Dancing with the Stars Full Recap: Season 33 Names Its Winner!

From left: Danny Amendola and Witney Carson; Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold; 

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. PHOTO: Andrew Eccles/Disney (3)

Chandler Kinney, Joey Graziadei, Ilona Maher, Danny Amendola and Stephen Nedoroscik were the competing celebrities who had their sights set on the mirrorball trophy

The highly anticipated season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars has finally come!

On the Nov. 26 broadcast, the five remaining contestants returned to the ballroom for the last time to see which couple would finally be walking away with the coveted mirrorball trophy.

Last week's semifinals episode ended without an elimination and kept all five couples in the running. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold graced the dance floor and one couple was crowned season 33's winner.

The finale episode also saw the return of the season's eliminated contestants like Anna Delvey, Jenn Tran, Brooks Nader and more. Season 32 winner, Xochitl Gomez, also returned to perform a number to Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" alongside her former pro partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.

The Results Are In

After the final Freestyle of the night, each contestant's loved ones shared a special video message to cheer them off.

Alfonso and Julianne then announced that in fifth place was Danny and Witney, fourth place was Stephen and Rylee, Chandler and Brandon were third.

This left Joey and Jenna and Ilona and Alan in the running for first place.

"After weeks of intense competition, it's time for the final result," Julianne said as a drum rolled. With baited breath, Alfonso announced, "The winners and new champions of Dancing with the Stars are Joey and Jenna!"

Chandler Embodies Black Excellence!

For her final Freestyle performance with Brandon, the duo decided to pay tribute to the Black artists that came before them.

"We are the first Black couple to ever make a finale of Dancing with the Stars. So I want to celebrate all the Black performers before you and I were able to make it to this Freestyle," Brandon explained.

Noting how Black people are "at the root of entertainment today," Chandler agreed how their performance would be an "important" and "really special moment for representation.

"To be the first Black couple to win the mirror ball [trophy] would be so special," she gushed. "So I am putting every fiber of my being into making this dance as perfect as it possibly could be."

When it came time for their performance, the couple captivated the audience with their impressive leaps, lifts and tricks.

"A truly incandescent, spectacular celebration for the contributions that all Black artists have contributed to dance," Bruno praised. "I'm telling you, a truly grand performance for a grand finale."

Ilona Is Better Than Ever!

Ilona and Alan's final performance was a Freestyle to Chappell Roan's "Femininomenon."

In video footage that played ahead of the routine, Ilona and Alan reflected on how she's been an inspiration for girls and women everywhere. She also explained why she wanted to dance to the inspirational pop hit.

"I chose this song for all the girls who see themselves in me. I am strong and powerful, but I also can be graceful," she said. "So the mirror ball won't be so much for me, I think it'll be for all the girls who've been told they're too big or they're too muscly or they're not pretty."

When it came time for her performance, Ilona broke out into a moving but hilarious speech about working with Alan and her time on the show.

"I've made so many memories this season and met so many great people in this ballroom. [I've] never been better Carrie Ann," Ilona quipped, referencing her viral DWTS moment before breaking into dance in her.

The routine -- and Ilona's sparkly outfit -- got audience members on their feet and the ballroom erupted in cheers at the end of their performance.

"Look at me Ilona, you have become a true leading leady!" Bruno praised. "Proud, in control, holding the center of attention between these amazing dancers, you were always the girl on top."

Danny Amendola's Just Ken

For his final performance with his partner Witney, Danny proved he was more than Kenough!

In a video package that played before the hit the stage, Danny shared just how close he and Witney had become during their time on the show.

"Witney is like Gronk, Edelman, Brady all rolled into one. She's a great teammate, fantastic coach, and she's a great friend," he told cameras, before sharing how determined he was to win.

"People know that I won two Super Bowls. I've also lost the Super Bowl too. So I know how it feels to get that far and lose it's a very unsettling feeling. So the opportunity is here," he said. "We want to take home mirror ball [trophy]."

When it came time for their performance, Danny and Witney wowed when they channeled Barbie and Ken for their Freestyle to “Pink” by Lizzo and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling.

"Danny, you have been one of the biggest surprises of this entire season. Listen, in football, you got play makers that make unforgettable highlights, well you have been a memory maker on this show," Derek said. "We will never forget the routines that you have done."

Joey Makes a Racket!

Ahead of their final performance, Joey and Jenna reflected on their journey to the finals.

As Joey admitted he "could not have done this with anyone else," Jenna grew emotional and she told him, "[I've] waited to be partnered with somebody like you that is so willing to make my dreams come true with my choreography."

