Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars was phenomenal. It had jaw-dropping performances, some incredible guest judges (not looking at you, Gene Simmons), and some amazing performances from the pro dancers. This season even served up a couple of showmances that seem to have possibly become real-life romances. In the end, Bachelor star and tennis pro Joey Graziadei and his partner, Jenna Johnson, beat out Olympian and social media star Ilona Maher and pro dancer Alan Bersten for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
This season saw a jump in fan votes, indicating how engaged viewers were with these celebrities and pros. At the start of the season, actress Chandler Kinney and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, were the early front-runners. However, later in the season, Joey and Jenna’s scores started to improve. His dancing and performance ability were a refreshing surprise from the jump. So, here’s why Joey Graziadei deserved to win Season 33 of DWTS.
Joey Graziadei’s improvement during DWTS Season 33 was impressive
Joey came into the competition with zero dance experience and what he called, “golden retriever energy.” However, it was clear from Jenna and Joey’s country-flavored Cha-Cha that he had moves. Joey also had abs, which he reluctantly showed off. In addition, he was determined and hard-working. When Joey learned a dance, he focused not only on technique but also on the nuances and character of the dance.
During “Hair Metal Night,” Joey and Jenna landed in first place on the leaderboard with the duo’s Tango. I mean, Joey even played drums at the start of the routine. He also tied for first place three other times this season. Watching him dance, I was shocked that he was a beginner. Not only was Joey able to perform Jenna’s ambitious choreography, but he was able to keep up with her.
During the finale, Jenna and Joey ended up in second place on the leaderboard, just behind Chandler and Brandon. I expected the race for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy to come down to Chandler, Joey, and Ilona. I admit that I was surprised that Chandler came in third place.
There is no doubt that Joey nailed both the technical and performance aspects of the dances. His Foxtrot with Jenna during the Semi-Finals earned some high praise from judge Derek Hough. “Fred Astaire is high-fiving you right now. That was one of the best, if not the best, Foxtrot I’ve ever seen from a male celebrity – ever,” Derek stated. Jenna and Joey’s Foxtrot was graceful, entertaining, and channeled Old Hollywood. Overall, Joey didn’t have a horrible performance all season. He just grew and improved week by week, which is what the series is supposed to be all about.
Joey Graziadei made sure DWTS could exist with his personal life
While Joey came into the competition with no dance experience, he was experienced in handing out roses to ladies on The Bachelor. In fact, his fiancée Kelsey Anderson received his final rose. While the DWTS competition is draining for the contestants, it can be hard on their loved ones as well. Some Bachelor Nation relationships even imploded while one of the leads was competing. However, Kelsey was there every week in the ballroom to cheer her man on.
And when it was hard for Kelsey to deal with Joey’s absence, she could lean on his family for support. The couple even postponed planning their wedding so Joey could keep his eyes on that glittering Mirrorball prize. I really love how supportive Kelsey has been.
The fact that Joey asked for a dance pro who was in a committed relationship speaks volumes about how much Joey cares about Kelsey. And kudos to Jenna for understanding how Kelsey might feel during this process. I mean, there is a lot of touching and body contact involved. So, Jenna showed Kelsey tapes of rehearsals and let her be part of the experience. That is a wonderful way to make everyone comfortable with the rehearsal and dancing. Fingers crossed that this couple has a long and happy union.
Joey made DWTS, and Bachelor, history
Bachelor Nation stars have taken home the Mirrorball before. Bachelorette star Hannah Brown and her partner Alan were the champs of Season 28. Then, Kaitlyn Bristowe won the following season with Artem Chigvintsev. However, fellow Bachelorette Gabby Windey placed second in 2022 with Val Chmerkovskiy, while Charity Lawson grabbed fourth place with Artem during Season 32.
However, the fate of competitors from The Bachelor was quick, and not nearly as bright. According to USA Today, in 2021, Matt James landed in 12th place with his partner, Lindsay Arnold. Both Nick Viall and Sean Lowe came in sixth place during their seasons. No Bachelor ever made it to the finale, let alone snagged the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
It wouldn’t have been possible without Joey and Jenna’s electric connection, their trust in each other, and his natural dance ability. Let’s face it, Joey has amazing musicality, enjoys being in frame, and now isn’t afraid of whipping out his abs during a dance. He’s come a long way from the Season 33 premiere! Overall, Joey had the trifecta of showmanship, technique, and personality. And that is why Joey Graziadei deserved to win the Mirrorball.
Dancing with the Stars is streaming on Disney+.
TELL US – DID JOEY GRAZIADEI DESERVE TO WIN DWTS SEASON 33?
