Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson won the Mirrorball trophy in the season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars, but their victory sparked debate among fans. Graziadei, the first The Bachelor star to win, competed against Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and other finalists. Despite receiving high praise from the judges, some fans criticized Graziadei’s final performances, particularly his freestyle. While his Cha Cha earned a perfect score and was praised by the judges, his freestyle, which combined tennis and dance, was considered less impressive by some viewers.
Many fans felt the freestyle lacked excitement and was repetitive, agreeing with judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s disappointment. Others expressed frustration over the outcome, suggesting that dancers like Chandler Kinney or others were more deserving. On the other hand, Graziadei’s supporters highlighted his growth throughout the season, noting his consistency and technical precision, which they felt made him a deserving winner. While opinions were divided, the overall response was mixed, with some disappointed by the finale’s results, while others applauded Graziadei’s journey.
