In a remarkable conclusion to Season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars,” Xochitl Gomez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy won, earning Chmerkovskiy his third championship.
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s win capped off a season of intense competition among five couples, showcasing a range of dancing talents.
The season’s finale was not only memorable for its winner but also for witnessing Pashkov and Karagach, the first married couple to compete against each other in a DWTS finale.
Chmerkovskiy reflected on how becoming a father changed his perspective, bringing a sense of nurturing and protectiveness to this season’s competition. However, the season was also marked by the absence of head judge Len Goodman, who retired last season and sadly passed away in April due to prostate cancer. In a special highlight, the finale featured an encore performance by TikTok star Charli D’Amelio and Pro-Mark Ballas, the previous season’s champions.
Although the finale celebrated dance and achievement, it drew criticism for dedicating a significant portion of its three-hour broadcast to judges’ recaps of previous performances. Since its premiere in 2005, “Dancing with the Stars” has not only been a popular American show but also inspired various spinoffs and international versions, including “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” and “Strictly Come Dancing.” The show’s impact on dance and entertainment continues to resonate globally.