‘DWTS’ Season 29 Finale Recap: A New Winner Is Crowned

It’s down to the final four on ‘DWTS.’ After epic performances and many perfect scores, a new winner was announced during the star-studded finale event.

After weeks of intense competition, Dancing With the Stars is down to just four couples: Justina Machado and Sasha Farber, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev, Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson, and Nelly and Daniella Karagach. They are competing one last time during the Nov. 23 season 29 finale. At the end of the night, only one celebrity and their partner will win.

The night kicks off with all the pros dancing together to Irene Cara’s “What a Feeling.” Host Tyra Banks makes her grand entrance in a stunning ruffled ball gown in the most gorgeous baby blue hue. She accessorizes with massive triangle earrings that hit her shoulders!

Kaitlyn and Artem are the first final couple to perform in the finale. Their first dance is a repeat of their iconic Argentine tango to “Toxic” by Britney Spears, which earned them a perfect score the first time. The judges give Kaitlyn and Artem a standing ovation. Derek says that was a “perfect” dance that proves why Kaitlyn and Artem “deserve to be here.” Bruno admits he is “panting” over the performance, and it was better the second time around. Carrie Ann declares that this performance is now one of her top 3 favorite dances of all-time! Kaitlyn and Artem’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

Nelly and Daniella repeat their samba to “Rhythm of the Night” by DeBarge. Bruno admits that he loves watching Nelly because there’s such a “natural feel” to him. He says there were a couple of technical issues, but he still enjoyed the performance. Carrie Ann tells Nelly that he proves why this show is more than just about the technique, and she has loved watching his journey this season. Derek echos what Carrie Ann says and declares Nelly a “moment maker.” Nelly and Daniella’s scores: Carrie Ann = 9; Derek = 9; and Bruno = 9. Total score = 27 out of 30.

Nev and Jenna repeat their “Swan Lake” paso doble, and it’s absolutely stunning — again. Carrie Ann says the performance was “once again perfection” just like it was the first time. Derek says the performance was “so fantastic,” and Bruno raves that Nev and Jenna “created even more dramatic structure” the second time around. Nev and Jenna’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

Justina and Sasha return to the ballroom after being saved by the judges last week. They repeat their cha-cha to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin from week one! Halfway through the performance, Justina decides to take things to the next level and sing! Derek declares Justina is just “sensational to watch.” Bruno can’t stop raving about Justina and says she was almost “too hot to trot.” Carrie Ann gets in a few words and says Justina always knows how to “bring it.” Justina and Sasha’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

Before the finalists show off their freestyle routine, Derek performance for his second time this season. He wows with an incredible routine to FINNEAS’ “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night.” Nelly and Daniella are the first finalists to perform their freestyle routine to “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion and “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G. The performance is perfectly Nelly. Bruno says the performance was “just right” for him. Carrie Ann calls the freestyle “magical” and gives her hope for the future. Derek gushes over the intro and when Nelly wasn’t holding on to Daniella during one of the lifts. Nelly and Daniella’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30. Their first perfect score!

Kaitlyn and Artem’s freestyle is to “Sparkling Diamonds” from Moulin Rouge. It is a stunning spectacle. Carrie Ann admits Moulin Rouge is her favorite film and she had high expectations that Kaitlyn exceeded. Carrie Ann that she’s “so proud” of Kaitlyn.” Bruno notes that the performance was “jam-packed with content.” Kaitlyn and Artem’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

Nev and Jenna take on “Singin’ in the Rain” by District 78 for their freestyle. Derek raves that this is a song for a leading man, and Nev is that man. He also says that Nev brings out the best in Jenna. Bruno admits he was “not expecting that,” and the performance was “show-stopping.” Nev and Jenna’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

The final freestyle of the night comes from Justina and Sasha. They dance to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez and “Bamboleo” by The Gypsy Kings. Bruno stands up and declares it was a “celebration of the Latin spirit.” Derek says he couldn’t think of a better freestyle to finish off the night! Justina and Sasha’s scores: Carrie Ann = 10; Derek = 10; and Bruno = 10. Total score = 30 out of 30.

Before the final results, Nelly performs a medley of his hits. Fourth place goes to Justina and Sasha. Third place goes to Nelly and Daniella. Kaitlyn and Artem are in the final two, along with Nev and Jenna. The season 29 winners are KAITLYN AND ARTEM!