ABC
Normani
There is virtually no better Gen Z dancer than Fifth Harmony alum Normani, as proven by her jaw-dropping “Wild Side” video and her consistent perfect scores on DWTS Season 24 in 2017. Despite her stellar dance routines, Normani finished third, behind athletes Rashad Jennings and David Ross.
ABC
James Van Der Beek
The Dawson’s Creek star was earmarked as a frontrunner to win early in Season 28 in 2019. However, he was brutally eliminated from the show during the semi-finals, the same week that he and his wife Kimberly suffered a miscarriage.
ABC
Mel B
Much like her fellow Spice Girl Melanie C on the current season of DWTS, Mel B was eliminated too early when she competed on Season 5 in 2007, despite receiving constant high scores. Scary Spice got second place behind Indy 500 driver Hélio Castroneves.
ABC
Evanna Lynch
The Harry Potter star emerged as a surprise contender on Season 27, never earning a score below eight after the first week. Her perfect routines only carried her to third place, which would still make Luna Lovegood proud, but if it weren’t for Bobby Bones’ fans, she would’ve had a bigger shot.
Milo Manheim
Not many devoted DWTS fan wanted Bobby Bones to win Season 27. His victory was called the biggest upset in the show’s history. And yet his legion of fans came through, making Disney Channel star Manheim, the most improved and impressive dancer of the season, come in second.
ABC
Ally Brooke
Normani isn’t the only Fifth Harmony alum who deserved a win. Brooke tried to give her finals spot to Van Der Beek but pressed on, earning only perfect scores for her last several routines on Season 28. Votes only let her claim third place.
ABC
Sabrina Bryan
The Cheetah Girl, who was always known as the best dancer in the iconic Disney Channel Original Movies, competed on DWTS twice, first on Season 5 then returning for the first “All-Stars” season. Somehow, she was voted off on Week 6 both times, becoming both seasons’ first shock elimination.
ABC
Zendaya
In March 2013, Zendaya became DWTS’ youngest contestant at the time, joining Season 16 at just 16 years old. After earning the highest scores of the finale, she should’ve been the show’s youngest winner as well. Somehow, fans’ votes couldn’t give her the trophy, as Kellie Pickler took home the Mirrorball Trophy.