It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 concludes tonight with an extended three-hour event that will end with a celeb and their pro partner receiving the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy. Who will it be? Scroll down for our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary throughout the night.
Somewhat surprisingly, no one was eliminated from the competition at the end of the “Semi-Finals,” so there are still five couples remaining in contention for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson, “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson, TV star Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong, Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten, and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold.
There will be two final rounds of competition to help determine the winner. The first will be a redemption round in which the celebs and their pro partners will try to improve upon a dance style that they previously learned. That will be an opportunity for them to show the judges and fans at home how much they’ve grown. Then, of course, there’s the eagerly awaited freestyle round where there are no rules or guidelines to restrain the choreography. That will test the pros’ creativity as much as the celebs’ skills. Check out the full list of dance styles and songs here.
Since no one was eliminated last week, the judges’ scores and viewer votes from “Semi-Finals” will be combined with the scores and votes from the “Finale” to determine the winner. Who will get your vote tonight? Follow along with us below starting at 8:00pm Eastern.
Cordell Martin, 8:00pm — Is the first hour a recap?
Jeffrey Kare, 8:02pm — Probably. I believe it was like this last year too.
Daniel Montgomery, 8:07pm — I wish they’d spread things out instead of an hour of recap and then two hours of rushed competition.
CM, 8:08pm — Agreed. Especially with five finalists.
DM, 8:13pm — I do like getting to see some recaps of what makes each contestant strong.
DM, 8:16pm — Last minute predictions. Who do we think is winning?
JK, 8:16pm — I’m going out on a limb in thinking it will be Chandler.
CM, 8:18pm — I hope so Jeffrey. My heart wants Chandler but I wouldn’t be surprised if Joey takes it.
JK, 8:18pm — Neither would I.
CM, 8:19pm — But we did see ‘Bachelor Nation’ didn’t give Charity a win last season.
JK, 8:20pm — Anything’s possible.
DM, 8:20pm — I’m still going with Joey for WILL win, but personally rooting for Chandler as SHOULD win.
CM, 8:24pm — It’s been longer overdue for another Black woman to win ‘DWTS’
DM, 8:25pm — Oh good, sounds like just a half hour of recap before the show gets going.
DM, 8:30pm — Haha, Anna Delvey decided to show up, probably not any happier to be there.
DM, 8:34pm — Stephen comes in at a disadvantage, having gotten the lowest score in the “Semi-Finals.” And he’s re-doing a dance where he struggled with his timing, which has been a problem all season.
JUDGES — Bruno Tonioli says he was in top gear, and with his timing he’s turning into a Rolex. Carrie Ann Inaba says Len Goodman would have been smiling from ear to ear, it was his best dance. Derek Hough calls him a burst of sunshine, there was a problem in the middle, but it was much better than the first time.
DM, 8:37pm — One of his best dances, I didn’t notice any timing problems personally.
JK, 8:39pm — Full of such robust energy!
CM, 8:39pm — Great performance by Stephen. Glad he was able to not get ahead of timing.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (9), Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
DM, 8:40pm — Off to a good start for Stephen, almost perfect, figured Derek would give a 9 after his critique.
CM, 8:41pm — Well deserved
JK, 8:41pm — Good for Stephen
CM, 8:41pm — I know Danny better not dance last again lol
DM, 8:45pm — Joey is the first “Bachelor” to make the finals, and he starts ahead since he was tied for first on the leaderboard in the “Semi-Finals.” I think he’ll get 10s unless there’s an obvious flub.
JUDGES — Derek en-Joeyed it, the difficulty level was high, and it had precision. Bruno thought it was polished to perfection with great synchronicity. Carrie Ann thinks he’s been consistently good and they dance like they’re one.
DM, 8:50pm — Probably a perfect score for Joey. I didn’t see any mistakes, and the judges are probably gonna be 10-happy tonight.
JK, 8:50pm — I must say, that might just be one of Joey’s strongest efforts.
