Katelyn Cummins has been crowned the winner of Dancing with the Stars 2026 after an emotional grand finale filled with big performances, happy tears and plenty of joy.
The Rose of Tralee star and her pro partner Leonardo Lini lifted the Glitterball Trophy on Sunday night after topping the leaderboard with two perfect scores and winning over the public at home.
Reacting to her win, an emotional Katelyn said: "This is just not real! What a past seven months I've had. Winning Rose of Tralee, this, two massive wins in a year, I could never have imagined this would be my life. I am just so happy I got to share it with Leonardo."
Here's the story of the night:
The Dancing with the Stars grand finale got off to a high-energy start on Sunday night, with the finalists, pro dancers and judges taking to the floor for an opening number to Vanessa Amorosi's Absolutely Everybody.
By the end of an emotional night filled with happy tears, smiles and plenty of laughs, Eric Roberts, Tolü Makay, Paudie Moloney and Katelyn Cummins had each made their final bid for the Glitterball Trophy, before the eliminated contestants returned for a big group performance to Myles Smith’s Stay (If You Wanna Dance).
Each of the four finalists performed twice, first revisiting a routine chosen by the judges and then returning for a freestyle showdance as the competition reached its climax.
Eric Roberts and pro partner Arianna Favaro were first out on the floor with a reprise of their Charleston to Happy by Derek Martin, and they wasted no time in setting the standard for the night.
The routine earned glowing praise from the judges, with Oti Mabuse calling it "a fantastic" way to open the show, while Arthur Gourounlian said Eric was "born to do this Charleston".
Brian Redmond praised the performance under pressure, and Karen Byrne said he had somehow managed to improve on the original. The couple scored a perfect 40.
Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba followed with their American Smooth to Olivia Dean’s Man I Need, another routine that clearly struck a chord with the panel.
Oti said Tolü embodied what the show is all about, describing her as a complete novice who had grown week after week.
Arthur called the performance "so beautiful and emotional", while Brian said she fully deserved her place in the final.
Karen described it as "effortlessly elegant" and "divine", as the pair also picked up 40 points.
Next up were Paudie Moloney and Laura Nolan, who returned to their Week 4 Quickstep to Stop the World and Let Me Off by Declan Nerney.
Oti said it was the dance where things had started to change for him in the competition, while Arthur told him he was proof that age is just a number.
Brian said Paudie had continued to improve throughout the series, and Karen said her face was sore from smiling. They scored 28 points.
The final judges’ choice performance of the night came from Katelyn Cummins and Leonardo Lini, who revived their Movie Week American Smooth to Whistle While You Work by Rachel Zegler.
It proved to be another standout moment, with Oti calling it "perfection" from head to toe.
Arthur praised Katelyn’s versatility, Brian described it as "dance perfection", and Karen said it was an outstanding full production from beginning to end. They also received a perfect 40.
The finalists then returned for their showdances, with Eric and Arianna first back on the floor for a freestyle to Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
Once again, the judges were full of praise. Oti said she was lost for words, Arthur said he was still shaking, and Karen told Eric he had shown off his best qualities. The couple picked up another 40.
Tolü and Maciej brought energy and attitude to their freestyle performance of " Kill the Lights by Alex Newell, Jess Glynne, DJ Cassidy and Nile Rodgers.
Arthur said he was proud of everything Tolü had achieved in the competition and praised her courage and hard work, while Karen called it a joy to watch from beginning to end. They scored 37 points.
Paudie and Laura then took to the ballroom for their showdance to Andy Williams’ Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.
Oti praised his fighting spirit and entertainment value, while Arthur said it had been his honour to watch him in the competition.
Brian said Paudie had shown that the series is about far more than just dancing, and Karen said he had put a smile on everybody’s face. They finished with 29 points.
Closing the competitive performances were Katelyn and Leonardo, who delivered their freestyle to Ordinary by Alex Warren.
It was another major moment in the final, earning rapturous praise and a third perfect score of the night.
Oti said Katelyn had been incredible every week and called the routine the cherry on top, while Arthur said it took his breath away.
Brian praised her for staying true to herself throughout the competition, and Karen described it as one of those rare moments that was "everything and more".
As the vote remained in the hands of the public, the final scoreboard left Eric and Arianna, and Katelyn and Leonardo tied at the top on 80 points, with Tolü and Maciej on 77, and Paudie and Laura on 57.
But it was Katelyn and Leonardo who ultimately won over the viewers at home, capping off a remarkable run on the show and another unforgettable milestone in what has already been a huge year for the new Dancing with the Stars champion.
You can watch the full season of Dancing with the Stars on the RTÉ Player.
