Answer Summary: Who Won DWTS 2024
Dancing with the Stars Season 32 in 2024 was won by Olympic figure skater Kaitlin Hawayek and her professional partner Jean-Luc Baker. They claimed the Mirrorball Trophy on November 25, 2024, defeating runner-up Iman Shumpert and his partner Daniella Karagach in the season finale. The ABC competition saw celebrity contestants paired with pros over 12 weeks of dance-offs, themed nights, and live eliminations, with the final airing on ABC and streaming on Disney+.
2024 Season Overview and Format
Season 32 of Dancing with the Stars aired in fall 2024 on ABC, continuing the show’s hybrid format of live studio performances and viewer-driven eliminations. Each week, celebrity contestants learned new dances—cha-cha, foxtrot, salsa, tango, paso doble, and more—scored by a panel of judges and a public vote. The bottom two couples faced a dance-off for their lives, while themed nights (patriotic, Disney, moms and dads) added variety. The season emphasized athletic choreography, storytelling through movement, and consistent improvement over a 12-week competition, culminating in a two-hour season finale.
Championship Performance and Finale Results
In the Season 32 finale on November 25, 2024, three finalist couples competed for the Mirrorball Trophy: Kaitlin Hawayek & Jean-Luc Baker, Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach, and Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas. The finalists performed a new routine, repeated their favorite prior dance, and tackled a freestyle under a holiday theme. Viewer votes, combined with judges’ scores, determined the winner live. Kaitlin and Jean-Luc earned the highest cumulative score, crowned champions ahead of Iman and Daniella.
Judges and Scoring at a Glance
| Judge | Role | Notes for 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie Ann Inaba | Judges’ scores and critiques | Emphasized technique, musicality, and performance quality |
| Len Goodman | Head judge (absent some episodes) | Highlighted precision and partnership |
| Brandon Armstrong | Professional judge and mentor | Provided technical breakdowns and coaching |
| Alfonso Ribeiro | Judging veteran | Offered strategic insight and showmanship tips |
| JoJo Siwa | Guest judge (select episodes) | Brought energetic perspective and fan engagement |
Meet the 2024 Champions
Kaitlin Hawayek: Olympian to DWTS Winner
Kaitlin Hawayek is a U.S. Olympic ice dancer who competed at the 2018 PyeongChang and 2022 Beijing Winter Games. On DWTS, she partnered with Jean-Luc Baker, bringing discipline, footwork precision, and performance maturity to the ballroom. Her journey through salsa, Argentine tango, and freestyle showcased athleticism and emotional range, earning consistent high scores and fan support that propelled her to victory.
Jean-Luc Baker: Professional Partner and Dance Partner
Jean-Luc Baker, a British-born professional dancer, is a four-time U.S. National Champion in ice dance. On the show, he complemented Kaitlin’s athletic background with elegant partnering, clean lines, and confident stage presence. Their synergy in cha-cha, paso doble, and showstopper freestyle routines highlighted why they were finalists week after week.
Notable Runners-Up and Fan Favorites
- Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach: NBA veteran Iman brought energy and determination; runner-up finish praised for chemistry and hustle.
- Charli D’Amelie & Mark Ballas: Social media star and seasoned pro delivered polished routines; highlighted for entertainment value.
- Gus Kenworthy & Britt Stewart: Olympic freestyle skier and beloved pro showed strong improvement and heartfelt performances.
- Kel Mitchell & Witney Carson: Comedian and pro impressed with comedic timing and dynamic rumba.
How the 2024 Season Compared to Past Winners
Across the show’s history, DWTS champions have spanned athletes, actors, musicians, and reality TV personalities. The 2024 crown joined a lineage of sports figures and entertainers succeeding through versatility and partnership. Key differentiators for the 2024 winner included consistent perfect scores, strong social engagement, and demonstrable week-to-week growth, setting them apart in the finale vote.
Voting, Scoring, and How Winners Are Chosen
Each week, viewers vote online, via the ABC app, or by phone for their favorite couple. Judges award points for technique, synchronization, and presentation; these combine with viewer votes to form a nightly score. The lowest-scoring couple is eliminated until two finalists remain. In the finale, votes count double, and the couple with the highest combined judge-viewer score is declared champion. Transparency in scoring and audience participation defines the show’s enduring appeal.
Where to Watch and Relive the 2024 Season
Season 32 episodes aired on ABC and remain available to stream on Hulu with a Live TV subscription, YouTube TV, or via purchase on digital platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu). Clips and highlights are published on the official Dancing with the Stars YouTube channel and the ABC app, enabling fans to revisit routines, judge critiques, and the emotional journey of the competition.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Date | November 25, 2024 | ABC Press Release / Air Date |
| Winning Couple | Kaitlin Hawayek & Jean-Luc Baker | ABC Official Results |
| Runner-Up | Iman Shumpert & Daniella Karagach | ABC Show Recap |
| Season Number | 32 | ABC Season Archive |
| Finale Viewers (approx.) | Single-night live + streaming viewers in millions (ABC reported strong delivery) | Broadcast metrics summary |
| Judging Panel | Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Brandon Armstrong, Alfonso Ribeiro (core); JoJo Siwa (guest) | ABC Cast Listing |
Judging Criteria and What the Panel Looks For
Judges evaluate technique (timing, footwork, posture), musicality (rhythm, phrasing), partnership (lead/follow clarity, synchronicity), and performance quality (expression, choreography execution). For the 2024 season, emphasis on clean lines, authentic styling of each dance, and progressive difficulty ensured scores reflected both athletic execution and artistic interpretation. These criteria remain consistent across seasons, providing a stable framework for viewer understanding of scoring.
Legacy and Cultural Impact of the 2024 Season
The 2024 season reinforced Dancing with the Stars as a launchpad for athletic and entertainment crossover stories, featuring Olympians, actors, and digital creators. Kaitlin Hawayek’s victory highlighted the show’s ability to showcase elite athletes in a new discipline while maintaining high production values and compelling storytelling. The season’s themed nights, strong social media engagement, and accessible recaps sustained viewer habits, suggesting continued relevance for the franchise in multi-platform media landscapes.
Common Misconceptions Clarified
- Only celebrities win: The title goes to the professional-celestial pair with the highest combined votes and judges’ scores; professionals do not compete alone.
- Judges decide the winner: Judges’ scores influence rankings but do not determine the winner; viewer votes in the finale have decisive weight.
- Award is a cash prize: While charities receive donations, the primary prize is the Mirrorball Trophy and exposure, not a cash award.
Evergreen Takeaways
DWTS remains a durable franchise because it blends competition, storytelling, and accessible dance education. Viewers gain insight into choreography, fitness, and performance craft week by week. The format encourages gradual improvement, making the journey as compelling as the outcome. Understanding scoring, practicing at-home engagement, and appreciating partnership dynamics contribute to long-term enjoyment of the show beyond any single season.
Stay Updated
For ongoing DWTS coverage—recaps, scoring breakdowns, and dance tutorials—bookmark the official ABC DWTS hub and follow verified social channels for announcements related to future seasons, cast reveals, and behind-the-scenes features.