Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars” delivered a stellar lineup, blending Olympic athleticism, reality TV charisma, and Hollywood glamour. Fans eagerly tuned in to see which celebrity would take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This season’s cast was packed with fan-favorites and accomplished individuals, promising a season full of surprises and unforgettable performances.
Joey and Ilona were the Top 2 in the
Ultimately, it was “Bachelor” heartthrob Joey Graziadei who charmed his way to victory, marking a historic win as the first “Bachelor” lead to conquer the ballroom. The season’s journey began in early September with the full cast reveal, building anticipation for weeks of dazzling dances and dramatic eliminations. Stephen Nedoroscik, the Olympic medalist who became an internet sensation as “Pommel Horse Guy,” was the first name announced, setting the stage for a season of high-achievers.
Throughout Season 33, the charismatic hosting duo Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro guided viewers through the competition, revealing weekly scores and emotional eliminations. The judging panel, consisting of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, provided expert critiques that often aligned with audience votes. A notable twist arrived during the semifinals, with no eliminations, propelling five couples into a thrilling finale.
JULIANNE HOUGH, ALFONSO RIBEIRO
Let’s dive into the complete list of celebrities who graced the dance floor in Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars”, each vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Joey Graziadei
Partnered with Jenna Johnson, Joey Graziadei entered the competition fresh off his journey as “The Bachelor” on Season 28. Having found love with Kelsey Anderson on his season, Joey aimed to add another trophy to his year – the Mirrorball. A tennis teaching pro, Joey brought his competitive spirit and charm to the dance floor, captivating audiences and judges alike. His journey culminated in a season victory, solidifying his place in “DWTS” history and as a fan favorite.
JENNA JOHNSON, JOEY GRAZIADEI
Ilona Maher
Representing Olympic glory, Ilona Maher, partnered with Alan Bersten, brought her athletic prowess to “Dancing With the Stars”. A bronze medalist in rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ilona transitioned from the rugby field to the ballroom. Beyond her athletic achievements, Ilona is a vocal advocate for body positivity, using her platform to inspire and empower. Her appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover further amplified her message of self-acceptance. Ilona’s dynamic performances earned her a spot in the finale, ultimately finishing as the runner-up.
ALAN BERSTEN, ILONA MAHER
Chandler Kinney
Actress Chandler Kinney, paired with Brandon Armstrong, showcased her talents beyond the screen on “DWTS”. Known for her role as Tabitha “Tabby” Haworthe in “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin” and Willa in Disney’s “Zombies” franchise, Chandler embraced the challenge of ballroom dancing. Her performances demonstrated grace and artistry, earning her a place in the final round and a commendable third-place finish.
CHANDLER KINNEY, BRANDON ARMSTRONG
Stephen Nedoroscik
Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, partnered with Rylee Arnold, was a highly anticipated contestant. Dubbed the “Clark Kent of gymnastics” after his viral Paris Olympics pommel horse performance, Stephen brought his incredible athleticism and discipline to the dance floor. His journey on “DWTS” highlighted his versatility and competitive drive, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the finale.
STEPHEN NEDOROSCIK, RYLEE ARNOLD
Danny Amendola
Former NFL star Danny Amendola, partnered with Witney Carson, traded the football field for the dance floor. A two-time Super Bowl champion and former wide receiver for the New England Patriots, Danny brought his competitive spirit and dedication to “DWTS”. His transition from athlete to dancer entertained audiences, and he reached the finale, securing fifth place.
DANNY AMENDOLA, WITNEY CARSON
Dwight Howard
NBA legend Dwight Howard, partnered with Daniella Karagach, brought his larger-than-life personality and athletic background to the show. A former center for teams like the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2020, Dwight aimed to conquer a new arena – the ballroom. He was eliminated in Week 7, during the show’s milestone 500th episode.
DWIGHT HOWARD, DANIELLA KARAGACH
Jenn Tran
Jenn Tran, partnered with Sasha Farber, stepped onto the “DWTS” stage after making history as the first Asian American lead on “The Bachelorette”. While her journey for love on “The Bachelorette” may not have had a lasting fairytale ending, Jenn embraced the challenge of “Dancing With the Stars”. She was eliminated in Week 6, on “Halloween Nightmares” night.
SASHA FARBER, JENN TRAN
Phaedra Parks
Reality TV personality Phaedra Parks, partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, brought her signature charm and wit to “DWTS”. Known for her roles on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “Married to Medicine”, Phaedra transitioned from reality TV queen to ballroom contestant. She was eliminated in Episode 5, during “Disney Night”.
PHAEDRA PARKS, VAL CHMERKOVSKIY
Brooks Nader
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Brooks Nader, partnered with Gleb Savchenko, brought glamour and grace to the dance floor. Having graced the cover of the iconic magazine, Brooks embraced a new challenge on “DWTS”. She was eliminated in Week 4, on “Dedication Night.”
BROOKS NADER, GLEB SAVCHENKO
Reginald VelJohnson
Beloved TV dad Reginald VelJohnson, partnered with Emma Slater, brought nostalgia and warmth to “Dancing With the Stars”. Famous for his role as Carl Winslow on “Family Matters”, Reginald charmed audiences with his personality. He was eliminated in Week 3, during “Hair Metal Night.”
EMMA SLATER, REGINALD VELJOHNSON
Eric Roberts
Veteran actor Eric Roberts, partnered with Britt Stewart, aimed to add “dancer” to his extensive resume. Brother of Julia Roberts and father of Emma Roberts, Eric has a celebrated acting career spanning over 40 years. His time on “DWTS” was cut short in Week 3, “Hair Metal Night.”
ERIC ROBERTS, BRITT STEWART
Tori Spelling
“Beverly Hills, 90210” icon Tori Spelling, partnered with Pasha Pashkov, brought 90s nostalgia to the ballroom. Known for her role as Donna Martin, Tori transitioned from teen drama star to reality TV and author. Her “DWTS” journey ended in Week 2, “Oscars Night.”
PASHA PASHKOV, TORI SPELLING
Anna “Delvey” Sorokin
Anna “Delvey” Sorokin, partnered with Ezra Sosa, was arguably the most controversial contestant of the season. Known for posing as a German heiress and her story being dramatized in the Netflix series “Finding Anna,” Anna’s participation added a unique element to “DWTS”. Despite the buzz, she was eliminated in Week 2, “Oscars Night.”
EZRA SOSA, ANNA DELVEY
Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars” showcased a diverse and talented cast, each bringing their unique story and skills to the ballroom. From athletes to actors, reality stars to internet sensations, the “Dancing With Stars Cast” captivated audiences and delivered a season filled with memorable moments, ultimately crowning Joey Graziadei as the champion.