CM, 8:50pm — I agree a perfect score.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
DM, 8:57pm — I’m still not totally convinced by Danny. His movements are a little bit clunky, but getting the tango is a good chance to prove himself since he can’t rely on lifts.
JUDGES — Derek thought redemption was accomplished. Bruno thought the lines and shapes and placement of the steps were so much better on any level. Carrie Ann thinks he has made the biggest transformation of all the men in the competition.
DM, 9:00pm — A lot of strong moments in that tango. Still a bit stompy, maybe 9s?
JK, 9:02pm — I’d say that was one of Danny’s better performances.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30
DM, 9:04pm — That’s good news for Stephen. He’s moving up the leaderboard.
JK, 9:06pm — Let’s hope he keeps it going.
JK 9:16pm — Stunning encore from Xochitl!
DM, 9:16pm — She’s the most improved dancer of the season for me. But she’s redoing her roughest dance that sent her off the dance floor in tears. Fingers crossed.
JUDGES — Bruno says she delivered it on time without mistakes, and she had fun doing it. Carrie Ann says redemption is hers, she rebuilt herself better than ever, but there was one tiny hesitation. Derek thought it was so much better, he’s proud of her.
DM, 9:21pm — Loved the fist pump at the end there for Ilona. She hit it and redeemed herself from the mishaps last time.
JK, 9:21pm — That was so flawlessly fun.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30
DM, 9:23pm — The judges aren’t as quick to whip out those 10s as I thought they would be, I like that they’re holding back in this round.
JK, 9:24pm — OK, the “Family Matters” tribute was clever. Reginald’s dance however … different story.
DM, 9:25pm — Yeah, Reginald moved even less than usual, but he’s not competing anymore, so I’m not mad at it. Good for him having a good time with that.
DM, 9:31pm — Best technical dancer in the competition, but the judges aren’t just giving away 10s tonight, so she’s gonna have to earn it.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thinks Chandler has had the most difficult season, but she redeemed herself with an amazing jive. Derek thought she was sensational with difficult choreography. Bruno said it was beyond redemption, it was a triumph.
DM, 9:36opm — Reliably flawless jive from Chandler. She’ll get a perfect score
JK, 9:36pm — So excellent! So exciting! So exhilarating!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 9:38pm — And a perfect score, she got (deservedly so)!
DM, 9:38pm — She’s keeping it dead even with Joey, it’s gonna come down to the audience.
DM, 9:40pm — Ooh, Derek and Mark are going to do an Argentine tango together, not with female partners, that’s gonna be fun. Maybe have a male-male couple again next season, “DWTS”!
JK, 9:46pm — After having a female-female couple a few years ago, we’re about due for another one with the opposite gender.
DM, 9:46pm — Excited seeing this clip package that he’s doing gymnastics in this routine like I hoped!
JUDGES — Bruno thought it was artistic and athletic at the same time. Carrie Ann doesn’t want the season to end, he touched all the perfect points. Derek loved the song and concept and team effort.
DM, 9:50pm — A little wild and a little rough around the edges, but as always Stephen’s a delight to watch.
JK, 9:51pm — In terms of skill and production values, Stephen really saved his best performance for last.
CM, 9:52pm — Stephen’s freestyle was so good and tailored to him
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 9:53pm — … Which also brings him a perfect score.
DM, 9:54pm — Good for him, he’s been a delight all season.
DM, 9:58pm — I’d be happy for Jenna if she ends up winning the Mirror Ball again. The last time she won it was that weird abbreviated “Athletes” season where there were only four episodes.
DM, 10:04pm — Excellent freestyle for Joey. I wasn’t so sure about those tennis racquets, but loved it when they lit up
JUDGES — Carrie Ann was a little underwhelmed, thought the energy dipped in the middle. Derek gave a standing ovation, though. Bruno calls it ballroom and tennis perfectly combined.
DM, 10:04pm — Holy cow, Carrie Ann critical of a freestyle.
JK, 10:04pm — That has to be the most creative routine I’ve ever seen in the ballroom.
