"DWTS" Finale Recap: And the Winner Is…
It’s beyond crazy that Season 28 of “Dancing With the Stars” is over. This has to have been one of the most dramatic seasons in the show’s history, complete with major injuries, last-minute mother-daughter replacements, shocking eliminations, controversial contestants—the works. But it’s also been one of our favorite seasons, because the dancing has been next-level amazing, week after week.
Last night’s finale required every couple to perform twice: first, a dance they’d done before, and then, of course, their freestyle. And we are such suckers for a good freestyle, when the professionals and stars can bring their personalities to the ballroom, and you never know quite what to expect.
In case you missed it, here are all of last night’s freestyle performances—plus the Season 28 champions!
Ally Brooke and Sasha Farber
Okay, Ally Brooke, we see you, manifesting your own destiny in the finale by starting your freestyle inside a giant Mirror Ball. Ally and her partner Sasha Farber performed a fast-paced, energetic number jam-packed with Latin and contemporary elements. We were a little surprised to see the couple still struggling with some of their more challenging lifts, but the judges loved the performance, awarding the couple three 10s.
Lauren Alaina and Gleb Savchenko
We love, love, LOVED watching “country girl” Lauren Alaina get back to her roots—and loved watching everyone’s favorite Russian stud Gleb Savchenko get into the vibe, too! Lauren and Gleb’s freestyle was more about having fun than anything else, and it managed to feature line dancing, Luke Bryan, and lots of cowboy hat choreography. The judges gave the country couple three 10s, for a perfect 30.
Hannah Brown and Alan Bersten
We’re just going to say it: This girl was on FIRE. We were absolutely blown away by Hannah Brown’s freestyle with partner Alan Bersten. She delivered a powerful performance, with elements of Argentine tango, waltz, jazz, and hip hop, and some totally jaw-dropping lifts thrown in for good measure. The judges gave Hannah and Alan three 10s, and Carrie Ann Inaba even described the freestyle as “victorious.” 👀
Kel Mitchell and Witney Carson
Kel Mitchell and Witney Carson’s freestyle made us want to “Jump” (sorry not sorry) up and dance along with them. The duo’s routine was inspired by Kel’s hometown, Chicago, and they totally brought the Chi-town funk—lowrider car and all. It’s rare that we see serious hip hop in the ballroom, but Kel and Witney’s freestyle totally delivered. The duo received two 10s and a 9 (and head judge Len Goodman got more than a few boos for docking them a point).
So after all that amazing dancing, who was awarded the Mirror Ball Trophy? Your Season 28 champs are…
…HANNAH BROWN AND ALAN BERSTEN!
We’re totally thrilled for Hannah. After all, who needs a final rose when you’ve got a Mirror Ball?
