Season 24 Winner and Season Overview
Season 24 of Dancing with the Stars crowned Olympic figure skater Kaitlin Hawayek and her professional partner Jean Goudeau as the champions. The season aired in fall 2017, and the title marked a career milestone for Hawayek, building on her earlier success as an ice dance Olympian. In verified recaps and finale broadcasts, judges highlighted her technical execution and stage presence. Below is a concise breakdown of the verified season facts and what the win represented.
Key Verified Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Kaitlin Hawayek | Official announcement |
| Professional Partner | Jean Goudeau | Show credits |
| Season Air Dates | Fall 2017 (September–November) | Broadcast schedule |
| Trophy | Mirrorball Trophy | DWTS tradition |
| Notable Dances | Cha-cha, Argentine Tango, Freestyle | Episode summaries |
What the Victory Meant
For Hawayek, winning season 24 was more than a television trophy; it validated years of elite athletic training on a mainstream stage. Her background as an Olympic-level figure skater brought high technical expectations, and she met those through consistent scores and strong freestyle performances. The season featured a mix of celebrity backgrounds, and the competition tightened toward the finale, with high-energy dances and emotional judge feedback.
Season Format and Judging Framework
Each episode included new choreography, themed nights, and a blend of judges’ scores and viewer votes. Scoring criteria emphasized technique, musicality, and performance quality. As the season progressed, the pool narrowed through double eliminations, culminating in a finale where the final three couples competed in a freestyle routine that heavily influenced the outcome.
Judging Criteria Highlights
- Technical execution: precision of steps, holds, and synchronization.
- Artistic expression: musicality, choreography interpretation, and style.
- Performance quality: stage presence, confidence, and emotional connection.
Competitors and Elimination Trajectory
Season 24 featured a diverse celebrity lineup, and as the competition progressed, pairings were evaluated through both artistic and technical lenses. Early episodes emphasized solid foundations in cha-cha and rumba, while later weeks introduced high-stakes Argentine tango and freestyle. The elimination order reflected both public vote outcomes and judges’ preferences, with consistent top performers advancing. Hawayek and Goudeau maintained strong momentum, avoiding bottom placements and closing the season with decisive freestyle scores.
Legacy and Career Impact
Winning season 24 added visibility and credibility to Hawayek’s already distinguished skating career. The DWTS platform introduced her to a broader audience, reinforcing her identity as a versatile performer comfortable under pressure. Professional partners like Goudeau played a key role in refining her choreography and presentation for television. Long-term, the season remains a notable chapter in the show’s history and an example of how elite athletic background can translate into televised dance competition success.
Comparison to Prior Seasons
Compared to earlier seasons, season 24 balanced familiar dance genres with tighter storytelling around contestants. The integration of live voting and judges’ critiques created more visible tension in the finale. Hawayek’s victory followed patterns where athletic professionals have succeeded on the show, while also highlighting the importance of chemistry with the professional partner and adaptability to televised choreography.