From Olympic athletes to reality TV personalities and Hollywood actors, the Dancing With the Stars Season 33 cast is packed with a diverse lineup of celebrities. As fans eagerly anticipate the new season, the burning question remains: who will win the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy? Let’s dive into the backgrounds of each Dancing With the Stars Season 33 contestant, exploring their claims to fame and any controversies they might be bringing to the dance floor.
The excitement for Dancing With the Stars 2024 is palpable. Predicting the winner is always a fun game, and while many have made their DWTS winner predictions, the magic of live television means anything can happen once the celebrities and their professional partners take to the dance floor. This season promises to be full of surprises, so let’s meet the Dancing With the Stars Season 33 contestants.
Confirmed Dancing With the Stars Season 33 Contestants
Stephen Nedoroscik
Stephen Nedoroscik on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Stephen Nedoroscik, an Olympic gymnast, is a contestant on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Rylee Arnold
Known For: Olympic Gymnastics
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik holds the distinction of being the first Dancing With the Stars Season 33 contestant announced. This two-time Olympic bronze medalist, celebrated for his prowess in the pommel horse, hails from Worcester, Massachusetts. His participation was revealed on Good Morning America on August 22, 2024. Nedoroscik expressed his enthusiasm on Good Morning America, stating, “I want to bring some of that gymnastics — maybe a backflip or handstand. I want to have fun with it.” Often likened to Clark Kent/Superman for his unassuming appearance and remarkable strength displayed during the Olympics, Nedoroscik is paired with Rylee Arnold, a professional partner who is the younger sister of former DWTS pro Lindsay Arnold. Rylee joined Dancing With the Stars in Season 32.
Eric Roberts
Eric Roberts on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Eric Roberts, a seasoned actor, joins the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Britt Stewart
Known For: Acclaimed Acting Career (The King of Gypsies, Runaway Train)
Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts, recognized for his roles in iconic films such as Runaway Train, Star 80, King of the Gypsies, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and Best of the Best, was confirmed as a Dancing With the Stars Season 33 cast member on September 4, 2024. Rumors of his participation had circulated previously, fueled by reports from Entertainment Tonight. Adding to his celebrity lineage, he is the brother of Julia Roberts and the father of Emma Roberts. Roberts is partnered with Britt Stewart, a seasoned professional partner who joined DWTS in Season 29.
Joey Graziadei
Joey Graziadei on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Joey Graziadei, known from reality TV, is set to compete on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Jenna Johnson
Known For: Reality TV Stardom (The Bachelor)
Reality TV personality Joey Graziadei, famous for his role as Season 28’s Bachelor, officially joined the Dancing With the Stars Season 33 cast on September 4, 2024. Graziadei, who also captured hearts as the runner-up on The Bachelorette Season 20, will be reunited on Dancing With the Stars with Jenn Tran, a finalist from his Bachelor season who went on to lead The Bachelorette Season 21. When Entertainment Tonight inquired about his potential Dancing With the Stars participation, Graziadei hinted, “Possibly. Like I said, I just did a year of reality TV so I’m okay taking a little break. But if that call comes, we’ll talk it over; we’ll see if it could happen.” He is paired with Jenna Johnson, a professional partner who has been with the show since Season 23.
Ilona Maher
Ilona Maher on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, is ready to tackle the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Alan Bersten
Known For: Olympic Rugby Medalist
Olympian Ilona Maher, a bronze medalist with the U.S. women’s national rugby sevens team at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, was unveiled as a Dancing With the Stars Season 33 cast member on September 4, 2024. She was among several Olympians rumored to be joining, alongside gymnast Jordan Chiles. Maher further fueled speculation by following the show’s official Instagram account. She is partnered with Alan Bersten, a professional partner who joined in Season 25. This rugby star’s athleticism will be interesting to watch on the dance floor.
Phaedra Parks
Phaedra Parks on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Phaedra Parks, a reality TV icon, is bringing her personality to Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Val Chmerkovskiy
Known For: Reality TV Royalty (The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Traitors)
Phaedra Parks, a reality TV star known for her appearances on Bravo hits like The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Married to Medicine, is officially part of the Dancing With the Stars Season 33 cast. She is paired with Val Chmerkovskiy, a seasoned professional partner who joined in Season 13 and secured victory last season with actor Xochitl Gomez. Parks, who also appeared as a traitor on The Traitors Season 2, has a history with the Chmerkovskiy family, having competed alongside Val’s brother, Maks Chmerkovskiy, on The Traitors, where she played a role in his elimination. Her reality TV experience and dynamic personality could make her a compelling contestant.
Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Danny Amendola, a former NFL star, is trading the football field for the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Witney Carson
Known For: NFL Champion (New England Patriots)
Danny Amendola, a retired NFL player with two Super Bowl wins as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots, is joining Dancing With the Stars. Since retiring in 2022, he has ventured into reality TV, appearing on FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, and also served as a coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. He is partnered with Witney Carson, a beloved professional partner who joined in Season 18 and is returning to Dancing With the Stars for Season 33 after a two-year break. His athletic background and competitive spirit could translate well to the ballroom.
Chandler Kinney
Chandler Kinney on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Chandler Kinney, an actress from Pretty Little Liars, is bringing her star power to Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Brandon Armstrong
Known For: Acting (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin)
Chandler Kinney, an actress best known for her starring role in Max’s Pretty Little Liars spin-off, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, is set to compete. She has also gained recognition for her roles in Disney Channel’s Zombies franchise. Kinney is paired with Brandon Armstrong, a professional partner who joined in Season 27. Her acting skills and youthful energy could make her a captivating dancer to watch.
Anna Delvey
Anna Delvey on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Anna Delvey, the “Fake Heiress,” is a controversial contestant on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Ezra Sosa
Known For: “Fake Heiress” Persona
Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, gained notoriety in 2018 following a Vanity Fair article detailing her alleged scams of businesses and individuals under the guise of a wealthy heiress, earning her the moniker “Fake Heiress.” Delvey’s story also inspired the Netflix series Inventing Anna. In 2019, she was convicted on eight counts, including grand larceny and theft of services, and sentenced to 12 years in prison, though she was released on good behavior in February 2021. Delvey’s casting has sparked controversy, with many Dancing With the Stars fans criticizing the show for featuring a convicted criminal. One Reddit user commented, “The DWTS producers have honestly lost their minds since Anna Delvey is on house arrest pending potential immigration….” Another user suggested a boycott, stating, “So let’s all boycott. I’m not watching the show until she’s eliminated. What a poor choice of casting. We can say no though and we need to start putting our foot down. They are nothing without viewers, so don’t watch until she’s gone.” Paired with Ezra Sosa, this Dancing With the Stars contestant is sure to be a talking point this season.
Brooks Nader
Brooks Nader on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Brooks Nader, a Sports Illustrated model, is bringing her glamour to Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Gleb Savchenko
Known For: Modeling Career (Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue)
Brooks Nader, a model recognized for her appearances in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issues, is joining the Dancing With the Stars cast. She has graced the pages of the magazine multiple times, most recently appearing on the cover of the 2023 issue in a Baywatch-themed photoshoot alongside Megan Fox, Kim Petras, and Martha Stewart. Nader’s journey with Sports Illustrated began after winning their Swim Search open casting call in 2019. She is partnered with Gleb Savchenko, a professional partner who joined in Season 16. Her poise and stage presence as a model could make her a strong competitor.
Reginald VelJohnson
Reginald Veljohnson on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Reginald VelJohnson, beloved for his role in Family Matters, is joining Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Emma Slater
Known For: Iconic TV and Film Roles (Family Matters, Die Hard)
Reginald VelJohnson, an actor best known for his portrayal of Carl Winslow on the long-running TV show Family Matters from 1989 to 1997, is a Dancing With the Stars Season 33 contestant. He is also recognized for his role as police officer Al Powell in the classic 1988 film Die Hard and its 1990 sequel, Die Hard 2. VelJohnson is partnered with Emma Slater, a professional partner who joined in Season 17. His charm and recognizable face will surely win over audiences.
Tori Spelling
Tori Spelling on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Tori Spelling, a 90210 icon, is set to dance on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Pasha Pashkov
Known For: Iconic Role in Beverly Hills, 90210
Tori Spelling, famous for her role as Donna Martin throughout all 10 seasons of Beverly Hills, 90210, is joining Dancing With the Stars. Spelling, who has also appeared in films like Troop Beverly Hills, is the daughter of renowned film and TV producer Aaron Spelling. In 2024, she filed for divorce from her husband, Dean McDermott, after 18 years of marriage. She is partnered with Pasha Pashkov, a professional partner who joined in Season 28. Her enduring popularity and personal story could resonate with viewers.
Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard on Dancing with the Stars Season 33
Dwight Howard, an NBA champion, is taking on a new challenge on Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Daniella Karagach
Known For: NBA Stardom and Championship
Dwight Howard, a professional NBA player who has played for teams like the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Lakers, is set to showcase his moves on the dance floor. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. After leaving the Lakers in 2022, he currently plays for a team in Taiwan. Howard is partnered with Daniella Karagach, who was the runner-up of Season 32 with singer Jason Mraz and joined DWTS in Season 29. His athleticism and competitive drive from the basketball court could make him a formidable dancer.
