Jenna Johnson, a seasoned professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars, recently shared her initial surprise and eventual delight in partnering with Joey Graziadei for the latest season. While fans are captivated by their on-screen chemistry and impressive performances, Johnson’s first reaction to the pairing wasn’t quite what one might expect.
During an episode of The Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast, Johnson openly discussed her candid feelings upon learning she would be dancing with Graziadei. She admitted to co-hosts Ben Higgins and Ashley Iaconetti, both alumni of Bachelor Nation, that she had anticipated being paired with an athlete, specifically hoping for a football player for the first time in her DWTS career.
“Joey knows this, I’ve been honest with him,” Johnson confessed on the podcast. She explained the show’s secrecy around partner reveals to ensure authentic reactions. Having heard Graziadei’s name in consideration, Johnson revealed, “I was a little sad because I’ve been promised — not promised — but I’ve never had a football player. Through my time on the show I’ve never had a football player.” She elaborated on anticipating former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola’s involvement, thinking, “This is my year. I’m gonna get the NFL guy.”
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However, Johnson’s initial reservations quickly dissolved upon meeting and working with Graziadei. Despite not being an athlete in the traditional sense, Graziadei, known from The Bachelor, impressed Johnson with his natural talent and genuine personality. Johnson mentioned her sister’s enthusiasm as a Bachelor “mega fan,” which helped familiarize her with Graziadei before their partnership began.
“He is one of the most genuine humans I’ve ever met,” Johnson shared, emphasizing the ease and speed with which they connected. She added that their rehearsals are filled with “so much fun” and that working with him is “such a pleasure.” Johnson playfully noted Graziadei’s surprising aptitude for dance, joking about his ability to excel at everything he tries, which she found both impressive and slightly “annoying” in a lighthearted way.
The partnership between Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei has resonated strongly with Dancing with the Stars viewers. Their performances have consistently earned praise, with a notable score of 22/30 in week 2, placing them in a tie for third place. This success is a testament to their hard work and burgeoning chemistry, proving Johnson’s initial concerns unfounded.
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Interestingly, Graziadei also had specific criteria for his Dancing with the Stars partner. Prior to joining the show, he expressed a desire to be paired with someone in a “healthy relationship.” This request stemmed from his own secure relationship with fiancée Kelsey Anderson. Graziadei wanted to avoid any potential romantic speculation or “noise” that can sometimes accompany DWTS partnerships, particularly given his public profile from The Bachelor.
“It was something I thought about coming in,” Graziadei explained regarding his request for a partner in a committed relationship. He wanted to ensure he could focus on the competition without external distractions, valuing the “great place” he and Anderson had built together.
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Both Johnson, who is married to fellow DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, and Graziadei were aware of potential fan speculation about their on-screen connection. Graziadei acknowledged the “Bachelor Nation thing” and understood why fans might pay attention to his relationships. He ensured Anderson was comfortable with him participating in the show and navigating public perception. While they anticipated some attention, they were slightly surprised that some viewers overlooked their existing relationships to fuel romantic rumors.
Ultimately, the partnership of Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei on Dancing with the Stars has become a highlight of the season. Despite initial expectations and potential for external noise, their collaboration has showcased genuine camaraderie, impressive dance skills, and a mutual respect that transcends any preconceived notions. Fans can continue to watch their journey unfold every Tuesday on ABC and Disney+, and stream episodes the next day on Hulu.
