Dancing with the Stars Season 33: A Journey of Transformation and Triumph

Dancing with the Stars is back with a bang! Season 33 has been filled with spectacular performances, emotional moments, and unexpected twists that have kept viewers on the edge of their seats. With the finale now fast approaching, let's take a closer look at the dazzling journey that’s led to this thrilling moment.

The Stars Who Took the Floor by Storm

One of the standout features of this season is how much the stars have evolved from their first hesitant steps to full-fledged dance warriors. When the season kicked off, some celebs were nervous novices, but by the time the semi-finals rolled around, they were performing with the precision and passion of seasoned dancers. The contestants have gone through a transformative journey that’s not just about dancing but also about personal growth and pushing past boundaries.

Chandler Kinney: From Disney Darling to Dance Queen

Disney star Chandler Kinney started off as a familiar face for many fans, known for her role on Disney Channel’s The Haunted Hathaways. However, her journey on Dancing with the Stars proved she’s so much more than just a child star. With her partner, Brandon Armstrong, Chandler has embraced every challenge, especially when it came to Latin dances. Her salsa performance was a perfect example of how hard work and determination can transform a dancer. Despite having struggled with Latin styles early on, Chandler and Brandon took a deep dive into the world of salsa, even attending local salsa bars to better understand the rhythm and flow of the dance. The result was a powerful performance that earned them two 10s from the judges​

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But Chandler didn’t stop there. Her next routine, a foxtrot, was a masterclass in elegance and precision. The judges were left in awe, giving her a score of 29 out of 30. From Disney princess to dance queen, Chandler has certainly proven that she’s got what it takes to claim the Mirrorball Trophy​

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Joey Graziadei: Bachelor No More, Dance Star in the Making

Joey Graziadei entered Dancing with the Stars with the image of the charming Bachelor heartthrob. But as the season progressed, it became clear that Joey was not just a pretty face—he was a true contender. His foxtrot with partner Jenna Johnson was nothing short of magical, earning a perfect 30 from the judges. In fact, judge Derek Hough called it one of the best dances in Dancing with the Stars history, setting the bar high for all the other competitors​

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Joey’s rise as a dancer has been impressive, with each performance showing his growth and dedication. His second dance, a paso doble, wasn’t quite as flawless as the first, but it was still a strong showing, scoring 28 points. Joey’s consistency has made him a fan favorite, and it’s no surprise that he’s made it to the finale​

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Ilona Maher: Powerhouse Athlete to Graceful Dancer

Ilona Maher has captured hearts this season with her journey from a tough rugby player to a graceful and emotional dancer. Her performances have been full of power, emotion, and vulnerability. The judges were particularly moved by her paso doble, which was packed with precision and passion. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba even admitted to being brought to tears by Ilona’s performance​

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But it wasn’t just her intensity that impressed the judges—Ilona has also shown remarkable versatility. Her Viennese waltz, which followed her powerful paso doble, was delicate and full of grace, showcasing the range of her abilities. Her 29 out of 30 score reflected the growth she’s made throughout the season​

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Stephen Nedoroscik: From Gymnast to Tango Master

Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik has had a truly unique journey on Dancing with the Stars. Known for his awkward charm, Stephen’s early dances were full of humor, but as the season progressed, it became clear that he had the potential to be a serious competitor. During the semi-finals, Stephen faced a major mishap when his glasses slipped during a tango performance. However, rather than letting it derail his routine, he powered through, earning praise from the judges for his perseverance and determination. This resilience earned him a perfect score of 10 for his tango​

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Stephen’s journey has been full of ups and downs, but his perseverance and willingness to keep going, even in the face of challenges, has made him a fan favorite. Whether he’s dancing a cha-cha or a tango, Stephen’s commitment to improving his skills has been truly inspiring​

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Danny Amendola: The NFL Star’s Emotional Journey

NFL star Danny Amendola has approached this competition with the same laser-focused intensity that made him successful on the football field. But unlike his athletic pursuits, Danny’s time on Dancing with the Stars has shown a different side of him—one that’s more emotional and vulnerable. His Viennese waltz was a standout performance, filled with emotion and deep feeling. Danny’s commitment to dancing and his dedication to his partner, Witney Carson, has been evident in every routine​

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The Big Twist: All Five Finalists Advance

In an unexpected twist that took everyone by surprise, Dancing with the Stars announced that all five semi-finalists would be advancing to the finale. This shocking decision was a moment of pure joy for the contestants, especially for Stephen Nedoroscik, who thought his journey had come to an end. For Stephen and the others, making it to the finals was an emotional victory in itself​

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The Finale: A Dance Battle for the Ages

As the season wraps up, the finale promises to be a spectacular showdown between these incredibly talented dancers. With each finalist bringing their unique strengths and personalities to the floor, it’s anyone’s guess who will walk away with the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Whether it’s Chandler Kinney’s elegance, Joey Graziadei’s charm, Ilona Maher’s power, Stephen Nedoroscik’s perseverance, or Danny Amendola’s emotional vulnerability, the competition is fierce, and the stakes have never been higher.

This season of Dancing with the Stars has been one for the books, filled with unforgettable moments, stunning performances, and unexpected twists. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this season has offered something for everyone. With the finale right around the corner, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the dazzling spectacle that is Dancing with the Stars!