CM, 10:04pm — I liked Stephen’s better. I agree with Carrie Ann lol
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
DM, 10:06pm — Door is open for Chandler to own the top of the leaderboard.
CM, 10:07pm — Hopefully it’s enough
DM, 10:10pm — Okay, let’s see if Danny has the personality and expression to channel Ryan Gosling.
JUDGES — Derek thinks he has been a moment-maker, and the freestyle was one of the most entertaining things he’s seen. Bruno loved it too and takes Danny’s hand. Carrie Ann says he strapped up and swung his sword and everyone is trying to figure out what that meant.
DM, 10:15pm — A lot of fun from Danny, but I would have liked to see more dancing in that freestyle dance.
JK, 10:16pm — Yeah, although what we got was still clever and energetic.
CM, 10:16pm — Ehh love the production. I agree there should’ve been more dancing. He’ll probably get a perfect score
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
JK, 10:17pm — Close, but no cigar.
CM, 10:17pm — I agree with Carrie Ann lol
DM, 10:17pm — Carrie Ann breaking hearts up in this place. I agree with her on this one too.
DM, 10:21pm — Really excited to see Ilona dance to “Femininomenon.”
JUDGES — Bruno thought she was in control, always the center of attention. Carrie Ann’s mind was blown, she felt empowered by it. Derek thought it was fantastic, he loved the humor at the beginning.
DM, 10:26pm — Ilona had a lot of fun with that freestyle, I really liked it.
JK, 10:26pm — Wish they didn’t cutaway to Carrie Ann while Ilona did her quick change. Otherwise, the performance itself was really good.
CM, 10:26pm — That was cute. Love Ilona. Glad to see her growth throughout the season.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
DM, 10:32pm — Clearly this is going to need to be a showstopper for Chandler to get a 10 from Carrie Ann. Bring it with the choreography, Brandon!
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was beyond impressive and also important. Derek thought it was sensational. Bruno thought it was incandescent celebration of Black contributions to dance.
DM, 10:38pm — Chandler definitely had the best freestyle, especially with the story Brandon told with the choreo.
JK, 10:38pm — That was such a BRILLIANT final dance in the competition! Very retro!
CM, 10:38pm — Wow! Speechless. Regardless if she wins or not that was a moment
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
Tonight:
1. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong — 30 + 30 = 60
2. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson — 30 + 29 = 59
2. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold — 29 + 30 = 59
4. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten — 27 + 30 = 57
5. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson — 27 + 29 = 56
Combined with “Semi-Finals”:
1. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong — 118
2. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson — 117
3. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten — 114
4. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold — 112
5. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson — 110
CM, 10:41pm — This is going to be close. I’m thinking the following: 1. Chandler 2. Joey 3. Stephen 4. Ilona 5. Danny. Stephen and Ilona could swap
JK, 10:42pm — I have a feeling that may end up being the case.
CM, 10:42pm — Final rankings?
DM, 10:43pm — I’m gonna say 1. Joey, 2. Chandler, 3. Stephen, 4. Ilona, 5. Danny. But I really hope Chandler did enough to win.
CM, 10:49pm — Me too!
DM, 10:54pm — Okay, here goes. 5th place is … Danny Amendola. 4th place goes to Stephen Nedoroscik. 3rd Place goes to Chandler Kinney (what!?). Oh that’s some bull-ish Chandler finishing third.
JK, 10:56pm — Joey’s clearly winning now.
CM, 10:57pm — SMH. Give it to Ilona lol
DM, 10:58pm — The winner of “Dancing with the Stars” is … Joey Graziadei!
JK, 10:59pm — No surprise
DM, 10:59pm — Honestly, it’s well deserved by Joey and Jenna, but Chandler finishing third leaves such a bad taste in my mouth
CM, 11:01pm — Same here. But not surprised. Kudos to Joey, but can we not have a “Bachelor” or “Bachelorette” on next season?
CM, 11:02pm — But shoutout to Ilona for coming in second!
