The 2026 season of Dancing With the Stars has proven to be incredibly competitive, featuring two contestants with dance backgrounds and two Olympians. With so much talent and athleticism in the ballroom, predicting the finalists is no easy task. However, based on the performances, judges’ scores, and fan support, a few frontrunners have begun to emerge. Who will make it to the finale? More importantly, who will take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy?
Predicting the Final Five: Who Will Claim the Last Spot?
In the past couple of years, the DWTS finale has consisted of five stars. I think four of these five are a guarantee. I believe Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Jenna Dewan, and Harry Shum Jr. are the strongest contenders for the finale. Every week, these four emerge at the top of the judges’ leaderboard, and they have many fans showing their support online.
But who will claim that last spot?
Maura Higgins and Tatyana Ali have both been contestants to watch. Maura has been receiving high scores from the judges, even earning the first nine of the season. However, she has received some backlash online. Up until dedication night, when she danced a Paso Doble, all of Maura’s dances had been “in frame”. This has sparked some controversy, with fans claiming her dances had become boring and repetitive. Tatyana Ali, however, has been gaining a lot of support online. Her scores have been consistently improving over the last few weeks, and fans have noticed her dedication and hard work. While her scores aren’t as high, she may have that connection with the fans that Maura is missing.
Ezra Frech: The Frontrunner for the Mirrorball Trophy
With the potential finalists identified, the next question is who has the best chance of winning. Based on my observations, Ezra Frech is the most obvious frontrunner. His performances have resonated with audiences through their storytelling, determination, and impressive execution. His ability to showcase his talent while navigating the physical demands, specifically as a unilateral amputee, has made him a compelling contender. Audiences have also been captivated by his partnership with Daniella Karagach, who has choreographed dances that highlight his strengths, rather than trying to hide his disability.
Amber Glenn: A Strong Contender for the Title
Amber Glenn is another strong contender for the Mirrorball Trophy. She just earned the highest score of the season on Dedication Night and has been consistently at the top of the leaderboard. The emotional aspect of her performances has been incredibly strong, specifically her contemporary dance dedicated to her sister. She has shared many of her struggles as a female queer Olympic athlete, which also inspires the audience and helps them connect with her on a deeper level. Furthermore, her partnership with Pasha Pashkov has also received traction online, as it seems they really have a special bond.
Although Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. remain potential winners, I consider them less likely to take the title. Their extensive dance backgrounds could be seen as a potential disadvantage, as some fans prefer watching contestants improve from the beginning. Jenna Dewan, specifically, has also faced significant drama surrounding her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, which could deter fans from voting for her if they disagree with Val’s actions.
The Final Countdown: Who Will Take Home the Mirrorball?
As the season progresses, the competition will only become more intense, making every performance increasingly important. While the race for the final five remains competitive, I believe Ezra Frech has the strongest chance of taking home the Mirrorball Trophy, with Amber Glenn close behind. Regardless of who claims the title, this season has showcased an impressive amount of talent and growth, making it an exciting competition to watch.