Who Won DWTS Season 23 - The Grand Champion
For anyone who loves a good dance story, the question of who took home the coveted Mirrorball trophy in season 23 of Dancing with the Stars is a really big deal. That particular season, you know, brought together a wonderful mix of famous faces, each hoping to show off their moves and win over the audience. It was a time filled with exciting routines, some truly heartfelt moments, and the kind of friendly competition that just makes a show so much fun to watch.
The journey to the top on a show like that is, well, it's almost never easy. Every week, the stars and their professional partners put in a lot of hard work, learning complicated steps and trying to connect with the music in a way that feels real. They faced tough judges, too, and had to rely on votes from people watching at home. It's a process that truly tests their grit and their ability to keep going, even when things get a little bit tough. So, finding out who actually managed to pull it off at the very end is always a moment people talk about.
So, as a matter of fact, the season had a pretty special feel to it, with many strong contenders showing up week after week. The anticipation built up quite a bit as the finale got closer, with folks wondering which couple would finally be crowned the champions. It was a season that, in some respects, felt like a true celebration of dance and the spirit of trying something new, no matter your background. And the winner, as we will talk about, was someone who really captured everyone's hearts.
Table of Contents
- Who is Laurie Hernandez - A Champion's Story
- How Did Laurie Hernandez Win DWTS Season 23?
- What Were Some Memorable Performances from DWTS Season 23?
- Who Else Was in the DWTS Season 23 Finale?
- What Made Laurie and Val's Partnership Special on DWTS Season 23?
- The Grand Finale of DWTS Season 23
- How Did the Audience React to Who Won DWTS Season 23?
- What Has Laurie Hernandez Done Since Winning DWTS Season 23?
Who is Laurie Hernandez - A Champion's Story
The person who ended up winning Dancing with the Stars season 23 was none other than Laurie Hernandez. She was, you know, a very well-known figure before she even stepped onto the dance floor. Many people knew her for her incredible skills as an artistic gymnast. She had already made a big splash on the world stage, showing off her amazing athletic abilities and a certain kind of grace that was truly captivating. Her background certainly gave her a unique starting point for the show, a little bit different from some of the other contestants.
Laurie's early life, as a matter of fact, was filled with a lot of dedication to her sport. She spent countless hours practicing, perfecting her routines, and working to achieve her goals in gymnastics. This kind of discipline, you know, really helped shape her character. She learned how to push herself, how to stay focused under pressure, and how to perform in front of large crowds. These experiences, in a way, laid a strong foundation for what she would face on a show like Dancing with the Stars, where every movement counts and every performance is scrutinized.
Her journey in gymnastics culminated in some truly remarkable achievements, including a gold medal at the Olympic Games. This kind of success, you know, put her in a very special group of athletes. When she decided to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars, many people were curious to see how her gymnastic talents would translate to ballroom dancing. Would her strength and agility give her an edge? Or would the very different demands of dance present a new kind of challenge? It was, quite frankly, a question on many people's minds as the season began.
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Personal Details & Bio Data
Full Name | Laurie Hernandez |
Born | June 9, 2000 |
Birthplace | Old Bridge, New Jersey, United States |
Occupation | Artistic Gymnast, Author, Television Personality |
Known For | Olympic Gold Medalist (Gymnastics), DWTS Season 23 Winner |
DWTS Partner | Valentin Chmerkovskiy |
How Did Laurie Hernandez Win DWTS Season 23?
Laurie Hernandez's path to becoming the champion of DWTS season 23 was a steady climb, marked by consistent, strong performances and a genuine connection with the people watching. From the very first week, she showed a natural ability to pick up the steps and perform with a lot of heart. Her gymnastic background, while different from dance, certainly gave her a sense of body control and stage presence that many other contestants might not have had. She seemed to really just embrace the whole experience.
