Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli |Source: Getty Images
A scoring drama on “Dancing With the Stars” ignited heated reactions online, as fans rallied behind a beloved contestant they believed delivered a flawless performance.
The season 33 finale of “Dancing With the Stars” on November 26 was a night of high-stakes competition and heated debates. While fans celebrated the talent on display, many were frustrated by the actions of one of the show’s judges toward gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his dance partner.
A netizen’s comment on Stephen Nedoroscik’s performance on “Dancing with the Stars,” posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/dancingwiththestars
The finale featured the top five couples: Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, actress Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, “The Bachelorette” star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, rugby player Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and former NFL player Danny Amendola and Witney Carson.
Each pair performed one final routine in hopes of winning the coveted mirrorball trophy after the semifinals ended without an elimination.
Among the standout performances were Nedoroscik and Arnold’s Quick Step. Before their number, Nedoroscik expressed admiration for his partner, “We’ve just developed such a great relationship, and getting her to this point feels amazing.”
Despite finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard last week, Nedoroscik entered the finale confidently, drawing on his experience as a world-class gymnast. “When I was at the Olympics, I had a ton of pressure on me, and I handled it perfectly too,” he said.
Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik performing on “DWTS” on November 26, 2024 | Source: instagram.com/dancingwiththestars
Nedoroscik and Arnold’s dazzling show earned high praise from Judge Carrie Ann Inaba. “All I could think of while I was watching that dance is that Len Goodman, this gentleman, this mirrorball [trophy] right here, would have been smiling from ear to ear. That was absolutely the best I’ve ever seen you,” Inaba remarked.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold react during the “Dancing With the Stars” finale on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, Derek Hough‘s feedback sparked controversy. He initially praised Nedoroscik and his dance partner, calling them “a burst of sunshine, like two little antidepressants dancing across the floor.”
Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik performing on “DWTS” on November 26, 2024 | Source: instagram.com/dancingwiththestars
He also highlighted Nedoroscik’s disposition, “Seriously, he’s just radiating joy with every single step and dance out there.” Despite his glowing remarks, Hough gave the duo nine points, a decision that upset many fans who felt it was unfair.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Alfonso Ribeiro with Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold during the “DWTS” finale on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Derec definitely doesn’t like Stephen he always has a bit for him & doesn’t want to give him the 10…Can they change Derrick as a judge [sic],” a user wondered.
“This was Stephen’s best dance 🥹🥹,” another commented, while a third chimed in, “Derek is annoying this season, trying to hard to be Len. He should’ve given him a 10! That was awesome [sic]!”
Some viewers voiced similar frustration with Hough’s scoring, calling it unreasonable. Meanwhile, more supporters rallied behind Nedoroscik and Arnold, praising Nedoroscik’s remarkable improvement throughout the season.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold perform during the “Dancing With the Stars” finale on November 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others emphasized the difficulty of the Quick Step, often considered one of the hardest ballroom dances, and applauded Nedoroscik for delivering what they felt was a near-perfect performance.
Before the “DWTS” finale, many viewers had already picked their favorites, with Nedoroscik and Arnold standing out as strong contenders. Fans praised their growth as a team and shared compelling reasons why they deserved the win.
One fan highlighted Nedoroscik’s efforts, emphasizing his energy, passion, technique, and consistent growth since the start of the competition, expressing hope for his victory.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold posing for a picture with a miniature Mirrorball trophy, posted on November 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
Many shared their belief in the duo’s abilities, with one mentioning how special the season had been and their excitement to cheer for the pair in the finale.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
Support for Nedoroscik and Arnold continued to pour in, with fans praising their partnership throughout the competition. Another highlighted Nedoroscik’s significant improvement, the joy he brought to his performances, and their hopes that he would win the competition.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
A Facebook user expressed their support for Nedoroscik and Maher as deserving winners, arguing that the show should favor contestants who begin with no prior dance experience. They criticized Amendola for appearing stiff and overly reliant on Carson, while also pointing out Kinney’s background in dance, which they felt gave her an unfair advantage.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, and Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson posing for a group photo, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars
Some viewers focused on the season as a whole, calling it one of the best in the show’s history. Many praised the talent and entertainment on display, with some wishing it could continue longer due to their strong emotional connection to the contestants.
Meanwhile, a social media user criticized Kinney’s participation, claiming her background gave her an unfair advantage over the other contestants.
