'Dancing With the Stars' Season 33 finale: Winner, performances and best moments (2024)

‘DWTS’ Season 33 crowns a winner

After the impressive and emotional three-hour finale and judges and fan votes, only one star was crowned the winner.

Before the winner was announced, each finalists received sweet messages from friends, family and friends. Ilona Maher's rugby teammates made an appearance as well as Olympian Frederick Richard and Joey Graziadei's fiancée Kelsey Anderson. Then, it was time to read the results.

The “Dancing With the Stars” Season 33 winner is:Joey Graziadei!

"It means everything to me. This whole experience has been unbelievable, honestly," Graziadei said before he and Johnson were hoisted into the air by their fellow 33 contestants and pros.

This is Johnson's second time winning. She previously won in Season 26 with Adam Rippon. Graziadei is the first "Bachelor" lead to take first place.

Here is how each couple placed:

1. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
2. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
3. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
4. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
5. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson

Congratulations to Graziadei and Johnson!

Get ready for the "DWTS Live 2025 Tour!"

Ahead of the pros heading on the road next year, they teased a bit of what attendees will see when they attend their shows. During the live finale, the pros performed a phenomenal routine to “Rush” by Troye Sivan.

The piece was choreographed by choreographer and frequent "DWTS" collaborator Mandy Moore.

The female dancers were dressed in coral fun outfits, while the guys were dressed in coral shirts and white pants.

After the dance, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that Stephen Nedoroscik will be co-hosting the tour, while Chandler Kinney, Joey Graziadei, Jenna Johnson and Ilona Maher will also be part of the tour in select cities.

The dances for the competing couples are officially done and it's up to the viewers to vote for their favorite.

The final scores are a mix of last week’s combined with the scores that the couple received after their redemption and freestyle dances.

Check out the couple’s total scores before a winner is crowned.

Leading the list is Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong while Danny Amendolaand pro Witney Carson are at the bottom.

Who will be crowned the “DWTS” Season 33 champion?

Disney Channel star Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong performed a Jive to “Apt.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars.

The judges and the crowd could barely contain their excitement after seeing the flawless routine.

As the audience erupted into applause, Carrie Ann Inaba said, "Listen to that! Soak that in! That should feel good." She said she thought Kinney had the most difficult season out of "all the contestants." Derek Hough chimed in and said, "That was sensational. Well done." Bruno Tonioli dramatically rose to his feet, his signature, and said Kinney "went beyond redemption." He added, "What we have here is a triumph!"

Check out their first scores below:

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

The couple’s total, combined with last week’s scores, was 88.

The pair returned to the ballroom and performed a freestyle to “Hellzapoppin’” byEyal Vilner Big Band and “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield.

In the intro package, Armstrong acknowledged that he and Kinney are the first Black couple to make it to the finale. He said he wanted their routine to honor the legendary Black artists who came before them.

Their number began with a tribute to the Nicholas Brothers as the duo danced around in black and white.

Then color filled the screen as they continued to bounce around the ballroom.

The judges all noted the historic moment while complimenting Kinney's performance. "Not only was that beyond impressive, that was important," Inaba said. "Representation matters and you have changed the future." Hough said he was glad they honored the Nicholas Brothers. He continued, "You should be so proud of every single step you dance on this floor. That was sensational." Tonioli applauded their tribute to Black artists, as well, and praised the routine as "a truly grand performance for a grand finale."

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

Their total for the finale is: 118

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten's first performance was a Jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers.

The judges were thrilled by how much Maher had improved since her misstep with the dance earlier in the competition.

Bruno Tonioli roared, "Shake it for me, shake it, shake it!" He said Maher's second Jive was "so much better" and that her competitive spirit was an inspiration. Carrie Ann Inaba agreed, cheering, "Redemption is yours!" She added that the dance was "fantastic." Derek Hough labeled the performance a "true redemption dance" and said he was "proud of her."

Check out their first scores below:

Carrie Ann Inaba: 9/10

Derek Hough: 9/10

Bruno Tonioli: 9/10

The couple’s total, combined with last week’s scores, was 84.

