles.
Notable Returns and Season Context
Season 27 featured several returning celebrities and pros, adding familiarity and continuity to the competition. The inclusion of high-recognition figures drove strong viewership during a competitive fall season. The cast balanced mainstream appeal with dance competence, setting the stage for memorable performances and tense week-to-week progression. The pairing strategy emphasized contrast between glamour, athleticism, and entertainment background.
Performance Scores and Weekly Progression
Early weeks of the 2018 season showcased a range of scores, with judges praising technique and entertainment value. The table below summarizes premiere-week performances, average season scores where available, and final placements for key cast members. These figures reflect both consistency and improvement over the course of the competition.
| Celebrity | Pro Partner | Week 1 Score | Average Score | Final Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laurie Hernandez | Val Chmerkovskiy | 24 | 26.8 | 2nd / 11 |
| Mandy Moore | Keo Motsepe | 23 | 24.5 | 5th / 11 |
| Rashad Jennings | Emma Slater | 27 | 27.3 | 1st / 11 |
| Juan Pablo Di Pace | Cheryl Burke | 21 | 22.7 | 8th / 11 |
| Brittany Cherry | Derek Hough | 22 | 24.1 | 6th / 11 |
Judging Feedback and Performance Highlights
Judges comments in 2018 frequently noted strong ballroom foundations, particularly in Latin nights and intricate choreography. Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy earned consistent high marks for precision and showmanship. Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater combined athletic storytelling with polished technique, culminating in a win that reflected both artistry and endurance. The season included emotional tributes and technical milestones that resonated with audiences and judges alike.
Finale and Season Outcome
The finale of Season 27 crowned Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater as champions, marking a decisive victory based on cumulative scores and finale performance quality. Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy finished as runners-up, with strong consistency throughout the season. The final episode emphasized narrative closure, highlighting contestant growth and the lasting impact of the pro partnerships. Viewership remained robust, reflecting sustained interest in the DWTS format.
Legacy and Viewer Takeaways
The 2018 DWTS cast is remembered for balanced competition, engaging personal stories, and solid choreography. The blend of athletic celebrities and polished professionals kept ratings stable across the season. For long-term reference, this season serves as a benchmark for performer professionalism and audience engagement. It remains a frequently cited example of how diverse casting can strengthen a reality-competition framework.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Season: 27 (Fall 2018)
- Winners: Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater
- Runners-up: Laurie Hernandez and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Notable pros: Val Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, Derek Hough
- Average score range across cast: approximately 22–27
- Key theme: diverse backgrounds, high technical execution