If it’s felt like a long season of Dancing With The Stars, that’s because it was – starting at the end of September and trailing into December when the show typically crowns a winner before Thanksgiving.
Tonight’s Season 32 finale made waves last week when it was announced that no couple would be going home during the semi-finals, leaving five couples to compete for the Len Goodman Mirriball Trophy for the first time ever.
Alyson and Sasha, Charity and Artem, Jason and Daniella, Ariana and Pasha and Xochitl and Val will take to the ballroom one last time each with a redemption dance and everyone’s favorite, the Freestyle.
We’ll also see finalist Jason Mraz perform his hit “I Feel Like Dancing,” hosts Alfonso Ribero and Julianne Hough take center stage during a festive group number, and reigning champs Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas will return for a dance.
Vote live during the show at dwtsvote.abc.com or text FIRST NAME to 21523.
DWTS 32 Spoilers – Finale Dance Styles, Song Choices and More
The entire finale began very anticlimactically with Alfonso and Julianne in the sky box and informing us that each judge would analyze previous dances from each couple, leaving me to wonder why they took up a whole extra hour of primetime just for a recap…
Okay this recap did just remind me of Alyson and Sasha’s incredible Quickstep from a few weeks back and it still blows me away!
All right, after the first break, Alfonso said the finale will begin in about 13 minutes!
The finale officially begins now with a group number featuring all the pros and their celeb partners from this season, as well as Alfonso and Julianne.
And all of a sudden the five finalists are sitting on giant disco balls hanging from the ceiling!?
The first round of dancing begins with the redemption dances!
Alyson and Sasha – Salsa – “Get On Your Feet”
Salsa was her Week 1 dance and was definitely her weakest dance of the season, and I’m seeing so much improvement in this one! She got sexy with it, executed the steps so much better than the first time, and most importantly, looked like she was having the time of her life. Super fun routine too, props to Sasha.
Carrie Ann says she did amazing and she’s a different person from the first episode, now with grace and confidence. Derek says the improvement is insane and she owned the crowd tonight. Bruno says it was racy, spacy and saucy, and he loved seeing her confidence blossom.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 8, Bruno- 8 = 25/30
Jason and Daniella – Foxtrot – “Fly Me To The Moon”
Jason’s first Foxtrot during Disney Night was disappointing, and I already see so much improvement from the first few steps of tonight’s. His musicality is in it, beautiful frame, you can tell he connects more with this song compared to the last time. This is such a fun but classic routine for an iconic Foxtrot song, and dare I say I saw some heel leads!?
Bruno says Len would have loved this because it was pure, classic, ballroom Foxtrot and he added the old school, Hollywood leading man vibe. Carrie Ann says he needs a Vegas residency where he sings the classics and dances like this. Derek says it was absolutely stellar and compliments his control and frame.
Scores after the break!
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Ariana and Pasha – Samba – “Spice Up Your Life”
Is it bad I don’t remember their first Samba? It was in Week 2 apparently. But as for this Samba, she’s perfecting the steps got great bounce; there was some mishap with her arm but I assume the judges will ignore it. This is a really fun routine overall with loads of content.
Derek says a Samba in the finale is mean but she’s the Samba queen, and there was so much improvement and she did the difficult routine effortlessly. Bruno says sexy Spice rules and she worked every movement. Carrie Ann says it was much improved, but there were a few times she got ahead of the music.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
Now we break from competition for Charli and Mark to hit the dance floor!
Charity and Artem – Tango – “Libertango”
I don’t really remember her first Tango either, but right off the bat she’s got great lines. And she lost a bracelet. This is a beautiful Tango routine, and I’m pretty sure she just lost another piece of jewelry. Dancing is hardcore, y’all.
Okay Alfonso confirmed it was actually both earrings she lost.
Carrie Ann says this defines ‘redemption,’ but she thinks she saw a mistake. Derek says this was the best dance of the night so far. Bruno says it was powerful and impeccably elegant, and to combine the two is dance magic.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
Xochitl and Val – Foxtrot – “Unconditional”
I don’t fully remember her Foxtrot but it was in Week 3, and this dance already looks a lot more natural for her than the first time. Gorgeous song and gorgeous turns. Xochitl has a way of making every dance look effortless.
Bruno compliments her musicality and lines. Carrie Ann calls it breathtakingly beautiful. Derek says this dance was the epitome of grace and fluidity.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
It comes back from commercial with the holiday group number of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” sung by Alfonso and Julianne! Then their past winning partners, Witney Carson and Helio Castroneves, pop out of gift boxes! Then out of nowhere, Hannah Brown and Rashad Jennings pop out of Santa’s sleigh!
Charity and Artem – Freestyle – “Lose My Breath”/”Sueltate”
I love that they made this cheerleading themed with cheerleader outfits! The cheerleading aspects are spot on, but as soon as they bring Cha Cha into it, it lacks something. I didn’t notice her stiffness tonight until this dance. All in all it was great though.
Derek says she’s been waiting all season to do that, and they’ve never seen anything like it on this show. Bruno says it was thrilling and compliments the teamwork. Carrie Ann says that’s the way you perform a Freestyle.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Jason and Daniella – Freestyle – “Happy”
The amount of things I started screaming at the TV when this dance started… not only do I love their outfits, but oh my gosh is Jason amazing!! Love the Lindy Hop vibes! Doing these steps at that pace is incredibly difficult and he’s killing it. Major props to Daniella on this whole routine!!
The judges give a standing O before Bruno starts yelling things and calls it exciting and uplifting and out of this world. Carrie Ann says he DID that. Derek says it was nonstop dancing and he doesn’t just try, he succeeded.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Ariana and Pasha – Freestyle – “Run The World (Girls)”/”Level Up”
This Freestyle is hot and sexy but I do not like her outfit. The guys vs. girls vibe is a different choice of a Freestyle. Almost looked like she was running out of energy near the end too. Personally, it wasn’t my style of dance, but it was definitely good.
Carrie Ann says it was off the charts and she shows what an empowered woman looks like every time she gets on the dance floor. Derek says the biggest compliment from a dancer is the stank face, and proceeds to give it to her. Bruno says she’s hot as hell and top of the game.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Alyson and Sasha – Freestyle – “Enchanted (Taylor’s Version)”/”Papi”
This dance is already so gorgeous. I love her dress. And oh my gosh she just quoted Band Camp!! Literally don’t know why Sasha would put Salsa in this when it was her weakest dance but okay… Alyson is just so insanely enjoyable to watch every single time.
Derek says she gave it her all every single week. Bruno says he celebrates her and she’s the people’s champion. Carrie Ann says she inspires care and compliments her lines and lifts.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 28/30
Xochitl and Val – Freestyle – “Que Calor”
I love that Xochitl incorporated her culture in this dance and started off with ballroom and then switched to some sexy Freestyle moves. We’re almost gettin’ Hip Hop up in this Freestyle!
Bruno calls it outstanding as the audience cheers her name, and compliments her artistry. Carrie Ann sys this dance was brave and a different, courageous side of her we haven’t seen. Derek says this show is about the connection and theirs is undeniable.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Before the winner is announced, Jason takes the stage to perform “I Feel Like Dancing,” and joins the pros for the choreo! And I was not expecting Derek to join in on the song!
In fifth place is… Alyson and Sasha.
In fourth place is… Charity and Artem.
In third place is… Ariana and Pasha.
The winner is… revealed after the break!
The winner is Xochitl and Val!
Called it from the start! And I’m so glad to see Jason and Daniella in second place! This was such an incredible season!
