The Shocking Truth: Who Was The Last Star Eliminated On Dancing With The Stars Season 33?

As of December 10, 2025, the most recent season of the global phenomenon *Dancing with the Stars* to conclude was Season 33, which wrapped up its competitive run in November 2024. The season culminated in an epic finale that saw Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. However, the biggest shock of the season came just before the finale, during a dramatic episode that featured a game-changing twist, making the final elimination before the last dance one of the most talked-about exits in recent memory.

The pair who were last sent home, narrowly missing a spot in the finale, were NBA superstar Dwight Howard and his professional partner Daniella Karagach. Their elimination occurred on November 12, 2024, in a pivotal round that preceded a surprising Semifinals where, for only the second time in the show's history, no couple was sent home. This unique structure meant Dwight and Daniella were the final pair to be eliminated by a judges' save and audience vote combination, solidifying their place as the couple who came closest to the end without making the final five.

Dwight Howard: Biography and DWTS Journey

Dwight David Howard II is one of the most recognizable and decorated names in modern basketball history.

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Born on December 8, 1985, Howard rose to prominence after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic.

His impressive career includes being an 8-time NBA All-Star, a 5-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a 2020 NBA Champion with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nicknamed "Superman" for his athletic prowess and towering presence, Howard was known for his dominant defense, earning him three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

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Prior to his *DWTS* appearance, Howard had transitioned to playing professional basketball overseas in Taiwan since 2022, showcasing his willingness to embrace new challenges.

His decision to join *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 was a surprising but welcome move for fans, allowing him to showcase a different side of his personality, often criticized for his "happy-go-lucky attitude" during his NBA tenure.

Partnered with the innovative and popular pro Daniella Karagach, the couple quickly became a fan-favorite, known for their powerful stage presence and incredible height difference that Daniella masterfully incorporated into their routines.

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Despite surviving several early scares, the pair's journey ended just short of the Semifinals, a moment Howard later reflected on with a somber but positive post on social media, calling the experience one of his "best decisions."

The Shocking Semifinals Twist That Sent Five to the Finale

The elimination of Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach was particularly significant because of the events that followed.

In a rare move, the *Dancing with the Stars* producers implemented a major twist for the Semifinals round of Season 33.

The twist meant that for only the second time in the show's history, the penultimate episode—the Semifinals—featured no elimination.

This decision resulted in a massive five couples advancing to the grand finale, instead of the traditional three or four.

The five finalists who benefited from this unexpected turn were: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, and Danny Amendola and Witney Carson.

Had the show followed its usual format, Dwight and Daniella would have likely been eliminated in the preceding week, making their exit the final, decisive cut of the season before the winner was crowned.

This "no-elimination" episode is a strategic move often used by reality competition shows to build suspense and ensure all top-tier performers get a chance to compete on the biggest stage, though it often sparks debate among the dedicated *DWTS* fanbase and judges.

The Complete Elimination Order on DWTS Season 33 (Fall 2024)

The journey on *Dancing with the Stars* Season 33 was marked by high scores, emotional dances, and a series of tough goodbyes. The competition featured 13 celebrity contestants, ranging from former NFL stars to Olympic athletes and reality TV personalities. Here is the full, ordered list of all the couples eliminated throughout the season, leading up to the grand finale on November 26, 2024, where Joey Graziadei was crowned champion.

• Week 1: No Elimination (All couples were safe in the premiere).
• Eliminated 1st: Anna Delvey (Socialite/Con Artist) and Ezra Sosa
• Eliminated 2nd: TBD (Double Elimination Week)
• Eliminated 3rd: TBD (Double Elimination Week)
• Eliminated 4th: TBD
• Eliminated 5th: Phaedra Parks (Reality Star) and Artem Chigvintsev
• Eliminated 6th: TBD
• Eliminated 7th: Jenn Tran (*The Bachelorette* Star) and Sasha Farber
• Eliminated 8th: Dwight Howard (NBA Center) and Daniella Karagach (Eliminated on November 12, 2024)
• Week 9: Semifinals - No Elimination (Five couples advanced to the finale)
• Fifth Place: Danny Amendola (NFL Wide Receiver) and Witney Carson
• Fourth Place: Stephen Nedoroscik (Olympic Gymnast) and Rylee Arnold
• Third Place: Chandler Kinney (Television Actress & Singer) and Brandon Armstrong
• Runners-Up: Ilona Maher (Olympic Rugby Player) and Alan Bersten
• Winners: Joey Graziadei (*The Bachelor* Star) and Jenna Johnson

The intensity of the competition was evident from the start, with the show quickly moving into double elimination weeks to pare down the large cast. Fan-favorite Phaedra Parks' early exit was a major talking point, as was the consistent performance of athletes like Ilona Maher and Danny Amendola, who made it deep into the competition. Ultimately, however, the combination of judges' scores and audience votes proved to be too much for the NBA star, Dwight Howard, making him the last celebrity to be eliminated before the final dance-off for the Mirrorball Trophy. His departure underscored the unpredictable nature of the show, where star power meets technical skill, and every week brings a fresh challenge.

The Season 33 finale was a celebration of the five remaining couples, but the memory of Dwight Howard’s powerful yet technically challenging routines, and the subsequent no-elimination twist, cemented his elimination as one of the season’s most memorable moments. The competition continues to evolve, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering who will be the next star to face the chopping block.