5 Shocking Ways Joey Graziadei Made History On Dancing With The Stars Season 33

As of December 18, 2025, the biggest story in the reality TV crossover universe is no longer whether *The Bachelor* star Joey Graziadei would join *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS)—it's how he absolutely dominated and ultimately won the competition. Joey Graziadei, the charming tennis pro from Pennsylvania, not only competed on Season 33 of DWTS but secured the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, beating out a competitive field of celebrities and making history for the Bachelor franchise.

His journey on the show was a masterclass in improvement, emotional connection, and raw charisma, which translated into massive fan support. Paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson, Joey Graziadei proved that his athletic background and emotional vulnerability were the perfect recipe for ballroom success, leading to a stunning victory that has defined his post-*Bachelor* career.

Joey Graziadei: Full Biography and Reality TV Journey

Joseph Michael Graziadei, known simply as Joey, captured the hearts of millions with his genuine demeanor and emotional openness during his time on The Bachelor franchise. His path to the DWTS ballroom was paved by his high-profile television appearances, setting the stage for his record-breaking dance career.

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• Full Name: Joseph Michael Graziadei
• Born: May 24, 1995
• Age: 29 (as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Royersford, Pennsylvania
• Education: West Chester University (Communication & Media)
• Pre-DWTS Career: Teaching Tennis Professional
• Reality TV History: Runner-up on *The Bachelorette* Season 20 (Charity Lawson's season); Star of *The Bachelor* Season 28.
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Kelsey Anderson (his final choice on *The Bachelor*).

Before the ballroom, Joey Graziadei was known for his love of tennis and his move to Lawai, Hawaii, where he worked as a tennis pro. His background as a Division II Men's Tennis player at West Chester University gave him the athleticism and coordination that would prove invaluable on the DWTS stage.

The Shocking Season 33 Victory: How Joey Graziadei Won the Mirrorball Trophy

Season 33 of *Dancing with the Stars* was one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, featuring a diverse and often controversial cast. Joey Graziadei and his partner, the celebrated pro Jenna Johnson, quickly became fan favorites, known for their chemistry and consistently high scores.

The Competitive Season 33 Cast

Joey Graziadei faced tough competition from a group of celebrities that included major names from various fields. The Season 33 cast was packed with talent and intrigue, making Joey's eventual victory even more impressive.

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Notable celebrities competing alongside him included:

• U.S. Olympian Ilona Maher (the eventual runner-up)
• Reality star Phaedra Parks
• Former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola
• Actress Chandler Kinney
• Infamous ex-con Anna Delvey
• Actress Tori Spelling

The season was judged by the established panel of Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, with Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough serving as hosts.

The Partnership with Jenna Johnson

Jenna Johnson, a seasoned DWTS pro, was the perfect match for Joey Graziadei. She leveraged his natural athleticism and emotional depth, pushing him to excel in both technical and performance aspects of the dances. Their partnership, often affectionately referred to by fans, was marked by genuine respect and a shared drive for the Mirrorball Trophy.

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A key detail that emerged during the season was Joey's request to be paired with a pro who was already in a relationship, a choice that underscored his commitment to his fiancée, Kelsey Anderson, and his focus on the competition. Jenna Johnson, who is married to fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, fit this request perfectly.

The Defining Dances of Their Journey

The "Joenna" partnership delivered several unforgettable routines that solidified their status as frontrunners. These performances showcased Joey's versatility and ability to embody different characters and styles.

• The Contemporary: Their Contemporary routine, performed to "Work Song" by Hozier, was a major emotional breakthrough for Joey, earning high praise from the judges for its vulnerability and storytelling.
• The Argentine Tango: Their Halloween Night Argentine Tango, set to "Ramalama (Bang Bang)," was technically sharp and intensely dramatic, demonstrating Joey's growth in the ballroom.
• The Samba: The Disney Night Samba to "Trashin' The Camp" from *Tarzan* was a high-energy, fun routine that proved he could handle the Latin rhythms.
• The Foxtrot: Their Semi-Finals Foxtrot was a smooth, classic performance that highlighted their elegance and technique as they approached the finale.

In the tense finale, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson ultimately triumphed over U.S. Olympian Ilona Maher, securing the Season 33 Mirrorball Trophy. Joey later admitted he "blacked out" from the shock and excitement of the win, a testament to the emotional weight of the victory.

Life After the Ballroom: Podcast Host and Wedding Dance Plans

Joey Graziadei's relationship with *Dancing with the Stars* didn't end with his victory. In a move that further cemented his connection to the show, he took on a new, prominent role.

Hosting the Official DWTS Podcast

Following his win, Joey Graziadei was announced as the host of the official *Dancing with the Stars* podcast. This role allows him to stay connected to the DWTS community, interview current and former cast members, and provide unique, insider commentary as a reigning champion.

His new position as podcast host, combined with his win, makes him one of the most successful crossover stars in the history of the Bachelor franchise's involvement with DWTS, surpassing the achievements of previous contestants like Kaitlyn Bristowe. He even returned to the ballroom in November 2025 to perform as the reigning champion during the Season 34 finale, further linking his legacy to the show.

The DWTS Tour and Wedding Choreography

The journey continued into 2025 as Joey Graziadei joined the *Dancing with the Stars* Tour, performing live across the country with Jenna Johnson. This allowed fans to see their award-winning partnership in person, showcasing the routines that earned them the Mirrorball.

Perhaps the most personal post-win collaboration involves his upcoming wedding to fiancée Kelsey Anderson. Joey Graziadei revealed a delightful piece of news: his wedding dance will be choreographed by none other than Jenna Johnson and her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, another legendary DWTS pro.

This collaboration is a beautiful full-circle moment, ensuring that the skills and relationships he built on the dance floor will be a central part of his life's next chapter. The expectation for their first dance, choreographed by two of the show's most talented professionals, is understandably high.

Joey Graziadei's Lasting DWTS Legacy

Joey Graziadei's victory on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 transcended a simple reality TV win. It solidified his public image as a genuine, hard-working, and multi-talented personality. From a teaching tennis pro to a *Bachelor* star, and now a Mirrorball champion and official DWTS podcast host, his trajectory is a remarkable success story.

His time in the ballroom, marked by dedication and the strong guidance of Jenna Johnson, has created a lasting legacy. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his work as a host and, of course, the highly-anticipated first dance at his wedding to Kelsey Anderson, a moment that will forever tie his reality TV romance to his ballroom triumph.