DWTS Season 23 Winner - The Grand Reveal

20 Jun, 2025

The air crackled with excitement, a palpable buzz that filled every corner of the ballroom. Fans everywhere were on the edge of their seats, just waiting to see who would claim that coveted Mirrorball Trophy. It had been a truly remarkable season, full of incredible performances, surprising upsets, and moments that genuinely touched your heart. Each couple, you know, poured their very soul into every step, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the judges and, perhaps more importantly, on all of us watching at home.

Week after week, we saw dazzling routines and felt the raw emotion behind each movement. The competition, it's almost fair to say, was as fierce as ever, with every contestant pushing their limits and showing us sides of themselves we might never have expected. From the first hesitant steps to the final, polished performances, the journey was just fascinating to watch unfold. There were moments of pure joy, a little bit of heartbreak, and plenty of those "wow" moments that made you want to get up and dance along.

As the grand finale approached, the tension was really building. Three incredible pairs remained, each with a compelling story and a genuine shot at victory. The anticipation was, quite frankly, immense. Everyone had their favorites, of course, and the discussions about who deserved to win were happening everywhere, from living rooms to social media feeds. It was a season that, in a way, really brought people together, all sharing in the spectacle and the sheer delight of the dance.

Meet the Champion - Laurie Hernandez's Journey
Personal Details - A Glimpse at the Star
What Made Her Shine on DWTS Season 23?
The Road to Victory - Key Performances of who won the dwts season 23
Who Else Competed for the Mirrorball Trophy?
Memorable Moments Beyond who won the dwts season 23
What Happened After the Show?
The Enduring Appeal of who won the dwts season 23

Meet the Champion - Laurie Hernandez's Journey

The individual who ultimately triumphed, seizing the Mirrorball Trophy for season 23, was none other than the incredibly talented gymnast, Laurie Hernandez. Her presence on the show was, in many ways, a pure delight from the very start. She came to the dance floor with a background in competitive gymnastics, which, you might think, would give her a leg up. And in some respects, it did. She possessed an amazing body awareness and a discipline that's just part of being an athlete at that level. But ballroom dancing, as we all know, is a bit different from gymnastics. It requires a whole other kind of expression, a different way of moving with a partner, and a unique sort of storytelling through movement.

Laurie, you know, quickly adapted to the new demands. She was paired with Val Chmerkovskiy, a seasoned professional dancer who truly knows how to bring out the best in his partners. Their partnership just clicked, right from the very first week. You could see a genuine connection forming between them, and that really showed in their performances. It wasn't just about the steps; it was about the chemistry, the trust, and the shared joy they found in the dance. She approached every rehearsal with such a positive attitude, always eager to learn and to push herself further. That kind of spirit is, well, pretty infectious, and it certainly resonated with viewers.

Her journey through the competition was marked by consistent improvement and a remarkable ability to embody each dance style. Whether it was a fiery paso doble or a graceful waltz, she managed to capture the essence of the routine with a maturity that seemed, frankly, beyond her years. Audiences really connected with her genuine smile and her humble demeanor. She never seemed to lose sight of the fun in it all, even when the pressure was, you know, incredibly high. Her youthful energy, combined with a surprising depth of emotion in her dancing, made her a truly captivating presence on the show. She just had that special something that made you want to watch her every move, every single week.

Personal Details - A Glimpse at the Star

Here's a little bit more about the young woman who captivated so many during her time on the dance floor:

Detail	Information
Full Name	Lauren "Laurie" Hernandez
Date of Birth	June 9, 2000
Birthplace	Old Bridge, New Jersey, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Artistic Gymnast, Author, Television Personality
Olympic Medals	Gold (Team, 2016), Silver (Balance Beam, 2016)
DWTS Partner	Val Chmerkovskiy
DWTS Season	23 (Winner)
Notable Traits	Infectious smile, strong work ethic, genuine personality

What Made Her Shine on DWTS Season 23?

So, what was it, exactly, that set Laurie apart from the other incredibly talented contestants on DWTS Season 23? Well, there were a few things that really stood out. For one, her natural grace was just undeniable. Coming from a gymnastics background, she already possessed an incredible awareness of her body and how it moved through space. This meant she picked up choreography, you know, pretty quickly, and she could execute complex steps with a fluidity that was truly impressive. But it wasn't just about the technical side; it was also about the artistry she brought to each performance. She didn't just do the steps; she felt the music and told a story with her body, which is, honestly, a lot harder than it sounds.

