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Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Finale Recap
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale.]
After an exciting season of competitive dancing, a new champion has emerged on Dancing with the Stars. Following an intense finale that combined judges’ scores with audience votes, the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy was awarded.
Unlike the semi-finals, which left every couple in the competition, the finale showcased all five remaining pairs showcasing their skills during a thrilling three-hour episode. The finalists included Joey Graziadei with Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher paired with Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola alongside Witney Carson, Chandler Kinney teamed with Brandon Armstrong, and Stephen Nedoroscik with Rylee Arnold. Each couple had the chance to perform both a freestyle routine and a redemption dance.
The evening kicked off with redemption dances, where Joey and Chandler notably shone by securing perfect scores with their cha cha and jive routines, respectively. Stephen followed closely with a strong performance, earning two 10s and a 9. Ilona and Danny both impressed as well, achieving all 9s from the judges.
Stephen and Rylee opened the freestyle segment, delivering a routine that integrated elements from Stephen’s athletic background, which drew praise from judge Bruno Tonioli who described it as a harmonious mix of “athletic and artistic.” Their performance earned them a perfect score.
Next, Joey and Jenna brought a fun, tennis-themed freestyle to the floor. While Carrie Ann Inaba found the routine merely “underwhelming,” judges Derek Hough and Bruno defended the performance, leading to a split score that included two 10s and a 9 for Joey.
Danny and Witney transported audiences to a whimsical Barbieland with their lively rendition of “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie film. Derek lauded their effort as “one of the most entertaining things I’ve ever seen on this show,” and the duo received scores that mirrored Joey and Jenna’s achievement.
Ilona exhibited exceptional strength and grace in her routine to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon,” securing her first perfect score of the season alongside Alan. The concluding performance of the night was delivered by Chandler and Brandon, who made history as the first Black couple to reach the finale. Their powerful freestyle honored the legacy of Black dancers, and Bruno celebrated their “spectacular celebration” of dance, resulting in another perfect score for the pair.
Ultimately, the competition concluded with Danny and Witney finishing in fifth place, followed by Stephen and Rylee in fourth, and Chandler and Brandon in third. The final battle was between Joey and Jenna and Ilona and Alan, where the Season 33 Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy was awarded to Joey and Jenna. This victory marks a milestone as Joey becomes the first contestant from The Bachelor franchise to win Dancing with the Stars.
What are your thoughts on the finale? Did the right couple take home the trophy? Share your opinions in the comments section below and participate in the vote!
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