Superstar pro dancer Derek Hough (easily one of the show’s most valuable assets in personality and ability) pulled out back-to-back victories in 2010 partnering 2 of the best dancers the show’s ever had: Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Grey.

The ever-charming Evan Lysacek livened up season 10 amidst a controversial band of entertaining headline-grabbers like Kate Gosselin and Jake Pavelka, making for a really great finale between 3 likable stars (the third being amicable sportscaster Erin Andrews).

Season 11’s finale was even more interesting despite the unbelievably predictable outcome. Bolstered by her effervescent partner Mark Ballas, Bristol Palin came disturbingly close to the title, going up against Grey and adorable Disney channel star Kyle Massey in the finale. Strangely engrossing personalities like The Situation, The Hoff, Rick Fox and Margaret Cho also added to the season, though the real stars were Grey (a sentimental favourite so soon after Patrick Swayze’s death) and her excellent partner, who pulled off some of the best dances in show history.