DWTS Champions Overcome Finale Feud: Bronchitis, Emotions, and a Fiery Comeback

In the final days leading up to the Dancing With the Stars season 33 finale, winners Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei found themselves facing unexpected challenges that threatened to derail their journey to the top.

Despite having "gotten along very well" throughout the competition, the heightened intensity of the finale took a toll on the duo. Jenna, a professional dancer, revealed that she was secretly battling bronchitis during this time, while also feeling the weight of "mom guilt" from being away from her young son for weeks. Meanwhile, Joey was navigating the stress of finding a new living situation with his fiancée.

The pressure came to a head during a Wednesday rehearsal, where Jenna broke down in tears, feeling overwhelmed by the need to deliver a flawless final performance. "I knew that you had it in you to win and I did not want to let you down or this opportunity down," she told Joey. "So I was feeling all of the emotions. I was exhausted."

Joey, however, stood his ground, telling Jenna, "I'm going to have to defend myself on this one." He was determined to show Jenna that he was fully committed to their final dance, despite the personal challenges they were both facing.

In the end, the pair managed to overcome their differences and channel their emotions into an unforgettable performance that earned them the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Jenna later publicly apologized to Joey, acknowledging that it "was not my best moment."

The DWTS champions' ability to navigate the intense pressure of the finale and emerge victorious is a testament to their resilience and the strength of their partnership.