Jenn Tran
Jenn Tran on The Bachelorette
Jenn Tran, the Golden Bachelorette, is the final contestant announced for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Pro Partner: Sasha Farber
Known For: Reality TV Lead (The Bachelorette)
Jenn Tran, who led The Bachelorette Season 21, is the final Dancing with the Stars Season 33 contestant to be announced, joining on September 4, 2024, shortly after her season finale. Her finale revealed her breakup with her winner and former fiancé, Devin Strader. Tran is paired with Sasha Farber, a professional partner who joined in Season 17. Her recent experience in the spotlight and newfound single status could make her a fan favorite.
Who Were the Rumored Dancing With the Stars Season 33 Cast Members?
Cris Judd
Cris Judd
Cris Judd was rumored to be a Dancing With the Stars Season 33 contestant.
Speculation surrounding Jennifer Lopez’s marriage to Ben Affleck reportedly made her exes attractive prospects for Dancing With the Stars producers, according to The Daily Mail. Cris Judd, the first of these exes, met Lopez as a dancer in her music video “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” in 2000. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage in September 2001, followed by a split in June 2002.
Casper Smart
Casper Smart
Casper Smart was also rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Casper Smart, another of JLo’s exes, was also reportedly considered for Dancing With the Stars Season 33, as per The Daily Mail. Smart and JLo dated for five years, beginning in 2011, after he worked as a backup dancer on her tour. His dance background would have made him a natural fit for the competition.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Gypsy Rose Blanchard
Gypsy Rose Blanchard was a rumored contestant for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, a survivor of Munchausen by proxy, gained public attention after being convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her mother, Dee Dee, who subjected her to years of abuse. Released from prison in December 2023, Blanchard has since published a book and appeared on The Kardashians. However, her participation in Dancing With the Starss seemed unlikely due to her pregnancy and expected birth in January 2025.
A Baby Reindeer Cast Member
Baby Reindeer
Cast members from Baby Reindeer were rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning, stars of the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer, were reportedly on the radar for Dancing With the Stars Season 33, according to The Daily Mail. Gadd wrote and starred in the drama, while Gunning played his stalker. The show’s immense popularity made them potential draws for the dancing competition.
Joan Vassos
Joan Vassos, Golden Bachelorette
Joan Vassos, the Golden Bachelorette, was rumored to be considered for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
The first Golden Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, was also rumored to be in consideration for Dancing With the Stars, as reported by The Daily Mail. Vassos, 61, who left Gerry Turner’s season early to care for her daughter, would have had a busy schedule with her Golden Bachelorette season airing concurrently with Dancing with the Stars.
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark, a WNBA star, was rumored to be a target contestant for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
WNBA player and former college basketball star Caitlin Clark was reportedly a top target for the show. However, The Daily Mail reported that Clark declined the opportunity. Scheduling conflicts with the WNBA season, which concludes in mid-September, may have been a factor.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani, an MLB star, was rumored to be on the list for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was another athlete rumored to be of interest to the show, according to The Daily Mail. However, Ohtani’s participation in Dancing With the Stars seemed unlikely due to the MLB season extending until late September and the Dodgers’ strong position for postseason qualification.
Sutton Stracke
Sutton Stracke from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills was rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Sutton Stracke was also rumored to be heading to the ballroom. An anonymous source on the gossip site Bravo and Cocktails suggested that “ABC has signed the newest Southern fan favorite of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills up to dance on Dancing with The Stars, her huge popularity and quirky personality will keep people entertained next season.”
Parvati Shallow
Parvati Shallow
Parvati Shallow from Survivor and The Traitors was rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
The reality TV show The Traitors gained significant popularity, making its stars potential Dancing With the Stars contestants. (Phaedra Parks being a confirmed contestant supports this). Dancing With the Stars fueled theories about Parvati Shallow, a Survivor alum who also appeared on The Traitors, joining the cast when its official Instagram account favorited a video of her in December.
A TikTok Star
Alix Earle
Alix Earle, a TikTok star, represents the type of influencer rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
The Daily Mail reported that several TikTok stars were considered for Season 33, aiming to bring a different demographic to the show. Figures like Alix Earle or Jake Shane were speculated as possibilities for future seasons.
Biden, Harris, or Trump Relative
Mary Trump
Mary Trump was an example of a political relative rumored for Dancing With the Stars Season 33.
With upcoming elections, The Daily Mail also suggested that Dancing With the Stars aimed to cast a relative of prominent political figures like Biden, Harris, or Trump. Even distant relatives were considered, with Mary Trump, Ella Emhoff, or one of Biden’s granddaughters mentioned as potential choices.
Dancing With the Stars is available for streaming on Disney+.
Watch ‘Dancing With the Stars’ on Disney Plus – Buy Now
Want to revisit past seasons? Check out what former Dancing with the Stars pros are doing now!