The pair returned to the ballroom and performed a freestyle to “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan.

Maher began the dance wearing a tracksuit as she walked through a locker room, delivering quips that represented her funny personality. She arrived on the dance floor and told Inaba she had "never been better" before ripping off the tracksuit and revealing a sparkly silver bodysuit and knee-high boots.

Maher dazzled as she hit all her moves. She finished the routine by catching a rugby ball and playfully pushing Bersten.

Her last dance of the season was an undeniable hit.

Tonioli praised, "You have become a true leading lady." He said Maher was "always the girl on top" and now she's "shining brighter than ever."

Inaba was so excited she squealed before giving her feedback. "My mind is blown!" she said. "You are all that and then some." She said Maher's routine made her feel "empowered" and represented "the magic of dance."

Hough added, "You are a burning, bright flame, my love. Congratulations, well done."

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

Their total for the finale is: 114

For their redemption dance, Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson performed a Tango to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen.

Derek Hough said his redemption dance was “accomplished” and congratulated him on his performance. Bruno Tonioli complimented his lines, shape and effort. Carrie Ann Inaba said that “out of all the men, you have made the biggest transformation.” She said that he has turned into the best dancer he could be.

Check out their first scores below:

Carrie Ann Inaba: 9/10

Derek Hough: 9/10

Bruno Tonioli: 9/10

The couple’s first score, combined with last week’s scores, was 81.

The pair returned to the ballroom and performed a freestyle to “Pink” by Lizzo and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling. The routine included a number of styles and required some acting on the athlete's end.

The number was inspired by the movie “Barbie,” with Carson embodying the blonde-haired doll and Amendola channeling his inner Ken.

Hough called it, "One of the most entertaining routines on the show."

"Mr. Gosling, come to Daddy," Tonioli exclaimed, saying he wanted a sequel with "silver Ken and you. Can you imagine what we can do?"

Inaba called it "so entertaining" and said "well done."

Carrie Ann Inaba: 9/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

Their total for the finale is: 110.

“The Bachelor” Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson performed a Cha Cha to “Can't Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. They first tackled the dance during Week 1 of the competition.

The judges raved about how Graziadei was able to master the challenging choreography this time around.

Derek Hough said it wasn’t a redemption dance but a “punctuation mark” on Graziadei's time in the competition, before applauding how the former "Bachelor" lead nailed the routine. Bruno Tonioli said it was "polished to perfection" and that it looked like "two pros" dancing together before Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out Graziadei's consistency throughout the competition. She said his impressive scores each week have been "well deserved."

Check out their first scores below:

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

The couple’s total, combined with last week’s scores, was 88.

The pair returned to the ballroom to perform a freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 feat. Jake Simpson. The dance included nods to Graziadei's job as a tennis teacher.

The routine began with Graziadei serving a tennis ball before the two launched into the choreography, while holding tennis rackets. Halfway through the dance, Graziadei and Johnson's rackets were illuminated as a group of pros danced with them.

But while the two lit up the ballroom, literally, the feedback about their performance was split.

Inaba received audible boos when she said the dance was "a tad underwhelming" and that the energy "dipped in the middle." Her fellow judges disagreed. Hough stood to deliver his signature grand clap. "That was phenomenal," he said. "You are a true leading man." Tonioli sided with Hough. "Game. Set. And match for Joey!" he gushed. He described the choreography as inventive: "Hollywood and tennis perfectly combined."

Carrie Ann Inaba: 9/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

Their total for the finale is: 117

Entering the finale, Olympian gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold were at the bottom of the leaderboard. Their first performance for their redemption dance was a Quickstep to “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.

The judges had many positive thoughts on the Olympian's routine. Bruno Tonioli said, "You were running on top gear, fast, smooth, clear."

"The best I've ever seen you," said Carrie Ann Inaba, while Derek Hough said that Nedoroscik was "so much better" than the first time he performed the dance.

Check out their first scores below:

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 9/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

The couple’s total, combined with last week’s scores, was 82.

