Five Couples Battle for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in Star-Studded Season 33 Finale, Featuring Redemption Dances, Freestyles, and a Special Performance by Last Year’s Champion
The much-awaited season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars has finally arrived! For those wondering where to watch Dancing with the Stars, the Nov. 26 episode will showcase the final five pairs returning to the ballroom dance floor one last time to compete for the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Following last week’s semifinals, which concluded without any eliminations, all five couples remain in contention. The talented duos of Chandler Kinney with Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei alongside Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher partnered with Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola paired with Witney Carson, and Stephen Nedoroscik dancing with Rylee Arnold will take their final bow as one pair emerges victorious as season 33’s champions.
The grand finale will welcome back this season’s previously eliminated contestants from the Dancing with the Stars cast, including Anna Delvey, Jenn Tran, Brooks Nader, and others. Adding to the excitement, season 32 champion Xochitl Gomez will make a special appearance, performing to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” with her former professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.
How to Vote for Dancing with the Stars
Home viewers can support their favorite couples by casting votes online through http://dwtsvote.abc.com or via SMS text messaging during the live voting period. To vote by text, viewers should send each contestant’s designated keyword to 21523, with each message counting as one vote. A maximum of 20 votes can be cast, split between 10 votes per method per couple. ABC Dancing with the Stars voting is restricted to individuals aged 18 and above physically present in the United States or Canada.
Stephen’s Routine Triggers Tears
During a touching pre-performance video package, Stephen thanked Rylee for their partnership throughout the competition.
“Having you as my partner has been incredible, especially since I was someone who wouldn’t even dance at parties. You helped me break through that barrier,” he shared with a warm smile. “You’ve given me tremendous confidence.”
For his freestyle routine set to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” Stephen brought in his fellow gymnasts to enhance his final Dancing with the Stars performance. During rehearsals, the Olympic athlete admitted to feeling nervous about the finale.
“I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got,” he declared. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win that mirror ball, even if it means pushing myself to the absolute limit.”
Stephen and Rylee’s performance proved to be deeply moving for both the audience and the judges.
“I distinctly remember watching your Olympic performance and thinking you’d be perfect for Dancing with the Stars,” Derek Hough reminisced with emotion. “Now here you are in the finale, delivering this incredible freestyle. I’m getting emotional just watching it.”
Judges’ Scores: 30/30 (Perfect Score)
Chandler Gets a Standing O!
Chandler and Brandon were assigned to perform a Jive to “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, as assigned by judge Carrie Ann Inaba. This particular Latin dance style held special significance for the pair, as they had previously performed a Jive earlier in the season. During that earlier attempt, the judges noted that their performance lost momentum towards the conclusion, resulting in point deductions.
Approaching tonight’s redemption performance with determination, Chandler demonstrated her resilient spirit in the pre-dance interview. “I’m a fighter at heart,” she declared confidently to the cameras. With unwavering resolve, she elaborated, “Every fiber of my being – body and soul – is committed to maintaining peak energy throughout the entire performance.”
The dedication paid off spectacularly as Chandler and Brandon delivered an electrifying routine that captivated everyone present. Their dynamic performance drew thunderous applause from the audience, who rose to their feet in appreciation. Bruno Tonioli was particularly effusive in his praise, exclaiming, “This goes beyond mere redemption! What we witnessed tonight was an absolute triumph! You brought freshness, excitement, and sass while making it uniquely your own.”
Judges’ Scores: 30/30 (Perfect Score)
Ilona Shakes a Tail Feather
For their redemption dance, Ilona and Alan performed a Jive to the classic “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles and The Blues Brothers. Recalling her emotional first attempt at the Jive, leaving her in tears, Ilona acknowledged her nervousness while expressing fierce determination to prove herself.
“With just two dances separating us from that mirror ball trophy, I know there’s more within me to give,” she confided to the cameras. “Tonight will only bring tears of joy because this performance will be flawless.”
When the Olympic athlete and her DWTS partner took center stage, they delivered a spectacular performance that not only showcased their growth but demonstrated complete mastery of the challenging dance style. Carrie Ann Inaba reflected on their journey, noting, “Your first attempt at this dance affected us all deeply – we could sense your anxiety from here. Tonight, however, you’ve reconstructed it into something even more magnificent.”
Judges’ Scores: 27/30
Xochitl Makes Her Return to The Ballroom
Season 32 champion Xochitl returned triumphantly alongside Val, delivering an enchanting performance to “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan. In her pre-dance package, Xochitl expressed the deep significance of this return performance.
“This dance represents an opportunity to showcase the special partnership Val and I developed, along with my entire journey on Dancing with the Stars,” she reflected warmly during rehearsal footage. “It’s just like riding a bicycle. This performance symbolizes the beautiful conclusion of my season… and my enduring connection to my Dancing with the Stars family.”
Their performance proved mesmerizing, earning enthusiastic responses from both the audience and judges. Afterward, Xochitl shared with Julianne how much she had missed performing in the ballroom.
“The joy has been overwhelming since my return,” she added with genuine warmth.
A Super Bowl Champion Conquers His Apprehensions
Danny and Witney received their assignment: a Tango performance set to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen. During his pre-dance reflection, Danny opened up about his transformative journey, sharing with viewers how profoundly this experience had “reshaped who I am” before stepping onto the dance floor. “Throughout my life, I’ve harbored this deep-seated fear of embarrassment in front of others, but I finally reached a point where I said, ‘Enough is enough,'” he revealed candidly. “Tonight’s finale is no different – I’m determined to give everything I’ve got!”
When the moment arrived, Danny and Witney’s performance demonstrated their unwavering commitment to securing the season 33 championship. “This redemption dance truly exceeded all expectations,” Derek Hough remarked enthusiastically. “You’ve emerged as the dark horse of this competition. The transformation in your confidence level compared to your first dance is nothing short of remarkable.”
