Amber Riley DWTS - Her Unforgettable Winning Story
There's something truly special about seeing someone truly shine on the dance floor, and for many who followed the seventeenth season of a very popular television show, *Dancing with the Stars*, one person really stood out. This person, you know, the one who ended up taking home the big prize, was none other than Amber Patrice Riley. It was quite a moment, actually, when she was announced as the person who had won that season's competition.
Her journey on the show, as a matter of fact, captured the hearts of many watching from home. From the very first steps she took on that shiny floor, it was pretty clear to most folks that she was someone to keep an eye on. She brought a certain something to each performance, really making her mark with every spin and sway.
This article will take a look at Amber Riley's time on *Dancing with the Stars*, how she managed to secure that big win, and some of the things that make her story quite unique. We will, in some respects, go through her path, from her early days to her big moments on screen, including her time with *Dancing with the Stars*.
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Table of Contents
- Amber Riley - A Look at Her Life and Early Steps
- What Made Amber Riley DWTS Journey So Captivating?
- How Did Amber Riley DWTS Overcome the Competition?
- Did Amber Riley DWTS Face Any Tough Spots?
- Amber Riley DWTS - Beyond the Mirror Ball
- What Else Has Amber Riley DWTS Achieved?
- How Did Amber Riley DWTS Make History?
- Looking Back at Amber Riley DWTS Moments
Amber Riley - A Look at Her Life and Early Steps
Amber Patrice Riley, the person who would eventually become the winning celebrity from season seventeen of *Dancing with the Stars*, started her life in Los Angeles, California. She was born on February 15, 1986, to her mother, Tiny, whose maiden name was Hightower, and her father, Elwin Riley. Her family roots are in Los Angeles, and she grew up a little further out, in La Mirada, California, where she also finished up high school. She has two older sisters, Toyia and Ashley, which is, you know, a nice bit of family information.
Before her big win on the dance show, Amber Riley tried out for *American Idol* when she was just seventeen years old. This was during the second season of that singing competition. However, the folks putting the show together decided not to pick her at that time. It just goes to show, sometimes a door closes, and then, you know, a whole ballroom opens up later on. She finished her school days at La Mirada High School in La Mirada, California, in 2004, so she’s been working at her craft for quite some time, actually.
Personal Details and Background of Amber Riley DWTS
Here's a quick look at some personal facts about Amber Riley, the *Dancing with the Stars* champion:
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| Full Name | Amber Patrice Riley |
| Born | February 15, 1986 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Parents | Tiny (née Hightower) and Elwin Riley |
| Known For | Actress, Singer, Dancer (especially Glee, The Wiz Live!, DWTS) |
| High School | La Mirada High School, La Mirada, California (Class of 2004) |
What Made Amber Riley DWTS Journey So Captivating?
The journey Amber Riley took on *Dancing with the Stars* was, in a way, pretty captivating for a lot of people watching. From the very first episode of the seventeenth season, it was quite clear to the average viewer that Amber Riley was a strong contender. There was, you know, no question in many people's minds that she had a real shot at winning the whole thing. She just seemed to have that something special, a natural grace and power that really showed through her performances.
Her partnership with professional dancer Derek Hough was also a big part of what made her journey so interesting. Together, they really brought the house down with their routines. The chemistry they shared on the floor was, honestly, something to behold. They seemed to work together so well, making even the hardest steps look pretty easy. This connection, you know, definitely played a role in how far they went in the competition.
One of the dances that really stuck with people was their Rumba to Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time." They got a very high score for that one, twenty-eight points, with scores of nine, nine, and ten from the judges. It was a performance that, like, showed off her ability to really feel the music and tell a story through her movements. People still talk about that one, which is, you know, pretty cool.
Her performances often earned high marks, and she showed a clear ability to adapt to different dance styles. Whether it was a lively routine or something more emotional, she seemed to be able to deliver. This consistency, in some respects, kept viewers hooked, wondering what amazing dance she would perform next. It was, quite simply, a joy to watch her improve and shine each week.
How Did Amber Riley DWTS Overcome the Competition?
Overcoming the competition on *Dancing with the Stars* is, you know, a pretty big deal, and Amber Riley did just that. The show is known for having some truly good dancers and performers, so winning means you've really pushed yourself. Even with all the other talented people on the show, Amber Riley and Derek Hough managed to come out on top. It speaks volumes about their hard work and dedication, actually.
She brought a lot of energy to her performances, which really resonated with the audience. For example, her dance to "Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson was just one of those moments that got everyone moving. And then there was "Bang Bang" by will.i.am, another performance that, you know, showed off her vibrant stage presence. These kinds of dances weren't just steps; they were full-on performances that left a lasting impression.
The *Glee* star looked genuinely surprised and incredibly happy when she finally held that shiny Mirror Ball trophy. It was a moment of pure joy, you know, after all the weeks of practice and competition. Her reaction really showed how much that win meant to her, and it was pretty heartwarming to see. She had, in a way, earned every bit of that happiness.
She also used her platform to send a message, which is, you know, something many people appreciate. She spoke about wanting to let women of all sizes know they could do anything. This message, coming from a champion, really added another layer to her win, making it about more than just dancing. It was, basically, a powerful statement that resonated with a lot of people watching.
