‘DWTS’ Viewers React to Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s Finale Night Performance as Winner Is Announced

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold delivered their final routines in a bid to take home the win.

As the winner was revealed, viewers flooded social media to share their thoughts on Kinney and Armstrong’s finale performance.

“Way better than Joey’s dance imo she deserves to win,[sic]” one fan remarked. Another called their routine “one of if not THE best jive I’ve ever seen!![sic]” Meanwhile, another viewer described it as “literally the definition of redemption.”

Social media remained lively as fans analyzed Kinney and Armstrong’s finale performance and placement. One critical viewer wrote, “She took the easy way out. No bounce in her steps that’s why she didn’t get tired at the end. Judges gave her a pass.[sic]” Another praised her effort but noted, “There was a moment when the choreography slowed a bit.”

The judges also came under scrutiny, with one commenter questioning, “Give me a break Carrie Ann, saying she’s been the most challenged? Explain please.”

Still, not everyone was impressed by the freestyle routines. One fan called them “a little disappointing this year overall” and another suggested, “Stephen’s was the best.” Kinney’s third-place finish sparked mixed reactions. “I hope Chandler knows that she’s number 1 in the Reddit community 💕,” one supporter shared.

Another viewed it positively, writing, “Blessing in disguise that Chandler didn’t win because those comments are brutal already.” Others believed she deserved more, with one saying, “Chandler deserved at least 2nd place.”

For their final Freestyle routine, Kinney and Armstrong aimed to honor the legacy of Black artists who paved the way in entertainment. Armstrong highlighted the significance of their moment in “DWTS” history, explaining that as the first black couple to reach the finale, they wanted to celebrate the performers who came before them.

He emphasized how black artists are “at the root of entertainment today,” a sentiment Kinney echoed, calling the performance both “important” and “really special” for representation.

Kinney expressed her determination to make their dance unforgettable, saying she was pouring “every fiber of my being” into perfecting it. She shared that winning the mirrorball trophy as the first black couple would be special.

When the time came, their performance dazzled the audience with breathtaking leaps, seamless lifts, and tricks. Judge Bruno Tonioli praised their effort as “a truly incandescent, spectacular celebration” of Black artists’ contributions to dance. He declared it “a grand performance for a grand finale.”

The pair took on the challenge of performing a Jive to “APT.” by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars, as chosen by Judge Carrie Ann Inaba. This wasn’t their first time tackling the lively, high-energy style, but the evening’s performance promised something special.

Before hitting the stage, Kinney spoke with determination. She called herself a “fighter” and expressed her commitment to the routine. “I’m using everything in my body and soul to maintain high energy throughout the entire dance,” she shared.

Kinney and Armstrong’s routine was full of energy, charm, and skill. They gave it their all on the dance floor, and the audience loved it. Cheers turned into a standing ovation that filled the room.

Tonioli couldn’t contain his excitement. “You went beyond redemption!” he exclaimed. “What we have here is a triumph. You made it fresh, exciting, and sassy. You gave it your own imprint!” The judges’ praise culminated in a perfect 30/30, solidifying the pair’s performance as one of the night’s unforgettable highlights.

After the final Freestyle performance, each contestant received heartfelt video messages from their loved ones, offering words of encouragement. Then, it was time for the results.

Hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough revealed that Amendola and Carson took fifth place, followed by Nedoroscik and Arnold in fourth. Kinney and Armstrong secured third place, leaving Graziadei and Johnson, and Maher and Bersten to battle out for the top spot.

The room fell silent as Hough, with a drumroll building suspense, said, “After weeks of intense competition, it’s time for the final result.” The crowd held its breath, waiting for the big reveal.

Finally, Ribeiro announced, “The winners and new champions of “Dancing with the Stars” are Joey and Jenna!” Confetti rained down, and the couple shared a joyous moment of celebration. In the midst of the excitement, Ribeiro turned to Graziadei and asked what winning the mirrorball trophy meant to him.

Graziadei responded, “It means everything. This whole experience has been unbelievable. Honestly, everyone from the beginning—Ilona, you had an amazing season. I love you, and all the finalists… thank you for bearing with us. I tried my best, I promise!”

The finale left fans buzzing, marking a spectacular close to a season full of surprises and standout moments.