The finale featured the top five couples: Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, actress Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, “The Bachelorette” star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, rugby player Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and former NFL player Danny Amendola and Witney Carson.

Each pair performed one final routine in hopes of winning the coveted mirrorball trophy after the semifinals ended without an elimination.

Nedoroscik and Arnold’s dazzling show earned high praise from Judge Carrie Ann Inaba. “All I could think of while I was watching that dance is that Len Goodman, this gentleman, this mirrorball [trophy] right here, would have been smiling from ear to ear. That was absolutely the best I’ve ever seen you,” Inaba remarked.

He also highlighted Nedoroscik’s disposition, “Seriously, he’s just radiating joy with every single step and dance out there.” Despite his glowing remarks, Hough gave the duo nine points, a decision that upset many fans who felt it was unfair.

“This was Stephen’s best dance 🥹🥹,” another commented, while a third chimed in, “Derek is annoying this season, trying to hard to be Len. He should’ve given him a 10! That was awesome [sic]!”

Others emphasized the difficulty of the Quick Step, often considered one of the hardest ballroom dances, and applauded Nedoroscik for delivering what they felt was a near-perfect performance.

One fan highlighted Nedoroscik’s efforts, emphasizing his energy, passion, technique, and consistent growth since the start of the competition, expressing hope for his victory.

Many shared their belief in the duo’s abilities, with one mentioning how special the season had been and their excitement to cheer for the pair in the finale.

A Facebook user expressed their support for Nedoroscik and Maher as deserving winners, arguing that the show should favor contestants who begin with no prior dance experience. They criticized Amendola for appearing stiff and overly reliant on Carson, while also pointing out Kinney’s background in dance, which they felt gave her an unfair advantage.

“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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.