Stunning 40/40 score in the final.
Gymnast Laurie Hernandez couldn’t contain her glee as she and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy won season 23 of Dancing With The Stars after the two-hour-long final on Tuesday night.
“It felt amazing,” Hernandez told E News after her big win. “We were able to go through this journey of 11 weeks together. I feel like because of this show I’ve really sprouted and matured as a person. It’s been such an amazing roller-coaster experience. I wouldn’t give it up for the world.”
The pair stole the show with their fusion dance of foxtrot/argentine tango mixed with athletics numbers to win the Mirrorball. The duo beat James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess and Calvin Johnson and Lindsay Arnold to become the champions of season 23.
“It’s awesome,” Val, who had won season 20 with Rumer Willis, said. “It’s absolutely unparalleled how fulfilling it is to work with a young girl like that, see her blossom…and grow and ultimately come out triumphant.”
Judges lauded the performance of Hernandez and Val as they got a perfect 40 out of 40. For the first time in the history of the competition, the finalists included all professional athletes. Hernandez is the youngest contestant in the history of the show to win the top prize.
“My goal is to inspire others as I go on with my journey, and thank you for being there for me,” she told Billboard.com.
The 18-year-old gymnast is passionate about going ahead with dancing. Now, she will be seen on the Dance With The Stars tour.