DWTS pros feel producers ‘favor’ Jenna Johnson after partner Joey Graziadei wins season 33 on ‘tension-filled’ finale

   

Members of the DWTS cast agree with what many fans are saying - that there is an 'unfair' bias on the famed competition

  • Nicole Chenoweth, Entertainment Editor

THE DANCING With the Star pros have felt show producers ‘favor’ Jenna Johnson after her and her partner, Joey Graziadei, won season 33, a source exclusively told The U.S. Sun.

Though the other finalists showed grace after losing on last night’s finale, the professional dancers on set were divided on the controversial results. 

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson win season 33 of Dancing With the Stars

8

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson win season 33 of Dancing With the StarsCredit: Getty

Joey and Jenna scored high numbers all season

8

Joey and Jenna scored high numbers all seasonCredit: Getty

Season 33 of DWTS wrapped last night after shattering voting records for the buzzed-about cast. 

As no one was eliminated during the semi-finals, five finalists made it to the last episode: Ilona Maher with Alan Bersten, Stephen Nedoroscik with Rylee Arnold, Danny Amendola with Witney Carson, Chandler Kinney with Brandon Armstrong and Joey with partner Jenna.

Hosts Julianne Hough, 36, and Alfonso Ribeiro, 53, read out the results to the terrified-looking contestants and their pro partners. 

Danny and Witney’s name was first called, as they came in 5th followed by 4th place of Stephen and Rylee. 

Chandler and Brandon came in third - as gasps could be heard throughout the ballroom as many people thought they were a shoe-in to win. 

It all came down to Ilona and Alan as well as Joey and Jenna. 

Alan was brought to tears while waiting for the results but ultimately, the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy went to Bachelor Joey and DWTS veteran Jenna. 

While the last seconds of the finale showed the whole cast celebrating on a confetti-filled stage, a source told The U.S. Sun that there was “noticeable tension” after cameras went down when Joey was announced as the winner. 

Alan Bersten broke down in tears as partner Illona consoled him

8

Alan Bersten broke down in tears as partner Illona consoled himCredit: ABC

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong appear tense on last night's finale

8

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong appear tense on last night's finaleCredit: ABC

“The whole crew felt very moved by Chandler and Brandon making history and the pros were mostly all in agreement that they were the most talented and deserved that trophy. 

“Brandon’s choreography was fire, they never dipped in their effort.

“It’s hard because certain pros appear to get favored on the show and the Chmerkovskiy’s are one of the show’s sweethearts,” the insider claimed in reference to Jenna and her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy - who won last season. 

“They typically get paired with the strongest contestants. Last year, Val got Xochitl [Gomez] and Jenna got Joey this year. 

DWTS accused of fix by furious fans who promise to 'boycott show' after 'unfair' result

Val Chmerkovskiy and partner Xochitl Gomez handing off the Mirrorball trophy

8

Val Chmerkovskiy and partner Xochitl Gomez handing off the Mirrorball trophyCredit: ABC

Jenna and Joey hold the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy

8

Jenna and Joey hold the Len Goodman Mirrorball TrophyCredit: Getty

“It makes sense why fans feel it’s rigged, the producers and judges do play favorites and the pros feel that too. 

“It’s not that Joey was bad, he is very talented and they deserve their flowers. That doesn’t mean others didn’t also deserve it - if not even more.” 

When Jenna and Joey’s name was read, Val can be seen off to the side jumping up and down as he got ready to hand off the trophy to his wife. 

Jenna also won the Athletes season in 2018 with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon. 

'RIGGED' RESULTS?

While Val - who has been married to Jenna since 2019 - has come out on top for three different seasons. 

After last night’s results were read, many fans were furious at the “unfair” results and even claim the show is “rigged.”

“So unfair of Jenna to get another win just because she was paired up with a young, able-to-move guy. Give her someone geriatric and she wouldn’t be there,” someone said. 

“The Chmerkovskiy’s being favored by the show needs to be studied,” another insisted. 

 

DWTS Season 33 Full Cast List

 

13 contestants battled it out on Season 33 of the ABC reality series.

  1. Stephen Nedoroscik, partnered with Rylee Arnold
    Ilona Maher, partnered with Alan Bersten
    Jenn Tran, partnered with Sasha Farber
    Anna Delvey, partnered with Ezra Sosa
    Eric Roberts, partnered with Britt Stewart
    Chandler Kinney, partnered with Brandon Armstrong.
    Tori Spelling, partnered with Pasha Pashkov
    Joey Graziadei, partnered with Jenna Johnson
    Reginald VelJohnson, partnered with Emma Slater
    Phaedra Parks, partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy
    Dwight Howard, partnered with Daniella Karagach
    Danny Amendola, partnered with Witney Carson
    Brooks Nader, partnered with Gleb Savchenko

“Jenna kind of fumbled this one…she could have done a bit more. She has a partner that can do so much & can be challenged,” a critic said.

“Others outperformed and worked hard but sure, let’s be predictable and give the win to the show’s sweetheart. So sick of this,” a fourth raged. 

While other viewers believe that because ABC airs both the Bachelor and DWTS, and Joey won, that there's something not quite right.

Overall, there have been five winners from the Bachelor and Bachelorette franchises, and even though Joey is the first male - fans won't back down on their views.

DWTS alum Keo Motsepe even told The U.S. Sun that he thought it was "very clear" that Chandler should win.

Jenna Johnson and her husband Val Chmerkovskiy attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon Studios’ Cinderella in 2021

8

Jenna Johnson and her husband Val Chmerkovskiy attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon Studios’ Cinderella in 2021Credit: Getty

The five finalists of season 33 on last night's finale

8

The five finalists of season 33 on last night's finaleCredit: Getty
The Latest

DWTS pros feel producers ‘favor’ Jenna Johnson after partner Joey Graziadei wins season 33 on ‘tension-filled’ finale

Entertainment -7 giờ

Members of the DWTS cast agree with what many fans are saying - that there is an 'unfair' bias on the famed competition Nicole Chenoweth, Entertainment Editor THE DANCING With the Star pros have felt show producers ‘favor’ Jenna Johnson after her ...

Kyle Richards Quizzes Portia About Mauricio Umansky's Trip: "I'm Curious..." (VIDEO)

Entertainment -7 giờ

Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky might be separated, but they're still a family. And so, in a preview for The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 14, Episode 3 (set to air Dec. 3), Kyle can't help but be curious ...

Lions Lose Key Offensive Player for Critical Stretch of the Season

Sport -7 giờ

Getty Kalif Raymond runs after a catch in 2022 vs. Carolina. The Detroit Lions will be missing a key member of their offense as they aim to secure a historic finish to the season. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on Nov. 27 ...

Porsha Williams Says It Was ‘Very Noble’ for Kenya Moore to Apologize for RHOA Incident: ‘Everybody’s Human’ (Exclusive)

Entertainment -7 giờ

Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore at the opening of Kenya Moore's Hair Spa on June 6, 2024. Photo:  Prince Williams/WireImage Porsha Williams says Kenya Moore's time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta shouldn't be gone with the wind. PEOPLE caught up with Williams at Bravo's Fan Fest 2024 ...

RHONJ Star Dolores Catania Reveals Body Insecurities: Refused Waist-Down Filming Due to Leg Shame

Entertainment -7 giờ

  RHONJ's Dolores Catania Was 'Ashamed' of Her Legs, Wouldn't Let Cameraman Film Below Her Waist close   “I’ve been ashamed of my legs for so long,” Dolores, 53, told Us Weekly exclusively while detailing her recent Renuvion treatment. “I’ve been to so many doctors. ...