This season marked a historic milestone as all five semi-finalists advanced to the finale, creating an atmosphere of intense competition and high stakes. The stakes were raised as each couple passionately argued their case for why they deserved to win, leading to a thrilling night filled with nail-biting moments. The voting data was shattered long before the evening concluded, highlighting the incredible determination and skill of the final five contestants. Their performances were a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season, making this finale one of the most exciting in DWTS history.

As the night progressed, our predictions shifted with every stunning performance. The competitors dazzled the judges with five perfect scores awarded throughout two grueling rounds. The “Redemption Round” allowed each dancer to tackle a dance style they had previously struggled with, showcasing their growth and resilience. In the “Freestyle Round,” the couples unleashed their creativity, performing without restrictions and revealing their true personalities. This combination of skill and spontaneity made for a captivating evening, leaving audiences eager to see who would ultimately claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

It was a groundbreaking evening for DWTS, as Joey Graziadei became the first Bachelor contestant to make it to the finale, and Rylee Arnold also marked her first finale as a professional dancer just in her second season. Additionally, Brandon Armstrong made a historic appearance as he and partner Chandler Kinney represented the first-ever Black couple to reach this stage, highlighting the strides being made in diversity and representation on the show.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher also showcased their talents, exemplifying the strength of Olympic athletes this season, while Danny Amendola continued the impressive legacy of NFL players on the show. The question remained: which of these celebrities would capture the coveted title? Judges’ scores provide only part of the narrative, as viewer votes ultimately determine the winner.

TooFab had the exclusive opportunity to speak with the winning couple right after they triumphantly lifted the Mirrorball Trophy high into the air—both appeared just as astonished by the results as the audience!

Now, let’s dive into the details and reveal who emerged victorious in this season’s Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy competition, following the spectacular return of previous champions Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy, who also delighted us with a stunning performance. We’ll also revisit some returning stars who brought their beloved magic back to the ballroom, including Anna Delvey’s unforgettable “nothing” moments, and the captivating Argentine Tango performed by Mark Ballas and Derek Hough together!

As a fair warning, since I’m safely at home, I may be a bit more critical than my colleagues Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. But perhaps I’ll be nicer too. Maybe.

(“Holiday,” Madonna) The evening kicked off with a vibrant celebration that transported us into a nostalgic mood, reflecting on the season-long journey of not only the finalists but also the hosts, judges, and all the incredible professionals and celebrities who have graced the ballroom this fall. This lively opening number was a fantastic showcase of the set design, the extraordinary skills of the professional dancers, and featured heartwarming moments with each of our celebrity contestants. It was the perfect way to launch a thrilling night of competition, filled with joyful nostalgia and excitement.

(“I Have Nothing,” Whitney Houston) In a spirited performance, Tori faced challenges with the choreography, at times seeming to struggle with her leg movements. However, Anna’s performance on the street, delivering the line “Nothing, nothing, nothing,” was a humorous highlight, echoing her viral exit. The choreography showcased the creative risks taken by the show, with Anna smoothly transitioning into a lift with Ezra that was visually stunning. While it may not have been the most technically proficient dancing, it provided an entertaining retrospective of two contestants we lost too soon, highlighting their charm and charisma.

(“Pink Pony Club,” Chappell Roan) Xochitl wowed the audience with her graceful and polished performance, seamlessly re-entering the ballroom with all the winning energy and poise she had previously displayed. Her chemistry with Val was undeniable, showcasing their special partnership that captivated audiences last season. The grace in her lines, the precision in her moves, and the elegance in their lifts created a magical moment that reminded everyone why she was such a deserving champion. Whoever follows in her footsteps must bring their A-game to match this high level of excellence.

(“As Days Go By,” Jesse Frederick [theme song from Family Matters]) Reginald’s endearing charm shone brightly as he effortlessly embodied a delightful “tree” for his fellow dancers. His minimalist style captivated the audience, with Julianne aptly referring to him as a “minimalist” performer. It’s both amusing and heartwarming to witness one of America’s beloved TV dads enjoying himself on stage, reminding everyone that sometimes less is more in the world of dance.

(“Reunited,” Peaches & Herb) The performance we witnessed showcased the ongoing narrative surrounding their rumored romance and subsequent breakup. The dynamics between Brooks and Gleb were palpable, as they navigated through the dance with a mix of authenticity and humor. While the dance included genuine laughter from Brooks, it also highlighted the contrast between their partnership and other contestants, bringing a refreshing and honest chemistry to the stage. Their playful interaction was a delightful reminder of the joy of dance and connection.

They were paired with another duo who radiated positivity and genuine support, reflecting the kind of friendship that Jenn needed after a tough breakup on Bachelorette. Their chemistry felt sweet and sincere, showcasing a warmth that was lacking in other partnerships throughout the competition. Jenn exhibited a significant improvement in grace and fluidity, marking a notable contrast from her previous performances, making her presence felt on the dance floor.

(“Libertango,” Tango Bardo) Mark and Derek brought the Argentine Tango back to its roots with a powerful male-male dance performance that showcased their amazing versatility. This riveting performance resembled a captivating sparring match, filled with energy and dynamic movements that kept the audience at the edge of their seats. The rapid pace of their choreography broke away from the traditional male-female dynamic, delivering a unique and compelling experience that highlighted the strengths of both dancers.

(“Rush,” Troye Sivan) The professional dancers are undoubtedly the heart and soul of Dancing with the Stars, infusing their personalities and incredible skills into the show year after year. Fans root for their favorite professionals just as passionately as they do for the celebrity contestants they partner with. This segment was a beautiful tribute to the vibrant performances, showcasing the seamless chemistry and exceptional training that these professionals bring. It was a powerful and heartfelt way to express gratitude for their contributions to another fantastic season, leaving audiences excited for what lies ahead.

(Quickstep – “I’m Going to Be There for You,” The Rembrandts [theme song from Friends]) Stephen’s redemption in this performance was remarkable, demonstrating significant growth since his previous attempts. Although it wasn’t flawless, he effectively redeemed himself with flawless timing and musicality, showcasing incredible movement across the floor. His boundless energy was instrumental in maintaining the tempo through each fast step, resulting in the most polished dance of the season. Stephen’s likable personality combined with his skillful