Her early dances were, you know, pretty impressive right from the start. She quickly showed that she wasn't just a gymnast who could move; she was someone who could really tell a story through her dancing. The judges, as a matter of fact, often praised her for her expressiveness and her ability to bring a certain kind of joy to each routine. She always seemed to have a smile on her face, and that energy was, frankly, quite catching. It helped her stand out in a season that had many talented individuals.
A big part of her success was also her partnership with Valentin Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer who had been on the show for many seasons. Val, as he's known, is very good at teaching and at bringing out the best in his partners. He knew how to challenge Laurie while also making sure she felt comfortable and supported. Their chemistry on the dance floor was, you know, pretty obvious, and it made their routines feel even more special. It was clear that they worked very well together, and that really contributed to who won the DWTS season 23 title.
What Were Some Memorable Performances from DWTS Season 23?
Throughout DWTS season 23, Laurie and Val delivered many routines that really stuck in people's minds. One of their early standouts was a Jive that showed off Laurie's quick footwork and bubbly personality. It was, you know, just full of energy and seemed to set the tone for what was to come. People really responded to how much fun she seemed to be having, and that really came through in her movements. It was a clear sign that she was a contender.
As the weeks went on, they continued to put on show-stopping performances. Their Tango, for instance, was very powerful and showed a different side of Laurie, a more serious and dramatic one. Then there was their Argentine Tango, which was absolutely beautiful and really showed how much she had grown as a dancer. The judges often talked about her ability to adapt to different dance styles and to bring the right emotion to each one. She was, you know, very versatile, which is something the show really values.
The emotional impact of her dances was also a big factor. There was a moment, for example, when she performed a contemporary routine that was deeply personal, and it truly moved everyone watching. She wasn't just doing steps; she was telling a story, and that connection with the audience was very strong. These kinds of performances really helped solidify her place as a favorite, and you could feel the support for her growing with each passing week. It was, quite honestly, a joy to watch her progress.
Who Else Was in the DWTS Season 23 Finale?
While Laurie Hernandez ultimately became the answer to who won the DWTS season 23 question, she faced some truly tough competition in the finale. The final three couples were all incredibly talented and had their own strong fan bases. One of the other finalists was James Hinchcliffe, a race car driver who surprised everyone with his natural dance ability and charming personality. He really just kept getting better and better throughout the season, showing a lot of grace for someone who spends most of his time going very fast in a car.
Another strong contender in the final group was Calvin Johnson Jr., a former professional football player. Calvin, you know, also showed a surprising knack for dance, bringing a lot of power and charisma to his routines. He had a way of making every dance feel exciting, and his partnership with his pro dancer was also very special. He was a true fan favorite, and many people were rooting for him to take home the prize. It was, in a way, a very exciting final group of contestants.
The strength of these three couples made the finale of DWTS season 23 particularly memorable. Each one had a distinct style and a unique journey on the show. James was known for his elegant movements, Calvin for his powerful presence, and Laurie for her youthful energy and precision. It was, you know, a really close race, and anyone could have arguably taken the trophy. The competition was fierce, and it truly kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the very last announcement.
What Made Laurie and Val's Partnership Special on DWTS Season 23?
The connection between Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy was, you know, a big part of why they were so successful and why they ended up being who won the DWTS season 23 title. Their chemistry on the dance floor was, honestly, just lovely to see. They seemed to truly enjoy dancing together, and that joy was catching. Val, as a teacher, was very good at pushing Laurie to grow while also providing a lot of encouragement. He clearly believed in her potential, and that belief seemed to give her a lot of confidence.
Val's teaching style, as a matter of fact, seemed to really click with Laurie. He knew how to break down complicated steps in a way that made sense to her, and he was patient as she learned. He also challenged her to explore different emotions and characters in her dances, helping her move beyond just the technical aspects. This kind of guidance, you know, is really important for someone learning a new skill under such intense pressure. It allowed Laurie to really blossom as a performer.
