The Season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars delivered one of the most competitive showdowns in the show's history. Ultimately, it was Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and his professional partner, Jenna Johnson, who hoisted the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
While the season was packed with Olympic powerhouses and Disney stars, Graziadei’s victory capped off an incredible journey of growth, fan mobilization, and sheer determination.
How the Finale Unfolded
The three-hour finale was a high-stakes battle featuring five formidable couples: Joey Graziadei, Chandler Kinney, Ilona Maher, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Danny Amendola. Going into the final night, the competition was incredibly tight, but Joey elevated his game when it mattered most.
For their redemption dance, Joey and Jenna performed a flawless Cha Cha to "I Like It" by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin, earning high praise from the judges. They followed this with an explosive freestyle set to "Disco Inferno" by The Trammps, showcasing Joey’s newly acquired showmanship and earning a perfect score of 30.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong delivered a breathtaking freestyle to "Warrior" by Aurora, but the incredible performance wasn't quite enough to beat the sheer volume of public votes backing Graziadei. Ultimately, Chandler took second place, while Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik finished third.
The Real Reason Behind the Win
While Graziadei’s dance skills improved dramatically over the weeks, his victory came down to two major factors: audience connection and the Bachelor Nation voting block.
Historically, stars from The Bachelor franchise carry a highly active, dedicated fanbase that votes consistently during live broadcasts. However, Graziadei succeeded where many previous Bachelors failed because of his genuine charisma and vulnerability on camera. His partnership with Jenna Johnson felt authentic, and his ability to master complex choreography won over neutral viewers who value raw improvement over day-one perfection.
Why It Matters for the Franchise
Season 33 proved to be a major ratings success for Disney+ and ABC, largely due to the diverse and highly engaged cast. The inclusion of breakout Paris Olympics stars like Ilona Maher and Stephen "Pommel Horse Guy" Nedoroscik brought in younger demographics and fueled massive engagement across TikTok and Instagram.
The ratings surge highlights the show’s successful dual-distribution model. By capitalizing on real-time internet culture, the production team kept the long-running reality series feeling fresh. Joey Graziadei's win reinforces a classic Dancing with the Stars truth: while technical perfection is impressive, it is the emotional journey and the connection with the audience that ultimately secures the Mirrorball Trophy.
