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The finale of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) Season 33 on November 26, 2024, crowned Joey Graziadei, a former Bachelorette lead, as the winner. While many celebrated his victory, a significant portion of fans voiced their disappointment, believing that Pretty Little Liars actor Chandler Kinney and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, deserved the mirrorball trophy.
The Debate: Was Chandler Kinney “Robbed”?
Kinney, who placed as the second runner-up, delivered consistently outstanding performances throughout the season, culminating in a freestyle routine hailed as the “best dance of the season.” Her finale performance, which featured an all-Black ensemble of professional dancers, received perfect scores and was celebrated for its powerful tribute to history.
Kinney expressed gratitude in a post-finale message, highlighting the significance of her performance and the impact it had on viewers. Fans echoed her sentiments, flooding social media with praise for her artistry and resilience. Many felt her loss was part of a troubling pattern within DWTS, where talented Black female contestants fall short of victory despite stellar performances.
Kinney’s case reminded fans of previous instances where Black women narrowly missed the top prize:
- Zendaya (Season 16): Despite her immense talent and dance experience, she finished second to Kellie Pickler.
- Normani Kordei (Season 24): With the highest average scores of her season, Normani placed third, losing to NFL star Rashad Jennings.
- Tinashe (Season 27): Known for her skill and charisma, Tinashe was eliminated early, sparking widespread criticism.
Amber Riley (Season 17) remains the only Black woman to have won the competition, which has fueled ongoing discussions about potential biases within the show’s voting system.
The conversation about race and DWTS isn’t new, but it has gained renewed attention in recent years. Charity Lawson, another Black finalist from Season 32, has been vocal about the challenges Black women face on reality TV, stating on the Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast that her race likely influenced the outcome. Fans have also pointed to the misogynoir Black women face, not only from the public but potentially within the voting dynamics of shows like DWTS.
Many fans and commentators have called for greater transparency in DWTS’s voting process, better support for contestants vulnerable to racism and misogyny, and a more inclusive approach to celebrating diverse talent. While Kinney hasn’t explicitly addressed these broader issues, her performances and poise have left an indelible mark on the DWTS legacy.
Chandler Kinney’s journey on DWTS highlights her exceptional talent and the persistent challenges Black women face in reality TV competitions. While she may not have taken home the trophy, her impact on fans and the ballroom is undeniable, with many viewing her as the true winner of Season 33. The broader conversation sparked by her experience underscores the need for continued dialogue about representation and equity in entertainment.
