Before their Dancing With the Stars victory, pro Jenna Johnson admitted to feeling “a little sad” about not getting an NFL player, while Bachelor Joey Graziadei requested a partner in a “healthy relationship.” Discover how they overcame these initial hurdles and even a fiery rehearsal argument to clinch the Mirrorball trophy in Season 33.
The journey to lifting the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) is rarely straightforward, and for Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei, their Season 33 triumph was forged through unexpected challenges, personal doubts, and even a heated confrontation in the rehearsal studio. Their partnership, initially met with hesitation from Johnson, evolved into a fan-favorite spectacle, culminating in a victory that solidified their place in DWTS history.
The Unexpected Pairing: From Disappointment to Dance Floor Chemistry
For veteran professional dancer Jenna Johnson, the annual partner reveal on DWTS often comes with specific hopes. She candidly shared her initial feelings of disappointment when she learned she would be paired with former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei, rather than an athlete.
“I kind of heard Danny [Amendola] was going to be involved and I was like, ‘This is my year. I’m gonna get the NFL guy,’” Johnson revealed on the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast. She admitted to feeling “a little sad” because, despite her years on the show, she had never been paired with a football player.
However, her initial reservations quickly dissipated once rehearsals began. Johnson, married to fellow DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, found an immediate and genuine connection with Graziadei. “He is one of the most genuine humans I’ve ever met,” she shared, adding that their connection was “really easy and quick,” leading to “so much fun.” She even joked about his natural talent, calling him “one of those annoying people that’s freakishly good at everything,” making him a pleasure to work with.
Navigating the ‘Noise’: Joey’s Request for a ‘Healthy Relationship’ Partner
Coming from the high-profile world of The Bachelor, Joey Graziadei was acutely aware of the intense scrutiny and relationship rumors that often accompany celebrity partnerships, especially on a show like DWTS. To mitigate potential distractions, Graziadei made a specific request to producers.
“I wanted to be in a situation where I was comfortable that I didn’t have to worry about a lot of this noise,” Graziadei explained. “So, I asked when I got on the show to be paired with someone that was in a successful and healthy relationship.”
This request, aimed at protecting his strong engagement with fiancée Kelsey Anderson, was perfectly met by Johnson, who is happily married to Val Chmerkovskiy and a mother to their son, Rome. Despite both being in committed relationships, the natural chemistry they displayed on the dance floor led to fan speculation. “We knew coming in as a bachelor nation thing,” Graziadei acknowledged, stating that he and Anderson had discussed it beforehand to ensure she was comfortable. They were, however, surprised that some fans didn’t recognize their respective relationship statuses, hoping for “a little bit more aware[ness]” of their boundaries.
The Pressure Cooker: Unveiling Their ‘Biggest Fight’ During Finale Rehearsals
As the competition intensified and the finale loomed, the pressure mounted, leading to the only significant disagreement between the otherwise harmonious partners. On the “Dancing With the Stars Official Podcast,” both Johnson and Graziadei recalled the heated moment during a Wednesday rehearsal leading up to the final dance, as reported by Us Weekly.
Johnson was battling bronchitis and dealing with “mom guilt,” having been away from her son Rome for weeks. Graziadei was simultaneously trying to navigate the logistics of moving in with Kelsey Anderson. Compounding their personal stresses was the demanding task of learning an entirely new cha-cha routine alongside their freestyle for the finale.
“We had this, I think it was like a Wednesday rehearsal, and we got into it. I was sobbing,” Johnson recounted. She admitted feeling immense pressure not to let Joey down, which, combined with her exhaustion and guilt, led to an emotional outburst. Graziadei described the situation as “the emotions came into play” and Johnson being “mad that she was sick.”
Johnson recalled telling Joey, “You’re not going to figure out how to move? I haven’t put my son to sleep and I don’t feel like you’re present!” Joey’s calm, yet firm response — “I’m going to have to defend myself on this one” — became a memorable line even for Johnson and her husband. He clarified he was “all in” but was just acknowledging his external stressors. This raw moment highlighted the immense emotional and physical toll the competition takes, especially in the final stretch, but ultimately demonstrated their ability to communicate through conflict.
A Victorious Partnership: From Doubts to the Mirrorball Trophy
Despite the intense moments and personal hurdles, Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei’s resilience shone through. Their genuine bond and hard work transformed them into a fan-favorite duo, earning consistent high scores throughout the season, including a 22/30 in Week 2, placing them tied for third. Their performances captivated audiences and judges alike, showcasing Graziadei’s surprising talent and Johnson’s expert choreography.
Their dedication culminated in a triumphant win, as they were crowned the champions of Dancing With the Stars Season 33. Graziadei, reflecting on the experience after their victory, called it “the experience of a lifetime,” as reported by People. Their journey proved that even with initial doubts and significant pressures, a strong partnership built on mutual respect and hard work can overcome any challenge to achieve ultimate success.
