Dancing With The Stars 2023 winner: Xochitl Gomez takes home the first Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy with pro partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Xochitl Gomez and pro partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy won season 32 of Dancing With The Stars during a live, three-hour finale on ABC on Tuesday.
The 17-year-old Disney star and Val, 37, took home the first Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named in honor of the longtime DWTS head judge who died in April at the age of 78.
Jason Mraz, 46, and pro partner Daniella Karagach, 30, finished in second place and Ariana Madix, 38, and pro partner Pasha Paskhov, 37, came in third.
The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson, 27, and professional partner Artem Chigvintsev, 41, finished in fourth place.
Alyson Hannigan, 49, and pro partner Sasha Farber, 39, came in fifth. The season finale featured five couples competing for the championship for the first time in the show's history.
Xochitl Gomez and pro partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy won season 32 of Dancing With The Stars during a live, three-hour finale on ABC on Tuesday.
After two perfect scores during the semi-finals, Xochitl and Val topped the leaderboard with 90 points after the redemption dance round, as all scores were combined for the final.
They scored a perfect 30 points for their redemptive Foxtrot dance to Katy Perry's Unconditionally after receiving 10s from judges Derek Hough, 38, Carrie Ann Inaba, 55, and Bruno Tonioli, 68.
Charity and Artem were in second place for the final freestyle dance round with 88 points, followed by Ariana and Pasha and Jason and Daniella, both with 87 points, and Alyson and Sasha with 76 points.
The finale included a performance from season 31 champion Charli D'Amelio, 19, who returned to dance with her professional partner Mark Ballas, 37.
Show co-host Julianne Hough, 35, congratulated Mark on becoming a dad after their performance.
“We are so, so, so happy for you. It's great to have you both back in the ballroom,” Julianne said.
Julianne and co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, 52, also performed a Christmas carol and dance routine with past contestants and professionals including Witney Carson, Helio Castroneves, Rashad Jennings, Emma Slater and Hannah Brown
Charity was seen taking a bad fall during rehearsal for her freestyle after promising to step up her performance.
The season finale for the first time in the show's history featured five couples competing for the championship and the celebrity finalists dancing on disco balls at the start.
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough co-hosted the three-hour finale on ABC
The former competitive cheerleader incorporated tricks into her freestyle routine and stuck the landing as the crowd jumped to their feet in a rousing standing ovation.
“I feel like you've been waiting all season for that,” Derek said. 'That was incredible. I don't think we've seen anything like this on this show in the history of Dancing With The Stars,” Derek said.
Charity and Artem received a perfect 30 for their routine and their total for the final was 118 points.
Jason and Daniella, after scoring a perfect 30 for their redemption, Foxtrot received another perfect 30 for their freestyle, bringing their total for the final to 117.
Ariana and Pasha received 29 points for their redemption and she got emotional during the rehearsal for their freestyle as she reflected on her journey after the so-called Scandoval affair.
“If it wasn't for working with you, I don't think I could have ever known what I'm capable of. This experience has taught me that I can trust my partner, even if it is just my dance partner. There is someone there who, if I extend my arm, has it. I think it's a bigger lesson for me,” Ariana said in a confessional.
Ariana performed a powerful freestyle in a sexy red latex outfit to Beyonce's Run the World (Girls) and Ciara's Level Up featuring Pasha.
Lisa Vanderpump, 63, clapped as she supported Ariana in the audience and the judges raved about her performance.
'Oh yeah. I love a woman who is in control! I'm telling you, top of the game. And very hot,' said Bruno.
Carrie Ann, Derek and Bruno gave them a perfect 30 out of 30 for their freestyle, giving them a total of 117 for the final.
After receiving a 25 for their redeeming salsa dance, Alyson and Sasha performed a freestyle to Enchanted by Taylor Swift and Papi by Jennifer Lopez.
They received 28 points for their freestyle and their total for the final was 104 points.
Jamie Lynn Spears returned for the finals, dancing with pro Alan Bersten after being eliminated as runner-up early in the season
Rylee Arnold and Harry Jowsey were back for the final after being eliminated on November 21
Xochitl and Val crushed their freestyle dance to District 78's Que Calor, which she dedicated to her Latino heritage, and the crowd sang her name at the end.
Derek praised Xochitl and Val for their clear bond throughout the season and Carrie Ann praised her for being a strong representative of her culture.
Carrie Ann, Derek and Bruno gave them a perfect score of 30, bringing their total for the finals to 120 points.
Xochitl and Val finished the competition with four consecutive dances that received perfect scores from the judges.