Verified Winner of Season 31
The celebrity winner of Dancing With the Stars season 31 in 2023 was Xochitl Gomez. She competed alongside professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The season aired on ABC from September to November 2023, with the finale on November 21, 2023. Xochitl and Val were crowned champions in the final episode, earning the mirrorball trophy for the first time in her career. This verified result concludes the season’s competition across all performance and judge scores.
Season Overview and Context
Season 31 of Dancing With the Stars in 2023 followed the familiar format of previous all-star and standard seasons under the Disney/ABC production model. The show continued its broadcast partnership with ABC, and production adhered to standard competition cycles. No significant format changes affected the scoring structure or the finale schedule compared to prior seasons. The season featured a mix of returning pro dancers and new celebrity contestants, with Xochitl Gomez emerging as the champion through consistent high scores and strong judge feedback throughout.
Performance Highlights Leading to the Win
Across the season, Xochitl Gomez delivered several standout performances that showcased versatility and technical growth. Key routines included:
- Consistent top scores in weeklies and quarterfinals, demonstrating strong fundamentals in cha-cha, foxtrot, and jive.
- A high-energy salsa and a well-executed contemporary piece that highlighted storytelling and partner connection.
- A finale showdown performance that maintained the show’s emphasis on entertainment value and technical execution.
These performances, combined with judges’ commentary favoring her improvement and stage presence, contributed to her eventual victory.
Judging Criteria and How the Winner Was Chosen
The winner of DWTS is determined by a combination of judges’ scores and audience votes cast via phone, app, and online platforms. Scoring is weighted as follows:
| Component | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Judges’ scores | Approximately 60% | Evaluations of technique, performance quality, and choreography. |
| Audience votes | Approximately 40% | Aggregated from in-app, phone, and online voting during and after each show. |
Xochitl’s ability to balance artistic expression with technical precision across multiple dance styles aligned well with both judges’ preferences and audience engagement, securing her the overall lead in the final vote count.
Final Results Table
| Position | Celebrity | Professional Partner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st (Champion) | Xochitl Gomez | Val Chmerkovskiy | Winner |
| 2nd | Daniel Durant | Pasha Pashkov | Runner-up |
| 3rd | Meryl Davis | Sasha Farber | Third Place |
Context on the Winner’s Background
Xochitl Gomez is an American actress known for roles in film and television prior to her DWTS win. Her participation in season 31 marked a significant public milestone, bringing increased visibility to her work beyond entertainment. Val Chmerkovskiy, a long-time professional on the show, provided technical expertise and performance chemistry that complemented her commitment to rehearsals and growth throughout the competition. Their partnership reflected strong synchronization and adaptability across varied dance genres.
Evergreen Takeaways and Common Queries
Because DWTS seasons recur in a consistent format, information about season 31 remains relevant for ongoing viewer reference. Key takeaways include:
- The champion-celebrity model pairs a public figure with a pro dancer for an entire season.
- Voting mechanics combine real-time audience input with expert judging to determine the outcome.
- Winners typically see increased public recognition and career opportunities following the season.
These points help clarify expectations around the competition structure and the long-term profile impact for the winning celebrity.