‘My Winners’: Viewers Pick Their Favorite Couple for Tonight’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Finale

"DWTS" finalists | Source: Getty Images

As “Dancing with the Stars” viewers eagerly await the finale episode, they have already decided who they want to win after they expressed mixed reactions to how the semi-finals ended.

Yesterday, November 25, “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) took to Facebook to announce the competition show’s finale, which airs tonight (November 26). The video post has certainly built up anticipation among viewers, who have already reached a consensus on the dancing couple they want to see walk away with the grand prize.

Fan comment about the "DWTS" couple they want to win, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/officialdwts

Fan comment about the “DWTS” couple they want to win, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: TikTok/officialdwts

Exciting footage showed the five remaining contestants with their dance partners in glitzy costumes setting the “DWTS” stage ablaze with their dancing prowess.

The remaining pairs include 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.

Dancers on "DWTS" from the show's promotional video of the upcoming finale episode, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

Dancers on “DWTS” from the show’s promotional video of the upcoming finale episode, posted on November 25, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

Amid these snapshots, the show’s co-host Alfonso Ribeiro appeared on screen in a classy green suit, saying, “It’s a night you don’t want to miss.”

Alfonso Ribeiro talking about the "DWTS" finale. | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

Alfonso Ribeiro talking about the “DWTS” finale. | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

Following this, the video showed more footage of electrifying performances from the contestants as a voice-over narrated, “Who will win it all on the finale of ‘Dancing with the Stars’? […] Watch and vote live.” There were also snapshots of the judges’ reactions throughout the series.

Contestants dancing on "DWTS." | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

Contestants dancing on “DWTS.” | Source: Facebook/Dancing with the Stars

“Find out who will win it all on the #DWTSFinale, Tuesday at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+! 🙌 Next day on Hulu. #DWTS,” reads the post’s caption.

In addition to the Facebook video, “DWTS” shared a post announcing the finale on TikTok. The post showed an animated photo of Ribeiro and fellow co-host Julianne Hough posing against a lit-up backdrop as confetti rained down on them.

While Ribeiro sported a blue suit, Hough donned a sparkly, fringe ensemble and a top hat, and placed a party horn between her teeth.

While the winners have yet to be revealed, netizens have already chosen who they think deserves to win, with some even providing arguments for why.

“Stephen!! He has definitely improved the most! His energy, passion, technique and smile! He’s done nothing but improve from day one!” expressed a Facebooker. Echoing the choice, another mentioned“I would love to see Rylee and Stephen take it.”

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold posing for a picture with a miniature Mirrorball trophy, posted on November 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold posing for a picture with a miniature Mirrorball trophy, posted on November 24, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

An Instagrammer asserted“😢 Let’s go Stephen and Rylee I believe in you,” while another echoed“Let’s gooo Stephen and Rylee, you guys got this!!!” “This season has been something special 🤍 excited to cheer on Stephen and Rylee tomorrow 🎉” wrote a fan.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

More comments supporting Nedoroscik and Arnold ensued, with yet another admirer gushing“Stephen was the best partner Rylee deserved I’m so proud of yall [sic].” “I’m hoping Stephen wins! he brings so much joy to everything he does and he has improved so much,” said an admirer.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Someone on Facebook included another contestant who they also want to win, commenting“Danny don’t even move his legs too stiff [sic], Witney always dances around him, and Chandler has previous dance experience it’s unfair. I say Stephen or Ilona for the win. This show was made for dancers who start out with no dance experience and these 2 have come a long way.”

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

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

On the other hand, some people reacted to the season as a whole. “This was probably one of the best seasons we ever had 🥺,” commended a fan, while another praised“I am unwell. I want them all to win and I need this season to not be over!!!”

Meanwhile, a social media user stated“I’d be happy with anyone but Chandler. She has an unfair advantage over all the others.”

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

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

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.

“That’s my mirrorball champs right there [sic],” swooned a fan on TikTok, while another urged“Ahhh I want them to win so badly everyone vote [sic]!”

“my winners. idc if they aren’t the best dancers. their relationship, work ethic, positivity, showmanship, and love for the art of dance has won me over enough [sic],” added a fellow fan.

Another supporter noted“I feel like Steven has been robbed of more points by the judges, than any other dancer this season. I almost always predict what they will score accurately, and they keep jipping [sic] him.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Before the buzz about the finale began, “DWTS” viewers witnessed the semi-final episode of the show, which saw the five contestants take the stage twice, with one ballroom performance and a Latin routine in a bid to score a place in the finale. The results of that episode sparked varied reactions online.

The evening opened with a vibrant pro and troupe performance to Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” choreographed by Sasha Farber and Ezra Sosa. Adding to the night’s highlights was a special performance of Tate McRae’s “Greedy (Acoustic).”

