Dancing with the Stars Finale Results: Who Won Season 33?

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson emerged victorious on November 26, 2024, claiming the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after an intensely competitive Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale. The couple defeated four other finalists at the star-studded event broadcast live on ABC and Disney+, delivering a freestyle routine to “Canned Heat” that earned a near-perfect score of 29 out of 30.

The finale brought together an eclectic group of five contestants—two Olympians, a reality television personality, a professional football player, and an actress—who had earned their spots through weeks of challenging routines. The evening featured redemption dances assigned by the judges alongside signature freestyles, with viewer votes combining alongside judges’ scores to determine the ultimate ranking. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli delivered their verdicts after a season marked by exceptional talent and memorable performances.

Graziadei’s victory marked a significant milestone, as he became the first former Bachelor star to reach the show’s finale and ultimately win the competition. His partnership with Johnson, daughter of Dancing with the Stars legend Derek Hough, proved to be a winning combination throughout the season. The couple accumulated a total of 118 points across the finale’s multiple rounds, securing their place in Dancing with the Stars history.

Who Won the Dancing with the Stars Finale?

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson claimed the championship title, delivering a show-stopping freestyle routine that drew inspiration from the animated film Toy Story. Their performance to “Canned Heat” featured intricate choreography and an emotional narrative that resonated deeply with both the judges and viewing audience. The routine scored 29 points from the judges, with individual scores of 9, 10, and 10, narrowly missing a perfect 30.

The final standings reflected a season of remarkable consistency from the eventual winners. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten finished in second place, with the Olympian rugby player captivating audiences throughout the competition with her athletic prowess and infectious personality. The duo impressed judges with their redemption Jive and an artistic freestyle that earned multiple perfect 10s.

Final Results Overview

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong claimed third place, with their redemption Jive earning a perfect 30 from the judges—one of the highest scores of the evening. The actress and her pro partner maintained remarkable consistency, tying for the lead after initial scoring rounds before ultimately placing third. Stephen Nedoroscik, the Olympian gymnast paired with Rylee Arnold, finished fourth in his first Dancing with the Stars finals appearance. NFL veteran Danny Amendola and Witney Carson rounded out the top five, with their freestyle to a mashup of “Pink” and “I’m Just Ken” scoring 29 points.

Key Highlights from the Finale

• Multiple perfect 30/30 scores awarded across various performances, showcasing unprecedented talent
• Judges praised the athleticism, artistry, and dramatic growth demonstrated throughout the season
• Graziadei overcame documented imposter syndrome during his time on the show
• Two Olympians reached the finale, highlighting the competition’s broad appeal
• Semi-finals featured no eliminations, allowing all five finalists a chance at the title
• Pro dancers Mark Ballas and Derek Hough performed alongside the finalists
• Previous season champions Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy made a special appearance

What Happened in the DWTS Finale?

The November 26 broadcast opened with group performances featuring the professional dancers, including show-stopping routines by Mark Ballas and Derek Hough. The five finalists then took the stage individually, beginning with their redemption dances—routines specifically assigned by the judges earlier in the season that contestants were given a second opportunity to perfect. These redemptions were scored alongside accumulated points from previous weeks.

Redemption Round Performances

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold opened the redemption round with a routine that earned praise from all three judges. Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted the “perfection and synchronicity” of their performance, which scored 29 points. The routine showcased the gymnast’s precision and the professional partnership that had developed over the course of the season.

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong delivered one of the evening’s standout redemption performances, improving their previously assigned Jive to earn a perfect 30 from the judges. The dramatic improvement demonstrated the competitor’s growth trajectory and resonated strongly with viewers. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten executed their redemption Jive with characteristic energy, setting the stage for their subsequent freestyle.

Freestyle Round and Final Judging

Following the redemption dances, each couple performed their freestyle routine—the culmination of their season-long creative vision. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s freestyle drew directly from Toy Story, featuring a narrative journey that saw Graziadei portray a character discovering his true potential. The performance combined technical excellence with emotional storytelling.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten’s freestyle pushed the boundaries of dance competition, incorporating athletic elements that reflected her rugby background while maintaining artistic sophistication. The judges responded with a rare unanimous endorsement, awarding all 10s across the board. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson delivered a more straightforward but effective freestyle set to a “Pink” and “Barbie” soundtrack mashup, scoring 29 points despite demonstrating consistent technique throughout.

Viewer participation played a crucial role in determining the final outcome. Votes submitted through dwtsvote.abc.com and via text message combined with judges’ scores to calculate the ultimate rankings. This hybrid system ensured that both professional assessment and audience appreciation factored into the final verdict.

Who Were the Finalists and When Was the Finale?

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 premiered on September 17, 2024, on ABC and Disney+, continuing the competition’s tradition of pairing celebrities with professional dancers. The season introduced new hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, replacing Tyra Banks and bringing fresh energy to the format. The initial cast featured twelve celebrity contestants representing diverse backgrounds including athletics, entertainment, and professional sports.

