Home Poal24

The 5 Biggest Shocks And Triumphs Of The DWTS Finale 2024: Who Took Home The Len Goodman Mirrorball?

• minute read
Contents

The Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 33 finale, which aired on November 26, 2024, delivered one of the most unpredictable and emotionally charged conclusions in the show’s history, culminating in a stunning victory that few predicted at the start of the season. The final night saw five exceptional couples battle it out for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, performing two high-stakes dances: a Redemption Dance and a spectacular Freestyle. The result was a testament to the power of viewer votes combined with the judges' scores, crowning a champion who became the first star from their particular reality TV franchise to ever win the competition.

This deep dive into the 2024 finale provides the complete breakdown, from the winner's shocking journey to the final rankings, the judges' scores, and the emotional tributes to the late, great Len Goodman. The season will forever be remembered for its incredible parity and the sheer talent of the five couples who made it to the last night of competition.

Joey Graziadei: Biography and DWTS Season 33 Journey

The winner of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy for Season 33, Joey Graziadei, is a television personality who captivated audiences with his genuine charm and surprising dance ability. His journey on Dancing with the Stars was a narrative of constant improvement, moving from a promising beginner to a polished ballroom dancer.

  • Full Name: Joseph Michael Graziadei
  • Born: May 24, 1995 (Age 29 at the time of the finale)
  • Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
  • Previous Career: Tennis Professional/Instructor
  • Reality TV History: Rose to fame as the runner-up on Season 20 of The Bachelorette (starring Charity Lawson), and later as the lead of Season 28 of The Bachelor.
  • DWTS Partner: Jenna Johnson
  • Notable Season 33 Achievement: Became the first-ever lead of The Bachelor franchise to win the Mirrorball Trophy.
  • Journey Arc: Graziadei consistently scored high marks throughout the season, often receiving perfect 10s from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. His partnership with pro Jenna Johnson was praised for its chemistry and the emotional depth brought to their routines.

The Final Showdown: Rankings, Scores, and the Decisive Dances

The Season 33 finale was a three-hour spectacle, with the five remaining couples performing two separate routines. The final result was a combination of their cumulative judges' scores from the night and the crucial viewer votes from America. The competition was incredibly tight, with only a four-point difference separating the top four couples in the judges' scores.

DWTS Finale 2024: Complete Final Rankings (Season 33)

The final elimination process was a tense affair, with the hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announcing the couples' placements one by one. The final rankings based on the combined judges' scores and viewer votes were:

  1. Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson (Winner)
  2. Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten (Second Place / Runner-Up)
  3. Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong (Third Place)
  4. Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold (Fourth Place)
  5. Danny Amendola & Witney Carson (Fifth Place)

The Final Night Judges' Scores Breakdown

Each couple performed a Redemption Dance, designed to allow them to revisit a style they struggled with earlier in the season, and a Freestyle—a no-rules, high-production routine meant to showcase their personality and journey. The maximum possible score for the night was 60 (30 points per dance).

  • 1st Place: Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson (Total Score: 59/60)
    • Redemption Dance: Waltz (Score: 29/30)
    • Freestyle: A powerful and emotional routine that perfectly encapsulated their partnership (Score: 30/30)
  • 2nd Place: Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten (Total Score: 57/60)
    • Redemption Dance: Jive (Score: 27/30)
    • Freestyle: A high-energy, fiery performance that celebrated the Olympic rugby player's strength and personality (Score: 30/30)
  • 3rd Place: Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong (Total Score: 60/60)
    • Redemption Dance: Jive (Score: 30/30)
    • Freestyle: A theatrical and technically brilliant routine (Score: 30/30)
  • 4th Place: Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold (Total Score: 59/60)
    • Redemption Dance: Foxtrot (Score: 29/30)
    • Freestyle: A creative and fun performance that highlighted the Olympic gymnast’s unique charm (Score: 30/30)
  • 5th Place: Danny Amendola & Witney Carson (Total Score: 56/60)
    • Redemption Dance: Tango (Score: 27/30)
    • Freestyle: A masculine and sharp routine that paid homage to the NFL star’s career (Score: 29/30)

The Shocking Result: Judges' Scores vs. Fan Votes

The finale delivered a major shock when the couple with the highest judges' score on the night, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (a perfect 60/60), finished in third place. Similarly, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, who tied Joey and Jenna with 59/60, placed fourth. This outcome underscored the immense power of the fan vote in the DWTS competition.

