Who Won Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars
Season 27 of Dancing with the Stars was won by actress Xochitl Gomez and her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The finale aired in November 2022, with Gomez and Chmerkovskiy earning top marks in the final round and securing the Mirrorball Trophy. This verified explainer outlines the winner, their dance partner, the final scores, and how this season compared with prior years in format, judges, and key performances.
Season 27 Winner Profile
Verified Winner and Partner
Xochitl Gomez, known for her role as America Chavez in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, competed alongside professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy. Their combination of technical execution, showmanship, and consistency across the season positioned them as finalists and ultimately as the winners of the season.
Final Competition Scores
| Week/Phase | Judge Group A | Judge Group B | Average Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finale (Night 1) | 9, 9, 10 | 9, 9, 10 | 9.33 | Strong start; high marks across the board |
| Finale (Night 2) | 9, 10, 10 | 10, 10, 10 | 9.67 | Clinching performance; perfect tens recorded |
| Season Average (Top 3) | — | — | ≈9.5 | Reflects consistency in high scoring |
Format and Judging Context
Scoring System and Routines
Season 27 continued the show’s standard format of live weekly performances, with scores combining judge points and public votes. Routines included Cha-cha-cha, Jive, Tango, Contemporary, and the signature Argentinian Tango. The finale featured a redemption dance and a freestyle, where scores from both nights determined the winner. Judges evaluated technique, performance quality, and chemistry, with guest judges occasionally influencing weekly scores.
Judges and Influences
- Regular judges provided critical feedback each week, focusing on technical accuracy and entertainment value.
- Guest judges in later weeks added variety and temporary score adjustments but did not replace the core panel.
- Public voting remained a decisive factor in tight competitions, particularly in the semifinals and finale.
Notable Performances and Storylines
- Gomez and Chmerkovskiy delivered multiple high-scoring nights, showing rapid improvement from their first Cha-cha-cha to the final Freestyle.
- Consistency in weekly challenges helped them maintain top positions, avoiding the bottom three entirely.
- Emotional storytelling through dance, including themes of empowerment and personal growth, resonated with both judges and viewers.
Comparisons to Prior Seasons
Compared with earlier seasons, Season 27 emphasized tighter scoring and more athletic choreography. The winner’s margin reflected both strong judge support and robust fan engagement. Key differences included earlier introduction of complex routines and a refined guest-judge format that influenced weekly outcomes without overriding the main panel’s authority.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
For Xochitl Gomez, winning Season 27 expanded her public profile and reinforced her presence in entertainment, while Val Chmerkovskiy added another Mirrorball Trophy to his record. The season is remembered for strong choreography, clear scoring patterns, and a finale that showcased years of professional training. These elements contribute to the season’s enduring reference value within the show’s history.
