Dancing With The Stars Season 32 is about to crown a winner, and for the first time ever, we’re seeing five couples hit the dance floor to compete one last time for the newly-named Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
From the season’s underdogs to a couple who dances near-perfect, who is my ranking of where each couple will place on Tuesday night’s finale.
5. Alyson and Sasha
Alyson Hannigan proved early on that she and pro partner Sasha Farber were the season’s underdogs. Despite consistently low scores on the leaderboard and not always the best dancing, these two made it through week after week, and, surprisingly, into the season finale.
Hannigan is a fan favorite who has definitely improved since Week 1 – her semi-finals Waltz was stunning – and although she’s been an absolute joy to watch, I don’t see this couple going further than fifth place. Yes, she’s certainly what this show is all about – improving week after week while keeping a positive attitude and a smile on your face each time you hit the dance floor – but if we’re crowning the season’s best dancer, this most likely means the end of the road for Alyson and Sasha.
4. Charity and Artem
Charity Lawson came into this competition with some expectations, considering the show has seen three Bachelorettes win the mirrorball over the years. Partnered with Season 29 winning pro Artem Chigvintsev, Lawson made it clear from Week 1 that she was ready for a fight.
Charity and Artem’s road to the finale has been a rollercoaster, with critiques from the judges on Lawson’s movements and her ability to emote while also scoring nearly consistent 9’s and 10’s early on. But as fierce of competitors as they’ve been, between their scores and America’s popularity vote, I’d be surprised if this couple made it to the Top 3.
3. Jason and Daniella
When I first found out Jason Mraz was hitting the ballroom – with pro Daniella Karagach, no less – I just knew they would make it to the finale, if not win the whole thing. Despite claiming he isn’t a dancer, Mraz blew everyone away each week with his understanding of the dances, his clean, precise execution, his immense musicality, and the beautiful partnership he formed with Karagach.
This couple always received more praise than critique from the judges, and although they never received anything lower than a 7, I think third place feels fitting for these two. Most stars go into this competition to win, but in Mraz’s case, it was simply to prove that he can dance, and he proved that regardless of where he places.
2. Ariana and Pasha
I remember watching the season premiere and being surprisingly impressed when Ariana and Pasha performed. Seeing a star nail a ballroom dance that well on Week 1 isn’t common, and from then on Ariana Madix and pro Pasha Pashkov has something special.
Despite some injuries getting in her way of properly perfecting her dances, Madix has pushed through each week with high scores. It’s also been a wonderful change of pace to see Pashkov in the finale for the first time ever, and get to see his full potential as a teacher and choreographer. But while these two could easily take home the mirrorball, there’s another couple who I’ve believed from the beginning would come out on top.
1. Xochitl and Val
From Zendaya to Rumer Willis, Val Chmerkovskiy always has magical partnerships, and Season 32 has been no different. Watching him guide Xochitl Gomez to the finale with such gentleness and respect has been beautiful, and 17-year-old Gomez proved to be the perfect partner for him.
Though she admitted early on that she wasn’t a dancer, Gomez wowed both the judges and the viewers with her flawless efforts, especially when it came to ballroom dances. She made each of their dances fun and uplifting simply with her smile, and really performed each routine rather than simply dancing them. All that combined with high scores and the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe on her side, I can easily see Xochitl and Val being named the winners of Season 32.
