The semi-finals of Dancing With the Stars season 33 proved to be a nail-biter, with all five couples showcasing breathtaking performances. Record-breaking viewer voting has dominated the season, and just when fans thought they’d have to say goodbye to one of the beloved stars, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that all five couples—Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, and Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten—earned spots in the much-anticipated finale.
Now, with the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in sight, the finalists are shifting their focus to the finale performances, particularly the freestyle, the no-holds-barred routines that often steal the show. Speaking exclusively to FIRST for Women after their semi-final triumphs, the celebrities and dancers alike teased what’s to come and shared their excitement, nerves and strategies for the grand finale.
Danny and Witney: Prioritizing precision and safety
Danny and Witney have been a fan-favorite pairing throughout the competition, wowing audiences with their electrifying chemistry, daring choreography and incredible lifts. Now, as they prepare for their freestyle, they’re taking extra care to make sure every move is flawless—and safe.
“Do it on a mattress first,” Danny shared with a laugh when asked about their preparation process, and what fans who dare to replicate their lifts on social media should also do. “We did [semi-finale lift prep] on a crash pad to begin just because we can’t get hurt. That’s our main goal. Once we get comfortable, we gain trust in each lift, and it just kind of flows from there.”
For Witney, the love and support from fans have been the fuel that keeps them going. “It feels really satisfying knowing that people are liking what we’re doing and what we’re working so hard at,” she said, reflecting on elements of her choreography from this season that have gone viral on TikTok. “The camaraderie on social media has been so cool. We really appreciate all the love.”
Stephen and Rylee: A surreal journey with gymnastics in the mix
For Stephen and Rylee, making it to the finals has been nothing short of surreal. “Relieved and excited,” Rylee said of their emotions after a blunder-filled semi final that landed them at the bottom of the leaderboard. “First finals… so crazy. I honestly can’t believe that we’re here.”
Stephen has been a beloved contestant on the show, bringing his signature Clark Kent-to-Superman transformation made famous at the 2024 Paris Olympics to the ballroom. However, a difficult Cha Cha during round one of the semi finals threw the pair off, and a glasses mishap during their round two Tango elicited anxiety (and a few held-back tears) out of pro Rylee, who is just 19 years old. As they stood alongside Ilona and Alan as the voting results were read by the judges, Stephen and Rylee held onto each other, all but convinced that it was their time to go home. In a shocking turn of events, all five couples made it to the finale, and both the pro dancer and Olympic gymnast collapsed on the ballroom floor as the news was announced.
As Stephen and Rylee prepare for their freestyle, fans can expect a routine that pushes boundaries—teasing a mix of gymnastics and dance. With Rylee’s background in acrobatics and Stephen’s athleticism, their performance is sure to bring an explosive energy to the ballroom.
Ilona and Alan: Combining strength, humor and vulnerability
Ilona and Alan have been a powerhouse duo all season, blending artistry with technical improvement week after week. For their freestyle, Alan revealed that they’re aiming to encapsulate the full spectrum of emotions.
“I’m thinking both—bold and strong, and vulnerable and soft,” Alan said of his inspiration as a choreographer, highlighting the multi-faceted woman that the Olympic rugby player is. “I think it’s everything. It’s who Ilona is—she’s hilarious, she’s strong, she’s vulnerable. Just putting it all together… hopefully. That’s a lot to get in there!”
The pair’s ability to balance power and tenderness has made them a standout, and their freestyle is poised to leave a lasting impression.
Chandler and Brandon: Dancing with a purpose
For Chandler and Brandon, the finale is about more than just competition—it’s about creating a meaningful connection with the audience after an incredibly successful season.
“We’re going to work hard, which we always do, and we’re going to have fun, which we always do,” Chandler shared after the semi final, who has routinely landed at the top of the leaderboard throughout the competition. “I think it’s bigger than us two, and that’s something we want to bring into this space. We’re really excited about that and really proud to be the ones who are coming out here.”
Known for their emotional storytelling and technical mastery, Chandler and Brandon are likely to deliver a freestyle that’s as inspiring as it is captivating. Will they take home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, a first for pro Brandon? Only time will tell!
Joey and Jenna: Surprising fans with a new element
Joey and Jenna have been steadily gaining momentum throughout the competition, and for the finale, they’re determined to shock the audience with something completely unexpected.
“I just really want to show off Joey and make him look his very, very best,” Jenna said of her partner, who would be the first Bachelor leading man to win Dancing With the Stars if he clinches the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. “We’re going to play around with some things, but I think people will be even more shocked to see him in this element.”
With Joey’s charisma and Jenna’s creative vision, their freestyle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The road to the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy
With such diverse styles and approaches, the season 33 finale promises to be one of the most thrilling in Dancing With the Stars history. From bold lifts to emotional storytelling and unexpected surprises, each couple is ready to leave it all on the dance floor in this historic, record-breaking season.
As the competition comes down to the wire, one thing is certain: the freestyles will be the talk of the show, and the Mirrorball Trophy will go to the couple that delivers a truly unforgettable performance that connects with the viewers.
Who will shine the brightest under the ballroom lights? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out as the finale airs next week!