Another big factor was her emotional connection to the music and her partner. You could see that she wasn't just performing; she was genuinely enjoying the experience and expressing herself through the dance. Her joy was, quite simply, contagious. When she smiled, the whole room seemed to light up, and that warmth really came through the screen. She also showed a remarkable ability to embody different characters and moods, from playful and energetic to serious and heartfelt. That versatility is something the judges, and viewers, really appreciate. It showed she wasn't a one-trick pony; she could tackle any dance style thrown her way, and she did it with a kind of authentic charm.

And then there was her partnership with Val. Their connection was, basically, a huge part of her success. Val is a fantastic teacher, and he clearly knew how to challenge Laurie while also making her feel comfortable and supported. They had this wonderful rapport that made their dances feel like genuine conversations between two people. You could see the trust they had in each other, which allowed them to take risks and really push the boundaries of what they could do. That kind of strong, positive partnership is, you know, absolutely vital on a show like DWTS, and theirs was, well, pretty much a masterclass in collaboration. They were just a joy to watch together, week after week.

The Road to Victory - Key Performances of who won the dwts season 23

Laurie and Val delivered so many memorable performances throughout Season 23, but a few really stand out as pivotal moments on their path to becoming who won the DWTS season 23. One early performance that really caught everyone's attention was their Jive to "America's Sweetheart." It was full of energy, precise footwork, and just a whole lot of fun. She looked like she was having the time of her life, and that exuberance was, you know, absolutely infectious. It showed everyone that she wasn't just a gymnast; she was a performer with a natural flair for the stage.

Later in the season, their Argentine Tango to "Cell Block Tango" from Chicago was, frankly, a showstopper. It was a completely different side of Laurie – fierce, dramatic, and full of intense emotion. She truly transformed into a character, showing a depth that surprised many. The precision and sharpness of their movements, combined with the story they told, earned them incredibly high praise. It proved she could handle the more serious, demanding dance styles with a maturity that was, well, quite striking for someone her age. That particular dance really cemented her as a top contender, making it clear she was a strong candidate for who won the DWTS season 23.

And then, of course, there were their final dances. Their Freestyle in the finale, to "Brand New" by Ben Rector, was just pure joy. It was a celebration of her journey, full of youthful energy, incredible lifts, and a genuine sense of happiness. It felt like a perfect culmination of everything she had learned and experienced. It was, basically, a dance that captured her spirit and reminded everyone why she was so beloved. That performance, along with their redemption dance, really sealed the deal for who won the DWTS season 23. They ended the season on an incredibly high note, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that they deserved the win.

Who Else Competed for the Mirrorball Trophy?

While Laurie Hernandez ultimately became who won the DWTS season 23, it's really important to remember that she wasn't the only incredible talent gracing the ballroom that season. The competition was, quite honestly, packed with stars who brought their own unique sparkle to the dance floor. The final three, alongside Laurie and Val, included James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess, and Calvin Johnson Jr. and Lindsay Arnold. Each of these pairs had their own devoted following and delivered some truly memorable performances throughout the weeks.

James Hinchcliffe, the IndyCar driver, was a huge surprise for many. He started out as a bit of an underdog, but his dedication and his genuine talent for dance quickly made him a fan favorite. His partnership with Sharna was, you know, pretty special, and they created some truly innovative and artistic routines. He showed incredible growth and a willingness to step outside his comfort zone, which viewers really admired. Many thought he might actually be who won the DWTS season 23, and it was a very close race.

Calvin Johnson Jr., the former NFL wide receiver, also brought an amazing energy to the show. His sheer size might have seemed like a disadvantage for ballroom dancing, but he moved with a surprising lightness and grace. He had this infectious smile and a really positive attitude that made him incredibly endearing. Lindsay Arnold, his partner, did an amazing job of choreographing routines that highlighted his strengths and made him look, well, pretty fantastic on the dance floor. He was a joy to watch, and his journey was, in a way, very inspiring.

Memorable Moments Beyond who won the DWTS season 23

Beyond the ultimate reveal of who won the DWTS season 23, that particular season was full of other moments that really stuck with people. There were the early exits that surprised everyone, like Jake T. Austin, who, you know, didn't last as long as some might have expected. Then there were the consistent performers who just kept getting better, like Jana Kramer, who showed incredible resilience and emotional depth in her dances. Ryan Lochte's journey was also, well, quite a talking point, given the circumstances surrounding his appearance on the show. His presence certainly added a different kind of drama to the season, and his performances, while sometimes controversial, were definitely watched by many.