Meet the Five Finalists

The finalist cohort represented a compelling cross-section of contemporary celebrity culture. Joey Graziadei, best known as the lead on The Bachelor, brought his reality television background to the dance floor, gradually building confidence as the season progressed. His partnership with Jenna Johnson evolved into genuine chemistry that translated powerfully into their performances.

Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby player, emerged as a fan favorite throughout the competition. Her athletic foundation provided exceptional strength and stamina, while her charismatic personality made her routines memorable. Paired with Alan Bersten, she pushed the boundaries of what audiences expected from a dance competition featuring non-traditional performers. You can explore more about Jack O’Connell Movies and TV Shows for similar entertainment coverage.

Chandler Kinney, an actress with growing prominence in the entertainment industry, represented the more traditional Dancing with the Stars contestant archetype. Her work with Brandon Armstrong showcased technical precision and emotional depth, earning her consistently high scores throughout the season. Stephen Nedoroscik, an Olympic gymnast, demonstrated exceptional body control and spatial awareness, qualities that translated effectively into dance performance despite his initial lack of formal training.

Danny Amendola, a Super Bowl-winning NFL player, rounded out the finalist group with his partnership with Witney Carson. Despite lacking dance background, Amendola displayed remarkable dedication and improvement, winning over skeptics as the season progressed. His journey from football field to dance floor exemplified the show’s mission of challenging celebrities beyond their comfort zones.

Where to Watch DWTS Finale Highlights?

Viewers who missed the live broadcast can access Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale content through multiple platforms. The episode streams on Disney+, where subscribers can watch the full broadcast and explore behind-the-scenes content. ABC’s official website provides additional coverage including judge commentary and exclusive interview segments.

Digital platforms offer extensive recap content for those seeking to experience the highlights without watching the full three-hour broadcast. People.com and Billboard provide detailed performance breakdowns, photo galleries, and judge reactions. The official show social media accounts, including @DancingABC, share clips and memorable moments regularly.

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A Season to Remember: Timeline of Key Events

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 unfolded over approximately ten weeks, building momentum toward the climactic finale. The competition began with twelve celebrity contestants and twelve professional partners, with eliminations reducing the field week by week until the unprecedented five-couple finale emerged from the semi-finals.

1. September 17, 2024: Season 33 premiered on ABC and Disney+ with new hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Twelve celebrity contestants were introduced alongside their professional dance partners.
2. Weeks 2-6: Regular competition rounds aired weekly, with eliminations progressively reducing the cast. Joey Graziadei and Ilona Maher emerged as early audience favorites.
3. Semi-Finals: The format change resulted in no eliminations, allowing all five remaining couples to advance directly to the finale—a first in show history.
4. November 26, 2024: The Season 33 finale aired live, featuring redemption dances, freestyles, and the ultimate crowning of Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson as champions.
5. Post-Finale: The official post-finale tour was announced, featuring select finalists traveling to multiple cities for live performances and meet-and-greet opportunities.

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

The Significance of This Season’s Competition

Season 33 represented a notable evolution for Dancing with the Stars, marking several firsts and milestones. The introduction of new hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough brought renewed energy to the presentation, while the format adjustment allowing five finalists demonstrated the network’s willingness to experiment with traditional competition structures.

The caliber of competition this season reached exceptional heights, with judges awarding multiple perfect 30/30 scores—a rare occurrence that speaks to the quality of performances across the board. The presence of two Olympic athletes among the finalists broadened the show’s appeal beyond traditional entertainment figures, attracting sports audiences to the competition.

Graziadei’s victory carried particular significance as the first Bachelor franchise alumnus to compete and win. His journey from documented uncertainty about dance capability to confident championship performance provided an emotional arc that resonated with viewers. The partnership with Jenna Johnson, whose family legacy in dance competition runs deep, represented a merging of entertainment worlds.

Official Statements and Reactions

The official ABC announcement confirmed the results immediately following the live broadcast, with network representatives praising the season’s competitive spirit and viewer engagement. Wikipedia records document the season’s progression and official outcomes, providing reliable reference material for verified information.

The judges consistently remarked throughout the evening on the unprecedented talent level, with Carrie Ann Inaba noting that “the growth we’ve witnessed this season from every single contestant has been extraordinary.” Derek Hough, whose daughter Jenna Johnson shared the winning partnership, acknowledged the emotional weight of the victory while maintaining professional composure throughout the announcement.

Viewer reactions flooded social media platforms immediately following the victory announcement, with hashtags celebrating the winning couple trending nationally. The combination of Joey Graziadei’s relatability and Jenna Johnson’s established dance credentials created a winning formula that translated across diverse audience demographics.

Summary: Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Finale Results

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson secured their place in Dancing with the Stars history on November 26, 2024, claiming the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after delivering a memorable freestyle performance to “Canned Heat.” Their victory concluded a season marked by exceptional talent, format innovation, and emotional storytelling. The winning couple accumulated 118 points across finale rounds, narrowly defeating a field of five accomplished finalists including Olympians, a reality television star, a professional football player, and an actress. Season 33 set new standards for competitive excellence while continuing the show’s tradition of transforming celebrities into accomplished dancers over the course of a single season.

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