Dancing with the Stars returned for its twenty-third season with higher production value and star power than ever. Viewers tuned in each night to see celebrities refine their technique and chase the coveted mirrorball trophy.
The competition delivered jaw-dropping performances, dramatic eliminations, and a finale that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. This overview highlights the path to victory and the standout moments that defined the season.
| Contestant | Professional Partner | Average Score | Finale Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xochitl Gomez | Val Chmerkovskiy | 27.9 | Winner |
| David Ross | Peta Murgatroyd | 27.7 | Runner-up |
| JoJo Siwa | Jensen Karp | 26.8 | Third Place |
| Jack Wagner | Emma Slater | 26.5 | Fourth Place |
Training Process and Choreography Details
Each celebrity devoted long hours to mastering intricate choreography under tight production schedules. Rehearsals often extended late into the night to perfect timing and synchronization.
Drills and Technique Work
Professionals broke down every move into foundational drills, focusing on posture, footwork, and frame control. Repetition helped celebrities build muscle memory and reduce mistakes during live broadcasts.
Staging and Costuming Impact
Costumes and set designs influenced movement choices, requiring adjustments to steps and formations. Directors collaborated with choreographers to ensure visual spectacle without compromising technical precision.
Performance Night Strategy
Competition nights followed a structured format that combined solos, pairups, and thematic challenges. Judges evaluated technique, artistry, and consistency under pressure.
Scores from each round accumulated over the season, determining weekly eliminations and shaping the overall narrative. Celebrities analyzed feedback to refine their routines for future appearances.
Judging Criteria and Scoring System
A panel of experts assessed performances based on technique, musicality, and presentation. Each category contributed to a balanced evaluation of every couple's routine.
| Criteria | Weight | What Judges Look For | Impact on Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technique | 40% | Footwork, timing, and execution | High influence on advancement |
| Artistry | 30% | Interpretation, expression, and style | Moderate influence on scores |
| Presentation | 20% | Costuming, staging, and audience engagement | Affects public and judge perception |
| Consistency | 10% | Reliability across multiple weeks | Critical for long-term success |
Celebrity Journey and Fan Engagement
Viewers formed strong attachments to contestants as personal stories unfolded throughout the season. Social media buzz amplified key moments, driving higher engagement and live tune-in numbers.
Behind-the-scenes interviews and digital content provided deeper insight into preparation routines and emotional investment. This connection played a role in shaping public voting outcomes and overall narrative momentum.
Key Takeaways and Viewer Reflections
- Intense training schedules were central to each celebrity's performance quality.
- Strategic choreography and costuming elevated storytelling on stage.
- Transparent scoring criteria helped audiences understand competition dynamics.
- Strong fan engagement influenced momentum and public voting results.
- Consistency under pressure separated top finalists from the rest of the field.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who won season 23 of Dancing with the Stars and what was their average score?
Xochitl Gomez won season 23 with an average score of 27.9 points across the competition.
Which contestant had the highest average score among the top four finalists?
Xochitl Gomez had the highest average score at 27.9, followed by David Ross at 27.7, JoJo Siwa at 26.8, and Jack Wagner at 26.5.
How were the judges' scores weighted during season 23?
Technique accounted for 40%, artistry 30%, presentation 20%, and consistency 10% of each couple's total score for every routine.
What factors determined elimination decisions each week?
Judges' scores combined with viewer votes determined which celebrity left the competition each week, with the lowest combined score facing elimination.