Tuesday night’s grand finale of Dancing With the Stars Season 33 brought history, excitement, and a lot of glitter as Joey Graziadei and his pro partner Jenna Johnson clinched the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This marks a milestone as Joey becomes the first male contestant from The Bachelor franchise to claim victory on the iconic dance competition.
A Historic Win for Joey Graziadei
Joey Graziadei, best known for his stint as the lead on The Bachelor, defied the odds and wowed judges and fans alike. Speaking after his win, Joey expressed a mix of joy and disbelief:
“I really don’t know how I’m feeling right now. It’s a crazy, crazy process… Now we get to celebrate and enjoy it.”
Joey’s triumph is significant not only for his personal journey but also for The Bachelor franchise. While previous alumni like Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe (both from The Bachelorette) had won the title, Joey is the first male star to join the Mirrorball winners’ circle.
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Jenna Johnson’s Moment of Glory
For Jenna Johnson, this victory was particularly emotional. Not only did she guide Joey to success, but the trophy was also presented by her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, and his former dance partner, Xochitl Gomez, who won Season 32.
Jenna shared her heartfelt emotions:
“This has been my favorite season ever. To share this moment with Joey and now have one of these [trophies] that we get to share forever is insane.”
How the Competition Played Out
Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars was one of the tightest in the show’s history. Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro commented:
“I really believed that everybody could win. There was no clear winner.”
Here’s how the top five finalists fared:
- Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson – Mirrorball champions
- Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten – Runner-up
- Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong – Third place
- Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold – Fourth place
- Danny Amendola and Witney Carson – Fifth place
Highlights from the Finale
The Winning Performance
Joey and Jenna’s final performance was a spectacular freestyle routine that blended intricate choreography with a deep emotional connection. The duo impressed the judges with their technique, chemistry, and storytelling.
Ilona Maher’s Viral Freestyle
Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher and her partner Alan Bersten performed a fan-favorite freestyle to District 78’s version of “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan. The routine celebrated Ilona’s strength and personality, incorporating nods to her journey as a TikTok sensation and a 2024 Paris Olympics competitor.
Bersten praised Maher’s transformation:
“She is so good at dance now, and I’m so proud of her.”
Fan Support and Viewer Impact
This season saw a resurgence in fan engagement, with record-breaking votes each week. Fans played a pivotal role in deciding the outcome, highlighting the power of viewer support in shaping the competition.
Alfonso Ribeiro celebrated the show’s momentum:
“I truly believe that Dancing With the Stars is back! Hopefully, we get next season on the air quickly and keep this momentum going.”
The Legacy of Season 33
Breaking Records
Season 33 wasn’t just about fierce competition—it also set multiple records, from fan votes to viral performances on social media platforms like TikTok.
A Family Affair
The finale was a unique celebration of family as Jenna Johnson’s husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, symbolically passed the Mirrorball Trophy to her. This heartfelt moment resonated deeply with the show’s loyal fans.
Former Bachelor Nation Stars on DWTS
While Joey Graziadei is the first male from The Bachelor to win, he joins a list of alumni who’ve graced the dance floor:
- Jake Pavelka (Season 10)
- Sean Lowe (Season 16)
- Chris Soules (Season 20)
- Nick Viall (Season 24)
- Joe “Grocery Store Joe” Amabile (Season 27)
- Matt James (Season 30)
Notably, Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe from The Bachelorette previously took home the Mirrorball Trophy in Seasons 28 and 29, respectively.
What’s Next for Joey Graziadei?
As for what comes next, Joey is keeping his options open:
“I want to be in Los Angeles, and I’m open to so much.”
Fans are eager to see what opportunities lie ahead for the DWTS champion as he steps into the next chapter of his career.
Conclusion: A Season to Remember
Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars has cemented itself as one of the most competitive and memorable seasons in the show’s history. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s historic win, combined with record-breaking fan engagement and exceptional performances, has set a high bar for future seasons.
As DWTS continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the magic of dance and storytelling will keep audiences coming back for more.
FAQs
1. Who won Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson won the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
2. How did Joey Graziadei make history on DWTS?
Joey is the first male contestant from The Bachelor franchise to win the competition.
3. What was unique about Season 33?
Season 33 featured some of the tightest competition, record-breaking fan votes, and emotional highlights, including Jenna Johnson’s family moment with her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy.
4. What were the final standings of Season 33?
- 1st: Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson
- 2nd: Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten
- 3rd: Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong
5. Will there be a Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars?
While not officially announced, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro hinted at the strong momentum for the series to continue.