Did Amber Riley DWTS Face Any Tough Spots?
Even champions face tough spots, and Amber Riley's time on *Dancing with the Stars* was no exception. It wasn't, you know, all smooth sailing. The show involves weeks of very demanding practice sessions, and that can take a toll on anyone's body. For Amber, this meant dealing with a knee injury that bothered her for a while during the competition. It's pretty incredible, actually, that she managed to keep going with that kind of challenge.
Despite having a chronic knee issue, she pushed through, making it all the way to the very end of the competition. This kind of determination, you know, really shows the kind of person she is. To keep performing at such a high level while dealing with physical discomfort is, to be honest, a testament to her strength and commitment. Many people would have given up, but she just kept going.
The performances, like the one to "Try a Little Tenderness" by the *DWTS* band, were still top-notch, even with her challenges. This particular dance was part of Season 17, Episode 5, and it showed that even when things were a bit rough, she could still deliver. It's a reminder that sometimes, the biggest wins come after overcoming the hardest parts. She just kept her focus, and it paid off.
Amber Riley DWTS - Beyond the Mirror Ball
Amber Riley's accomplishments certainly didn't stop with her *Dancing with the Stars* win. Her work on the series *Glee*, where she played Mercedes Jones, brought her quite a bit of recognition. For her acting on that show, she was put up for three NAACP Image Awards, which is, you know, a pretty big deal. She also shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding work as part of the cast, which shows how well the whole group performed together.
After her time on *Dancing with the Stars*, she went on to compete on another television talent show, *The Masked Singer*. This was nearly ten years after she took home the Mirror Ball. In November 2022, she managed to win the top prize on *The Masked Singer* as well. She, you know, fooled a lot of people with her Harp costume while she sang Lady Gaga's "The Edge of Glory." It was a pretty clever way to keep everyone guessing.
Her ability to perform and captivate an audience extends beyond just dancing. She is known as an actress and a producer, with her work on *Glee* being a major highlight. She also appeared in *The Wiz Live!* and has credits for projects like *Colorblind* and *Do Your Thing 2014*. So, she's, like, truly a versatile performer who can do a lot of different things.
What Else Has Amber Riley DWTS Achieved?
It's pretty amazing to think about what else Amber Riley has achieved, especially after her *Dancing with the Stars* success. She's not just a dancer or a singer; she's an actress and a producer too. Her role as Mercedes Jones on *Glee* is, of course, what many people know her for first. That show was, you know, incredibly popular and gave her a huge platform to showcase her singing and acting talents.
The awards she received for her work on *Glee* are a big deal. Being nominated for three NAACP Image Awards shows that her performance was recognized for its excellence and impact. And sharing a Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by an ensemble is, you know, a true mark of how well the cast worked as a team. It's pretty cool to see her get that kind of recognition for her acting.
Her journey on *The Masked Singer* was, basically, another chapter in her story of winning big. Taking home the top prize there, almost a decade after *Dancing with the Stars*, just shows her consistent talent. She had people fooled with her Harp costume, which is, you know, part of the fun of that show. Singing a song like Lady Gaga's "The Edge of Glory" under a mask takes some serious skill, and she pulled it off.
How Did Amber Riley DWTS Make History?
Amber Riley actually made a bit of history with her wins, which is, you know, something to talk about. She is the very first celebrity to win both *Dancing with the Stars* and *The Masked Singer*. That's a pretty unique achievement, honestly. Most people only manage to win one of those big shows, if any, so to get both is, like, really something special.
She won Season 17 of *Dancing with the Stars* in 2013, with Derek Hough as her dance partner. Then, nearly ten years later, she became the most recent winner of *The Masked Singer*. This dual victory truly sets her apart. It shows her versatility as a performer, proving she can excel in different kinds of competitive environments, whether it's dancing or singing while in disguise.
This achievement highlights her wide range of talents as an American actress, dancer, and singer. It’s not just about being good at one thing; it's about being good at many things and, you know, consistently performing at a high level. Her career path has shown that she's a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world, capable of surprising and delighting audiences in various ways.
Looking Back at Amber Riley DWTS Moments
Looking back at Amber Riley's *Dancing with the Stars* moments is, you know, pretty fun. Her performances with Derek Hough were consistently strong and memorable. They often performed the very last dance of the night, and sometimes, the very last dance of the season, which is, like, a big spot to be in. It shows how much the show trusted them to deliver a fantastic closing act.
One of the things that really stood out was her ability to perform under pressure. She and Derek Hough delivered exciting routines week after week. The competition was tough, but they always seemed to rise to the occasion. Their dances were often talked about, and people were always eager to see what they would do next, which is, you know, a sign of a truly engaging performer.
The moment she won was, to be honest, unforgettable. The *Glee* star looked genuinely stunned and incredibly happy as she held that shiny Mirror Ball. It was a culmination of all her hard work, the long hours of rehearsal, and pushing through challenges like her knee injury. Her victory was, in a way, a feel-good story that resonated with many viewers who had followed her journey.
Her win was not just a personal triumph but also, you know, a moment that inspired many. Her message about women of all sizes being able to achieve their dreams truly resonated. It added a deeper meaning to her win, making it about more than just the dance steps. It was, basically, a powerful statement delivered by someone who had just proven it on a national stage.
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