The glitter, the glamour, and the jaw-dropping performances of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) have once again captivated audiences worldwide during the 2023 season. With its iconic ballroom dancing, passionate competition, and the buzz of celebrity contestants, the show remains one of the most popular dance competitions on television. But like every season, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who won Dancing with the Stars 2023?
In this article, we’ll break down the 2023 season’s highlights, the contestants who competed, and ultimately, reveal the winner of Dancing with the Stars 2023.
The Format of Dancing with the Stars
Before diving into the winner’s reveal, it’s important to understand the format of the show, as it plays a crucial role in shaping who can win.
Each season of Dancing with the Stars brings together a cast of celebrities from various fields, including actors, athletes, musicians, social media influencers, and more. These stars are paired with professional dancers, and they must perform a variety of ballroom dance styles, ranging from the quickstep to the cha-cha, the tango to the waltz. Throughout the season, contestants face elimination rounds, based on a combination of judges’ scores and public votes.
The judges, who include renowned ballroom dancers and choreographers, critique each performance and award scores out of 10. However, viewers also have a say in the outcome via phone voting and online ballots, which can sometimes shift the course of the competition. The couple with the lowest combined score (from judges and viewers) is eliminated each week until only a few remain, and the last one standing earns the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
The Cast of Dancing with the Stars 2023
The 2023 season of Dancing with the Stars featured an exciting and diverse group of contestants. These celebrities, many of whom had no prior dance experience, faced the challenge of mastering the art of ballroom dancing under immense pressure. The season’s cast included:
- Tyson Beckford – Supermodel and actor
- Charity Lawson – Reality TV star from The Bachelorette
- Xochitl Gomez – Actress from Marvel’s Secret Invasion
- Ariana Madix – Reality TV star from Vanderpump Rules
- Jason Mraz – Singer-songwriter
- Barry Williams – Actor known for his role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch
- Mirai Nagasu – Olympic figure skater
- Mauricio Umansky – Reality star and real estate mogul, known for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
- Matt Walsh – Actor and comedian
- Lele Pons – YouTuber and social media influencer
- Nastia Liukin – Olympic gold medalist gymnast
- Joe Amabile – Reality TV personality from Bachelor in Paradise
While all contestants brought their unique personalities and talents to the dance floor, there were a few who quickly emerged as fan favorites due to their chemistry with their professional partners and the quality of their performances.
The Journey to the Finale
The road to the finale was a thrilling one, filled with ups and downs, incredible dances, and emotional moments. The judges and viewers alike were treated to a variety of performances, some that left the audience in awe and others that tugged at the heartstrings.
As the weeks passed, the competition grew fiercer, with eliminations whittling down the field of contenders. Early on, Charity Lawson, known for her role as The Bachelorette, stood out as a strong dancer. Her partner, Artem Chigvintsev, one of the show’s most skilled and experienced professionals, helped guide her to great success. Another notable performer was The Brady Bunch star Barry Williams, who showed surprising improvement throughout the season, earning a lot of respect for his perseverance.
Tyson Beckford, the model-turned-actor, had a unique presence on the dance floor, but his journey was cut short. Despite his charm and dedication, he was eliminated earlier in the competition, leaving some fans disappointed. However, his time on the show left a lasting impression, demonstrating that even those without extensive dance backgrounds can be competitive in this high-stakes environment.
Xochitl Gomez, the young actress from Marvel’s Secret Invasion, proved to be another standout competitor. Known for her acrobatics and precision in choreography, she wowed the judges with her performances, especially in the jazz and contemporary styles. But it was Charity Lawson who emerged as the early frontrunner in many fans’ minds, thanks to her powerful performances and connection with her professional partner Artem Chigvintsev.
Jason Mraz, the Grammy-winning musician, was another fan favorite. Although his performances weren’t always flawless, Mraz’s charisma and passion for dancing shone through in every routine. His playful personality and connection with his partner, Daniella Karagach, made him one of the most beloved contestants of the season.
The Final Three
As the season neared its final stages, the competition became even more intense. By week 10, three finalists stood out: Charity Lawson, Xochitl Gomez, and Ariana Madix.
- Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev – Charity continued to impress both the judges and the viewers with her growth as a dancer, and her connection to Artem was undeniable. With their dedication, hard work, and perfect blend of elegance and athleticism, they quickly became one of the most powerful pairs in the competition.
- Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy – Xochitl’s performances were consistently excellent, and she earned praise for her versatility. Paired with Val Chmerkovskiy, one of the show’s most talented dancers, Xochitl flourished throughout the season. Their performances brought an exciting energy to the competition.
- Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov – Ariana, a reality TV star from Vanderpump Rules, entered the competition with relatively no dance experience, but her ability to adapt quickly and her charismatic personality made her a contender for the top spot. Her performances were filled with energy, and she worked tirelessly to impress the judges.
While all three finalists delivered memorable routines in the final, the competition boiled down to the performance of a lifetime. Judges and fans alike were blown away by the flawless routines, emotional connection, and individual artistry each contestant brought to the finale.
Who Won Dancing with the Stars 2023?
After an intense final showdown and a nail-biting decision, Charity Lawson and her professional partner Artem Chigvintsev were crowned the winners of Dancing with the Stars 2023.
Charity’s journey on the show was a true testament to hard work, determination, and growth. While she entered the competition as a relative newcomer to dance, she quickly became one of the most skilled and versatile performers of the season. Throughout the finale, Charity’s dances were marked by their impeccable technique, emotion, and energy, solidifying her place as the champion.
Charity’s win was also notable for her strong connection with Artem Chigvintsev, who has become one of the most popular and successful professional dancers on the show. Their partnership was a beautiful blend of artistry, technical skill, and mutual respect, and it was evident in every performance.
Conclusion
The 2023 season of Dancing with the Stars was a true celebration of talent, dedication, and transformation. While many contestants brought their best to the floor, it was Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev who ultimately triumphed, securing the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Their victory marks the culmination of a season filled with unforgettable moments, emotional growth, and, of course, extraordinary dance routines. As we look forward to future seasons of Dancing with the Stars, Charity’s journey serves as a reminder that with determination and the right partner, anyone can achieve greatness—even in the world of competitive ballroom dancing.
