As DWTS Season 33 reaches the finals, each team’s motto fuels their drive to win
The competition on Dancing With the Stars season 33 is reaching new heights as the remaining six couples—Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, and Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik—vie for the coveted mirrorball trophy. The dancers are on a brief hiatus in the first week of November due to election coverage, but they’ll return in two weeks to dive into the season’s final stretch. Each duo is more determined than ever, and they shared exclusively with FIRST for Women the mottos they’ll rely on to push them into the finale.
For NBA star Dwight Howard and his partner, Daniella Karagach, it’s all about rest and recovery before heading into the final stretch. Having received the season’s first 10 during the Halloween episode for their incredible contemporary routine, the duo is ready for a much needed break so they can come back even stronger. Meanwhile, actress Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong are taking an emotional approach with their “eyes on the prize,” a motto that represents their dedication to authenticity on the dance floor. Rugby star Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten have chosen to be grateful for every day they get to spend together rehearsing, representing Ilona’s dedication and fearless attitude in each routine.
NFL alum Danny Amendola and Witney Carson are embracing “laser focus,” inspired by Danny’s dynamic presence and competitive spirit. And finally, Rylee Arnold and gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik are leaning into the technique, focusing on bringing light and positivity to every step as they dance toward the final round. With these motivating mantras, each couple is prepared to give their all when the show returns, making this season’s finale one of the most thrilling yet on Dancing With the Stars. Keep scrolling to read what some of the couples teased of their final weeks on the show.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach
For Dancing With the Stars duo Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach, the motto for the week off is simple: “Sleep.” “We’re going to get some sleep. We’re going to have some days off finally,” Dwight shared exclusively with FIRST for Women. “We haven’t had any days off yet. We’ve been going nonstop and I think this will be good for us because we’ve actually come so far as a team,” he added. The time off offers a chance for Dwight and Daniella to recharge before the final stretch. Daniella agreed, saying, “We’ve had some great breakthroughs this season, and we need a little R&R.” The pair is confident that returning with renewed energy will help them soar in the last leg of the competition. “For us, we’re taking this time,” Dwight explained with a laugh, emphasizing that with rest, they’ll be ready to bring their best in the pursuit of the mirrorball trophy.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
For Dancing With the Stars pair Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, the motto for the final stretch is: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” “You gotta take the highs with the lows right now, and we’re going to take the high tonight,” Brandon shared after earning two perfect 10s. “You have to prepare and train like the lows are coming,” he added, noting that while they’re celebrating the moment, they’re keeping their eyes on the prize. Chandler opened up about the emotional challenges of the competition, admitting, “I get really spirally with outside opinions and all the noise online. There’s a lot that comes with the show beyond the physical.” With the long days in rehearsal, Chandler and Brandon have faced both tough conversations and beautiful moments. As they head into the final weeks, they’re ready to focus and stay grounded, drawing on every experience to reach for the mirrorball trophy.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
For Dancing With the Stars team Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, the motto heading into the final stretch is clear: “We’re grateful for every day.” Facing the possibility of elimination brought the duo to tears this week. “We didn’t want to go home. We cried a lot, saying this shouldn’t be the end,” Alan shared exclusively. “Ilona’s doing so well and improving. We just don’t want it to end,” he added, describing how much they’ve grown together. Ilona, who admits to early nerves about dancing on such a big stage, feels the experience has “almost humbled us.” She explained, “This is a dancing show, and I want to dance on it and do well. You don’t want to stop hanging out with your best bud.” For Ilona and Alan, every moment from here is a gift, fueling their motivation to reach the finale and savor each step along the way.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson
For Dancing With the Stars duo Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, the mantra for the final stretch is all about “laser focus.” Known for his intensity, Danny approaches each rehearsal with the same drive he brought to the NFL. “It’s such a short time, we just go hard immediately every single day,” he shared exclusively with First for Women. Witney added that their training routine is rigorous and consistent. “We start at various times, but when we get into the studio, we set the vibes and stretch, and then we buckle down for three and a half hours.” This dedicated approach has helped the pair continually raise their performance level, and they’re prepared to give every last bit of energy as they approach the finale. With their eyes on the mirrorball trophy, Danny and Witney are committed to making every moment in the studio count.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
For Dancing With the Stars couple Rylee Arnold and Stephen Nedoroscik, the focus for the final stretch is honing in on technique and musicality. “We’re buckling down on the technique of the dances,” Rylee shared, highlighting their shared commitment to refining every detail. Stephen, a gymnast known for his precision, is concentrating on the rhythm and flow of each routine. “I need to make sure I’m locking it down on musicality,” he explained, emphasizing his dedication to nailing each beat and making every movement count. This week off from filming gives the pair a chance to focus on their fundamentals before they return to the competition. With each dance, they’re aiming for seamless synchronization, hoping that their precision and hard work will carry them through the final rounds. Together, Rylee and Stephen are committed to bringing their best to the floor in their bid for the mirrorball trophy.
