Hi again! It’s time for the Dancing with the Stars Season 32, finale recap, people! The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy has made its way into the hands of one dancing couple. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Last week, fans were stunned when none of the couples went home during the semi-finals. For the first time, DWTS will have five competitors dancing for Mirrorball glory. I nearly passed out when it showed Ariana and Xochitl in the bottom two. I’m already queasy but don’t worry, I’ve got ginger ale on standby.
That means all five couples will dance twice. Each couple will perform a redemption dance. They will get a dancing do-over for a style that they had difficulty with earlier. Then the competitors will perform their freestyle routine. Many winners have been determined by the freestyle, so these contestants better bring it. The couples’ votes from last week will be added to this week’s judges’ scores and votes. And a special shout-out to Daniella and Pasha, who are the first married pros to compete in a finale.
The show kicked off with all the contestants from Season 32 strutting their stuff to Candi Staton’s Young Hearts Run Free. This fun routine was choreographed by the amazing Ray Leeper. I’m a bit concerned about the finalists sitting on top of mirrorballs suspended from the ceiling. Let’s get into the DWTS Season 32 finale!
Alyson and Sasha
First dance: Redemption Salsa to Get on Your Feet by Gloria Estefan.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Alyson and Sasha, her partner, were coached by judge Carrie Ann Inaba for their salsa.
What a fantastic improvement! Carrie Ann told her that she “did an amazing job.” Judge Derek Hough praised her “confidence.” Bruno Tonioli shouted out how “saucy” Alyson was during the performance.
Alyson earned 25 out of 30 points.
Carrie Ann broke down Alyson’s strengths. She has improved every week and is emotionally expressive when she dances. The actress makes up for any technical issues with her joy. Her average Latin score was 6.8 points, while her average ballroom tally was 7.2 points.
Second dance: Freestyle to Enchanted (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift /Papi by Jennifer Lopez.
Alyson and Sasha’s Freestyle was perfectly Alyson. It started slow and graceful, then went into a jubilant Latin section. Derek called it “fantastic.” Bruno said that “she is the people’s champion.”
Alyson received 28 out of 30 points. Her final total is 104 out of 120 points
Jason and Daniella
First dance: Redemption Foxtrot to Fly Me to The Moon by Frank Sinatra.
Singer Jason Mraz and Daniella were coached for their foxtrot by Bruno. This performance was effortless and graceful. Bruno remarked that Len “would love this” because it was classic. Carrie Ann called his form “gorgeous.” Derek called the performance “stellar.”
Jason scored 30 out of 30 points.
Bruno gave his thoughts on Jason’s journey. His musicality is amazing and his performance ability is another plus. His average Latin score was 8.4 points, while his average ballroom score was 9.1 points.
Second dance: Freestyle to Happy by C2C featuring Derek Martin.
Jason and Daniella were overcome with emotion as they trained for their Freestyle. The fast and furious footwork was amazing. I loved it!
Bruno called it “an exciting, uplifting extravaganza.” Carrie Ann commended Jason for sharing his emotional journey. Derek called it “phenomenal.”
Jason earned 30 out of 30 points. His total for the finale is 117 out of 120 points.
Ariana and Pasha
First dance: Redemption Samba to Spice Up Your Life by the Spice Girls.
Vanderpump Rules star Ariana and her partner, Pasha, prepared to tackle the samba again.
But first, Alfonso talked with Pump Rules star Lisa Vanderpump, who previously competed on DWTS. Lisa said how proud she was of Ariana. I wonder if Lisa and Mauricio Umansky had a nice chit-chat about … the weather?
Derek came in to coach the duo for the dance. The duo delivered a spicy samba. Derek called her “the Samba Queen.” Bruno named her “sexy spice.” Carrie Ann said it was “much improved” but noted that the couple got ahead of the music a couple of times.
Ariana received 29 out of 30 points.
Carrie Ann analyzed Ariana’s performances this season. Her average ballroom was 8.4 points, and her Latin dance average was 8.9 points. Her strengths are her charismatic performances and her powerful dancing. Carrie Ann noted that Ariana has been the “most consistent performer.”
Second dance: Freestyle to Run The World (Girls) by Beyoncé/“Level Up” by Ciara.
Ariana credited Pasha for helping her reach her potential. And her joy in performing has been reawakened. Ariana’s Freestyle highlighted her new-found confidence.
Carrie Ann called the performance “off the charts.” Derek gave her a stank face and called her “unbelievable.” Bruno called her “hot as hell.”
