The 5 Biggest Shockers And Triumphs Of Dancing With The Stars Season 32: Who Won The Len Goodman Mirrorball?

Dancing with the Stars Season 32 delivered one of the most competitive and emotionally charged seasons in the show's history, culminating in a spectacular finale that crowned a new champion. As of today, December 18, 2025, the impact of the 2023 season continues to resonate, not just for its incredible celebrity performances but for major shifts in the show's format and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved figure.

The season, which premiered on September 26, 2023, and concluded with a dramatic finale on December 5, 2023, saw a diverse group of celebrities take on the challenge of ballroom and Latin dancing. It was a season of high scores, surprising eliminations, and the introduction of the newly renamed Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, honoring the late head judge. The competition was fierce, setting a high bar for future seasons.

The Final Five: Profiles of the DWTS Season 32 Champion and Finalists

Season 32 made history by featuring a five-couple finale for the first time, a testament to the high level of talent and audience engagement. The competition was incredibly close, with the final scores and viewer votes determining the champion.

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• Xochitl Gomez (Champion) with Val Chmerkovskiy: The Marvel star, best known for playing America Chavez in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, became the youngest winner in the show's history at 17. Her partnership with Val Chmerkovskiy was marked by consistently high scores, especially for their dynamic Latin dances and an epic freestyle that judges called a masterpiece.
• Jason Mraz (Runner-Up) with Daniella Karagach: The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter was a fan favorite from the start, known for his musicality and emotional connection to his routines. He consistently impressed the judges with his technique, finishing a very close second in the final rankings.
• Ariana Madix (Third Place) with Pasha Pashkov: The Vanderpump Rules star brought significant media attention and a large fanbase to the season. Known for her powerful storytelling and dramatic performances, she was a fierce competitor who secured her spot in the final three.
• Charity Lawson (Fourth Place) with Artem Chigvintsev: The former star of The Bachelorette demonstrated remarkable grace and versatility throughout the competition, consistently delivering elegant and technically sound performances.
• Alyson Hannigan (Fifth Place) with Sasha Farber: The beloved actress from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and How I Met Your Mother was the season's dark horse. While she often received lower scores, her genuine improvement and infectious personality made her a clear audience favorite, carrying her all the way to the finale.

Major Cast Surprises and Shocking Early Exits

Every season of Dancing with the Stars is defined by its celebrity lineup, and Season 32 was no exception, featuring a mix of television icons, sports legends, and social media stars. The cast announcement itself was a major event, revealing 14 celebrity-pro pairings.

The season saw several surprising eliminations that left both the judges and the audience stunned. One of the most talked-about early exits was that of NFL running back Adrian Peterson, paired with Britt Stewart. Despite his athletic prowess, his ballroom skills didn't translate into high scores, leading to an earlier-than-expected departure.

Another celebrity who generated significant buzz was The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Mauricio Umansky, paired with Emma Slater. His journey was a compelling narrative of personal growth and overcoming challenges on the dance floor, though he was eliminated before the semi-finals. Other notable names included supermodel Tyson Beckford, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, and internet personality Lele Pons, all of whom added unique flair to the competition.

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Perhaps the biggest surprise was the longevity of Harry Jowsey, the reality TV star, who, despite consistently receiving the lowest scores from the judges, was kept in the competition for several weeks by the audience vote. His popularity highlighted the power of the show's viewers in the modern format.

Format Changes, New Hosts, and the Len Goodman Tribute

Season 32 brought several significant changes to the long-running show, ensuring the format felt fresh and honoring its legacy. These changes were critical to the season's overall feel and success.

The Return to ABC and Disney+ Simulcast

After a brief run exclusively on Disney+, Season 32 marked the show's return to its original network, ABC, while still simulcasting live on Disney+. This hybrid approach made the show accessible to a wider audience, catering to both traditional television viewers and streaming subscribers. The following day, episodes were also made available on Hulu, maximizing viewership.

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A New Hosting Duo and Judging Panel

The hosting lineup saw a major shakeup. Tyra Banks stepped down, and the show welcomed back former pro and Season 17 winner Julianne Hough to co-host alongside returning host Alfonso Ribeiro. This new pairing was widely praised for their chemistry and deep connection to the show's history. The judging panel remained the same, featuring Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

The End of the Judges' Save

One of the most impactful format changes was the elimination of the controversial "Judges' Save." In previous seasons, the judges had the power to save one of the bottom two couples from elimination, overriding the public vote. For Season 32, the decision became entirely based on the combination of the judges' scores and the public's votes, ensuring a more direct democratic outcome and increasing the stakes for every performance.

The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy

In a touching tribute, the coveted prize was officially renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in honor of the legendary and long-serving head judge, Len Goodman, who passed away in April 2023. This change ensured his legacy remains a permanent part of the show's highest achievement, adding an extra layer of emotional significance to Xochitl Gomez's victory.

Overall, Dancing with the Stars Season 32 was a season of spectacular performances, emotional farewells, and a champion who truly earned the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The blend of new hosting energy, a classic voting format, and a tribute to a legend made it a standout year in the show's history.