For their Freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 ft Jake Simpson, Joey revealed that the duo were merging his love of tennis and dance.

"Before The Bachelor and I was just a normal guy living in Hawaii, teaching tennis and it's the thing that makes me feel the most like myself," he told cameras. "I never was good enough to go Wimbledon. This is my chance to have my moment."

Sure enough, Jenna and Joey perfectly incorporated the sport into the dance. In addition to other flashy lifts and leaps, the couple wowed the audience with a routine featuring light up tennis rackets.

"You were a true leading man. You were show stopping, show stopper this whole season. That just was a perfect moment as well," Derek smiled.

Stephen's Routine Triggers Tears

In a video package that played ahead of their routine, Stephen told Rylee just how much their partnership has meant to him throughout this experience.

"I'm just so grateful that I got you as my partner, as someone who literally wouldn't even dance like [at] a party. You helped me pierce through that," he said. "You gave me so much confidence."

For his freestyle dance to “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, Stephen recruited his gymnastics buddies to help him perform his final dance on Dancing with the Stars.

As they rehearsed their big number, the Olympian admitted that he felt a bit nervous heading into the finale.

"I'm ready to put it all out there," he said. "If I have to throw up on the floor to win that mirror ball, I will."

Eventually, Stephen and Rylee delivered an emotional performance for both the audience and for judges.

"I remember watching you on TV during the Olympics and thinking, 'Man, I think he'd be great on Dancing with the Stars.' And here you are in the finale with that incredible freestyle," Derek laughed. "I'm gonna get emotional. I loved it."

Chandler Gets a Standing O!

Chandler and her partner Brandon were given a Jive to “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars by Carrie Ann.

This isn't the first time the duo have performed a Jive, when Chandler and Brandon performed the routine earlier this season, the judges docked points for losing steam towards the end of the dance.

When it came to tonight's performance, Chandler told cameras that she was a "fighter."

"I'm using everything in my body, my soul to maintain high energy, the entirety of the dance," she added.

Chandler and Brandon's routine proved to electric and the couple left it all on the dance floor. After their performance, the audience erupted into loud cheers and gave the couple a standing ovation.

"You went beyond redemption," Bruno gushed. "What we have here is a triumph! You made it fresh, exciting and sassy. You gave it your own imprint."

Ilona Shakes a Tail Feather

For Ilona and Alan's redemption performance, the couple were assigned a Jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers. Reflecting on how her first Jive on the show left her in tears, Ilona admitted she was nervous but determined to redeem herself.

"There are two dances away from winning that mirror ball [trophy], and I know that I have more to give," she told cameras. "So believe me, there will only be happy tears tonight, because this dance is going to be perfect."

When it was time for the Olympian and the DWTS to take the stage, they not only proved they were a couple to beat but also nailed their Jive with a vengance.

"When you did this dance the first time, it crushed all of us because we were standing right here, we could feel your nerves, and they got the best of you," Carrie Ann said. "But tonight, you rebuilt it better than ever."

Xochitl Makes Her Return to The Ballroom

Xochitl and her partner Val made an exciting return to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom with a beautiful performance to Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club."

In a video package that played ahead of their performance, Xochitl shared just how much her upcoming dance meant to her.

"I want to be able to showcase Val and I's partnership, and the time I had on Dancing with the Stars. It's like riding a bike," she smiled as she and Val rehearsed on screen. "It kind of symbolizes the ending of my season ... I will always be there for my Dancing with the Stars family."

Once Xochitl and Val took the floor, their captivating performance wowed the audience and judges. After the finished, Xochitl told Julianne she "missed" dancing in the ballroom.

"It's just been pure joy ever since I've come back," she added.

A Super Bowl Star Faces His Fears

Danny and his partner Witney were assigned a Tango to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen.

While reflecting on all of the ways he wanted to convey he had improved, Danny told cameras how this experience had "changed me" before heading into his performance.

"I've always been scared to be embarrassed in front of others, but I just said, 'Screw it,'" he confessed. "And this is no different tonight. It's the finale. You know I'm gonna bring it!"

When the couple hit the dance floor, Danny and Witney proved just how dedicated they were to winning the season 33 title.

"Redemption dance accomplished truly," Derek smiled. "For me, you've been the dark force of this competition. The confidence that you exude compared to the first dance is incredible."

Joey Is a Sparkling Jewel

In a video package that played ahead of his performance, Joey was coming down from cloud nine after making DWTS history as the first Bachelor to make it to the finals.