Still, most focused on showing support for Nedoroscik and Arnold, especially after they saw a video of Arnold addressing a final message to her gymnast dance partner. In the video, the dancer became emotional as she described the deep love and pride she holds for Nedoroscik.
“I am so, so, so, so proud of you. You have shown me every single week how hard you work and how inspiring you are. You have taken this life and just made the most out of it. It is so cool to see your journey. It all started with you being […] so heroic in the Olympics, and working so hard for your craft, and now you’re here on the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ stage,” began Arnold.
She went on to marvel at how the two made it to the finale, which she dubbed “so insane.” Arnold then mentioned how glad she is that her first time making it to the finale of the show will be with Nedoroscik.
Rylee Arnold giving her final message to Stephen Nedoroscik, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
“Thank you for being the light in my life, bringing so much positivity and kindness, and you truly have healed me in so many ways and I’m just so grateful that you’re my partner this season. I can’t wait to kill that finale, we are going to win that Mirrorball, I just know we can do it!” divulged the dancer.
Arnold ended her message by reiterating her gratitude to Nedoroscik and her love for him. The video then cuts to Nedoroscik responding to Arnold’s message with his own.
“Hey, Rylee. Just wanna, like, look back on this season, my journey with you, you’ve just been unbelievably positive, you’ve been so patient with me, and honestly, I don’t think I could have made it to the final with literally anyone else. You’re just the kindest, sweetest person,” shared the athlete.
Stephen Nedoroscik responding to Rylee Arnold’s final message to him. | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
He went on to highlight how much Arnold’s trust in him means, noting how she guided him through the process of becoming a dancer. “I’m gonna miss your burps, and all of that fun stuff, and yeah, just love you, and let’s freaking get this Mirrorball!” concluded Nedoroscik.
More fans expressed their overwhelming support for Nedoroscik and Arnold, with some calling them their champions and emphasizing their desire to see the pair win.
While some acknowledged they might not be the best technical dancers, others praised their strong partnership, dedication, positive attitude, and captivating performances, which won over many viewers.
Another supporter expressed frustration, claiming that Nedoroscik had been unfairly scored by the judges more often than any other contestant throughout the season. They added that while they typically could predict the judges’ scores accurately, Nedoroscik consistently received lower marks than expected.
Aside from the emotional video messages they dedicated to each other, Arnold and Nedoroscik appeared in another video that gave viewers a sneak peek at the Freestyle dance they will be performing during the finale. The pair were joined by Nedoroscik’s teammates, who showed their support for the duo.
Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik discussing their Freestyle dance for the finale, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
Another moment from the rehearsal video showed that Arnold’s older sister also came to the dance studio to surprise her younger sister. “It is so crazy watching her do her thing, she’s so amazing, I’m so freaking proud of both of them,” boasted the big sister.
Rylee Arnold’s older sister expressing how proud she is of her younger sister. | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
The footage then cuts to show Arnold instructing Nedoroscik and his teammates on how to do the dance moves, which included impressive flips, dips, and turns.
“DWTS” also shared a video showing all the remaining contestants and their partners reminiscing about their favorite moments and experiences from the season. For Arnold and Nedoroscik, it was when they completed their Waltz on the “500th Episode” night.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold revealing their favorite moment of the season, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
Amendola and Carson were spoilt for choice, as Carson noted how they have “too many good ones.” However, she highlighted the moment when a move she and Amendola performed went viral. They also noted the moment they scored their first ten.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson discussing their favorite moments on the show. | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
Next came Armstrong and Kinney. While Armstrong said one of his favorite moments was after the pair completed their Cha-Cha, Kinney stated that one of hers was when they did their Instant Cha-Cha.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong talking about their best moments. | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
Maher said her favorite moment of the season was when she and Bersten performed a Rumba in front of her teammates. Although Bersten mentioned a “secret photo” the duo had taken during the first few days of rehearsal, he said every day has been amazing.
Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher discussing their favorite moments. | Source: TikTok/officialdwts
Johnson, who, like many others, also struggled to pick one moment, highlighted the time when she and Graziadei scored their first perfect score.
She then noted another moment where they failed an attempted move which led to a 30-minute laughing session, while Graziadei referred to a photoshoot they did when they first met.
The discussion surrounding the judges’ scores and the contestants’ performances highlights viewers’ strong investment in “Dancing With the Stars” and the drama of competitive reality TV.
