The Unseen Drama: 7 Shocking Secrets And The Controversial Winner Of 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 33

The world of competitive ballroom dancing was set ablaze in late 2024, culminating in a dramatic finale that cemented one couple's legacy while simultaneously igniting a firestorm of controversy. As of December 13, 2025, the conversation around *Dancing with the Stars* (DWTS) Season 33 continues to dominate pop culture, driven by the unexpected victory of a reality television star and the unsettling allegations of a vote-rigging scheme that threatened the integrity of the entire competition. The show, often simply referred to by its iconic phrase "dancing with the," proved that even after decades on air, it can still deliver fresh, high-stakes drama and breathtaking performances. The most recent season, which premiered on ABC and Disney+ on September 17, 2024, and concluded on November 26, 2024, was one of the most talked-about in recent memory, blending celebrity star power with intense competition and off-stage scandals. The ultimate prize went to former *Bachelor* star Joey Graziadei and his professional partner, Jenna Johnson, but their victory was quickly overshadowed by the swirling rumors of fan-led manipulation that had the entire fandom questioning the final results.

DWTS Season 33 Champion: Joey Graziadei Biography and Profile

The journey of every *Dancing with the Stars* champion is unique, but few have had a year as transformative as Joey Graziadei. His win alongside professional dancer Jenna Johnson on November 26, 2024, marked the culmination of a rapid rise to fame that began in the world of reality television.

• Full Name: Joseph Michael Graziadei
• Date of Birth: May 24, 1995
• Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania
• Primary Career: Professional Tennis Coach/Teaching Professional
• Reality TV History:
  • Runner-up on *The Bachelorette* (Season 20)
  • Star of *The Bachelor* (Season 28)
• DWTS Partnership: Jenna Johnson
• DWTS Victory: Winners of Season 33 (2024)

Prior to his foray into reality TV, Graziadei was a head tennis professional at the Kukuiula Development Company on Kauai, Hawaii. His transition from the court to the ballroom was seamless, demonstrating a natural rhythm and commitment that impressed judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough throughout the season. His partnership with Jenna Johnson was a fan favorite, consistently delivering technically proficient and emotionally resonant performances, including a memorable Viennese Waltz and a high-energy Jive.

The Explosive Voting Scandal That Rocked the Finale

The Season 33 finale did not end without a significant cloud of controversy, becoming the latest example of how fan fervor can complicate the integrity of a live competition. The core of the issue centered on allegations of vote rigging involving two other high-profile contestants: celebrity conservationist Robert Irwin and influencer Alix Earle.

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A TikTok video went viral, exposing alleged fake email voting campaigns organized by fans of both Alix Earle and Robert Irwin. The show relies heavily on viewer voting, which is combined with the judges' scores to determine who advances and who is eliminated. The revelation that fans may have been using fraudulent or multiple email addresses to cast thousands of extra votes for their favorites sparked outrage among long-time viewers and led to intense debate over the fairness of the competition's system.

The controversy raised critical questions about the accessibility and security of the online voting process. While the show has faced controversial winners and eliminations in the past—with names like Iman Shumpert and Kelly Monaco often cited—the Season 33 scandal was unique in that it involved explicit, documented evidence of a coordinated effort to manipulate the results. The fallout was immediate, with many viewers calling for a complete overhaul of the voting structure to prevent similar incidents in future seasons, including the upcoming Season 34.

Behind the Glitter: Unpacking the Season 33 Cast and Pro Dynamics

Beyond the winner and the scandal, Season 33 was a masterclass in casting, bringing together a diverse group of celebrities who generated high topical authority and media buzz. The cast list was a goldmine for reality TV enthusiasts and pop culture followers alike, ensuring consistent viewership across ABC and Disney+. Co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, the season maintained its high standard of production and choreography.

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The season featured a mix of athletic prowess and unexpected personalities:

• The Controversial Figure: The inclusion of Anna Delvey, the convicted fraudster, was a major clickbait moment and a talking point throughout the early weeks, proving the show’s willingness to push boundaries.
• The Fan Favorites: Robert Irwin (partnered with Witney Carson) and Alix Earle (partnered with Alan Bersten) were the two contestants whose massive social media followings fueled the voting controversy, highlighting the power of influencer culture on live television.
• The Sports Stars: Former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik brought the competitive edge, showcasing the athletic demands of dances like the Paso Doble and the Quickstep.

The professional dancers, including veterans like Sasha Farber and the aforementioned Jenna Johnson and Alan Bersten, are the true backbone of the show. Their ability to choreograph complex Latin dances (Samba, Rumba) and Ballroom dances (Foxtrot, Tango) under immense time pressure is what makes the competition so compelling. The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—provided their signature blend of technical critique and exuberant praise, keeping the standards of the competition incredibly high.

The Enduring Legacy of the DWTS Mirrorball Trophy

The Mirrorball Trophy remains one of the most coveted prizes in entertainment, symbolizing not just a victory in a dance competition, but a complete personal transformation. For Joey Graziadei, the win was a massive career boost, shifting his narrative from a tennis professional and reality TV heartthrob to a legitimate celebrity champion. The intense training schedule, the emotional vulnerability required for the contemporary dances, and the pressure of live performance all contribute to the show's enduring appeal.

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As the show looks ahead to Season 34, the producers face the challenge of addressing the voting integrity issues while continuing to deliver a fresh, must-watch spectacle. Rumors surrounding the next cast are already circulating, with speculation about new celebrity faces and the return of fan-favorite professional dancers. The show’s ability to evolve, embrace its drama, and consistently deliver high-quality entertainment ensures that the phrase "dancing with the" will remain synonymous with must-see television for years to come.

The Season 33 controversy, far from sinking the show, has only increased the topical authority and curiosity surrounding the franchise. It serves as a powerful reminder that in the age of social media, the competition extends far beyond the ballroom floor and into the hands of the most passionate and dedicated fans.