After a thrilling 10-week competition, Dancing With the Stars Season 33 came to a spectacular conclusion. The finale was a celebration of passion, perseverance, and extraordinary growth. Fans were treated to redemption dances, freestyle routines, and emotional reflections as the remaining five couples vied for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
The Season Finale: A Night to Remember
The evening opened with redemption dances, where contestants revisited earlier styles chosen by the judges. This was followed by freestyles, giving the dancers a chance to showcase their creativity and personal journeys.
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli were ready to score, but the ultimate decision also relied on live audience votes, making it anyone’s game.
Highlights from the Final Performances
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: The Champions
- Redemption Dance: Cha Cha
- Song: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10
- Freestyle: “Canned Heat” by District 78 ft. Jake Simpson
- Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 10, Bruno 10
Graziadei and Johnson maintained consistency throughout the season, with Judge Inaba applauding Graziadei’s steady improvement. Their winning performance cemented their legacy as Season 33 champions.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: Perfect Scores, Heartbreaking Elimination
- Redemption Dance: Jive
- Song: “Apt.” by Rosé and Bruno Mars
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10
- Freestyle: “Hellzapoppin’” by Eyal Vilner Big Band & “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10
Despite earning perfect scores, Kinney and Armstrong were eliminated, proving the unpredictable nature of the competition.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: The Spirit of Determination
- Redemption Dance: Jive
- Song: “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers
- Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 9, Bruno 9
- Freestyle: “Femininomenon” by District 78 ft. Mona Rue
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10
Maher impressed judges with her resilience and competitive spirit, making her one of the most inspiring contestants of the season.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: A Tribute to Perseverance
- Redemption Dance: Quickstep
- Song: “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 9, Bruno 10
- Freestyle: “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
- Scores: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10
The Olympic gymnast paid tribute to his athletic journey, earning heartfelt praise from judges for his emotional and technically precise performances.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: A Season of Transformation
- Redemption Dance: Tango
- Song: “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen
- Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 9, Bruno 9
- Freestyle: “Pink” by Lizzo & “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling
- Scores: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 10, Bruno 10
Amendola showcased immense growth throughout the season, earning a standing ovation for his freestyle routine.
Returning Stars Add to the Festivities
The finale also saw performances from past contestants, including:
- Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy: Season 32 champions who set the stage with a dazzling routine to Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club.
- Tori Spelling and Anna Delvey: The season’s first eliminated contestants returned for a nostalgic dance to Whitney Houston’s Nothing.
A Celebration of Growth and Friendship
As confetti filled the ballroom and the Mirrorball Trophy was raised high, it was clear this season wasn’t just about dancing. It was about growth, overcoming challenges, and the bonds formed along the way.
“I truly believe anyone can dance,” dancer Chris Hernandez reflected, summing up the spirit of the show. “We all have so much more potential than we often give ourselves credit for.”
Who’s Been Eliminated?
Here’s a recap of eliminations leading up to the finale:
- Week 2: Tori Spelling, Anna Delvey
- Week 4: Reginald VelJohnson, Eric Roberts
- Week 5: Brooks Nader
- Week 6: Phaedra Parks
- Week 7: Jenn Tran
- Week 9: Dwight Howard
Dancing With the Stars Season 33 proved that hard work, passion, and a little bit of sparkle can lead to unforgettable moments. Here’s to the next season of ballroom brilliance!
