The curtain has closed on an unforgettable season! Season 33 of Dancing with the stars delivered emotional highs, viral dance moves and breathtaking routines that kept fans hooked week after week.
From heartfelt tributes to breathtaking leg lifts, the ballroom became a stage for remarkable triumphs and personal growth, ultimately crowning Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson as winners of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Here’s a look back at some of the moments that made this season unforgettable.
The triumphant return of Hayley Erbert Hough
One of the most emotional highlights came during the October 15 episode, when judge Derek Hough joined his wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, for a heartfelt performance at Benson Boone’s “Beautiful things.”
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The dance marked her return to the stage after a life-threatening brain hematoma, diagnosed in December 2023. For the DWTS judge, it was a night “I will never forget.”
“Dancing with her on that stage again was nothing short of a miracle,” Hough told Yahoo Entertainment. “Sharing that moment, and now being able to do it every night [the DWTS Live 2025 Tour] is a gift I will cherish forever.”
A viral leg pull
Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson quickly went viral with a show-stopping move during their Oct. 15 contemporary routine. Known as “Operation Archer,” the complicated maneuver involved Amendola pulling Carson off the floor by her leg. It was a “breakthrough moment” in their partnership, Carson told Yahoo Entertainment. “The reactions and encouragement online gave us the strength to continue!” The pair later took to social media to offer an instructional guide on how to master the move.
Fans on social media couldn’t get enough as they flooded TikTok with attempts to repeat the challenging move – some successful, others not so much. (We’re looking at you, Nick Cannon!)
Anna Delvey’s “nothing” comment shocks the ballroom
Leave it to Anna Delvey to deliver one of the most memorable moments of the season. Following her elimination on the September 25 episode, host Julianne Hough asked what the convicted con artist would get out of the experience. Without missing a beat, Delvey replied, “Nothing.”
The blunt comment went viral and caused a wave of reactions on social media. Delvey, who entered the competition while under house arrest (with court permission), later reflected on the surprising response her casting had received.
“I didn’t expect my casting to cause this kind of reaction,” she admitted to Yahoo Entertainment after the elimination. “I thought there would be a few negative comments and stories – and then everyone would move on. Everyone told me to turn off the noise and not listen to the haters.”
When asked if her time on the show inspired her to keep dancing, Delvey joked, “Yes, but I think it’s safe to assume it won’t be the cha cha or the fast step.”
Stephen’s spectacled drama adds flair to the tango
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik suffered a wardrobe malfunction on the November 19 episode when his goggles were knocked off mid-tango – leaving him hanging on his face for a few steps before taking a dive across the floor. Despite the hiccup, Stephen and his partner charmed viewers with their efforts.
“We practiced every rehearsal with his glasses on,” his partner noted on TikTok. “And no problems… until the live performance. But glasses are part of Stephen, that’s who he is.”
Chandler Kinney receives the first perfect score of the season
Chandler Kinney and partner Brandon Armstrong earned the first perfect scores for both their main dance and cha-cha challenges on the same night. Paying tribute to Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough’s Season 16 routine, the duo delivered two mesmerizing performances that wowed the judges.
Reginald VelJohnson’s Tearful Foxtrot
Actor Reginald VelJohnson brought the audience and judges to tears during his Oct. 7 performance on Soul Train Night.
“This makes me so emotional,” Carrie Ann Inaba told VelJohnson. “There is something so sweet and innocent when you dance. I wish I could give you tens and tens for bringing us so much joy.”
Ilona Maher’s power moves
Rugby player Ilona Maher proved her strength by routinely lifting partner Alan Bersten into the air and sometimes onto her shoulders, creating moments that fans on TikTok enjoyed week after week.
Joey Graziadei’s samba leads to a TikTok challenge
Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson’s samba on a song out Tarzan during Disney Night was more than just a performance: it inspired a TikTok challenge. Fans, included DWTS pros Brandon and Brylee Armstrong recreated the moves, adding to the viral sensation.
It got weird
On October 22, Team Goofs – led by Maher and featuring Graziadei, Kinney and Jenn Tran – delivered an electrifying performance to “I2I” by A crazy movie. The team wowed the judges with their energy and unity on Disney Night, earning all A’s for their efforts.
