It’s only been a week since the curtain closed on “Dancing with the Stars,” but for fans, Tuesday nights already feel a little less sparkly. For those deeply invested in the ballroom battles, the “Dancing with the Stars” finale is an event circled on the calendar, much like a Super Bowl for dance enthusiasts. This season’s finale, a three-hour extravaganza, lived up to the hype, delivering a night of redemption, breathtaking freestyle routines, and the crowning of a new champion.
The final episode presented a dual challenge for the remaining five contestants: a redemption dance and a freestyle performance. The redemption round offered a chance to revisit and refine a dance style from earlier in the season, showcasing their growth and progress. The freestyle round, in contrast, was a blank canvas, encouraging pure creativity and individuality with no stylistic constraints.
Stephen Nedoroscik, Ilona Maher, Danny Amendola, Joey Graziadei, and Chandler Kinney, the finalists, had poured their hearts into the competition throughout the season. The finale was the culmination of their hard work and dedication, pushing them to deliver their most memorable performances yet.
In the redemption dances, Joey Graziadei and Chandler Kinney truly shone. Graziadei revisited the cha-cha, his very first dance of the season, and the transformation was remarkable. His improved technique and confidence were undeniable, proving just how far he had come. Partnered with Jenna Johnson, Joey’s infectious personality lit up the stage. Their neon green costumes and energetic choreography perfectly complemented his quick footwork, earning them a well-deserved perfect score of 30/30. This performance underscored the essence of “Dancing with the Stars” – growth and captivating entertainment.
Chandler Kinney delivered an electrifying redemption jive, solidifying her position as a standout dancer this season. Her exceptional talent was on full display in this high-energy routine, choreographed by her partner Brandon Armstrong. Armstrong, a fan favorite pro dancer, consistently impressed throughout the season with his innovative choreography, and the finale was no exception. Their jive was a vibrant and technically brilliant performance, earning another perfect score and becoming an instant favorite among the show’s most memorable jives.
Following the redemption round, anticipation peaked for the freestyle performances. Stephen Nedoroscik, known affectionately as “Pommel Horse Guy” for his gymnastics background, and his partner Rylee Arnold, delivered a truly captivating freestyle set to Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”. This routine beautifully blended Nedoroscik’s strength and gymnastic prowess with elegant dance movements, creating a visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance that many considered a highlight of the night.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson opted for a playful and pop-culture infused freestyle, themed around the Barbie movie phenomenon. Dancing to a medley of “I’m Just Ken” and “Pink,” the performance was a vibrant spectacle, complete with costumes that mirrored Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie’s iconic looks. While some viewers might have wished for more traditional dance elements, the sheer entertainment value and creative production of this Barbie-themed number were undeniable.
Joey Graziadei’s freestyle paid tribute to his pre-fame passion: tennis. Using glow-in-the-dark tennis rackets as props, he and Johnson created a fun and engaging routine that showcased his personality and showmanship. However, judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s comment that the routine was “underwhelming” sparked immediate boos from the live audience and surprised reactions from viewers at home, highlighting the strong fan support for Graziadei.
Ilona Maher’s freestyle to Chappel Roan’s “Femininomenon” was a powerful and empowering statement. Throughout the season, Maher had become a fan favorite, challenging conventional beauty standards and celebrating strength and femininity. Her freestyle performance encapsulated her personal journey and message, resonating deeply with viewers and becoming a routine many have watched repeatedly since the finale.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s freestyle was groundbreaking. As the first all-Black couple to reach the finals, they delivered the first all-Black freestyle performance in the show’s history. This historic routine paid homage to the Nicholas Brothers and celebrated Black performers who paved the way. It was a dynamic, joyous, and impeccably executed piece that will be remembered as one of the most significant and impactful freestyles ever seen on “Dancing with the Stars.”
The culmination of the evening was the announcement of the Mirrorball Champion. Danny Amendola finished in fifth place, followed by Stephen Nedoroscik in fourth. Chandler Kinney’s third-place finish was a surprise to some viewers who considered her a frontrunner. Ultimately, Ilona Maher was named runner-up, and Joey Graziadei was crowned the winner of “Dancing with the Stars.” This outcome resonated with many fans who had been rooting for Graziadei’s consistent growth, infectious enthusiasm, and compelling personality, qualities that embody the spirit of the show. While Kinney’s technical skill might have suggested a higher placement to some, Maher’s connection with the audience and strong viewer votes ultimately secured her second place.
Overall, the “Dancing with the Stars” finale was a captivating three-hour spectacle. While some might have wished for a professional dancer number to open the show instead of a season recap, the performances from the contestants and pros were consistently impressive and entertaining. The finale celebrated dance, growth, and the unique journeys of each contestant, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next season.
