‘Dancing With the Stars’ Crowns New Champion and Ends Season 30 With a Bang

Dancing With the Stars has officially ended their milestone season. Fans and critics alike are describing the season 30 finale as one of the best in quite some time. What a way to pay homage to 30 seasons than to have former pro and judge Julianne Hough on the judging panel, filling in for her brother Derek who had a breakthrough case of COVID.

yeah this is by far the best finale we’ve had in years

— sam (@berstcns) November 23, 2021

The night kicked off with an incredible opening number to “Dynamite” by BTS, choreographed by Tessandra Chavez. All of this season’s contestants came back for one final number with their pro partners.

Shortly after, it was time for the fusion round, which had not happened since season 25. This round challenges the pairings to combine two different styles and create a cohesive piece. While the fusion round was nostalgic for long-time fans, everyone was excited about the famous freestyle round.

In a round where all rules are out the window, the pairings gave it all to leave one final impression on the judges and voters.

Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby and partner Cheryl Burke brought the sass with their piece to “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels” by Todrick Hall. Rigsby pulled out all the stops from a sparkly jumpsuit to sliding down a pole. Viewers gushed with excitement as this is the Cody they were dying to see all season long.

Co-host of The Talk Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten danced a gorgeous contemporary to “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay. The pair started their piece by descending from the ceiling in beautiful sparkling outfits. Judges and fans gushed over Amanda’s joy throughout the piece, and it was a fantastic ending to her journey.

Personality Jojo Siwa and partner Jenna Johnson continued to make history with their freestyle to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Siwa and Johnson were the show’s first same-sex dance couple, and to create a full-circle moment, the end of the piece featured other pros dancing in same-sex pairings.

Former NBA player Iman Shumpert and partner Daniella Karagach closed out the night with a hip-hop freestyle to “Lose Control” by Missy Elliott. While the duo is most known for their gravity-defying lifts, their freestyle was full of Chicago footwork, paying homage to Shumpert’s hometown. As expected, the crowd roared with excitement, and the judges commended the two on their underdog journey.

Finally, the moment we were all waiting for arrived. During the night, host Tyra Banks noted that two of the couples’ scores were separated by 0.3%. With such a tight season, it was anybody’s game.

In fourth place were Amanda Kloots and Alan Bersten, and Cody Rigsby and Cheryl Burke landed in third place.

With less than 60 seconds left to announce the new champion, everyone was on the edge of their seat. Host Tyra Banks mentioned that whether Siwa or Shumpert won, someone would be making history.

As the credits rolled, Banks excitedly announced that Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach were the new Dancing With the Stars champions. Shumpert is making history as the first basketball player to win a Mirrorball.

.@imanshumpert was left speechless after winning @DancingABC

(via @Gleb_Savchenko) pic.twitter.com/Y3QfOSggdf

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 23, 2021

We see all the pros and contestants rush to the winning couple to congratulate and lift the new winners, then that’s it. Season 30 of Dancing With the Stars is officially over, and fans could not be prouder of all the contestants for their hard work and determination in a season with immense talent.

THIS IS SO WHOLESOMEEEEE #DWTS pic.twitter.com/ZJc08FVQ0Q

— nic ミ☆ (@dwtsbach) November 23, 2021

Ten weeks came and went, but in no time, we’ll be speculating about the season 31 cast. Keep up with Dancing With the Stars on Twitter for updates about the 2022 season.

Until then, you can relive the magic on Hulu for a limited time.