The much-anticipated Dancing With the Stars season 32 finale aired on Tuesday, December 5. For the first time in DWTS history, five couples competed in the finale for the chance to win the first ever “Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.”
The finale brought us two dances from the final five stars – Jason Mraz, Ariana Madix, Xochitl Gomez, Charity Lawson, and Alyson Hannigan – each ready to give it their all. The first round highlighted “redemption dances,” followed by a final round of freestyle routines. Additionally, the previous weeks’ scores would be added to the couples’ scores from the finale.
Before the final competition kicked off, judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough shared their insights about each finalist and explained what each star brings to the table that can allow them to win it all.
The show then began with a group opening number that featured all of this season’s contestants. The dance ended with the five finalists hanging on disco balls from the ceiling.
It was then time to kick off the competition. The initial redemption round focused on routines that weren’t great the first time around, but now couples got to work exclusively with a DWTS judge to redo their weakest dance style.
Actress Alyson Hannigan and her partner Sasha Farber had the first redemption dance of the night. In her package, Hannigan reflected on how far she’s come this season and shared that she thought co-host Alfonso Ribeiro “made a mistake” after announcing she had made it to the finale. Hannigan worked with Inaba in rehearsals to tap into her “feminine power” for her redemption Salsa. After the couple danced their Salsa to “Get On Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan, the judges praised Hannigan’s confidence and gave her a 25 out of 30.
Next up, Grammy winner Jason Mraz and his partner Daniella Karagach danced a redemption Foxtrot to “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra. Mraz worked with Tonioli in rehearsals on his frame and shoulders. After his performance, the judges praised his dance and Mraz earned a perfect score.
Vanderpump Rules reality star Ariana Madix and her partner Pasha Pashkov were next with their redemption Samba to “Spice Up Your Life” by Spice Girls. Madix worked with Hough in rehearsals, specifically sharpening her arm and foot placements. Madix explained, “”In order to redeem myself, I have to be a perfect dancer.” After her routine, the judges applauded her dance and gave her 29 out of 30 points.
Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and her partner Artem Chigvintsev danced a redemption Tango next to “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla. Lawson reflected on her journey this season saying, “It’s so exciting to say I made it and I’m here.” Lawson worked with Inaba to perfect her redemption routine. The judges praised the routine and gave the couple 29 points.
Actress Xochitl Gomez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy had the last redemption dance with their Foxtrot to “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry. Gomez shared how proud and grateful she was for her dancing journey this season. After working with Tonioli in rehearsals, she vowed to take his advice. The judges commended the routine and gave it a perfect score.
It was now time for the make or break final round – the freestyle routines! Heading into this round, Gomez and Chmerkovskiy held the top of the leaderboard with a perfect score of 90 points, and Hannigan and Farber were at the bottom with 76/90.
Lawson and Chigvintsev had the first freestyle routine to “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child/”Suéltate” by Sam i & Jarina De Marco featuring Anitta & BIA. Lawson included cheerleading in her routine to pay homage to her early cheerleading days. After sharing her excitement for the routine, it was revealed that Lawson suffered a jaw injury during rehearsals that sent her to the hospital. Fortunately, Lawson didn’t break anything and was able to perform. The routine earned a perfect score.
Mraz and Karagach had their freestyle next to “Happy” by C2C featuring Derek Martin. The couple emotionally reflected on their journey together this season. Mraz shared in his package, “When I look back at some of the dances, I can’t believe it’s me.” Mraz put his all into his final dance, and earned a perfect score.
Madix and Pashkov had the next freestyle to “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé/”Level Up” by Ciara. Madix reflected on her time on the show and explained that this has been the “most insane year of my life.” She also explained, “This experience has taught me that I can trust my partner, even if he’s just my dance partner.” Madix’s female-empowered routine earned her a perfect score.
Next up, Hannigan and Farber danced their freestyle to “Enchanted (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift/”Papi” by Jennifer Lopez. In her package, Hannigan expressed her surprise for making it to the finale and her gratitude for her experience on the show. For her final dance, she earned a 28 out of 30.
Gomez and Chmerkovskiy had the last freestyle to “Que Calor” by District 78. In her package, Gomez explained she had no regrets about her time on DWTS. Additionally, Gomez thanked Chmerkovskiy for their “amazing” partnership and for him “allowing me to be myself.” The couple’s final dance earned a perfect score.
After all five freestyle routines, it was time for the moment we’ve been waiting for since September – the unveiling of the DWTS season 32 winners!
Hannigan and Farber landed in fifth place, Lawson and Chigvintsev took fourth place, and Madix and Pashkov were awarded third place.
It was then revealed that Gomez and Chmerkovskiy were the DWTS season 32 winners and would take home the first ever “Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy!”
The competition may be over, but DWTS excitement will continue into 2024 with the “Dancing With The Stars 2024 Tour.” This year at select dates, the tour will feature Gomez, Lawson, and Jowsey.
It’s been amazing recapping another season of DWTS each week! See you all next year!