Nobody really expected the tennis pro from Collegeville to actually pull it off. Sure, Bachelor Nation has a massive voting block, and we’ve seen Bachelorettes like Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe take home the gold before. But a Bachelor? That was a different story entirely. Before the Dancing with the Stars 2024 winner was announced on that Tuesday night in late November, the "Bachelor curse" was a very real thing in the DWTS ballroom.
Joey Graziadei didn't just break the curse. He smashed it.
His win with partner Jenna Johnson was a whirlwind of spray tans, rapid weight loss, and some surprisingly technical footwork that left even the harshest critics—looking at you, Carrie Ann Inaba—scrambling for their 10 paddles. It wasn't a clean sweep, though. If you watched the finale, you know things got a little tense when the scores started rolling in.
The Finale Night Drama That Almost Changed Everything
The night was packed. Five couples made it to the end because of a semi-finals twist where nobody got sent home. Honestly, it felt a bit crowded, but it set the stage for one of the most competitive finales in years. We had Olympians, an NFL star, and a Disney actress all gunning for that Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
✨ Don't miss: Why October London Make Me Wanna Is the Soul Revival We Actually Needed
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong were technically the ones to beat if you look at the math. They walked away with a perfect 60 out of 60 for the night. Their freestyle was a massive tribute to Black artists, and it was, frankly, breathtaking. So why didn't they win?
The Dancing with the Stars 2024 winner is decided by a 50/50 split between judges' scores and fan votes. While Chandler had the technique, Joey had the "journey." People love a guy who looks like he’s struggling in week one and ends up looking like a pro by week ten. Joey’s freestyle was tennis-themed—a nod to his roots—and it was fun, energetic, and uniquely him. Even with a "9" from Carrie Ann that had the studio audience booing, his connection with the viewers at home was just too strong to overcome.
Final Standings of Season 33:
- Winners: Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson
- Runners-up: Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten
- Third Place: Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong
- Fourth Place: Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold
- Fifth Place: Danny Amendola & Witney Carson
Why Joey Graziadei’s Win Was Actually Historic
It’s easy to dismiss a Bachelor win as a popularity contest. But there was some actual history being made under all that confetti. For starters, Jenna Johnson became the first pro-dancer mother to win the show. That’s a big deal in an industry where women are often told their careers end the second they have a kid.
🔗 Read more: How to Watch The Wolf and the Lion Without Getting Lost in the Wild
Then there’s the physical toll. Joey talked openly on the Lightweights Podcast about how he basically melted away during the season. He went from a size 32 waist to a 30 almost overnight. The rehearsals are no joke. We’re talking 6 to 10 hours a day of repeating the same three minutes of choreography until your feet bleed. He mentioned that his fiancée, Kelsey Anderson, was genuinely worried about how thin he was getting until the Latin weeks started, and he began building muscle back up from all the lifts.
The Ilona Maher Factor: Why Second Place Felt Like a Win
You can't talk about the Dancing with the Stars 2024 winner without mentioning Ilona Maher. The Olympic rugby star was the heart of the season. She wasn't the best dancer—not by a long shot—but she was the most "real."
Ilona and Alan Bersten leaned into her strength rather than trying to hide it. In a show that usually prizes traditional, dainty femininity for its female celebs, Ilona was out there lifting Alan and wearing sneakers when her feet couldn't take the heels anymore. Her "Femininomenon" freestyle was a viral sensation for a reason. She didn't need the trophy to prove she was the breakout star of the year.
💡 You might also like: Is Lincoln Lawyer Coming Back? Mickey Haller's Next Move Explained
What Most People Get Wrong About the Scores
There’s this misconception that the best dancer always wins. If that were true, Chandler Kinney would have the trophy on her mantle right now. But DWTS is a reality show first and a dance competition second.
Joey won because he was "likable" and "improving." The judges, specifically Derek Hough, kept pointing out his frame and his ability to lead Jenna. That’s the hardest thing for male celebrities to learn. They usually just stand there while the pro dances around them. Joey actually danced. He was the first Bachelor who didn't look like he was counting steps in his head the whole time.
What’s Next for the Mirrorball Champ?
If you’re missing your weekly dose of Joey, he’s not disappearing just yet. Like most winners, he’s headed out on the Dancing with the Stars Live! tour. It's a chance for fans to see the routines in person without the stress of elimination. He and Kelsey also just settled into a new place in Los Angeles, so expect to see him popping up on more Red Carpets and probably some more ABC spin-offs.
If you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the Dancing with the Stars 2024 winner (or just want to get off the couch), here are a few things you can actually do:
- Check the Tour Dates: The DWTS Live tour usually runs through the spring. If you want to see Joey or Stephen Nedoroscik (the "Pommel Horse Guy") perform their freestyles live, get tickets early. They sell out fast.
- Start a Ballroom Class: Most local studios offer "intro to social dance" packages. It’s the best cardio you’ll ever do—just ask Joey’s tailor.
- Rewatch the 500th Episode: Season 33 featured the landmark 500th episode. If you want to see the best technical dancing of the season, go back and watch the "Instant Dance" round from that night. It shows who actually knows how to dance and who just memorized a routine.
The 2024 season was a weird, sparkly, high-energy ride that proved the show still has legs after three decades. Joey Graziadei might have started as just another Bachelor, but he finished as a legitimate dancer. And honestly? That's a better ending than any rose ceremony.