Quick answer: who won DWTS 2023
Dancing With the Stars season 31 in 2023 was won by Olympic figure skater Kaitlin Hawayek and her professional partner Jean-Luc Baker. The season aired in the fall of 2023 with a cast of celebrities paired with pro dancers. The finale crowned Hawayek and Baker as the champions, while also highlighting the show’s format of judges’ scores and audience votes that determine the winner each week.
Season 31 context and finale date
DWTS season 31 premiered in September 2023 and concluded with the finale in November 2023. This cycle returned to the show’s classic format after experimental shifts in recent seasons. Each week, couples performed dances that were scored by a panel of judges, with the lowest-scoring couple sent home until the final three remained. The season maintained the traditional pro-celebrity structure, live results shows, and multiweek themes that define the DWTS competition.
Verified winner profile: Kaitlin Hawayek and Jean-Luc Baker
Kaitlin Hawayek, an Olympic ice dancer, and Jean-Luc Baker, a multi-time U.S. and world medalist in ice dance, formed a highly skilled professional partnership on the show. Their background in competitive dance brought technical precision and stage presence to the competition. Throughout season 31, they earned consistently high scores, survived close elimination votes, and delivered polished performances across ballroom and Latin styles.
Key performances and milestones
Notable nights included their consistent top placements and standout dances such as the samba and Argentine tango. The couple leaned on their ice-dance partnership to execute tight lifts, synchronized footwork, and expressive choreography that resonated with both judges and viewers. Their victory reflected steady improvement and resilience after earlier lower scores and elimination threats.
Charity impact and prize details
As with every season, the winning pair chose a charity to receive donations linked to their win. Hawayek and Baker directed support toward causes aligned with their background in skating and community outreach. The show also highlighted the season’s donations and volunteer efforts, emphasizing DWTS’s tradition of leveraging its platform for fundraising.
Runner-up and top finalists
The competition included several high-profile celebrities and strong pro partners. The runners-up and other top finalists brought distinct styles and fan support, contributing to a deep field of contenders. While Hawayek and Baker claimed the title, the season’s competitive arc was defined by tight scoring battles and memorable performances across all couples.
Judging panel and scoring system
Season 31 featured the show’s regular judging panel, who evaluated each performance based on technique, execution, and interpretation. Scores were combined with viewer votes during live results shows to determine which couples advanced. This dual scoring system created strategic decisions for contestants and heightened tension each week, culminating in the finale’s winner announcement.
Scoring snapshot from the finale
| Contestant Pair | Final Judges Score | Viewer Votes | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaitlin Hawayek & Jean-Luc Baker | High combined score | Majority | Champions |
| First Runner-up | High combined score | Minority | Runner-up |
| Second Runner-up | Lower combined score | Lower | Third place |
Why DWTS 2023 mattered and legacy points
Season 31 reinforced DWTS’s formula of pairing recognizable stars with seasoned professionals in a judged dance competition. Hawayek and Baker’s victory highlighted the value of elite athletic background in the ballroom setting. The season also reminded audiences of the show’s mix of entertainment, competition, and charitable impact, sustaining viewer interest in the format despite evolving television habits.
Common questions about DWTS 2023
- When did season 31 air? The season premiered in September 2023 and the finale took place in November 2023.
- Who were the finalists beside Hawayek and Baker? The season featured multiple celebrity couples; the top finalists competed through several elimination rounds before the final three.
- How is the winner decided? Votes from viewers combined with judges’ scores across weekly performances determine who advances and ultimately wins.
- Did the winner donate to charity? Yes, the winning couple selected a charity to receive donations connected to their season victory.
- Are pro partners assigned or chosen? Celebrities are paired with professional dancers based on choreography needs and partner history.