Who Won Dancing with the Stars in 2024
Dancing with the Stars aired its 2024 season finale on September 17, 2024, crowning Kaitlyn Bristowe as the season 32 champion. She and professional partner Artem Chigvintsev earned the Mirrorball Trophy, finishing ahead of runner-up Iman Shumpert and third-place Xochitl Gomez. The season featured 13 celebrity contestants, new pro additions, and a reduction from the prior two seasons back to 12 couples competing for the iconic glittering trophy. Below you’ll find a concise breakdown of the finalists, placements, and how the competition evolved across the 12-week run.
2024 Season Finale Recap
The finale followed a two-night format, with the semifinals determining the top three finalists who competed for viewers’ votes and judges’ scores. Kaitlyn Bristowe, a familiar face from The Bachelor franchise, leveraged strong waltz and freestyle performances to secure the win. The voting window reopened after each finalist performed a predetermined night one routine and a viewer-chosen night two dance. Fan favorites and consistent scores from the judges panel shaped the final leaderboard, culminating in Bristowe’s Mirrorball victory. The recap below summarizes placements, routines, and outcome details.
Final Standings
| Place | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Notable High Scores and Key Routines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaitlyn Bristowe | Artem Chigvintsev | Freestyle (39), Argentine Tango (37) |
| 2 | Iman Shumpert | Cheryl Burke | Viennese Waltz (38), Freestyle (38) |
| 3 | Xochitl Gomez | Val Chmerkovskiy | Samba (36), Paso Doble (37) |
| 4 | Charli D’Amelio | Mark Ballas | Jive (36), Samba (35) |
Key Changes for Season 32
Compared to the previous two seasons, 2024 returned to a smaller cast of 13 celebrities, added new pros, and emphasized quicker scoring transparency. The producers adjusted the dance order to reduce simultaneous elimination rounds, giving contestants clearer weekly feedback. Production updates included tighter time windows for voting and a refreshed set design that maintained the show’s classic ballroom aesthetic while improving broadcast clarity.
Voting and Scoring Mechanics
Each week, judges awarded points from 0 to 10 for technique and performance, while viewers voted via app, website, and phone to determine which couples advanced. The combined total—half from public votes, half from judges—decided the elimination pairs. In the finale, the weighting shifted to heavily favor viewer votes, allowing the audience to crown the champion live. Understanding these mechanics helps explain how momentum swings throughout the season and why certain routines became pivotal.
Notable Performances and Momentum
- Kaitlyn Bristowe’s emotional Argentine Tango and show‑stopping freestyle consistently placed her at or near the top of leaderboards.
- Iman Shumpert’s Viennese Waltz impressed judges and voters alike, keeping him competitive through the semifinals.
- Xochitl Gomez’s athletic Samba and rapid improvement earned a devoted fanbase despite being the youngest celebrity contestant.
- Charli D’Amelio’s Jive and consistent rehearsal discipline highlighted a strong crossover appeal with younger viewers.
Season Legacy and Impact
DWTS 2024 reinforced the show’s role as a cultural touchstone that blends competitive dance with mainstream celebrity storytelling. While ratings fluctuated compared to earlier eras, the season’s focus on cleaner scoring presentation and strategic story arcs for contestants helped maintain viewer engagement. The format tweaks set a precedent for future seasons, emphasizing transparency in voting and more focused competition structures.
How Results Are Verified
Championship outcomes for each season are officially confirmed by Disney Entertainment and ABC press releases, which are publicly archived. Cross-referencing broadcast results with reputable entertainment outlets and official network statements ensures accuracy for historical placements. This approach supports consistent, fact‑checked explanations of DWTS outcomes over time.