Judges’ Scores: 27/30
Joey Shines Like a Diamond
In his pre-performance package, Joey was still basking in the glow of his historic achievement as the first Bachelor contestant to reach the finals of DWTS. Upon learning from Derek that he and Jenna would perform a Cha-Cha to Justin Timberlake’s “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” as their redemption dance, the pair immediately immersed themselves in intensive rehearsals.
Despite feeling butterflies about incorporating new choreography, Joey expressed his willingness to embrace the challenge. “When I leave that dance floor tonight, I want to know in my heart that I gave absolutely everything I had,” he shared determinedly. When the moment arrived, Joey and Jenna delivered an impeccable routine that thoroughly impressed the judging panel and audience members.
“Joey, what we witnessed wasn’t merely a redemption dance. This was an exclamation point, definitively establishing your position as a frontrunner in this competition,” Derek Hough proclaimed enthusiastically. Bruno Tonioli concurred, declaring, “That performance was truly a masterpiece – a flawlessly polished gem of a cha-cha!”
Judges’ Scores: 30/30 (Perfect Score)
Stephen Exudes Pure Happiness
Before his redemption performance, Stephen emphasized that reaching the finale held special significance not just for him but especially for his partner Rylee. “The bond we’ve cultivated is extraordinary, and helping her achieve this milestone feels incredibly rewarding,” he shared during his interview. Despite finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard the previous week, the Olympic athlete maintained unwavering determination to climb to the top.
“My Olympic experience taught me how to handle immense pressure with precision and grace,” he reflected confidently. Following Bruno’s announcement that they would perform a Quickstep, Stephen and Rylee devoted themselves to perfecting their routine. Their performance on the dance floor left both judges and spectators spellbound as they gracefully glided through their high-energy number.
Carrie Ann Inaba beamed with emotion, “Watching that performance, I couldn’t help but think how our beloved Len Goodman would have been absolutely delighted – this Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy right here represents everything he stood for. Without a doubt, this was your finest performance to date.”
Derek’s face lit up as he commented, “You two are like pure sunshine personified, radiating joy with every movement – it’s as if happiness itself is dancing across the floor. The genuine enthusiasm in every step is simply infectious.”
Judges’ Scores: 29/30
Past Contestants Make a Spectacular Return!
The finale episode opened with an electrifying reunion as previously eliminated celebrities graced the ballroom again. In a dazzling opening number set to Madonna’s “Holiday,” familiar faces including Anna, Tori, Dwight Howard, Reginald Vel Johnson, Brooks Nader, and others joined their DWTS professional partners, treating viewers to an unexpected and delightful performance.
Finale Format and Guidelines Revealed!
As the finale commenced, the format was unveiled: each remaining pair would perform two routines – a “redemption dance” selected by the judges and a freestyle routine.
The lineup was announced as follows:
• Danny and Witney: Tango to Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen, followed by a Freestyle medley of Lizzo’s “Pink” and Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken”
• Joey and Jenna: Cha-Cha to Justin Timberlake’s “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” and Freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 featuring Jake Simpson
• Chandler and Brandon: Jive to “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, then Freestyle to a mix of “Hellzapoppin'” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up”
• Ilona and Alan: Jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” and Freestyle to “Femininomenon”
• Stephen and Rylee: Quickstep to The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There for You” and Freestyle to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”
While the finale traditionally showcases spectacular stunts, contestants must adhere to strict lift regulations. The National Dance Council of America defines a lift as any move where one dancer supports their partner completely off the floor. These aerial moves are permitted in select styles – Jitterbug, Argentine Tango, Charleston, Salsa, Jazz, and Contemporary – but remain prohibited in traditional ballroom dances including Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Samba, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep.
Anna Delvey’s Critical Eye
During the star-studded finale reunion, Anna Delvey’s return to the Dancing with the Stars stage brought an unexpected moment of candour when she encountered her former dance partner, Ezra Sosa. The highlight came when she finally saw the tribute tattoo he had gotten in her honor – a moment that perfectly encapsulated her trademark unfiltered personality.
In her November 26 Instagram update, Delvey shared a revealing moment where Sosa proudly displayed his new ink. The video captured her characteristically direct response as she examined the delicate tattoo on his back, quipping, “Wow, why is it so small? Come on, Ezra, you couldn’t afford anything bigger?”
The Tattoo That Sparked Controversy
The story behind the tattoo dates back to October, when professional dancer Sosa decided to permanently memorialize the infamous final words of his celebrity partner—the convicted con artist whose Week 1 elimination became one of the season’s most talked-about moments. He initially unveiled the tattoo through his social media channels.
The memorable moment that inspired the tattoo occurred during their September 24 elimination, when host Julianne Hough asked Delvey about her takeaways from the competition. Her succinct response – “Nothing” – instantly became viral. Later, during a September 28 appearance on Tori Spelling’s misSPELLING podcast, Delvey remained steadfast about her response, maintaining it was simply “the truth” of her experience.
As the Dancing with the Stars 2024 finale unfolds, viewers can stream Dancing with the Stars live on the ABC website or through their preferred streaming platforms. Don’t forget to cast your votes and stay tuned for the live results to see who will be crowned the champion of this thrilling season!
Source:
Esther Kang (November 26, 2024). Dancing with the Stars Live Recap: Finale Night Is Here as 5 Couples Fight to Win Season 33. People. https://people.com/dancing-with-the-stars-live-recap-season-33-finale-8752537. Accessed November 26, 2024
You may also like to read:
Supreme Court Overturns Conviction of Jussie Smollett
Denzel Washington Act: From Wakanda to Shakespeare’s Stage
