The Shocking Truth Behind The Last Dancing With The Stars Elimination: Who Missed The Mirrorball Trophy?
The question on every fan's mind after a season finale is always the same: who was eliminated in the final moments, and how close were they to winning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy? As of December 20, 2025, the most recent, and arguably most dramatic, elimination event was the grand finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 33, which concluded on November 26, 2024, and saw a surprising runner-up finish after a fiercely competitive season. The final elimination is always the hardest, as it means one deserving couple walks away with second place, missing the ultimate prize by the smallest margin of viewer votes and judges' scores.
This ultimate "last night elimination" recap dives into the final, heartbreaking moments of the most recent season, detailing the incredible journey of the final four couples, the judges' final critiques, and the celebrity who was crowned the champion, leaving one powerhouse couple as the final eliminated pair. The season was packed with high-scoring routines, shocking early exits, and a finale that kept viewers on the edge of their seats until the very last second.
The Final Four: Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Finale Breakdown
The finale of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 was a spectacular event, featuring four incredible couples who had survived weeks of intense competition, demanding choreography, and the unpredictable nature of the public vote. The stakes were higher than ever, with the judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—handing out perfect scores, but the ultimate decision resting with the millions of viewers at home. The final elimination process saw the couples ranked from fourth place up to the winner.
Season 33 Finalists and Final Placements
- 4th Place: Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
- 3rd Place: Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
- Runner-Up (The Final Elimination): Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
- Winner: Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
The final elimination came down to a tense showdown between Olympian Ilona Maher and "The Bachelor" star Joey Graziadei. Both couples delivered show-stopping performances, but ultimately, the combination of viewer votes and accumulated judges' scores determined the final outcome, resulting in Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten being the final couple eliminated of the season, taking the runner-up position. Their journey was a testament to dedication, with Ilona making one of the most significant improvements from Week 1 to the finale.
The Shocking Semifinals and Early Exits That Set the Stage
While the finale provides the ultimate "last night elimination," the road to the Mirrorball was paved with several shocking exits that deeply impacted the competition and set the stage for the dramatic conclusion. The Season 33 cast was one of the most competitive in recent memory, making every elimination a high-stakes event. The semifinals, in particular, featured a twist that sent shockwaves through the ballroom and social media.
Notable Eliminations and Controversies
The season saw several fan favorites and high-profile celebrities leave the competition earlier than expected, proving that no one is safe from the combined power of the judges' scores and viewer votes. These moments were critical in shaping the final four.
- The Double Elimination Twist: The semifinals featured a surprising double elimination, a rare move that immediately raised the stakes for the remaining couples. This twist left the judges, including Derek Hough, visibly stunned, as two strong contenders were sent home in one night, intensifying the final week's pressure.
- Dwight Howard's Departure: Former NBA star Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karagach were eliminated in Week 7. Despite showing marked improvement and delivering powerful performances, their Argentine Tango landed them at the bottom of the leaderboard, and they failed to secure enough viewer votes to continue.
- Whitney Leavitt's Emotional Exit: Social media personality Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas were eliminated earlier in the season. Their departure was a highly emotional moment, with Leavitt expressing gratitude for the experience despite the early exit.
These earlier eliminations highlighted the razor-thin margins separating the contestants. The voting structure, which combines the judges' scores with the audience's votes, ensures that even high-scoring couples can be vulnerable, adding an element of unpredictability that is a hallmark of the show.
The Final Dance and The Winner's Journey
The ultimate elimination of the season crowned Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson as the champions of Season 33. Their victory was well-earned, following a season of consistently high scores, emotional routines, and a strong connection with the audience. Their final performance, a dynamic and technically challenging Freestyle, was a perfect blend of showmanship and technical skill, earning them a perfect score from the judges.
Joey and Jenna’s journey was a masterclass in consistency and growth. They managed to maintain a high standard of performance throughout the competition, navigating various dance styles from the quickstep to the paso doble with impressive versatility. Their victory was a popular one, solidifying Joey’s status as a reality TV darling and earning Jenna her second Mirrorball Trophy.
The Final Scores and Judges’ Sentiments
The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—were unanimous in their praise for the final four couples. The finale saw multiple perfect 30/30 scores handed out, a clear indication of the high level of talent in the final round. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough managed the high-tension atmosphere with grace, leading up to the final dramatic announcement.
- Carrie Ann Inaba: Known for her technical critiques, Inaba praised the finalists for their emotional commitment and growth, often noting the significant transformation of the celebrities from their first week.
- Derek Hough: As a six-time DWTS champion, Hough focused on the artistry and innovative choreography, often giving perfect scores for routines that truly pushed the boundaries of ballroom dancing.
- Bruno Tonioli: The panel's most flamboyant judge, Tonioli, celebrated the passion and energy of the final dances, ensuring the atmosphere remained electric.
The final elimination of Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten was a bittersweet moment. While they were the last couple to be sent home, their runner-up position cemented their legacy as one of the most memorable and beloved pairings of Season 33. The show proved once again that the combination of great dancing and a heartfelt connection with the audience is the true recipe for success on the ballroom floor.
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