Who won ‘Dancing With the Stars’? The Season 33 champions shine with ‘consistency’ and remarkable growth

After ten grueling rounds of sweat, tears and leg exercises, the five remaining couples delivered their final two performances on Tuesday evening. Dancing with the stars season finale: a redemption dance, chosen by the judges to revisit a previous style, and a freestyle routine that showcases their personal journeys and growth.

It’s a journey that resonates deeply with dancer Chris Hernandez, who underlined the importance of confidence in preparation.

“It’s important to just be in the moment,” he told Yahoo Entertainment. Best known for his work in In the Heights And Tap, tap… Boom!added Hernandez, “When you enter the performance space, you have to let go of that perfectionist mentality and allow yourself to be free.”

With the scores running from last week’s semi-finals, combined with the votes collected from live TV viewers, it was anyone’s guess who would take home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

The evening saw the return of Season 32 champions Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy, who gave a spirited performance to Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” setting the bar high for the new winners.

Tori Spelling and Anna Delvey, the season’s first eliminated contestants, also returned for a dance set to Whitney Houston’s “Nothing” — a subtle nod to Delvey’s viral moment, where she famously joked that she took “nothing” away from her experience in the show. Former contestant Reginald VelJohnson also returned to the ballroom with a sweet routine to the theme song of his 1990s sitcom Family matters.

In the end, Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson triumphed and earned the coveted prize. Reflecting on their victory, Graziadei praised his partner: “I feel like Jenna totally deserves this, and this is all for her,” adding that “his whole experience was incredible.”

The pair’s cha cha to Justin Timberlake’s “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” Earlier in the evening, judge Carrie Ann Inaba was seen praising Graziadei’s “consistency” from week to week. They kept the momentum going with a freestyle to “Canned Heat” by District 78 ft. Jake Simpson.

Stephen Nedoroscik and professional Rylee Arnold provided an energetic quickstep for ‘I’ll Be There for You’ by The Rembrandts. Their freestyle to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” turned into a heartfelt tribute to Nedoroscik’s Olympic journey.

Inaba said Nedoroscik’s quick step was “definitely the best I’ve ever seen you.” [do]”, and added: “Good job, Superman!”

Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson kicked off the redemption round with a fierce tango to Post Malone’s ‘I Had Some Help’, showcasing technique and strong emotion. They followed with an electric freestyle to Lizzo’s “Pink” and Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken,” which earned a standing ovation.

The judges applauded Amendola’s growth throughout the season, with Hough proclaiming, “For me, the redemption dance is a success.” Inaba added, “Of all the men, you have had by far the greatest transformation.”

Meanwhile, Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten brought their signature chemistry to their jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles and The Blues Brothers. Maher delivered again in her freestyle to “Femininomenon” by District 78 ft Mona Rue.

“Your competitive spirit, your determination, you are truly an inspiration,” judge Bruno Tonioli told Maher.

Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong shined with their jive on “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, a performance that showcased Kinney’s sharp footwork. Their freestyle to Eyal Vilner Big Band’s “Hellzapoppin’” and Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” earned rave reviews from the judges. Both routines earned perfect scores.

As the confetti fell and the new champions lifted the Mirrorball Trophy, the evening proved to be a celebration of growth, reflection and friendship.

“I truly believe that anyone can dance,” Hernandez told Yahoo, drawing inspiration from his own childhood imitating dancers in his living room. “We all have so much more potential than we often give ourselves credit for.”

How did the stars perform?

Judges: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli

Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson: CHAMPIONS

• Redemption dance: Cha Cha

• Redemption song: “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” by Justin Timberlake

• Redemption Score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Freestyle song: “Canned Heat” by District 78 ft. Jake Simpson

• Freestyle score: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Total: 59 (for both nights: 117)

Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong: Eliminated

• Redemption song: “APT.” by ROSE and Bruno Mars

• Redemption Score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Freestyle songs: “Hellzapoppin’” by Eyal Vilner Big Band and “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield

• Freestyle score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Total: 60 (for both nights: 118)

Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten: eliminated

• Redemption song: “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers

• Redemption Score: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 9, Bruno 9

• Freestyle song: “Femininomenon” at District 23 meters Mona Rue

• Freestyle score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Total: 57 (for both nights: 114)

Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold: Eliminated

• Redemption dance: Quick step

• Redemption song: “I will be there for you” by The Rembrandts

• Redemption Score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 9, Bruno 10

• Freestyle song: “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

• Freestyle score: Carrie Ann 10, Derek 10, Bruno 10

• Total: 59 (for both nights: 112)

Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson: eliminated

• Redemption song: “I Had Some Help” by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen

• Redemption Score: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 9, Bruno 9

• Freestyle songs: “Pink” by Lizzo and “I’m Just Ken” by Ryan Gosling.

• Freestyle score: Carrie Ann 9, Derek 10, Bruno 9

• Total: 56 (for both nights: 110)

Who has been eliminated so far?

• Week 2: Anna Delvey and Tori Spelling

• Week 4: Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Roberts

• Week 5: Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko

• Week 6: Phaedra Parks and pro Val Chmerkovskiy

• Week 7: Jenn Tran and pro Sasha Farber

• Week 9: Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach

• Week 10: All pairs were safe

• Week 11: Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong; Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten; Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten; Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold; Danny Amendola and Witney Carson