Season 32 of “Dancing With the Stars” reached its grand finale, and Xochitl Gomez, the 17-year-old actress known for her role as America Chavez in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” secured victory alongside partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The duo waltzed away with the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, capping off a dazzling night of dance and celebration.
Cultural Homage Through Dance
Gomez and Chmerkovskiy’s final performance stood out, featuring a moving tribute to the actress’s Mexican-American heritage. Their freestyle dance to “Que Calor” by District 78 was adorned with a backdrop of candles, leading to a symbolic “ofrenda” inspired by the altars of the Day of the Dead. Gomez expressed the significance of accurate representation, particularly in Latin ballroom dances, making the homage all the more poignant.
In an interview with “Good Morning America” after the finale, Gomez highlighted the importance of representation, stating, “I took Val to his first Día de los Muertos dinner, and that’s where he saw the ofrenda, and he was inspired by that like aesthetic and that look.”
Back-to-Back Perfect Scores
Gomez and Chmerkovskiy delivered two flawless performances during the finale—a redemption dance revisiting a routine from earlier in the season and an electrifying freestyle. The judges awarded the duo two back-to-back perfect scores, securing their place as the only couple with a perfect score of 120 across all four dances, including scores from the semifinals.
Gomez’s Reflections on Victory
Reflecting on the win, Gomez expressed her pride, stating, “Gosh, I didn’t think that [we did that]. I forgot until there had been like a little thing that said, this is your score something out of something, and it was the score. I was like, ‘What? We did that?’ Yeah, we did that. I’m proud of that.”
Gomez credited Judge Bruno Tonioli’s valuable advice on refining the foxtrot, emphasizing the impact of having an external voice guiding her improvement.
Plans Beyond the Victory
As the celebration unfolded, Gomez humorously remarked, “I don’t want this show to end, and I think it’s gonna be really good for me to keep coming back.” Partner Chmerkovskiy joined in, adding, “We’ll be back here next week, just streaming on our socials.”
The Night’s Highlights
The grand finale also featured an opening number, including all-season couples, and a return of Season 31 champions Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas. Each couple, including eliminated stars, showcased their moves, creating a spectacular dance extravaganza.
In Conclusion: A Night of Victory, Culture, and Unforgettable Performances
The Season 32 finale of “Dancing With the Stars” celebrated dance, cultural pride, and outstanding performances. Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy emerged as deserving winners, leaving an indelible mark on the dance floor and viewers’ hearts.
About the Authors
Variety and Isabela Espadas Barros Leal reported on the crowning moment, while Katie Campione, a TV Reporter, provided insights into Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s reflections post-victory. For more engaging stories and entertainment news, follow us for the latest updates.
