The ballroom was ablaze with talent, drama, and dazzling performances, but in the end, only one couple could take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” culminated in a spectacular finale where Joey Graziadei, known from “The Bachelor” franchise, and his professional partner Jenna Johnson emerged victorious. Their journey, marked by impressive growth and captivating routines, reached its peak as they were declared the winners, adding their names to the prestigious list of “Dancing with the Stars” champions.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson holding the Mirrorball trophy
The finale was a thrilling showdown featuring five talented pairs, each vying for the top spot. Alongside Graziadei and Johnson, the finalists included Super Bowl icon Danny Amendola with Witney Carson, actress Chandler Kinney partnered with Brandon Armstrong, Olympian rugby star Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik dancing with Rylee Arnold. The competition was fierce, with each celebrity dancer showcasing remarkable improvement throughout the season, making the final decision a difficult one for both the judges and the viewers at home.
This victory continues a trend for Bachelor Nation personalities on “Dancing with the Stars.” Prior to Graziadei’s triumph, Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe, both alumni of “The Bachelorette,” had previously clinched the Mirrorball Trophy in seasons past. This pattern highlights the strong fanbase and perhaps the inherent charisma and competitive spirit that these reality TV stars bring to the dance floor.
The Winning Dances: Freestyle and Redemption Performances
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson sealed their win with two memorable dances in the finale. For their freestyle routine, they delivered a high-energy, tennis-themed performance to “Canned Heat,” a nod to Graziadei’s background as a tennis instructor before his reality TV fame. This creative and personal touch resonated with the audience and judges alike.
Earlier in the night, for their redemption dance, the pair revisited their cha-cha, this time performing to Justin Timberlake’s infectious hit “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”. This performance was a significant step up from their week one cha-cha, earning them a perfect score and demonstrating their remarkable progress throughout the season. The judges lauded their polished technique and undeniable chemistry.
How Did the Other Finalists Fare?
While Graziadei and Johnson took home the top prize, the other finalists also delivered outstanding performances, making the finale a truly memorable event.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson finished in fifth place. Amendola’s journey on the show was marked by significant improvement, and his redemption tango to a country tune and freestyle channeling Barbie and Ken were entertaining and showcased his growth as a dancer.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold secured fourth place. Nedoroscik impressed with his athleticism and unique freestyle incorporating a pommel horse and his gymnastics teammates, earning him high praise and a perfect score.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong claimed third place. As the first Black couple to reach the “DWTS” finale, they made history and consistently impressed with their performances. Kinney’s energetic jive and their powerful freestyle celebrating Black artists earned them perfect scores and standing ovations.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten were the runners-up, finishing in second place. Maher’s infectious energy and enthusiasm made her a fan favorite, and her jive redemption and freestyle, where she donned a Mirrorball-inspired outfit, were highlights of the night, also earning her perfect scores.
A Night of Stellar Performances and Guest Appearances
Beyond the competitive dances, the finale was packed with entertainment. The show opened with a vibrant group number set to Madonna’s “Holiday,” featuring all the Season 33 stars, including returning eliminated contestants like Anna Delvey, Tori Spelling, and Jenn Tran. The energy was high from the beginning, setting the stage for an exciting night.
Each finalist also performed a redemption dance, revisiting a style they had previously performed and aiming to showcase their improvement. This format provided a clear measure of their progress and added another layer of competition to the finale. The judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, provided insightful critiques and scores throughout the night, guiding viewers and adding to the drama.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Season 33 Champions
Ultimately, Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” was a celebration of dance, determination, and the joy of performance. While all the finalists demonstrated incredible talent and dedication, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson stood out, capturing the hearts of audiences and judges alike. Their victory is a testament to their hard work, chemistry, and captivating performances. As the confetti rained down and they lifted the Mirrorball Trophy, they cemented their place in “Dancing with the Stars” history, answering definitively the question: Who Won Dancing With The Stars? Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson did.
