'DWTS’ finale: Derek Hough and Mark Ballas' Argentine tango takes the dance floor by storm

Derek Hough and Mark Ballas' performance was one of the standout moments of the 'DWTS' finale night
UPDATED NOV 27, 2024
Derek Hough's performance was one of the most shocking and unforgettable moments of the 'DWTS' finale (ABC)
Derek Hough's performance was one of the most shocking and unforgettable moments of the 'DWTS' finale (ABC)

By the looks of it, one of the most shocking and unforgettable moments of the 'Dancing with the Stars' finale was without any doubt the stunning Argentine tango performed by Derek Hough and Mark Ballas. Their performance wasn’t about perfect steps or flawless choreography; instead, it shattered all the conventions of ballroom dance, infusing it with raw emotion, intensity, and precision. From the very first moment that they stepped on the dance floor, it was evident that they were raising the bar higher.

The choreography was so daring, with sharp and fluid movements that belied all conventional tango expressions while remaining true to the passionate nature of the dance. The chemistry was electric, and the intensity of the performance kept viewers on the edge of their seats. With innovative tango and a splash of Argentine flair, Hough and Ballas blended one of the boldest risks into something entirely new. It wasn't just dancing; It wasn't just dancing; it was a redefinition of what’s possible on the 'DWTS' stage, leaving both fans and judges speechless. This tango was more than a seasonal highlight, it was a statement about the future of ballroom dance, proving that even in this world of competitive dancing, breaking boundaries creates truly unforgettable moments.

'DWTS' Season 33 finale saw five finalists competing for the trophy

Five finalists graced the stage of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 and entertained everybody with a fresh and exciting performance. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold showed a Quickstep and a Freestyle dance. For their Quickstep, Stephen improved his timing issues, earning an impressive score of 29/30.  Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson kicked things off with a bang, dazzling with their smooth, synchronized Cha Cha and earning a perfect score of 30/30. 

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson performed a Tango, showing solid improvement from previous weeks, though his movements were still a bit stiff. They scored 27/30, with the judges acknowledging Danny's transformation.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten's Jive showed significant improvement over her previous dances, though she had slight hesitations. They earned 27/30, with the judges praising her energy. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong delivered the perfect performance with their energetic and precise Jive, scoring a flawless 30/30. 

DWTS finale (@abc)
Five finalists graced the stage of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 (ABC)

Who won the 'DWTS' Season 33?

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were declared the winners of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33. 

Joey Graziadei reflects on winning 'DWTS' Season 33 (@abc)
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were declared the winners of 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 33 (ABC)
RELATED TOPICS DANCING WITH THE STARS (DWTS)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Netflix is rebooting 'Star Search' with a live, interactive format and a trio of A-listers joining the judges' table for the iconic talent show's return
19 hours ago
'The Masked Singer' deviated from its two-seasons-per-year format in 2025 when it skipped the fall season
1 day ago
Peacock launched 'The Traitors' official podcast with Boston Rob and Bob the Drag Queen to unpack every betrayal, banishment, and twist
1 day ago
Old accusations resurface in the ‘Sister Wives 1-on-1’ trailer, proving the Browns’ emotional breakup is far from truly settled.
2 days ago
A subtle moment on 'Uncloaked' has sparked fresh theories about the identity of the 'Secret Traitor' hiding beneath the 'Red Cloak'
2 days ago
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18 launches with a high-stakes design challenge, a show-stealing guest judge, and fierce first impressions from 14 queens.
4 days ago
Netflix lifts the veil on Palm Beach’s most exclusive circles as ‘Members Only’ reveals the rules, rivalries, and secrets of elite society.
Dec 30, 2025
'The Road' on CBS featured 12 new voices judged by country music stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton
Dec 22, 2025
Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
Dec 18, 2025
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
Dec 18, 2025