Dancing With the Stars officially has a new champion.
After a season full of ups and downs, the reality competition show crowned its Season 30 winner — former NBA star Iman Shumpert and his partner, Daniella Karagach.
While the basketball player may not have been the favorite to take home the Mirrorball Trophy when the season began, he was the right winner when it was all said and done.
He Faced Tough Competition
Iman made it to the finale on Monday, November 22 along with The Talk co-host Amanda Kloots, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby, and teen sensation JoJo Siwa.
Though any of the four were capable of taking home the trophy, it was clear the fight to the finish was really going to come down to Iman vs. JoJo.
JoJo, who was previously on Dance Moms and has immense dance experience, managed to score two perfect scores during the finale, which put her in a great position to win.
However, Iman also earned two perfect scores and blew the roof off the ballroom with his freestyle performance.
And, with Amanda and Cody finishing in fourth and third place respectively, it all came down to Iman vs JoJo (as expected).
Iman’s Win Shocked Fans
Host Tyra Banks took her sweet, sweet time announcing the winner, but she was clearly shocked when she revealed Iman and Daniella as the champions.
Though Iman was certainly the fan favorite, he was also very much the underdog. Not only is JoJo a trained dancer, but she also has millions of fans who have voted for her each and every week.
But, while DWTS fans were shocked by Iman’s win, most were extremely happy with the results.
“Iman is what Dancing With the Stars should be about. no dance experience and improved every week. such a deserving win,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“We love Jojo, but y’all stans… do not even think about talking down Iman’s win. He deserved. No experience. Improved every week. Brought the swag. Iconic dances that will be remembered with killer choreography. Oh, and he was NEVER in the bottom 2,” another wrote.
Iman’s One of the Most Deserving Winners in History
Not only is Iman the most deserving winner this season, but he might be one of the most deserving winners of all time.
Many previous winners of DWTS had dance experience coming into the show. From Bachelorette winners Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe to actor Jordan Fischer and gymnast Laurie Hernandez, while each of these winners was deserving, they also had dance backgrounds.
Iman, on the other hand? Zero dance experience. Not to mention, he’s 6’6 and danced with a partner who is almost a foot shorter than him! He improved each and every week, tried his best, and put on a show. That is what Dancing With the Stars is all about, folks.
And, with his win, he’s the first and only NBA player to win the Mirrorball Trophy! While JoJo was amazing to watch (and made history dancing with a same-sex partner), there wasn’t quite as much progression.
You go, Iman. You go.
