Dancing With the Stars Finale: Who Will Win Season 33? And Who Should?

Rebecca Iannucci
·3-min read

Dancing With the Stars‘ Mirrorball trophy will come off Xochitl Gomez’s mantel on Tuesday night. But to which Season 33 finalist will it get passed?

That’s the question we’re mulling ahead of Dancing‘s super-sized season finale (ABC, 8/7c), and last week’s semifinals gave us even more potential answers to consider: For the second straight year, the competition series chose not to send any of its semifinalists home, meaning all five contestants — Joey Graziadei, Stephen Nedoroscik, Chandler Kinney, Ilona Maher and Danny Amendola — are still in the running for that coveted bling.

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Before the real winners are announced, though, we want your thoughts on who likely will — and who should — emerge triumphant from Season 33.

Now, we know better than to count anyone out on Dancing With the Stars, even if they’re not scoring quite as high as their competitors. That’s the case for Ilona, who has yet to notch a perfect score from the judges and took a little longer than her fellow finalists to truly grasp ballroom technique. But those numbers only mean so much when a) Ilona is clearly beloved by voters for her fun personality and body-positive messaging, and b) she’s actually peaking at the perfect time, delivering season-best performances in last week’s semifinals. This Olympian might be a Dancing underdog, but a gold-medal finish is totally feasible.

The same can be said for both Danny and Stephen, who have struggled with inconsistent performances, but seem to have devoted fanbases (and are matched with adored pros). Ever since Bobby Bones’ popularity pushed him to a Mirrorball win years ago, we’ve learned that proper technique isn’t the only thing that matters to voters; despite Danny and Stephen’s technical shortcomings (even as recently as the semifinals), it’s possible their likability and can-do spirit might clinch the big win for either athlete.

Chandler and Joey, meanwhile, are formidable competitors where technique is concerned, and they’ve got dedicated fans of their own — the Zombies and Pretty Little Liars crowds for Chandler, and Bachelor Nation followers for Joey. Since the judges’ scores do play a role in the finale results, Joey’s at a slight advantage already, having scored the semifinals’ lone perfect 30 with his fantastic foxtrot. (Chandler’s two 29s are nothing to sniff at, either.)

Still, there’s a very particular alchemy that decides who will win a Dancing season. Joey — who has been our pick to win the Mirrorball since the beginning — is easily the strongest male contestant left, but does he have the votes to leapfrog Stephen or Danny? Chandler is a gorgeous performer who has topped the weekly leaderboard many times, but can she sway skeptics who are frustrated by her previous dance experience? And though Ilona, Stephen and Danny are well-liked dark horses, is that enough to override their technical limitations?

We can see any of these five contenders hoisting that Mirrorball on Tuesday night, but in the meantime, let’s get your thoughts. Who will win Season 33, and who should? Cast your votes in our polls below, then drop a comment to back up your picks!

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