Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Crowns Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson as Winners
After eight thrilling weeks of dazzling performances, Dancing with the Stars Season 33 concluded on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, crowning Joey Graziadei, a former Bachelorette, and his professional dance partner Jenna Johnson as the winners of the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
The Finalists
The finale featured five talented celebrity-pro dancer duos competing for the top spot:
- Danny Amendola (Former NFL player) & Witney Carson
- Stephen Nedoroscik (Olympic gymnast) & Rylee Arnold
- Chandler Kinney (Actress) & Brandon Armstrong
- Ilona Maher (Olympic rugby player) & Alan Bersten
- Joey Graziadei (Reality TV star) & Jenna Johnson
The competition was fierce, with Danny and Witney finishing fifth, followed by Stephen and Rylee in fourth, and Chandler and Brandon in third. Ultimately, the finale came down to Joey and Jenna versus Ilona and Alan. In a nail-biting conclusion, Joey and Jenna were announced as the champions.
Joey Graziadei Reflects on His Victory
“It means everything, this whole experience has been unbelievable,” Joey said during his emotional post-win speech. “Thank you for bearing with us. I tried my best, I promise!”
Jenna Johnson, a seasoned pro on the show, celebrated her win with gratitude, saying, “Joey worked so hard every single week. His growth on the dance floor and his positive energy made this season unforgettable.”
Highlights from the Season
Danny Amendola’s Football Strategy on the Dance Floor
Former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola used his football background to elevate his performances. “We watch a lot of tape,” Danny joked in an October interview. “It sounds like a football interview, but studying others and tweaking our routines made all the difference.”
Chandler Kinney's Gratitude
Chandler Kinney expressed shock and gratitude after the semifinals, where all contestants were unexpectedly advanced to the finale. “It’s such a great group of people,” she said. “None of us wanted anyone to go home.”
Ilona Maher’s Surprise Journey
Ilona Maher admitted she was uncertain about making it to the finale. Her partner, Alan Bersten, shared a lighthearted moment about their journey: “We didn’t really know what we were doing at first, but bagels after practice definitely helped.”
Romantic Subplots and Memorable Returns
Off-Screen Chemistry
Season 33 featured budding romances among contestants and their partners.
- Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko sparked a relationship, although it reportedly ended shortly after their elimination.
- Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber formed a strong bond, with Tran joking about possibly moving in with Sasha after the season.
Anna Delvey’s Ballroom Return
Anna Delvey, the controversial contestant and first to be eliminated this season, returned to the finale with a comedic nod to her earlier dismissal. She performed to Whitney Houston's “I Have Nothing”, poking fun at her comment that she “took nothing” from the show.
What’s Next for Dancing with the Stars Fans?
Missed the season? Fans can catch Dancing with the Stars Season 33 streaming now on Hulu, reliving every memorable dance, emotional moment, and behind-the-scenes story.
For the latest celebrity updates and insider scoops, sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter.
Who will take on the Mirrorball Trophy challenge in Season 34? Only time will tell!