After Derek revealed that Joey and Jenna would be doing the Cha Cha to “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” by Justin Timberlake for their redemption dance, the couple jumped straight into rehearsals.

While he felt nervous heading into the dance with the new moves, Joey told cameras he was more than willing to take the "risk."

"I am going to leave that dance floor and know I did everything I could and I left it all out there," he said.

Eventually, Joey and Jenna dove into their performance and delivered a perfect routine that was up to both judges and audience's standards.

"Joey, that that wasn't a redemption dance. That was a punctuation mark, letting everybody know that you are a top contender on this show," Derek glowed.

Bruno agreed, adding, "It was really like a sparkling jewel of a cha cha cha polished to perfection!"

Stephen Radiates Joy

Ahead of his redemption performance, Stephen noted that making it into the finale wasn't just a big moment for him but also for his partner Rylee.

"We've just developed such a great relationship, and getting her to this point feels amazing," he told cameras. Though he ended last week at the bottom of the leaderboard, the Olympian was as determined as ever to make it to the top.

"When I was at the Olympics, I had a ton of pressure on me, and I handled it perfectly too," he smiled with confidence.

After Bruno announced the duo would be performing a Quickstep, Stephen and Rylee got to work in rehearsals. When the duo took the stage, they wowed judges and audiences alike with their high energy routine as they flew across the dance floor.

"All I could think of while I was watching that dance is that Len Goodman, this gentleman, this mirrorball [trophy] right here, would have been smiling from ear to ear," Carrie Ann smiled. "That was absolutely the best I've ever seen you."

"You're like a burst of sunshine, like two little antidepressants dancing across the floor," Derek joked. "Seriously, he's just radiating joy with every single step and dance out there."

Anna Delvey, Tori Spelling and More Make a Buzzy Return!

Kicking off tonight's finale episode, the celebrities who were eliminated from the show made an exciting return to the ballroom with a high energy opening number to Madonna’s “Holiday."

Past contestants including Anna, Tori, Dwight Howard, Reginald Vel Johnson, Brooks Nader and more reunited with their DWTS pros and gave viewers a fun surprise.

The Big Plan — and the Rules!

From left: Danny Amendola and Witney Carson; Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold; 

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. PHOTO: Andrew Eccles/Disney (3)

Heading into the finale, it was revealed that each couple will perform a "redemption dance" assigned to them by the judges, as well as a "freestyle" routine.

Danny and Witney will dance a Tango to “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen and a Freestyle to “Pink” by Lizzo and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling.

Joey and Jenna will do the Cha Cha to “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” by Justin Timberlake and Freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 ft Jake Simpson.

Chandler and Brandon will dance a Jive to “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars and a Freestyle to “Hellzapoppin’” by Eyal Vilner Big Band and “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield.

Ilona and Alan will perform a Jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers as well as a Freestyle routine to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” by District 78 ft Mona Rue.

Stephen and Rylee will do the Quickstep to “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts and a Freestyle to “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.

Since it's the finale, each couple is bound use their craziest stunts and tricks. However, there are strict rules surrounding the use of lifts on Dancing with the Stars. While lifts are permitted in the Jitterbug, Argentine Tango, the Charleston, Salsa, Jazz and Contemporary routines, they are not allowed in Rumba, Cha Cha, Jive, Paso Doble, Samba, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Fox Trot and Quickstep dances.

Anna Delvey Is Not Impressed

After reuniting with her Dancing with the Stars partner Ezra Sosa for the show's finale, Anna got to see the "nothing" tattoo that he got in her honor — and she didn't hold back her opinion of it.

In an Instagram carousel that she posted on Nov. 26, Delvey included a video of the two of them where Sosa pulls off his shirt to display the dainty tattoo on his back. She looks at it briefly before saying, "Wow, why is it so small? Come on, Ezra, you couldn't afford anything bigger?"

Dance pro Sosa got convicted con artist Delvey's memorable — and controversial — final comment on the competition reality series inked on his body back in October, following the couple's elimination in week 1 of the show. He first revealed the tattoo on social media.

When Delvey and Sosa were eliminated on the Sept. 24 episode of Dancing with the Stars, Delvey uttered her famous last word that was heard 'round the world. Asked by host Julianne Hough what she was taking from her experience on the show, she replied bluntly, "Nothing."

While chatting with fellow former contestant Tori Spelling for the Sept. 28 episode of her podcast misSPELLING, she stood by her viral response saying it was "the truth" of how she felt.

source : https://people.com/dancing-with-the-stars-full-recap-season-33-finale-8752537