Season thirteen of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 19, 2011. Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli returned as the judges, and Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke Charvet returned as hosts. Twelve couples competed in this season. Starting this season, Alan Dedicoat, the announcer, introduces Harold Wheeler and his band after the introduction of the remaining competitors.

Actor J.R. Martinez won the competition with over 9 million votes. A first time in Dancing with the Stars history were the winner was millions ahead in votes by the runner up. J.R. Martinez won over reality TV star Rob Kardashian and actress Ricki Lake who took 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.