ABC/Eric McCandless

The finale of Dancing with the Stars turned the ballroom into a sensation last night as the final four contestants, Charli D’Amelio, Wayne Brady, Shangela, and Gabby Windey competed for the Mirrorball trophy.

After a dazzling opening from this season’s pro dancers, the finalists were left to dance their way through the redemption and freestyle rounds. Starting with redemption, each finalist was challenged by the judges to improve on a dance style they already did. The following freestyle round gave the contestants the opportunity to put on a show in any style and with any music, props, and creativity they wanted to bring to the ballroom.

The Redemption Round

Shangela and Gleb were challenged by Bruno to try the quickstep again. This couple worked on the quickstep in week two, so with coaching from Bruno, they hoped to step up their moves for the last night of the competition. Bruno loved their glamor and sparkle and complimented Shangela’s improvements in her frame. Carrie Ann and Len agreed saying there was so much growth and improvement since their last quickstep.

Total Score: 36/40

Also retrying the quickstep, Wayne and Witney worked with Len to bring fast footwork back to the ballroom. Wayne and Witney last quickstepped in week six of the competition. Len gave them feedback on their frame and their side-by-side work. After they danced, we wanted to see more movement, though. Derek agreed that he wanted more from the flow, but Carrie Ann complimented him that his comfort and balance had improved.

Total Score: 36/40

ABC/Eric McCandless

Carrie Ann wanted to see Charli and Mark improve their jive. She coached them on getting more swing and energy into their jive since they performed it last in week five. Carrie Ann thought the dance was a major improvement. Len shared that he thought the original dance was great and that their redemption dance managed to even improve on that. The judges were full of praise all around.

Total Score: 40/40

ABC/Eric McCandless

Derek sent Gabby and Val back to Bond week to work on their cha cha. He coached them on hip movement and posture for their speedy redemption cha cha. After their dance, Derek said their dance was sensational and there was “a calmness and strength” in their cha cha. Bruno said they did so much more than redeem their dance.

Total Score: 40/40

The Freestyle Round

ABC/Eric McCandless

First to take on the freestyle round, Wayne and Witney wanted to put the best of their dance and partnership on the ballroom floor. Opening with two solo moments that represent their styles for a mashup that brought their skills together with an ensemble crew backing them up. Len said there was so much fantastic content and dance in their freestyle. Derek also had major compliments for Wayne and Witney. Bruno called their dance a “smash hit.”

Total Score: 40/40

ABC/Eric McCandless

Charli and Mark talked about the ways that DWTS has revived Charli’s love of dance as they prepared their freestyle. Their freestyle was theatrical and jazzy tapping into the best of their performances from the season and the styles Charli is most comfortable in. Burno said their dance was “pure, unquestionable excellence.” Len highlighted Charli’s success during the show (10s six weeks in a row) as well as this couple’s “spectacular” dancing.

Total Score: 40/40

ABC/Eric McCandless

For their freestyle, Gabby and Val put on their own “Cell Block Tango” complete with ensemble dancers and cell props. Len complimented them for the content of their dance and Gabby’s versatility even in the face of complications (her shoe got stuck to her skirt at the end). Derek was also full of praise for the things they accomplished with this dance.

Total Score: 40/40

ABC/Eric McCandless

Shangela kicked off the finale, and she closed it out with her freestyle. She and Gleb brought all of Shangela’s drag experience and drama to the ballroom with the dance skills they have worked on all season. Len complimented their dance for having performance, entertainment, and chicken (not just Shangela’s “crispy legs”). Derek said he “couldn’t imagine a better way to finish Season 31.”

Total Score: 40/40

The Results

ABC/Eric McCandless

After a night of dance and celebration, the results were revealed. The combined scores and votes left Shangela in fourth place followed by Wayne. Tyra revealed that Charli and Mark were the winners of the season. Gabby and Val came in second place.

Of her win, Charli had a lot of people to thank. “Thank you, guys. This is all thanks to you, your votes. Each of the judges, thank you so much for the opportunity. Thank you, Mark, for becoming my new best friend.” To her mom and DWTS competitor, Charli said. “Thank you for helping me every step of the way. It was such an honor to be able to do this with you.”

Previous article“It just embodies the curiosity of a child”: Aaliyah Cinello on “Circuit Breakers”
Next articleThese Stand Out Styles were the Highlights of the 2022 AMAs
Veronica Good has been with Showstopper Magazine since 2016. When she isn't keeping you updated on the latest trends, she is at home with her many pets or probably playing The Sims 4. Veronica has a BA in English and an MA in writing from Coastal Carolina University. She is also a writer of fiction and poetry, and her work can be found in Archarios, Tempo, and Scapegoat.