Laurie, for her part, was an incredibly dedicated student. She listened to Val's advice, worked hard in rehearsals, and brought her natural talent and enthusiasm to every practice session. Her ability to quickly pick up new choreography and to perform it with such a polished feel was truly impressive. Their combined efforts, you know, created a partnership that felt genuine and inspiring to watch, making them a very strong team throughout the entire season. They just had a really good flow together.
The Grand Finale of DWTS Season 23
The final night of DWTS season 23 was, well, it was almost buzzing with excitement. The energy in the ballroom was very high, with everyone eager to see the last performances and, of course, find out who would be named the champion. Each of the three remaining couples performed their final routines, giving it absolutely everything they had. The dances were a mix of styles, showcasing their growth and their best moves from the entire season. It was, you know, a true spectacle of talent and hard work.
Laurie and Val's final dances were, frankly, just stunning. They performed a Redemption dance, which allowed them to revisit a style they had struggled with earlier in the season and show how much they had improved. Then they had their Freestyle, which is always a highlight of the finale. Their Freestyle was full of energy, joy, and some really impressive lifts and moves that truly showed off Laurie's gymnastic background in a dance setting. It was, in some respects, a perfect capstone to their journey.
After all the dances were done, there was that moment of pure tension as the hosts prepared to announce the results. The votes from the audience, combined with the judges' scores, would decide the winner. The anticipation was, you know, pretty thick in the air, with everyone holding their breath. It was a time when all the hard work, all the practices, and all the emotional moments of the season came down to just a few seconds. And then, the name was called, settling the question of who won the DWTS season 23 Mirrorball.
How Did the Audience React to Who Won DWTS Season 23?
When Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy were announced as the winners of DWTS season 23, the reaction from the audience, both in the studio and at home, was, you know, very enthusiastic. Many people felt that Laurie's journey, from a young Olympian to a graceful ballroom dancer, was incredibly inspiring. Her consistent improvements, her genuine personality, and her obvious joy for dancing really resonated with viewers. It was, in a way, a very popular win that seemed to make a lot of people happy.
Fan support for Laurie had been building throughout the season. People were drawn to her youthful spirit and her remarkable ability to take on a completely new challenge with such grace. Social media, as a matter of fact, was often buzzing with positive comments about her performances and her partnership with Val. The voting public seemed to really connect with her story and her dedication, making her a clear favorite in the weeks leading up to the final decision. It was, honestly, a very strong showing of support.
Her win also had a broader impact. Laurie became, you know, the youngest winner in the show's history at that time, which was a pretty big achievement. Her success on the show further cemented her status as a role model for young people, showing that with hard work and a good attitude, you can achieve great things, even outside of your main field. The win was seen by many as a testament to her versatility and her ability to shine in different kinds of spotlights. She really just left a lasting impression on everyone.
What Has Laurie Hernandez Done Since Winning DWTS Season 23?
Since taking home the Mirrorball trophy and answering the question of who won the DWTS season 23 title, Laurie Hernandez has continued to be quite busy. Her win on the show really opened up new doors for her beyond the gymnastics arena. She has, you know, explored various opportunities, including writing and appearing on television. Her fame from both her Olympic success and her DWTS victory has allowed her to connect with an even wider audience, sharing her experiences and her positive outlook.
She has also stayed connected to the world of gymnastics, sometimes acting as a commentator or ambassador for the sport. Her journey, as a matter of fact, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes and performers. She has managed to balance her athletic background with her newfound celebrity status, showing a great deal of maturity and grace. It's clear that she's someone who really values personal growth and trying new things, which is pretty admirable.
Laurie's lasting legacy from her DWTS win is, you know, pretty significant. She showed that a person can transition from one demanding field to another and still excel, bringing their unique strengths to a new challenge. Her time on the show was marked by genuine effort, a wonderful spirit, and a consistent desire to improve, qualities that resonated with people of all ages. She really just left a bright mark on the show's history, and her win is often remembered as a particularly heartwarming moment.
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