After all, it is the season that gave us Maks as Khal Drogo.
We were moved to tears thanks to a Willy Wonka-themed Viennese Waltz.
We bore witness to the strange bromance of Vanilla Ice and Rick Perry.
Credit: Eric McCandless/ABC
There was an engagement and a ballroom shower and an Urkel sighting.
Oh, and Megatron danced on a gosh darned treadmill.
So many things to be thankful for!
Theres also lots of pro performances and musical acts.
Plus, were skipping over Thanksgiving and heading straight for Christmas.
If it means seeing little Laurie living her best life while wearing a Santa hat, Im on board.
Will it be Laurie, James, or Calvin who claims that glittery prize?
I DONT KNOW AND THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME.
Brunos dreams come true when Jana and Gleb dance their group shower Argentine tango one last time.
My dreams come true before my eyes as Vanilla Ice performs Ice Ice Baby live onDancing With the Stars.
Our three outstanding couples have I made it clear yet how much I loved this season?
One last time, shall we?
24-HOUR FUSION CHALLENGE
James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess
Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz
Why does this ever have to end?
Queen Sharna is having the time of her life… and James isnt so bad either.
They glide and turn and underarm pass their little hearts out.
James and Sharnas final dance is just as graceful and elegant as youd expect.
The judges talk about their emotional partnership, but theres not much left to say.
These two are great, and theres a James and Sharna shaped hole in my heart already.
Calvin and Lindsays friendship has been a joy to watch on and off the dance floor.
Theyre all about having fun and thats true of their final dance as well.
Like James, Calvin gets two dance styles that suit him perfectly.
The jive and quickstep let him show off Megatron The Entertainer one last time.
The dance is full of content and charm.
The judges eat it up, of course.
Theres nothing to gripe about when it comes to Calvin.
Most especially not his choice to wear a fully rhinestoned blazer for his last number.
Laurie says she doesnt like goodbyes, so Val just says, Ill see you later.
The tears are flowing now.
Their lifts are strong and their foxtrot is elegant.
Carrie Ann even calls it Lauries best dance of the season.
Now comes the part Im pretty sure everyone involved has been dreading: announcing a winner.
All three of these couples are deserving and it is really anyones game.
When has this ever happened before?
Oh, Megatron, I shall miss you most of all.
Now comes the moment three months in the making: the IndyCar driver versus the gymnast.
And then suddenly, that Mirrorball trophy has a new home.
Congratulations to the season 23 champions,Laurie and Val!
A gold medal, a Mirrorball trophy, and an endless supply of strength, charm, and giggles?
When I grow up, I want to be Laurie Hernandez.
And thats a wrap on season 23.
What a glorious, bedazzled ride it was.
Season 24 has some big, sparkly shoes to fill.
