The most recent season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) concluded on November 26, 2024, delivering one of the show’s most competitive and surprising finales in recent memory. After weeks of intense ballroom battles, spectacular Freestyle routines, and emotional performances, only one celebrity could hoist the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The question on every fan's mind—who got out on Dancing with the Stars at the very last moment?—has a definitive answer, revealing a final ranking that saw fan-favorite Olympians and a reality star battling for the top spot.
The finale of Season 33 saw an unprecedented five couples competing for the title, meaning four couples had to be eliminated in the final hours. This article breaks down the dramatic final episode, the full ranking of the top five, and provides a deep dive into the celebrity who came in second place, the last couple to "get out" before the winner was announced, ensuring you have the freshest, most up-to-date information on the 2024 season.
The DWTS Season 33 Finale: Full Biography and Elimination Roster
The final night of competition was fierce, with five couples performing two dances: a "Redemption" dance, where they revisited a style the judges felt they struggled with, and a spectacular Freestyle routine. The final results were a combination of judges' scores from the finale and viewer votes accumulated throughout the season. Here is a look at the five finalists, their professional partners, and their final placement in the 2024 season of Dancing with the Stars.
- 1st Place (Winner): Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson
- Celebrity: Joseph Michael "Joey" Graziadei
- Born: May 24, 1995 (Age 29)
- Occupation: Reality Television Personality (Star of The Bachelor Season 28), Former Tennis Coach.
- Notable Works: Runner-up on The Bachelorette Season 20, The Bachelor.
- 2nd Place (Runner-Up): Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten
- Celebrity: Ilona Delsing Rosa Maher
- Born: August 12, 1996 (Age 28)
- Occupation: Team USA Rugby Sevens Player, Two-Time Olympian, Registered Nurse, Social Media Influencer.
- Notable Works: Bronze Medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- 3rd Place: Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong
- Celebrity: Chandler Kinney
- Born: August 3, 2000 (Age 24)
- Occupation: Actress and Singer.
- Notable Works: Known for her roles as Willa in the Disney's Z-O-M-B-I-E-S franchise and as Tabitha Hawthorne in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin.
- 4th Place: Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold
- Celebrity: Stephen Nedoroscik
- Born: October 10, 1998 (Age 26)
- Occupation: Olympic Gymnast (Specialist in Pommel Horse).
- Notable Works: Bronze Medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics (Team), 2021 World Champion on Pommel Horse.
- 5th Place: Danny Amendola & Witney Carson
- Celebrity: Daniel James "Danny" Amendola
- Born: November 2, 1985 (Age 39)
- Occupation: Former Professional Football Player (NFL Wide Receiver).
- Notable Works: Two-time Super Bowl Champion (LII and LI) with the New England Patriots.
The Last Couple Out: Ilona Maher’s Emotional Runner-Up Finish
The couple who truly answered the question of "who got out on Dancing with the Stars" right before the winner was announced was the incredible duo of Team USA Rugby star Ilona Maher and professional Alan Bersten. Finishing in a respectable second place, their journey was a testament to raw athleticism, infectious personality, and remarkable growth.
Maher, a two-time Olympian and registered nurse, quickly became a fan favorite due to her authenticity and powerful stage presence. Her partnership with Alan Bersten was consistently praised by the judges, including Carrie Ann Inaba, for its innovative choreography and the way Ilona embraced the emotional depth of each dance style, from the fiery Paso Doble to the elegant Viennese Waltz.
In the finale, their performances were met with high praise. Their Freestyle, in particular, was hailed as an Olympic-level routine that showcased Maher's strength and agility, perfectly blending her athletic background with ballroom technique. Despite receiving consistently high scores throughout the competition, the combination of the judges’ scores and the final, crucial audience vote placed them as the runner-up, just narrowly missing the Mirrorball Trophy. This second-place finish cemented Ilona Maher as one of the most successful and beloved Olympic athletes to ever compete on the show, following in the footsteps of other athletic powerhouses on DWTS.
The Dramatic Final Eliminations: From NFL Star to Disney Actress
The Season 33 finale was a nail-biter that saw eliminations announced in reverse order, building the suspense right up to the final reveal. The first couple to "get out" from the Top 5 was former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, who finished in fifth place. Amendola's journey was marked by powerful, masculine routines, and his emotional Contemporary performance earlier in the season, which earned a perfect score, was a major highlight.
Next to be eliminated was Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, securing fourth place. Known for his show-stopping gymnastics skills and the iconic "Pommel Horse" moment, Stephen brought a unique charm and incredible flexibility to the ballroom. His partnership with newcomer Rylee Arnold was a breakout moment for the young pro, and their run was a delightful surprise for many viewers who appreciated his technical precision and quirky personality.
The third couple to be eliminated, finishing in third place, was actress and singer Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. Chandler was widely considered one of the season's strongest technical dancers, consistently receiving high marks from the judges, including Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough. Her elimination at third place was a major shock for many fans and critics who had pegged her as a potential winner, highlighting the immense power of the public vote in the final week of competition.
The Winner: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s Victory
Ultimately, the couple who did *not* get out on the final night was Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, who were crowned the champions of Dancing with the Stars Season 33. The former star of The Bachelor proved that his charm extended far beyond reality TV, showcasing a profound dedication to the art of dance.
Joey and Jenna’s victory was a classic DWTS underdog story. While they were consistent performers, they were not always the top-scoring couple, making their win a clear reflection of a powerful connection with the audience. Their final night performances sealed the deal, particularly their emotional and technically demanding Freestyle. The couple's total score for the finale, combined with their semi-final scores, placed them at the top of the leaderboard, securing the Mirrorball Trophy and marking a successful end to a highly competitive season.
The victory for Graziadei and Johnson, and the entire Season 33, highlighted the critical role of the audience vote. While the technical skill of dancers like Chandler Kinney and the athletic prowess of Ilona Maher were undeniable, the journey, personality, and fan engagement of Joey Graziadei ultimately propelled him to the championship. The final elimination of Ilona Maher as the runner-up provided a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 season, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of celebrity ballroom battles.
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