The pair returned to the ballroom for their freestyle to “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. The routine included the athlete's famous pommel horse, as well as a few of his gymnastics teammates.

"Stephen is going for gold, " Tonioli praised, describing the routine as "athletic and artistic at the same time." Inaba got emotional after the performance, saying it was "amazing and touched all the perfect points."

Hough recalled watching the athlete during the 2024 Paris Olympics and thinking he'd be a great addition to the show. "I'm going to get emotional, I love it," he praised.

The judges then gave the twosome their final scores of Season 33.

Carrie Ann Inaba: 10/10

Derek Hough: 10/10

Bruno Tonioli: 10/10

Their total for the finale is: 112

Former "Dancing With the Stars" pro Mark Ballas, who served as a guest judge during Week 4, returned to the ballroom to team up with longtime friend and judge Derek Hough for a special routine.

Ahead of their collaboration, the "DWTS" Instagram account shared a look at their rehearsal on their story. In the picture, Ballas and Hough faced each other as smoke filled the ballroom.

For another preview post uploaded to the show's Instagram story, Hough said, "Hey everybody! Make sure you tune in to watch (my) Argentine Tango with this guy," before pointing to Ballas, who smiled next to him.

"Enjoy!" Ballas added.

The "DWTS" page also uploaded a behind-the-scenes clip, narrated by Hough, of the friends rehearsing. "Man + Tango = MANGO! 🥭 Mark and Derek bless us with an outstanding performance during tonight’s#DWTSFinale," the caption said.

During the finale, a clip was shown of the two practicing and talking about their lasting friendship. Ballas pointed out that he and Hough have been dancing together "for nearly 30 years."

When it was time for them to take center stage during the finale, the duo danced along to "Libertango" by Tango Bardo, proving that they are still two of the best professionals to ever grace the "DWTS" floor.

The fast-paced number included countless turns, spins and kicks across the entire dance floor. As the dance ended, the two landed their final striking poses.

Hough then returned to the judges' table to continue providing feedback and scores for the remaining dances.

Marvel actor Xochitl Gomez and pro Val Chmerkovskiy returned to the ballroom floor for a performance to “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan.

Ahead of their routine, Gomez said she wanted to showcase her relationship with Chmerkovskiy and how far they have come as partners. She also reflected on winning last year's trophy and said she is excited to hand it off to the new winner.

“I will always be there for my 'DWTS' family,” she told cameras.

The dynamic duo then showed off their skills and proved that they were worthy of the Season 32 Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. They coordinated in matching pink ensembles and at one point had fun with the routine.

When they wrapped to the audiences' loud applause, Alfonso Ribeiro asked how she felt returning to the stage.

"I missed it a lot and it's just pure joy since I've come back," Gomez replied.

After a commercial break, fans were treated to a short dance between Tori Spelling and pro Pasha Pashkov, who were eliminated on Sept. 24.

He swung Spelling around the dance floor while Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" played. Fellow Season 33 contestant Anna Delvey was then carried onto the stage and mouthed the chorus, repeating "nothing, nothing, nothing."

The moment was a nod to her infamous exit earlier this season, also on Sept. 24, where she said she would take "nothing" away from her time on the show. Delvey joined her partner, pro Ezra Sosa, who gracefully lifted her into the air.

When their dance ended, co-host Julianne Hough kept the joke going, playfully adding that she had "nothing" to say about the dance.

After a recap of the remaining contestants, the three-hour Season 33 "Dancing With the Stars" finale officially began with a lively number to Madonna's "Holiday."

As the song started to play, each finalist was shown dancing in front of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy as they explained why they wanted to win.

For the dance, which was choreographed by Ray Leeper, Season 33 pros and eliminated contestants from the season, like Britt Stewart and Val Chmerkovskiy showed off their skills as they bounced and glided around the dance floor.

Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro then joined in on the fun before Anna Delvey, Tori Spelling, Eric Roberts, Brooks Nader and Jenn Tran busted some moves with their former partners. Dwight Howard also nailed another impressive lift with pro Daniella Karagach as the judges danced in their seats.

