Charli D’Amelio Wins ‘Dancing With the Stars’: Season Highlights and Family Drama
Charli D’Amelio is set to return to the ballroom on September 30 for an exciting episode of Dancing With the Stars. This season’s contestants will groove to viral TikTok hits, making it the perfect opportunity for the social media sensation to showcase her skills. In addition to dancing with the show’s troupe, Charli will reunite with her former partner, Mark Ballas, with whom she won the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Below, we recap Charli’s memorable Dancing With the Stars experience and the family dynamics during that time.
Charli D’Amelio’s Victory on Dancing With the Stars
Charli emerged victorious in Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars, which aired in 2022. This season was notable as it was the first to be exclusively available on Disney+, moving away from its traditional ABC broadcast (DWTS now airs simultaneously on both platforms). In the finale, she triumphed over runner-up Gabby Windey, who partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Wayne Brady, who came in third with Witney Carson, and Shangela, who finished fourth with Gleb Savchenko. Interestingly, Charli’s mother, Heidi D’Amelio, also took part in this season, securing eighth place with her partner Artem Chigvintsev. During both the Semifinals and Finals, Charli and Gabby impressively achieved perfect scores for each dance, highlighting the intense competition determined by viewer voting.
Family Challenges During Dancing With the Stars
During Charli’s time on the show, her parents, Heidi and Marc D’Amelio, faced significant marital strife. In a 2023 episode of The D’Amelio Show, Marc opened up about his feelings of isolation as he watched his family change. “It hit me all at once. My kids didn’t need me; my wife didn’t need me. I felt very lonely,” he expressed. The couple found themselves in frequent conflicts, leading to discussions about divorce. “We went nights without speaking,” Marc revealed. He acknowledged how difficult it was for Charli and her sister Dixie to witness their parents’ turmoil, describing it as the disintegration of a seemingly perfect situation.
Heidi later shared her insights about their relationship on the For the Girls podcast in April 2024. She conveyed a renewed sense of self, emphasizing, “We’re now empty nesters, and Marc and I are truly enjoying this phase of our lives.” She mentioned that ongoing therapy and commitment helped them navigate their issues. “After almost 24 years, it’s an exciting time for us as we focus on personal growth. When we come together now, we are in a much different place,” Heidi concluded.
Catch the Latest Season of Dancing With the Stars
Dancing With the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC. Additionally, fans can look forward to a special commemorative issue from TV Guide Magazine celebrating 20 years of the show, featuring exclusive interviews and retrospectives. This special edition is available online at DWTS.TVGM2025.com and at newsstands now.
