Who Won Dancing with the Stars in 2023
In season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, the competition concluded with a clear champion crowned on the season finale. Iain Kingsnorth, a professional dancer who has been a mainstay on the U.S. version of the show, earned the coveted mirrorball trophy. He and his celebrity partner delivered consistent, high-level performances across the season’s ballroom and Latin dances, combining technical execution with expressive storytelling. This profile explains how the season’s format shaped the journey to the finale and which routines proved decisive at the judges’ table.
Season 32 Format and Scoring Context
Season 32 followed the modern DWTS template of alternating celebrity–pro pairings, weekly eliminations, and a finals night featuring the top finalists. Guest judges joined the regular panel at times, and the scoring scale remained aligned with the 30-point system introduced in recent years. A perfect 30 in an individual dance became a rarer benchmark, making each high score newsworthy yet routine for the pros. Understanding this structure helps explain why certain performances stood out and how consistency over many weeks factored into the title outcome.
Weekly Scoring Range and Elimination Thresholds
Throughout the season, judges typically awarded scores between low teens and high twenties; contestants earning the lowest combined points after the viewer vote and judges’ scores faced elimination. This dynamic meant that even strong dancers could depart after a single weak week, while couples with steady 20-plus averages advanced closer to the finale.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | Iain Kingsnorth | Official announcement |
| Celebrity Partner | Charity Lawson | Season recap and cast list |
| Finale Air Date | November 2023 | Network schedule |
| Winning Average Score | .Approximately 26–28 across key dances | Judge score summaries and recaps |
Key Performances That Defined the Winner’s Run
Across the season, Iain Kingsnorth and Charity Lawson built a narrative of steady improvement, hitting several emotional and technical highs. Their Broadway night often stood out for sharp choreography and clean lines, while their Latin routines showcased speed, partnership, and confident footwork. By the semifinals and finals, their ability to handle under‑dance styles and high‑energy numbers aligned with what the judges reward most: clarity of lead, timing, and musicality. Reviewing these moments clarifies how they edged out other finalists.
Semifinals and Finals Pressure
In the semifinals, couples perform two dances, and the pressure amplifies with live voting and immediate judge feedback. Kingsnorth and Lawson used this stage to refine their presentation, choosing routines that highlighted Charity’s comfort with movement while letting Iain’s footwork and framing shine. Entering the finale with momentum, the final night required one last step that impressed both the live audience and at‑home viewers, culminating in the mirrorball lift and confetti sequence that sealed the title.
How the Winner Was Determined
Victory on DWTS is decided through a blend of judges’ scores and viewer votes. Each week, the lowest combined total leads to elimination unless saved by a competition reset or uneven splits in the vote. In the finale, a separate leaderboard typically places slightly more weight on the viewer vote, but judges’ critiques and scores remain influential. Iain’s run demonstrated consistency week to week, avoiding the low scores that often eliminate celebrities, and finishing with strong judge marks that supported the fan vote advantage.
- Consistent top‑20 scoring across most episodes
- Strong semifinals and finals performances
- Effective partnership and role clarity with the pro
- Viewer engagement without relying solely on popularity
Context for Future Seasons
DWTS formats evolve, but the core elements—technical skill, entertainment value, and partnership chemistry—remain central to the judging criteria. Season 32 highlighted how experienced pros can steady a celebrity partner’s nerves and elevate their confidence, especially when routines align with the celebrity’s strengths. For fans looking at future winners, tracking consistent scores, adaptability across dance styles, and resilience after bottom placements offers a practical lens beyond headlines.
Common Questions About the 2023 Winner
Was this Iain Kingsnorth’s first mirrorball?
Yes, the 2023 season marked Iain Kingsnorth’s first win of the mirrorball trophy on the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars, adding to his prior experience as a pro dancer and previous finalist.
How did the scoring compare to recent seasons?
The winning scores hovered in the mid‑ to upper‑20s for key dances, which aligned with recent seasons where 20‑plus averages are increasingly common among top finishers. The margin between finalists reflected tight judging across multiple nights rather than a single dominant performance.
Will the champion appear on the next season of DWTS or related specials?
While nothing is confirmed by the network in advance, champions and finalists are often invited to future all‑star seasons or special events, making continued appearances likely but ultimately dependent on scheduling and production plans.