The roaring number ended with the five finalists and their partners taking the stage: Danny Amendolaand pro Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson, Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong, Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten, and Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold.

They appeared in a giant mirrorball and grooved with their partners as the crowd erupted.

"What a way to start our celebration with all the stars of the season!" Ribeiro cheered.

The “Dancing With the Stars” Season 33 finale began with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough highlighting the final five contestants’ best routines of the season.

Hough said Joey Graziadei is a "natural performer" and week after week handles complex choreography. He noted the reality star's "showmanship" during his Tango on. Hair Metal Night. He also called out the Bachelor and Jenna Johnson’s “Tarzan” dance, saying, “playing the drums on Jenna’s backside became a huge viral hit.”

Tonioli called Ilona Maher a “powerhouse” and among “the most powerful female star” they have had. He said she brings a “lightness and subtly,” calling out her “beautiful” Rumba.

Inaba also praised Chandler Kinney for her versatility, “star quality” and for always being “effortlessly in sync with the music.” She said that the Disney Channel star has “so much flare and so much style.”

Toniolo also admired Danny Amendola for his “undeniable strength” that he brings to each performance. He added his Contemporary dance showed how “unstoppable” he can be when he “channels” his physical strength into a message.

As for Stephen Nedoroscik, Inaba described him as a “sensation” and “one of the most enjoyable stars to watch.” The judge pointed out his Charleston from Disney Night that showed his charisma, his flexibility and stamina.

Model Brooks Nader and pro dancer Gleb Savchenko, who were rumored to be dating during their time on the show this season, are back together... for the finale.

The pair was eliminated during the Oct. 15 episode but have continued to post on social media about each other, leaving fans to speculate about their relationship status. Before the finale, the two reunited with the other eliminated couples on set and poked fun at their possible connection.

In a video uploaded to the "DWTS" TikTok account, Savchenko mouthed, "Bro, let's get straight to it. On my mama, we lit!" Nader was then shown looking unbothered as she flipped her hair.

But in the final seconds of the clip, she clung to Savchenko as he spun her around and the two smiled.

On Savchenko's Instagram story, he continued to fuel the rumor mill. He re-shared a video from co-host Alfonso Ribeiro discussing his hot-and-cold dynamic with Nader.

"This is ridiculous!" Ribeiro said after panning the camera to show Savchenko and Nader embracing.

In another video posted to his Instagram story, Savchenko filmed Nader while she said, "Babe, my makeup isn't done yet."

He replied, "Babe, you look beautiful. You're perfect."

He then gave her a kiss on the cheek. Check out the "DWTS" finale to see the steamy pair reunite on live TV.

Ahead of the "DWTS" Season 33 finale, the show's official Instagram teased the male dancers' outfits for some of their performances.

"The boys are stepping out in some stunning looks! 😍 Tune in to the#DWTSFinaletonight to see how our talented wardrobe department brings these pieces to life. ✨" the post's caption reads.

The finale-worthy looks include Danny Amendola in a faux fur coat for his freestyle dance, Stephen Nedoroscik in a blue tracksuit for his freestyle and a coral suit for his Quickstep and Joey Graziadei in a tennis-inspired ensemble for his freestyle.

Season 32 of "Dancing With the Stars," which aired its finale in December 2023, ended with actor Xochitl Gomez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy being declared the winners.

The Marvel star was awarded the show's first-ever Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after besting fellow competitors Alyson Hannigan, Charity Lawson, Ariana Madix and Jason Mraz.

The victory also marked Chmerkovskiy's third time winning the show.

For the Season 33 finale Nov. 26, Gomez will return to the "DWTS" ballroom to dance with Chmerkovskiy to Chappell Roan's hit "Pink Pony Club."

Season 33 contestant Anna Delvey has returned to "Dancing With the Stars," along with other competitors from this season who were eliminated.

Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin, shared a group photo of herself, Tori Spelling, Phaedra Parks and current finalist Chandler Kinney on Instagram hours before the finale.

