Fans often ask, did Alfonso Ribeiro win Dancing with the Stars? The answer is a confident yes. Alfonso Ribeiro, the actor best known for his role as Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, won Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars in 2014. His journey from sitcom star to mirrorball champion remains one of the most memorable success stories in the show’s long history.
Over a decade later, Ribeiro’s connection with Dancing with the Stars continues — not as a competitor, but as a host and ambassador of the series. His rise from contestant to co-host has come full circle, turning him into one of the most recognizable faces in DWTS history.
The Moment Alfonso Ribeiro Took the Mirrorball
In 2014, Dancing with the Stars introduced its nineteenth season on ABC. The celebrity cast included a variety of personalities, from athletes to entertainers, but Alfonso Ribeiro quickly became the standout.
Paired with professional dancer Witney Carson, Ribeiro’s talent was evident from the very first episode. Their chemistry was natural, their timing nearly perfect, and their shared sense of fun made every routine feel effortless.
As the weeks went on, the duo impressed the judges — Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, and Bruno Tonioli — with polished performances that blended skill and personality.
When the finale arrived on November 25, 2014, Ribeiro and Carson claimed the Mirrorball Trophy, defeating runner-up Sadie Robertson and third-place finisher Janel Parrish.
Their win was not just a moment of celebration but a testament to hard work, discipline, and a deep love of performance.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s Winning Season: A Look Back
Ribeiro’s Season 19 journey was a mix of precision, humor, and nostalgia. His performances showed a level of polish rarely seen in celebrity contestants. His background in dance — he had trained in tap as a child — helped, but it was his personality that won over audiences.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his winning season:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Season | 19 |
| Year | 2014 |
| Professional Partner | Witney Carson |
| Final Night | November 25, 2014 |
| Runners-Up | Sadie Robertson and Janel Parrish |
| Winning Dance | Freestyle to “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” |
From the cha-cha to the rumba, every performance demonstrated his ability to merge technique with emotion. His freestyle number to Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” brought the house down and earned perfect scores.
The Carlton Dance That Took Over the Internet
One of the most talked-about moments in DWTS history happened when Alfonso Ribeiro brought back his iconic Carlton Dance from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
In Week 4 of the competition, he and Witney Carson performed a jazz routine to “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. The crowd went wild as Ribeiro broke into his signature moves, perfectly synced to the music.
The routine earned a perfect score of 40, one of the earliest perfect scores of the season. Fans flooded social media, celebrating the nostalgia of the moment. For many, that performance sealed his status as the frontrunner for the title.
The Carlton Dance became a cultural highlight, featured in countless recap segments and viral videos, showing how a single performance can connect generations of viewers.
A Champion’s Determination
What made Alfonso Ribeiro’s DWTS win even more impressive was his perseverance. During the competition, he suffered a back injury that threatened to affect his later performances. Instead of stepping back, Ribeiro continued rehearsing and competing with determination.
He admitted in later interviews that some days were physically challenging, but he refused to give up. That resilience — combined with his humor and charm — made his victory even more meaningful.
The finale week was emotional for both Ribeiro and Carson. Their freestyle performance was a celebration of rhythm and joy, mixing jazz and hip-hop influences. When they were announced as the winners, the audience erupted in applause, and confetti filled the ballroom.
What Alfonso Ribeiro Has Been Doing Since His DWTS Win
After his Season 19 victory, Alfonso Ribeiro’s relationship with Dancing with the Stars didn’t end. Instead, it evolved.
In 2022, Ribeiro returned to the show as a co-host alongside Tyra Banks during Season 31, which marked the show’s move to Disney+. His charm, humor, and firsthand experience as a past winner made him a natural fit for the role.
When Tyra Banks stepped away from hosting duties in 2023, Ribeiro officially became co-host alongside Julianne Hough. Their partnership has been widely praised for bringing renewed energy and warmth to the show’s format.
Ribeiro’s hosting style reflects his deep understanding of what contestants experience — the nerves, the excitement, and the intense work behind each routine.
How Winning Changed Alfonso Ribeiro’s Career
Before joining Dancing with the Stars, Ribeiro was already known for his acting and comedy. His portrayal of Carlton Banks made him a pop culture icon. But winning DWTS gave him something new — recognition as a performer and entertainer in his own right.
His dance skills surprised many fans who only knew him as a sitcom actor. After his victory, he became a regular presence on television, hosting America’s Funniest Home Videos and appearing in multiple specials and talk shows.
The DWTS platform also introduced him to a new generation of fans who hadn’t seen The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, helping to extend his television career well into the 2020s.
DWTS in 2025: Alfonso Ribeiro’s Continuing Role
As of December 2025, Dancing with the Stars remains one of the longest-running competition shows on television. It airs live on ABC and streams simultaneously on Disney+, allowing audiences to watch from home or on the go.
Alfonso Ribeiro continues to serve as co-host with Julianne Hough, helping guide contestants through the highs and lows of the ballroom each week. His combination of humor and empathy has earned him praise from both fans and critics.
He remains one of the few former contestants to transition into a full-time role on the show, a testament to his talent and connection with the DWTS community.
The Legacy of His Win
Alfonso Ribeiro’s victory in Season 19 remains one of the defining moments of Dancing with the Stars. It showcased how personality, discipline, and artistry can come together to create unforgettable television.
His partnership with Witney Carson is still remembered as one of the show’s strongest pairings. Their respect and trust translated into chemistry that audiences loved.
Over a decade later, clips from their performances still trend online, reminding fans why Ribeiro’s win resonated with so many people.
What His Win Represents:
- Perseverance: Competing through injury showed true dedication.
- Authenticity: Every routine reflected his genuine personality.
- Entertainment Value: His routines were joyful, nostalgic, and technically sound.
- Connection: His ability to engage viewers helped the show grow its fan base.
Ribeiro’s season helped cement DWTS’s reputation as more than just a dance competition — it became a place where celebrities could rediscover themselves through art and movement.
Quick Recap: Did Alfonso Ribeiro Win Dancing With the Stars?
Yes — Alfonso Ribeiro won Season 19 of Dancing with the Stars with professional partner Witney Carson in 2014. Their chemistry, technical skill, and crowd-pleasing performances led them to victory after weeks of intense competition.
He remains one of the most successful winners in the show’s history, continuing to play a vital role as co-host of the current series.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s Connection With Fans
Fans appreciate Ribeiro for being approachable and genuine. Whether he’s interacting with contestants, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, or cracking jokes with Julianne Hough, he exudes warmth and confidence.
Many longtime DWTS viewers see him as a bridge between the show’s early years and its modern era. He represents both nostalgia and renewal — a connection to the past and a guide for the present.
That lasting appeal is why Ribeiro continues to thrive within the DWTS family.
The Importance of His Journey
Alfonso Ribeiro’s story is one of transformation. From a sitcom actor known for his quirky dance moves to a champion of one of television’s toughest competitions, his DWTS experience reshaped his career and public image.
His victory remains a symbol of how dedication and positivity can create lasting success. Even now, as host, Ribeiro embodies the same enthusiasm that won over audiences years ago.
Did Alfonso Ribeiro win Dancing with the Stars? Absolutely — and more than a decade later, his impact on the show continues to shine.
What’s your favorite Alfonso Ribeiro moment on Dancing with the Stars — his winning performance or his current hosting role? Share your thoughts below!