The Dancing Mirrorball Showdown: A Season of Surprises

It was the night that everybody had been waiting for — the Season 33 finale of Dancing With the Stars! After weeks of glamorous outfits, electrifying performances, and a whole lot of "Thanks, Julianne! " from the co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, the final five couples were ready to give it their all. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold all had one final opportunity to impress the judges. They performed a redemption dance, taking another shot at a style they had struggled with earlier in the season. Then came the freestyles, where the sky was the limit, and creativity could take flight! Danny and Witney danced a redemption tango and scored a 27 out of 30. Their freestyle was even better, scoring a 29 out of 30. Together, they had a total of 110 out of 120 points from the semifinals and finals. Joey and Jenna's redemption cha-cha earned them a perfect 30 out of 30. Their freestyle was also phenomenal, scoring another 29 out of 30. Combined, they had an impressive 117 out of 120 points. Chandler and Brandon pulled off a redemption jive, scoring a perfect 30 out of 30. Their freestyle was just as impressive, also scoring a perfect 30 out of 30. Overall, they had 118 out of 120 points. Ilona and Alan did a redemption jive, scoring a 27 out of 30. But their freestyle was a showstopper, earning them their first perfect score of the season — 30 out of 30. Together, they had 114 out of 120 points. Stephen and Rylee danced a redemption quickstep, scoring a 29 out of 30. And their freestyle was incredible, scoring another perfect 30 out of 30. This brought their total to 112 out of 120 points. But the night wasn't just about the finalists. Reigning champ Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy stole the show with a stunning performance, and many previous contestants returned for short dances. It was like a fun recap of the season! Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for: the results. Joey and Jenna were crowned the Season 33 champions! Ilona and Alan came in second, Chandler and Brandon in third, Stephen and Rylee in fourth, and Danny and Witney in fifth place. What a season it's been! Let us know your thoughts about the winners in the comments below!