"Came back for nothing," the fake German heiresscaptioned the post, referencing her blunt response when she was eliminated back in September.

She and her partner, pro Ezra Sosa, were eliminated in the Sept. 24 episode. When asked what she would take from her experience on "DWTS," she replied: "Nothing."

Sosa, on his end, raised his eyebrows and laughed.

“You had fun, stop it, stop it,” Ribeiro replied.

The response went viral, with judge Carrie Ann Inaba expressing her disappointment in the reply.

Delvey later defended herself on the “Misspelling” podcast, saying she responded with the short remark, “Because that was the truth.”

In the freestyle round, where the contestants decide the style of dance, the five couples will perform the following routines:

• Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson will perform a freestyle to “Pink” by Lizzo and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling.
• Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson will perform a freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 featuring Jake Simpson.
• Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong will perform a freestyle to “Hellzapoppin’” byEyal Vilner Big Band and “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield.
• Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten will perform a freestyle to “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan.
• Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold will perform a freestyle to “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.

The Season 33 Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy has been unveiled ahead of the finale.

In an Instagram video, co-host Alfonso Ribeiro showed off the trophy using a fun audio.

The coveted “Dancing With the Stars” trophy was renamed as the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after the beloved judge died in April 2023 at the age of 78.

The trophy name was changed in Season 32, which marked the first season after Goodman’s death. Goodman was a head judge since the first season of “DWTS,” which premiered in 2005.

Last year’s finale concluded with a photo of the late dancer and teacher that read, “In loving memory of Len Goodman.”

During the three-hour finale, the remaining five couples will perform the below routines for the redemption round.

• Danny Amendola and Witney Carson will perform a Tango to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen.
• Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson will perform a Cha Cha to “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.
• Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong will perform a Jive to “Apt.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars.
• Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten will perform a Jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers.
• Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold will perform a Quickstep to “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.

The Season 33 finale of "Dancing With the Stars" is just a few hours away.

One of the five remaining couples will end the night hoisting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy above their heads as the newest champion.

The epic three-hour conclusion to the season starts at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. CT on ABC. The broadcast will also stream live on Disney+, based on your location.

If you can't watch live, the finale will be available to stream the following day on Hulu or ABC.com.

During the finale, each couple will perform two dances: a "redemption dance" selected by one of the three judges that the contestant performed earlier in the season and a freestyle routine.

So, who will impress the judges the most? Tune it to find out!

Get ready "Dancing With the Stars" fans! Tonight is the last time to vote for your favorite couple to determine who will be crowned the winner of Season 33.

The three-hour finale kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will be broadcast live across the network and Disney+ in local time zones.

As the show airs in eastern and central time zones, fans will still be able to cast their votes online, from any time zone, at dwtsvote.abc.com.

Tonight, the scores from the semifinals will be combined with the judges' scores for the contestants' final two dances. Then, those totals will be added to viewers' votes. If you want to vote via text, here's how:

• Text CHANDLER to 21523 to vote for Chandler Kinney
• Text JOEY to 21523 to vote for Joey Graziadei
• Text ILONA to 21523 to vote for Ilona Maher
• Text DANNY to 21523 to vote for Danny Amendola
• Text STEPHEN to 21523 to vote for Stephen Nedoroscik

We are entering the Season 33 finale of "Dancing With the Stars" with five couples still in the competition, thanks to an unexpected twist in the penultimate episode of the season.

For the semifinals, each of the five remaining couples performed two dances they hadn't tackled before: one Latin and one ballroom. At the end of the night, Chandler Kinney and Joey Graziadei were tied at the top of leaderboard while Stephen Nedoroscik, who struggled during his Cha Cha, fell to the bottom.

As co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced the voting results, they surprised the contestants, and viewers, by revealing that it was a non-elimination episode. Here are the five couples and their partners who will be vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in the finale:

• Chandler and Brandon
• Joey and Jenna
• Ilona and Alan
• Danny and Witney
• Stephen and Rylee