As Dancing With the Stars reaches its intense semi-final stage, contestant and former Bachelor leading man Joey Graziadei has found more than just new dance skills—he’s also experienced unwavering support and deep pride from his fiancée, Kelsey Anderson. While competing in the show’s milestone 500th episode, Joey shared that Kelsey has been his biggest fan, offering constant encouragement and motivation. But he also revealed that her emotional investment in his journey might actually exceed his own, often leaving her more nervous before his performances than he feels himself.
“Kelsey’s emotionally invested, that’s for sure,” Joey told FIRST for Women exclusively, with a smile. “I think every time I look at her, I blow her a kiss before we dance. She looks way more nervous than I do.” It’s this bond, ultimately, that fuels Joey’s commitment to his performances. Despite his own jitters, he’s driven by his desire to make Kelsey proud and perform at his best. “I was really nervous tonight because I want to do so well in this dance. So I think the emotions just come from her being so proud of the fact that I’m doing my best and I’m fully in it.”
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Kelsey’s dedication to his success on DWTS has been a source of strength for Joey, particularly as he takes on increasingly challenging routines. “She’s seen the routine enough; she knows when it’s good and when we’ve done it correctly,” he shared. With each round, Kelsey’s approval and emotional investment push Joey to grow as a dancer and to connect with each performance on a deeper level. “I think she probably felt that tonight, which was special,” he reflected.
Joey’s journey on DWTS has been transformative, and his partnership with pro dancer Jenna Johnson has played a crucial role in his development. With Jenna’s guidance, Joey has moved past the initial nerves and challenges, finding real joy and confidence on the dance floor. He credits Jenna with helping him see each dance as a unique experience to treasure. “Jenna had a moment this week which was like, ‘It’s about us. It’s about how much we’ve appreciated this whole entire journey together,’” Joey shared. This philosophy has changed how he views the competition and his growth, helping him to approach each routine with a sense of purpose and gratitude.
For the show’s 500th episode, Joey and Jenna performed a contemporary dance, a style Jenna holds close to her heart. Joey felt the weight of the moment, knowing how much the performance meant to Jenna and wanting to honor her love for contemporary dance. “This is a dance that we’re going to dance for us and just enjoy every second because she loves contemporary and I wanted to do it justice for her,” he said. As they took the floor, Joey poured everything into the routine, determined to make it memorable. “The emotion was that that was the last time you were going to dance together, and there was no way I wasn’t going to give my all for her.”
Heading into the semi-finals, Joey is deeply grateful for the personal growth he’s experienced on DWTS. His journey has been about more than just dance steps; it’s been about connecting with the music, the movements and his partner. This commitment has helped him develop as a performer and as a person, instilling new confidence that he’s excited to bring into the final stages of the competition.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Joey credits his fiancée and Jenna for their unwavering support, which has allowed him to embrace the highs and lows of the show. Kelsey’s emotional investment reminds him of why he’s committed to his best performance, while Jenna’s mentorship has opened his eyes to the true art of dance. As he heads into the semi-finals, Joey is ready to leave everything on the floor, bolstered by the love and encouragement of those closest to him.
With Kelsey cheering him on and Jenna by his side, Joey is set to make his mark in the DWTS semi-finals, proving that dedication, passion and a strong support system can lead to extraordinary growth and unforgettable performances.