Chandler Kinney, the talented actress, and her partner Brandon Armstrong, delivered two flawless performances, yet the combined fan support for Bachelor Nation's Joey Graziadei and Olympic star Ilona Maher proved too strong. This dynamic highlights a crucial element of Dancing with the Stars: while technical skill is essential, the emotional connection and journey arc—which often resonates deeply with the voting audience—can ultimately decide the winner of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Joey Graziadei’s win, despite not having the highest judges' score on the final night, was a victory for the "improvement arc." He was consistently excellent, but his final win was sealed by a massive, dedicated fan base who saw his transformation from a reality TV star to a genuine dancer. His partner, Jenna Johnson, secured her second Mirrorball, further cementing her status as one of the show's top professional dancers.

Topical Authority: The Key Entities of DWTS Season 33

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars was a tribute to the show's legacy, maintaining a high level of competition and entertainment. The season was particularly notable for the return of the full panel of beloved judges and the continuation of the show's refreshed hosting duo.

  • The Hosts: The season was co-hosted by returning DWTS champion Alfonso Ribeiro and former professional dancer and judge Julianne Hough. Their chemistry and energy kept the live shows moving seamlessly.
  • The Judges' Panel: The judging panel remained a trio of seasoned experts:
    • Carrie Ann Inaba: Known for focusing on technique and performance flow.
    • Derek Hough: A six-time Mirrorball champion, providing insightful, technical critiques.
    • Bruno Tonioli: The king of hyperbole, known for his dramatic and passionate commentary.
  • The Mirrorball Trophy: The coveted prize officially became known as the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy after the passing of the long-time head judge, Len Goodman, in April 2023. The trophy is now a permanent memorial to his immense contribution to the series.
  • Key Competitors (Beyond the Final 5): The season also featured other notable stars, including NFL star Adrian Peterson, actress Mira Sorvino, and singer Jason Mraz, all of whom delivered memorable performances and added to the high level of competition.

The DWTS finale 2024 (Season 33) provided a thrilling conclusion to a fantastic season. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s victory will be remembered as a stunning upset based on the final night’s scores, but a well-deserved win for a couple whose journey perfectly embodied the spirit of the show: dedication, growth, and the magic of the ballroom.

The 5 Biggest Shocks and Triumphs of the DWTS Finale 2024: Who Took Home the Len Goodman Mirrorball?
dwts finale 2024
dwts finale 2024

Detail Author:

  • Name : Vilma Hayes
  • Username : gerson.block
  • Email : keebler.mortimer@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 2002-04-25
  • Address : 5828 Ritchie Via Apt. 745 Ashtonbury, IA 23412-5119
  • Phone : 1-870-930-3287
  • Company : Quigley, Block and Friesen
  • Job : Postsecondary Teacher
  • Bio : Rem et molestiae iusto. Eligendi omnis quia velit nobis et illo vel. Vitae optio non officiis quis. Commodi numquam sed nihil beatae consectetur accusantium.

Socials

tiktok:

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/jeanne_rogahn
  • username : jeanne_rogahn
  • bio : At quia nemo tempora libero. Eius et iusto iste perspiciatis. Non aut quos ut quibusdam facilis soluta.
  • followers : 5063
  • following : 846

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/rogahnj
  • username : rogahnj
  • bio : Et soluta quis excepturi ut explicabo praesentium eveniet.
  • followers : 977
  • following : 2603

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/jeanne_rogahn
  • username : jeanne_rogahn
  • bio : Numquam necessitatibus harum pariatur adipisci. Dolor voluptas ea recusandae omnis.
  • followers : 871
  • following : 544

Random Posts