After eight weeks of competition, Dancing With The Stars is about to crown its Season 33 winner!
Last week’s semi-finals shocked both viewers and the couples when it was revealed no one would be eliminated. Much like last season, five couples will compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball in tonight’s finale: Chandler and Brandon, Joey and Jenna, Ilona and Alan, Danny and Witney and Stephen and Rylee.
Tonight’s finale will feature the couples’ Freestyle dances, group numbers, a dance from former pro Mark Ballas and judge Derek Hough, and a performance from last season’s winners Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy.
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Dancing with the Stars 2024 Finale Dance Styles, Song Choices
The show opens very unexcitingly as Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough narrate live footage of the couples getting ready for the show, before the judges offer insight into each couple.
Carrie Ann recapped Chandler and Brandon and Stephen and Rylee, Derek recapped Joey and Jenna, Bruno recapped Ilona and Alan and Danny and Witney.
The finale officially begins after the break!
The show comes back from commercial with a group number featuring the pros, troupe, Julianne and Alfonso, and every couple from Season 33! That lift Dwight and Daniella did!!
Stephen and Rylee – Redemption Quickstep – “I’ll Be There For You”
Rylee packed this with choreo. What a cute final ballroom dance for these two. Definitely much better than his first attempt, but the nitpicker in me needs to say some legwork still looked a little too messy for my liking. Obsessed with the color of their costumes though!
Bruno says he was running at top gear and it was fast, smooth and clear. Carrie Ann says Len Goodman would have been smiling from ear to ear at that dance, and it was the best she’s ever seen him. Derek says they were like two little antidepressants dancing across the floor, then says there was “a little moment” in the middle.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 9, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
Joey and Jenna – Redemption Cha Cha – “Can’t Stop The Feeling”
Joey has blown me away all season and definitely has a bit more of a knack for ballroom dances, but he really refined that leg and footwork! Is that a hint of Latin motion I see?? Super fun choreo, Joey crushed that!
Derek says it let everyone know he’s a top contender and compliments everything about the dance. Bruno says it was polished to perfection and compliments his synchronicity, saying they danced like two pros. Carrie Ann says he’s consistent and he’s a potential winner.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Danny and Witney – Redemption Tango – “I Had Some Help”
I’m confused how Danny essentially carrying Witney off the stairs isn’t a lift? Danny’s a bit stiff in this one, but a fun one for the finale.
Derek says “redemption dance accomplished” but says he would’ve liked to see him go a bit deeper in the legs. Bruno says he tried very hard and they admire him for it. Carrie Ann says he’s made the biggest transformation out of all the men and has turned into his best dancer, but that there was a tiny hesitation.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 27/30
The competition breaks for Xochitl and Val to perform before passing the title onto this year’s winners.
Ilona and Alan – Redemption Jive – “Shake A Tail Feather”
I remember how tough her first Jive was, and she definitely improved this time around, but not enough for a finale. It had an insane amount of content, but Jive just isn’t Ilona’s dance.
Bruno says it was so much better and no mistakes. Carrie Ann says redemption is hers but there was one tiny hesitation. Derek says it was much better and he’s proud of her.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Bruno- 9 = 27/30
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater perform a quick routine to the Family Matters theme song and just melted every Gen X’s and millennials’ hearts.
Chandler and Brandon – Redemption Jive – “APT”
Great song for a Jive! Chandler has beautiful balance and control and she really killed this Jive. So fun and full of content.
Carrie Ann tells her to soak in the applause and says this dance was redemption . Derek says it was sensational. Bruno says it was beyond redemption and it was fresh, exciting and sassy.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
The competition breaks for Derek and Mark to dance and Argentine Tango the way it was originally intended: two male dancers.
Stephen and Rylee – Freestyle – “Viva La Vida”
Love the use of the gymnastics equipment and fellow gymnasts. Love that the song started as an instrumental. You don’t always see a Freestyle as a Contemporary but it’s very fitting for Stephen.
Bruno says he’s going for gold and it was both athletic and artistic, calling it a contemporary anthem. Carrie Ann says she doesn’t want that to be the last time she experiences him dancing and he touched all the perfect points. Derek says he remembers watching him on the a Olympics and thinking he’d be great on DWTS and now he’s here in the finale.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Joey and Jenna – Freestyle – “Canned Heat”
I love the tennis theme calling back to Joey’s old career as a tennis coach. Love the use of dancing with glowing tennis rackets! Joey nails every dance while also making them so enjoyable to watch.
Carrie Ann says he’s amazing and calls the dance underwhelming, eliciting a round of boos. Derek stands with his slow clap, then says it was phenomenal and showstopping. Bruno says “game, set, and match for Joey” and calls it unexpected with inventive choreography.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
*A/N it takes a lot to not get a perfect score on a Freestyle. I honestly think I’ve only seen it happen once, and Joey and Jenna’s deserved much better than that.
Danny and Witney – Freestyle – “Pink”/”I’m Just Ken”
Okay but Danny and Witney make the cutest Barbie and Ken. See Danny’s dancing felt lackluster, I don’t know what Carrie Ann was thinking with Joey’s… Danny literally missed a whole section and got out of sync with Witney.
Derek calls Danny one of the biggest surprises of the season and a moment-maker, then says it was one of the most entertaining things he’s seen on the show. Bruno just flirts with Danny the whole time. Carrie Ann calls it amazing and says he “swung his sword.”
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 29/30
Ilona and Alan – Freestyle – “Femininomenon”
I like how the dance started with Ilona vocally discussing memories throughout the season, then going right into a powerful routine with fellow female pros. This dance is definitely hit and memorable.
Bruno says she’s a true leading lady and she’s shining brighter than ever. Carrie Ann screams and says her mind is blown and she leaves her feeling empowered. Derek says she’s a burning bright flame.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
Chandler and Brandon – Freestyle – “Hellzapoppin”/”Move On Up”
Brandon noted they’re the first Black couple to make it to the finale and made their Freestyle an homage to Black performers who came before them. I love how it started in black and white with tap and Charleston and turned into color with some fun and sensual moves.
Carrie Ann says it was beyond impressive and important, and she’s changed the future. Derek says she should be so proud of every single step. Bruno says it was a spectacular celebration of the contribution of all Black artists.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Bruno- 10 = 30/30
A winner is crowned after the break!