There were also the theme nights that brought out some really creative choreography and costumes. Disney Night, as always, was a highlight, allowing the celebrities to step into beloved characters and bring a bit of magic to the ballroom. And, of course, the Halloween Night performances were just spectacular, with incredible makeup and spooky routines that were both entertaining and technically challenging. These themed episodes really add a lot of fun to the show and allow the dancers to explore different facets of their performance abilities. They are, basically, a chance for everyone to let loose and really get into character, which is, you know, pretty fun to watch.

The judges' comments, too, provided many memorable moments. Carrie Ann Inaba's passionate feedback, Julianne Hough's insightful observations, Bruno Tonioli's flamboyant declarations, and Len Goodman's classic, no-nonsense critiques all added to the entertainment. Their reactions, whether praise or constructive criticism, often sparked conversations among viewers and shaped the narrative of the competition. Sometimes, their scores were, well, pretty surprising, and other times they just confirmed what everyone else was thinking. It's all part of the show's charm, really, watching how the experts react to the artistry and effort put in by the stars. They are, you know, a very important part of the whole experience.

What Happened After the Show?

After Laurie Hernandez was officially crowned who won the DWTS season 23, her life, you know, definitely took on a new dimension. Winning such a popular show opened up a lot of doors for her beyond the gymnastics arena. She became even more of a household name, reaching an audience that might not have followed her Olympic achievements. The Mirrorball Trophy is, basically, a symbol of broad appeal and a testament to her ability to connect with people through performance, not just through athletic prowess. It's a pretty big deal, honestly, to win that show, and it often leads to new opportunities for the stars.

Following her victory, Laurie continued to embrace her role as a public figure. She has appeared in various television shows and commercials, lending her bright personality to different projects. She also released a book, "I Got This: To Gold and Beyond," which offered a look into her life, her gymnastics career, and her experiences, including her time on DWTS. It was a chance for her fans to get a more personal glimpse into her world and understand what makes her tick. She's also, in a way, become an inspiration for young people, showing them that with hard work and a good attitude, you can achieve amazing things, even outside your primary field.

Her journey after DWTS has also involved advocating for mental health awareness, especially within the athletic community. She's been open about her own struggles and triumphs, using her platform to help others. This kind of advocacy is, you know, incredibly important, and it shows a depth of character that goes beyond just winning a dance competition. She's really used her newfound visibility for good, which is, well, pretty admirable. It's clear that winning DWTS was just one chapter in her story, and she's continued to grow and evolve as a person and as a role model, which is, basically, a wonderful thing to see.

The Enduring Appeal of who won the DWTS season 23

The reason why people still talk about who won the DWTS season 23, and indeed, about that season in general, is really multifaceted. For one, Laurie Hernandez's win was genuinely heartwarming. She was a young, incredibly talented athlete who approached the challenge with such grace and genuine joy. Her story resonated with so many viewers because it was about hard work, perseverance, and, ultimately, achieving a dream in a completely new field. It was, you know, pretty inspiring to watch her grow week after week, transforming from a gymnast into a captivating dancer. That kind of journey is, honestly, what makes the show so compelling for so many people.

Beyond Laurie, the season itself offered a compelling mix of personalities and performances. The strong competition from James Hinchcliffe and Calvin Johnson Jr. meant that the outcome was never truly a foregone conclusion. This created a sense of genuine suspense and excitement right up until the very end. When the race is that close, it just makes the victory feel, well, even more significant. It wasn't a runaway win; it was a hard-fought battle, and that makes the memory of who won the DWTS season 23 even more special. The quality of the dancing across the board was, basically, very high, which always makes for a good season.

And then there's the broader appeal of DWTS itself. It's a show that, in a way, celebrates transformation and the human spirit. It takes people from different walks of life and challenges them to learn a completely new skill, often pushing them far beyond their comfort zones. Seeing that growth, that vulnerability, and that sheer determination is what keeps people coming back season after season. Laurie's win is a perfect example of that magic. She wasn't just who won the DWTS season 23; she was a symbol of what can be achieved when you combine talent with dedication and a truly open heart. Her story, you know, really captures the essence of what makes the show so beloved by so many, year after year.

So, the twenty-third season of Dancing with the Stars culminated in a truly memorable victory for Laurie Hernandez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Her journey from Olympic gymnast to Mirrorball champion was a testament to her incredible talent, dedication, and genuine spirit. The season itself was filled with captivating performances, fierce competition from stars like James Hinchcliffe and Calvin Johnson Jr., and many moments that endeared the cast to viewers. Laurie's win, a blend of youthful exuberance and surprising dance maturity, remains a highlight in the show's history, showcasing the transformative power of dance and the enduring appeal of seeing beloved figures achieve new heights.

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