The Mirrorball trophy has a new home! In a dazzling finale that capped off Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars,” Bachelor Nation’s Joey Graziadei and professional dancer Jenna Johnson were named the winners of “Dancing with the Stars” 2024. Their captivating performances and undeniable chemistry resonated with audiences and judges alike, securing them the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy. The finale was a night of spectacular routines, emotional moments, and fierce competition, ultimately celebrating Graziadei and Johnson’s journey to victory.
The pair faced stiff competition from a talented group of finalists including Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola with pro Witney Carson, actress Chandler Kinney partnered with Brandon Armstrong, Olympian rugby player Ilona Maher dancing with Alan Bersten, and Olympian gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold. Each contestant brought their A-game to the finale, delivering memorable redemption and freestyle dances that showcased their growth throughout the season. However, it was Graziadei and Johnson who ultimately captured the hearts of viewers and earned the top spot.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson holding the Mirrorball trophy after winning Dancing with the Stars 2024
A Finale Filled with Redemption and Freestyle Brilliance
The “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 finale was structured around two intense rounds: the redemption round and the freestyle round. In the redemption round, each couple revisited a dance style from earlier in the season, aiming to demonstrate their improvement and impress the judges with their refined skills.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson chose to revisit their cha-cha, which they initially performed in Week 1. This time, their performance to Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” was described by judge Bruno Tonioli as “polished to perfection.” Derek Hough lauded it as a “punctuation mark” on Graziadei’s “DWTS” journey, highlighting the significant progress he had made.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson delivered a powerful Tango for their redemption dance, set to the country-infused hit “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba noted Amendola’s remarkable transformation throughout the season, acknowledging the strides he had made in his dancing.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong electrified the stage with a Jive redemption performance to “Apt.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars. Tonioli declared it “beyond redemption,” calling it a “triumph,” while Hough deemed it “sensational,” emphasizing Kinney’s exceptional performance.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten chose the Jive for their redemption round, dancing to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles and The Blues Brothers. The judges were impressed with Maher’s dynamic performance, with Inaba proclaiming “Redemption is yours!” and Tonioli noting it was “so much better” than her original attempt.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold opted for a Quickstep redemption, set to the iconic “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts. The judges praised Nedoroscik’s energetic and smooth performance, with Tonioli highlighting his “fast, smooth, clear” movements.
Freestyle Round: Showcasing Creativity and Personal Flair
The freestyle round allowed each couple to unleash their creativity and personal style, crafting unique routines that often incorporated elements beyond traditional ballroom dance.
Graziadei and Johnson’s freestyle was a high-energy, tennis-themed spectacle set to “Canned Heat” by District 78 featuring Jake Simpson. Paying homage to Graziadei’s background as a tennis instructor, the routine incorporated glow-in-the-dark tennis rackets and showcased their playful chemistry, earning them a near-perfect score of 29/30.
Amendola and Carson embraced a Barbie and Ken theme for their freestyle, dancing to a medley of Lizzo’s “Pink” and the Oscar-nominated “I’m Just Ken.” This lighthearted and entertaining performance showcased their versatility and showmanship.
Kinney and Armstrong delivered a powerful and moving freestyle that paid tribute to Black artists, set to “Hellzapoppin'” by Eyal Vilner Big Band and “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield. This performance was a celebration of culture and artistry, further cementing their place as the first Black pair to reach the “DWTS” finale.
Maher and Bersten’s freestyle was a vibrant and empowering routine to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon,” with Maher dressed in a dazzling Mirrorball-resembling bodysuit. This performance was full of energy and celebrated female empowerment, earning them a perfect score.
Nedoroscik and Arnold incorporated Nedoroscik’s gymnastics background into their freestyle, set to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.” Featuring a pommel horse and appearances from his gymnastics teammates, this routine was a unique blend of dance and athleticism, also achieving a perfect score.
A Night of Celebrations and Guest Appearances
Beyond the competitive dances, the finale was a celebratory affair, featuring a spectacular opening number set to Madonna’s ’80s hit “Holiday.” This performance, choreographed by Ray Leeper, brought back eliminated contestants from the season, including Anna Delvey, Tori Spelling, Eric Roberts, and Jenn Tran. Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro also joined in the festivities, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Joey Graziadei: Continuing Bachelor Nation’s DWTS Success
Joey Graziadei’s victory continues a recent trend of Bachelor Nation stars finding success on “Dancing with the Stars.” He joins Hannah Brown (Season 28 winner) and Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 29 winner) as Bachelor franchise alumni who have taken home the Mirrorball trophy. This highlights the strong fan base and competitive spirit of individuals from the Bachelor universe.
Ultimately, “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 culminated in a deserving win for Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson. Their dedication, growth, and captivating performances throughout the season earned them the title of “Dancing With The Stars 2024 Winner”. Fans eagerly anticipate the next season to see who will be the next stars to grace the ballroom floor.
