December 28, 2024

Derek Hough tears up saying Len Goodman would have loved Xochitl Gomez’s waltz on DWTS

Xochitl #Xochitl

Xochitl Gomez is living la vie en rose.

The young Marvel star moved the Dancing With the Stars judges to tears on Tuesday night’s season 32 semifinals. After delivering an elegant and romantic waltz to “La Vie En Rose,” Gomez and partner Val Chmerkovskiy were met with an emotional judging panel.

Derek Hough made note of the fact that winning season 32 comes with extra importance because it will be the first winner of the newly rechristened Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named in honor of the show’s late head judge. “Len would have loved that dance,” he told her through tears. “That was absolutely perfect.”

Val Chmerkovskiy and Xochitl Gomez on ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

Disney+/ ABC

Carrie Ann Inaba was also overcome with emotion in response to the dance and Hough’s remarks. “You really touched my heart,” she said through tears. “I just felt like I never wanted it to end. That was stunning.”

Inaba also paid tribute to Goodman with her perfect score of 10, saying, “If it was Len, he’d give it a 10.” The duo earned a 30 out of 30 from the judges panel, sending them out of the night with a perfect total score of 60 points.

Val Chmerkovskiy and Xochitl Gomez on ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

Disney+/ ABC

Goodman has been the subject of many tears and reminisces this season, including a special tribute dance to “Moon River” choreographed and danced by the pros. The late head judge retired from Dancing With the Stars at the end of season 31 before passing away in April from cancer.

The show did not replace Goodman at the judges’ table, instead bringing in guest judges for many of the episodes throughout season 32.

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+ and streams the following day on Hulu.

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