After weeks of dazzling performances and fierce competition, season 33 of Dancing with the Stars culminated in a thrilling finale on Tuesday, November 26, where the coveted Mirrorball Trophy was awarded. Fans eagerly awaited the results as five dynamic pairs vied for the top spot.
The finalists who danced their hearts out for the ultimate prize were former NFL player Danny Amendola with Witney Carson, Bachelor Nation’s Joey Graziadei partnering with Jenna Johnson, talented actress Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher alongside Alan Bersten, and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik with Rylee Arnold. Each couple brought their unique energy and skills to the ballroom, making for an unforgettable season.
As the tension mounted during the live finale, the results were revealed in reverse order. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson secured fifth place, followed by Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold in fourth. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s impressive journey concluded with a commendable third-place finish.
This narrowed the race down to two incredibly deserving pairs: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, and Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten. The atmosphere was electric as viewers held their breath to discover who would be crowned the champions of season 33.
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The final moments of the night unveiled the exciting news: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were declared the winners of Dancing with the Stars season 33! The ballroom erupted in applause as confetti rained down on the newly crowned champions.
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Joey Graziadei shared his heartfelt emotions after the win, stating, “It means everything, this whole experience has been unbelievable. Thank you for bearing with us. I tried my best, I promise!” His sincere words resonated with fans who had witnessed his dedication and growth throughout the season.
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The finale showcased the incredible talent of each couple through two captivating dance styles: the Freestyle and the Judges’ Redemption dance. For their redemption performance, Joey and Jenna revisited their Cha Cha, while Danny and Witney took on the Tango, and Stephen and Rylee performed the Quickstep. Chandler and Brandon, along with Ilona and Alan, both delivered energetic Jives for their Judges’ Redemption numbers.
Ultimately, Joey and Jenna’s exceptional performances earned them the top spot on the leaderboard for the night. They achieved a perfect score for their redemption dance and an impressive 29 out of 30 for their freestyle, solidifying their position as frontrunners.
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Throughout season 33, Joey and Jenna, alongside Chandler and Brandon, consistently impressed the judges and viewers, often topping the leaderboard. Stephen and Rylee, and Ilona and Alan, remained strong contenders, closely following behind. As the season progressed, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson also emerged as formidable competitors, showcasing significant improvement and determination.
Danny Amendola previously shared with PEOPLE the dedication he and Witney Carson put into refining their performances each week. “We watch a lot of tape,” he explained in October, emphasizing their commitment to studying other dancers and perfecting their technique to deliver memorable routines.
In a surprising turn of events during the semifinals, host Alfonso Ribeiro announced that all remaining five couples would advance to the finale, heightening the anticipation for the final showdown.
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Chandler Kinney expressed her excitement and relief after learning about making it to the finale, noting the strong camaraderie among the contestants. Ilona Maher also admitted to initial uncertainty about reaching the finale, highlighting the high level of competition in season 33. Alan Bersten reflected on their journey, recalling the fun and unexpected start to their Dancing with the Stars experience.
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Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars was not only about dance but also about connections. The season sparked rumors and confirmed relationships, including the chemistry between model Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko, and the close bond formed by Bachelorette Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber. Even Anna Delvey, despite an early elimination, made a memorable return to the finale, adding another layer of entertainment to the season.
Ultimately, season 33 of Dancing with the Stars will be remembered for its spectacular dances, emotional journeys, and the well-deserved victory of Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson. Their hard work, talent, and connection with the audience made them the perfect champions to take home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Dancing with the Stars season 33 is available for streaming on Hulu, allowing fans to relive all the exciting moments of this captivating season.
