The 2024 season of *Dancing with the Stars* (Season 33) delivered one of the most unpredictable and talked-about lineups in the show’s history, culminating in a dramatic finale that saw an unexpected celebrity take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The season, which premiered on September 17, 2024, and concluded on November 26, 2024, was packed with viral moments, controversial contestants, and stunning dance transformations, making it a must-watch television event.
From a notorious 'fake heiress' and a beloved *Bachelor* star to NFL legends and Olympic athletes, the Season 33 cast brought a level of celebrity depth and intrigue that kept fans guessing until the very last dance. This is the definitive, complete breakdown of the 2024 cast, their journey in the competition, and the surprise champion who mastered the ballroom.
DWTS Season 33 (2024) Complete Cast & Final Standings
The 33rd season of *Dancing with the Stars* featured a diverse lineup of celebrities from the worlds of reality TV, sports, acting, and even true crime. The show was once again co-hosted by former champion Alfonso Ribeiro and former pro dancer Julianne Hough, with the judging panel consisting of the returning trio: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
The competition was fierce, but ultimately, only one couple could win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Here is the full list of the 2024 cast and their final placement:
- WINNERS: Joey Graziadei (Star of *The Bachelor*) & Jenna Johnson
- RUNNERS-UP (2nd Place): Ilona Maher (Olympic Rugby Player) & Alan Bersten
- 3rd Place: Chandler Kinney (Disney Channel Actress) & Brandon Armstrong
- 4th Place: Stephen Nedoroscik (Olympic Gymnast) & Rylee Arnold
- 5th Place: Danny Amendola (Former NFL Wide Receiver) & Witney Carson
- 6th Place: Anna Delvey (Convicted Fraudster/Socialite) & Ezra Sosa
- 7th Place: Tori Spelling (Television Actress/Reality Star) & Gleb Savchenko
- 8th Place: Phaedra Parks (Reality Star, *The Real Housewives of Atlanta*) & Artem Chigvintsev
- 9th Place: Eric Roberts (Oscar-Nominated Actor) & Peta Murgatroyd
- 10th Place: Reginald VelJohnson (Actor, *Family Matters*) & Koko Iwasaki
- 11th Place: Dwight Howard (NBA Champion) & Daniella Karagach
- 12th Place: Jamie Lynn Spears (Actress/Singer) & Sasha Farber
- 13th Place: Matt James (*The Bachelor* Star) & Emma Slater
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: The Unexpected Champions
The crowning of Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson as the Season 33 champions marked a significant moment in *DWTS* history. While Graziadei, known as the charming lead from *The Bachelor*, came into the competition with high name recognition, his lack of formal dance training meant the journey was an uphill battle.
Professional partner Jenna Johnson, a fan-favorite who has been a pro on the show since Season 23, was instrumental in transforming the reality star into a ballroom contender. Their partnership was characterized by strong chemistry and consistently high scores, culminating in a finale performance that sealed their victory over the technically proficient Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten.
The victory was a testament to the power of the fan vote, as Graziadei’s immense popularity from his time on *The Bachelor* franchise undoubtedly played a role alongside his week-to-week improvement. They were awarded the Mirrorball Trophy on November 26, 2024, concluding a successful run for the duo.
The Most Controversial and Talked-About Contestants of DWTS 2024
Beyond the winners, Season 33 will be remembered for its deeply polarizing and captivating celebrity contestants. The production team clearly aimed for viral moments and water-cooler discussions, succeeding with several key additions.
The Anna Delvey Phenomenon
The biggest headline-grabber of the season was undoubtedly Anna Delvey (real name Anna Sorokin), the convicted fraudster whose life was dramatized in the Netflix series *Inventing Anna*. Delvey, who was under house arrest at the time of the show, was granted permission to compete, generating immediate controversy.
Paired with pro Ezra Sosa, Delvey’s performances were often stiff and awkward, leading to low scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. However, her sheer notoriety and the novelty of an ex-con competing on a family show ensured she remained a major talking point every week. Her elimination, while expected based on talent, was a major event for the show's ratings.
Tori Spelling’s Emotional Comeback
Actress and reality star Tori Spelling, famous for her role as Donna Martin on *Beverly Hills, 90210*, had one of the season’s most emotional arcs. Paired with Gleb Savchenko, Spelling was candid about her personal struggles leading up to the competition, including her divorce and financial challenges.
Her journey was marked by genuine effort and a clear desire to reinvent herself in the public eye. While she didn't make it to the finals, her performances were often praised for their heartfelt emotion, even if her technique was inconsistent.
Ilona Maher: The Fan Favorite Athlete
In contrast to the drama, Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and her partner Alan Bersten became the season's sweethearts. Maher’s infectious personality, powerful athletic ability, and genuine love for the dance process quickly made her a fan favorite. She consistently performed well, earning high scores and praise for her dynamic routines.
Maher and Bersten were the clear technical frontrunners, making their second-place finish a minor upset. Their journey highlighted the traditional *DWTS* narrative of an untrained athlete conquering the ballroom, and they were strong contenders for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy right up until the final votes were tallied.
Looking Ahead: What the DWTS 2024 Cast Tells Us About Season 34
The success of the 2024 cast, particularly the inclusion of controversial and unexpected celebrities like Anna Delvey, suggests a clear direction for the future of the franchise. The producers are keen on balancing traditional talent with high-profile, attention-grabbing names to maximize viewership across both ABC and Disney+.
The casting of *Bachelor* alum Joey Graziadei and the subsequent victory demonstrates the immense power of the reality TV voting bloc, which will likely influence who is selected for *DWTS* Season 34. Fans can expect a continued mix of nostalgic actors (like Eric Roberts and Reginald VelJohnson), current reality stars (like Phaedra Parks), and major sports figures (like Danny Amendola and Stephen Nedoroscik).
The next season, *Dancing with the Stars* Season 34, is already highly anticipated, with viewers eager to see if the show can top the sheer star power and dramatic twists of the 2024 lineup. The legacy of Season 33 will be defined by the victory of Joey Graziadei and the unforgettable, must-see television moments provided by its most shocking contestants. The bar for ballroom drama has officially been raised.
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