DWTS' Fans Declare One Contestant the True Winner Despite Finale Results

After several weeks of grueling rehearsals, The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei was crowned the DWTS Season 33 champion. He and his partner Jenna Johnson had impeccable chemistry and consistently delivered top-tier performances.

However, many fans have expressed aggravation that another member of Bachelor Nation won the competition. Online, many expressed that other contestants were more deserving, particularly the runner-up.

Without a doubt, Olympic Rugby player Ilona Maher displayed immeasurable growth from the beginning of the season to the finale. See what others are saying online.

DWTS Fans Believe Ilona Maher Is What The Show Is All About

Many DWTS fans believed Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong would be the new Mirrorball Champions. Instead, they finished in third place with Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten finishing in second.

Ilona and Alan didn’t always have the highest scores, but they had a lot of heart. Fans absolutely loved watching their growth and resilience in the ballroom.

“Ilona Maher was the true embodiment of this season, imo. She was constantly improving, showed vulnerability and gained so much confidence. She empowered so many young girls and won the hearts of so many. I wish she won but she deserves all the flowers,” one fan wrote on X.

The Rugby Player Feels Satisfied With Her Personal Journey

As for Ilona, she admitted she couldn’t be prouder of earning second place.

“I’m very proud of myself. I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I’m proud of continually wanting to improve and knowing that I can do better in doing that,” the Olympian shared with TooFab. She and Alan went on to speak very highly of Joey and Jenna, noting they definitely deserved to win.

On Instagram, she shared before and after shots of her time in the rehearsal studio.

“First day in the studio➡️ Last Day in the studio,” Ilona wrote. “What a wild, intense, insane ride it has been. I met so many fantastic people and had the experience of a lifetime. Turns out, I’m not a natural ballroom dancer, but I’m so proud of myself for how I’ve improved and to where I’ve come. These are two very different people in these photos. Thanks for embarking on this journey with me. Ilona over and out.”

What did you think of the Dancing With The Stars Season 33 finale? Were you pleased with the results, or did you think another contestant really deserved the Mirrorball Trophy? Share your own thoughts in the comments below.