"DWTS" Week 11 Recap: And the Winner Is…

November 23, 2020

Y’all, this season of “Dancing with the Stars” was truly one for the books. And not just because the “DWTS” team managed to pull off a reality TV show in the midst of a global pandemic, but because the dancing was truly some of the best we’ve ever seen. Like, “We went into the finale with no idea who would win,” level dancing.

And with such an iconic season of “DWTS,” the finale was bound to be iconic, too—which it most certainly was. We got to see each star recreate their favorite number from the season, and then, of course, their freestyle dance. And as always, the freestyles were one of our fave parts of the season. After all, when you give these pros and celebs free rein of the ballroom, you never know quite what to expect.

So in case you missed last night’s episode (or in case you were too busy mourning the end of our “DWTS” recaps until next season) we rounded up all of the best dancing from the finale—and who walked away with the Mirrorball Trophy.

Nelly and Daniella Karagach

We want to take a second to shout out the amazing Daniella Karagach, first-time “DWTS” professional and our ultimate girl crush, for making it all the way to the finale. What a way to kick off your career as a pro!

Nelly and Daniella were one of our fave couples to watch all season long, and naturally, their freestyle was no different. This was one of the most epic freestyles we’ve ever seen, complete with gilded thrones, gold bars, fur coats, and, of course, some incredible dancing. Nelly and Daniella moved and grooved all over the ballroom, performing some of the most gravity-defying lifts we’ve seen in a minute. Also, they danced to “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion, which was about as amazing as you’d expect. The judges gave #TeamDaNelly three 10s, for a total 30.

Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson

Nev Schulman and partner Jenna Johnson gave us Old Hollywood inspo in this absolutely gorgeous freestyle. And honestly, after watching this performance, we’re going to be mad if we don’t see our main man Nev on Broadway upon its reopening. He has serious leading man potential, and the moves to back it up!

And Nev and Jenna weren’t just “Singin’ in the Rain”—they were dancin’ in it, too. We’re suckers for any freestyle that incorporates a dramatic element like *real rainfall* and we absolutely loved this one. The judges did too, giving Nev and Jenna three 10s, for a total 30.

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev

Okay, while we’re on the subject of “DWTS” celebs appearing on Broadway, we would officially like to cast our vote for Kaitlyn Bristowe as Karen Olivo’s replacement in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Because our girl Kaitlyn sparkled like a *diamond* in her Moulin Rouge-inspired freestyle performance last night.

This freestyle was all about showmanship, incorporating aspects of every dance form from quickstep to Charleston to jazz—and every step was completed with a signature Kaitlyn Bristowe smile. This is a girl who loves to perform, y’all. The judges gave Kaitlyn and partner Artem Chigvitnsev three 10s, for a perfect 30.

Justina Machado and Sasha Farber

We got to see Justina Machado serving Beyoncé realness last night, folks. She started off her *iconic* freestyle dancing with none other than herself—or about 50 versions of herself. And while there are few who can measure up to the Queen B, Miss Machado did pretty darn well.

Justina and partner Sasha Farber brought all the energy to the ballroom (and of course, we were expecting nothing less from this high-octane couple). They shimmied and shook all over the place, focusing on Latin flair by incorporating elements of paso doble, salsa, and samba. The judges gave Justina and Sasha (you guessed it!) three 10s, for a total 30.

So after all of that dazzling dancing, who took home the Mirrorball Trophy? Your season 29 winners are…

…KAITLYN BRISTOWE AND ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV!

Another win
for #BachelorNation! We’re starting to wonder if we should rename this show “Bachelorettes in the Ballroom”…