Ariana scored 30 out of 30 points. Their total for the finale is 117 out of 120 points.
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas perform
Last season’s Mirrorball champs Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas danced a funky and sexy genre-blending routine to the Rick James hit, Give It To Me Baby.
I loved it! And congratulations to Mark on welcoming his first child with his wife, BC Jean!
Charity and Artem
First dance: Redemption Tango to Libertango by Astor Piazzolla.
The Bachelorette star Charity and her partner, Artem, were coached by Carrie Ann for their tango. I thought that their tango was dramatic and precise. Charity danced her earrings off.
Carrie Ann complimented Charity’s connection. She did see a possible mistake. Derek called the routine “the best dance of the night so far,” while Bruno called it “impeccably elegant.”
Charity received 29 out of 30 points.
And Derek gave his impression of Charity’s performances. He praised her elegance. Her average ballroom score was 8.5 points, while her average Latin score was 8.6 points. Of course, Charity’s cheerleading background gives her an athletic advantage.
Second dance: Freestyle to Lose My Breath by Destiny’s Child/“Suéltate” by Sam i & Jarina De Marco featuring Anitta & BIA.
Charity’s Freestyle included elements from her cheerleading background. During rehearsals, she had a bad fall and hit her jaw. Thankfully, she was okay. That was scary.
Her routine was filled with lifts and tricks. It was a fun and energetic performance. Derek called it “unreal.” Bruno labeled her routine “a thrilling spectacular.” Carrie Ann said, “That was the way that you perform a Freestyle!”
Charity earned 30 out of 30 points. She has a total score of 118 out of 120 points.
Shirtless Barry returned
Barry and his partner, Peta, once again took to the ballroom to deliver an open-shirted salsa. The crowd went wild when Barry ripped open his shirt.
Xochitl and Val
First dance: Redemption Foxtrot to Unconditionally by Katy Perry.
Actress Xochitl and her partner, Val, were coached by Bruno for their foxtrot. Their performance was elegant and joyful. Bruno said it “was a delight” watching her. Carrie Ann called her performance “breathtakingly beautiful.” Derek praised her “grace and fluidity.”
Xochitl received 30 out of 30 points.
Bruno called Xochitl’s age, and her performance quality, her superpowers. Her average Latin score was 8.3 points, while her ballroom average was 9.4 points. Xochitl makes her routines look easy although the choreography is complex.
Second dance: Freestyle to Que Calor by District 78.
Xochitl loved having Val as a partner and having a voice in the process. Val felt protective of her, which he credited to being a new dad.
Their Freestyle started with some Latin flavor, then turned into a funky routine. Tossing Xochitl backward was fantastic.
Bruno called the performance “outstanding.” Then the crowd began chanting Xochitl’s name. Carrie Ann called her performance “brave.” Derek praised her as the “most consistent, captivating, charismatic dancer on the show.”
Xochitl earned 30 out of 30 points. Her total for the finale is 120 points. Four perfect scores from the last two weeks! Wow!
Julianne and Alfsono make us feel merry
Hosts Julianne and Alfonso jived and sang to Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town. And surprise guest stars dance pro Witney Carson, who won with Alfonso, and Mirrorball champs Helio Castroneves, Hannah Brown, and Rashad Jennings joined the festive routine. It was choreographed by pros Alan and Britt. Well done!
The leaderboard
- Xochitl and Val- 120 points
- Charity and Artem- 118 points
- Ariana and Pasha- 117 points
- Jason and Daniella- 117 points
- Alyson and Sasha- 104 points
The DWTS pros perform
Jason performed his song, I Feel Like Dancing, as the DWTS Live 2024 Tour pros danced. He also danced and was joined on the dance floor by a singing Derek. Then Pasha and Daniella danced. I love that they had an onstage moment dancing together. This routine was choreographed by the fabulous Mandy Moore.
The Results
- 5th place: Alyson and Sasha
- 4th place: Charity and Artem
- 3rd place: Ariana and Pasha
Who is the winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 32?
Xochitl and Val won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy! Jason and Daniella took second place.
Well, Season 32 was memorable for sure. See you next time!
You can catch up on Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars streaming on Disney+.
TELL US – DID THE RIGHT COUPLE WIN SEASON 32 OF DWTS? WHO HAD THE BEST FREESTYLE ROUTINE? ARE YOU GLAD THAT ALL FIVE COUPLES DANCED IN THE FINALE?
