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Who Won Dancing With The Stars Season 28? The Shocking Winner!

Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars crowned its winner in a finale packed with energy, emotion, and precise choreography. Viewers tuned in to see which celebrity and professiona...

Mara Ellison Aug 05, 2026
Who Won Dancing With The Stars Season 28? The Shocking Winner!

Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars crowned its winner in a finale packed with energy, emotion, and precise choreography. Viewers tuned in to see which celebrity and professional partnership would claim the Mirrorball Trophy at the end of a demanding competition.

The season featured high-profile pairings, dramatic scores, and standout performances that kept audiences engaged week after week. Below is a detailed snapshot of how the season unfolded and who ultimately stood on top.

Celebrity Professional Partner Average Score Finale Position
Xochitl Gomez Val Chmerkovskiy 35.8 Winner
JoJo Siwa DeMarcus Ware 34.5 Runner-up
Anthony Edwards Emma Slater 33.2 Third Place
Heather Morris Sasha Farber 31.0 Fourth Place

Celebrity Training Journey

Each celebrity brought a unique background and level of comfort to the dance floor, which shaped their training experience. Professionals adjusted routines to highlight strengths while addressing weaknesses such as rhythm, stamina, and stage presence. The process involved countless hours of rehearsal, often starting with basic steps and progressing to intricate choreography.

Partnerships evolved as celebrities learned to trust their pros, leading to improved synchronization and confidence. Coaches emphasized technique, timing, and expression to ensure performances resonated with both judges and viewers. This intensive preparation laid the groundwork for the high-stakes performances seen each week.

Weekly Performance Highlights

Throughout the season, standout routines and unexpected scores kept the competition unpredictable. Certain weeks featured theme nights that pushed celebrities beyond their comfort zones, producing memorable moments and creative adaptations.

  • Week 1: Strong opening routines set the tone for ambitious scoring.
  • Week 3: Emotional contemporary dances earned some of the season's highest marks.
  • Week 6: High-energy Latin nights showcased athleticism and sharp choreography.
  • Week 8: Team dances introduced strategic partnerships and innovative formations.
  • Finale: A fusion of previous styles culminated in a series of showstopping final routines.

Judging Criteria and Scoring

Judges evaluated each performance based on technique, artistry, chemistry, and interpretation of the music. Technical execution included footwork, posture, and synchronization, while artistry covered expression and musicality. High marks in both areas were essential for consistent weekly success.

Professional partners played a critical role in refining these elements, ensuring that routines aligned with the celebrities' abilities while maximizing visual impact. The combination of judge feedback and audience votes drove the competition toward its thrilling finale.

Victory Performance and Reaction

In the finale, the winning duo delivered a polished and passionate routine that reflected their growth throughout the season. The performance combined precision, emotion, and showmanship, earning top scores from the judges. Audience reactions highlighted the sense of satisfaction in seeing the champion's journey pay off.

The celebration on stage underscored the dedication behind the victory, from early struggles to final moments of triumph. Fans and viewers recognized the culmination of hard work, making the win resonate well beyond the television screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy won DWTS season 28 with a strong finale performance.
  • Consistent high scoring throughout the season positioned them as fan and judge favorites.
  • Professional guidance and dedicated rehearsal were central to their success.
  • Engaging storytelling through dance helped them stand out in a competitive field.

FAQ

Reader questions

Who were the top four contestants in season 28?

Xochitl Gomez, JoJo Siwa, Anthony Edwards, and Heather Morris finished in the top four positions respectively.

Which professional partner won with their celebrity in DWTS season 28?

Val Chmerkovskiy partnered with Xochitl Gomez to claim the Mirrorball Trophy for the season.

What was the average score of the winning pair in the finale?

Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy achieved an average score of 35.8 in the finale performance.

How did the runner-up couple perform in the final show?

JoJo Siwa and DeMarcus Ware delivered a high-energy finale routine but finished behind the winning pair with an average score of 34.5.

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