Choreographed by Mandy Moore, the routine showcased dancers set to hit the road for the “DWTS Live 2025 Tour.” Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough offered advice and critique as they delivered their second-to-last scores, keeping emotions high throughout the night.

Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough during the "DWTS" Semifinals on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough during the “DWTS” Semifinals on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

In a twist that surprised many, no one was eliminated that week. Every contestant was declared safe, which set the stage for a five-person showdown in tonight’s finale.

As the news sank in, social media lit up with divided reactions. “I think it’s corny doing a five-person finale two years in a row 😭,” lamented one viewer. Another user, clearly unimpressed by the outcome, labeled the episode “POINTLESS.”

User comment about the "DWTS" Semifinals, posted on November 19, 2024 | Source: Reddit/r/dancingwiththestar

User comment about the “DWTS” Semifinals, posted on November 19, 2024 | Source: Reddit/r/dancingwiththestar

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Viewers React to ‘DWTS’ Semi-Final Night That Ended with a ‘Corny’ Result

The critiques didn’t stop there. Some fans expressed frustration over the finalists, with one commenting, “Two mediocre men in the finale is such a slap in the face.” Others channeled their disappointment into humor, with one user posting, “Pls let there be an elimination,” which they repeated like a mantra.

Despite the wave of criticism, not everyone was upset with the semi-finals. Some fans embraced the unexpected outcome and cheered for the chance to see all five pairs compete again.

"DWTS" semi finals contestants: Stephen Nedoroscik, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Ilona Maher , Joey Graziandei, Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Danny Amendola, Chandler Kinney, Brandon Armstrong on November 19, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

“DWTS” semi finals contestants: Stephen Nedoroscik, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Ilona Maher , Joey Graziandei, Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Danny Amendola, Chandler Kinney, Brandon Armstrong on November 19, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

“I love it that no one went home!” gushed one viewer. Another shared, “I had tears. I didn’t want Ilona or Stephen to go home tonight. So happy everyone gets another chance!” The stress of the night even turned into relief for some. “I was so stressed! This made me so happy! All 5 pairs again next week!” exclaimed one commenter.

Others found a silver lining within the drama. “I wanted someone eliminated tonight, but by the end, I realized I wanted Chandler in the final so bad. I was fine with no one going home if it got her there lol,” admitted one person.

Fan comment about the "DWTS" Semifinals, posted on November 19, 2024 | Source: FaceBook/dancingwiththestars

Fan comment about the “DWTS” Semifinals, posted on November 19, 2024 | Source: FaceBook/dancingwiththestars

Defenders of the decision also chimed in with, “Idk why everyone is hating on a 5-person finale,” and“The votes and scores still carry over so it still does matter. And now you just vote for your fav to win. It’s fun!”

"DWTS" semi finals contestants: Stephen Nedoroscik, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Ilona Maher , Joey Graziandei, Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Danny Amendola, Chandler Kinney, Brandon Armstrong on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

“DWTS” semi finals contestants: Stephen Nedoroscik, Rylee Arnold, Alan Bersten, Ilona Maher , Joey Graziandei, Jenna Johnson, Witney Carson, Danny Amendola, Chandler Kinney, Brandon Armstrong on November 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

The twist might have sparked a debate, but it certainly kept the conversation alive. Here’s how the semifinal stars lit up the ballroom and impressed the judges.

First up, Graziadei and Johnson dazzled with their elegant Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme featuring District 78. They then turned up the intensity with a fiery Paso Doble to “Come Together” by The Beatles, securing an impressive 58/60 and setting a high bar for the evening.

Matching their energy, Kinney and Armstrong brought a spicy touch with their Salsa to Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé’s “Spicy Margarita.” They followed it up with a captivating Foxtrot to Hozier’s “Too Sweet,” earning another 58/60.

Maher and Bersten combined grace and drama in their performances. Their Viennese Waltz to JVKE’s “Golden Hour” was a vision of elegance, while their orchestral Paso Doble to Sam Smith and Kim Petras’ “Unholy” brought a bold edge. Their efforts earned them 57/60, keeping them firmly in the competition.

Amendola and Carson shifted gears, blending emotional depth with infectious energy. Their Viennese Waltz to John Mayer’s “Gravity” was poignant and smooth, while their Salsa to “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin brought the party vibes, scoring 54/60.

Rounding out the night, Nedoroscik and Arnold kept the audience engaged with their spirited routines. Their Tango to “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap showcased sharp precision. Additionally, their Cha Cha to “Bailar” by Deorro featuring Elvis Crespo was full of fun and flair, earning them a respectable 53/60.