The Mirrorball Trophy, the coveted prize of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS), has become a symbol of victory and grace, attracting a mix of celebrities, athletes, and reality TV stars from all walks of life. Recently, on Tuesday night, the season finale of Dancing with the Stars concluded with a surprising twist, as former "Bachelor" star Joey Graziadei and his dance partner Jenna Johnson emerged as the winners, snatching up the shimmering Mirrorball. Fans of other contestants, like Ilona Maher, may not have been pleased with the outcome, but Graziadei’s win adds him to the growing list of Bachelor Nation alumni who have transitioned from rose ceremonies to dance floors.
But Graziadei’s triumph raises an intriguing question: how successful have other Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants been in the highly competitive world of Dancing with the Stars? While some have dazzled audiences and claimed the title, others haven’t fared quite as well. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants who have competed on DWTS, as well as the impressive feats (and the not-so-impressive ones) they managed to achieve.
The Bachelor and Bachelorette Contestants Who Took on the Dance Floor
Joey Graziadei is not the first Bachelor contestant to swap roses for dance shoes, but his victory is certainly one of the most exciting in recent memory. Graziadei’s journey to the Mirrorball Trophy was filled with sweat, drama, and incredible performances, proving that reality TV fame can translate into serious dance prowess. His partnership with Jenna Johnson showcased his dedication, with their hard work paying off in a stunning finale performance. The pair’s win continues a trend of Bachelor Nation stars bringing their charisma and charm to the dance floor.
Jenn Tran: From Bachelorette Drama to Dance Floor Romance
Jenn Tran’s appearance on DWTS in Season 32 was nothing short of eventful. Fresh off the dramatic conclusion of her Bachelorette season, where her love life was turned upside down, Tran joined Graziadei for this season of Dancing with the Stars. Despite a rocky start, she danced her way into the hearts of fans. Unfortunately, she and partner Sasha Farber were eliminated during the Halloween episode. However, in an unexpected twist, rumors swirled about a budding romance between Tran and Farber, giving her a consolation prize that might just have made up for her early exit from the competition.
Charity Lawson: A Strong Competitor, But Not Quite a Winner
Charity Lawson, whose season of The Bachelorette famously introduced Graziadei to the world, brought her competitive spirit to the dance floor. Lawson’s run on DWTS was impressive, and she earned a respectable fourth-place finish alongside partner Artem Chigvintsev. Her performances proved she had the moves, though the Mirrorball ultimately eluded her grasp. Still, she made her mark on the show, gaining admiration from fans for her strength, determination, and grace under pressure.
Gabby Windey: A Close Call for the Mirrorball
Gabby Windey’s season of The Bachelorette was particularly memorable for having two leads instead of one. While only one of the leads went on to compete on Dancing with the Stars, Windey still made a significant impact on the dance floor. Paired with the talented Val Chmerkovskiy, Windey wowed audiences week after week, ultimately finishing in second place in the 2022 season. Though she didn’t claim the Mirrorball, her runner-up finish proved that she had what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Hannah Brown: A Bachelorette Who Got Her Dance Groove On
Hannah Brown made history as one of the most successful Bachelorette contestants to ever compete on DWTS. Not only did she shine on the dance floor, but she went all the way to the top, winning the Mirrorball Trophy in 2019. With the help of her partner Alan Bersten, Brown danced her way to victory, earning praise for her fluidity and emotional performances. Her win cemented her place as one of the most beloved contestants in the show’s history.
Kaitlyn Bristowe: Another Bachelorette Mirrorball Winner
Kaitlyn Bristowe, who is now a familiar face in the podcast world, is another Bachelorette who added the Mirrorball Trophy to her list of accomplishments. Bristowe, a former dancer, was already comfortable with rhythm and movement, which helped her excel on DWTS. Paired with Artem Chigvintsev, Bristowe claimed victory in 2020, proving that her dance skills were as impressive as her ability to find love on television. Her win was a major highlight for fans of both The Bachelor and DWTS.
Melissa Rycroft: Third Time's the Charm
Melissa Rycroft, who became a household name after a dramatic season of The Bachelor in 2009, was another Bachelor contestant who brought her A-game to DWTS. Despite her rocky engagement on the show, Rycroft found success on the dance floor, finishing in third place with partner Tony Dovolani. Her dancing abilities impressed both the judges and the audience, and she later returned for a special celebrity season, proving that she was a true DWTS contender.
Trista Sutter: The First Bachelorette to Dance
Trista Sutter is often remembered as the original Bachelorette—the first woman to ever hand out roses and find love on television. But Sutter also made a mark on DWTS as the first-ever Bachelorette contestant to compete on the show. Though she didn’t win, Sutter’s performances earned her a respectable sixth-place finish in the inaugural season, marking her as a trailblazer for other Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants who followed in her footsteps.
Matt James: Bachelor Breakthrough That Didn't Quite Last
Matt James, the first-ever Black Bachelor, joined DWTS for its 30th season, hoping to make an impact. While his journey was filled with heart, he and his partner Lindsay Arnold unfortunately placed 12th in 2021, not quite making it into the ranks of the top contenders. Despite this, James’ appearance on DWTS was a significant moment in Bachelor history, and his presence was a reminder of how diverse the show has become.
Joe Amabile: Grocery Store Joe Takes a Shot
Known affectionately as Grocery Store Joe, Joe Amabile didn’t lead a Bachelor season, but he became a fan favorite after his stint on Bachelor in Paradise. Amabile’s time on DWTS in 2018 was filled with lighthearted moments, though he didn’t make it to the top spots. Paired with Jenna Johnson, Amabile’s performances were fun but not enough to push him to the final rounds. Still, his charm and humor kept him in the game longer than many expected.
Nick Viall: A Bachelor Who Took the Sixth Spot
Nick Viall, the 21st Bachelor, has since transitioned into the role of a relationship guru, hosting his popular podcast, The Viall Files. His DWTS appearance saw him paired with Peta Murgatroyd, where he made it to sixth place. While Viall didn’t snag the coveted Mirrorball, his journey on the show kept audiences engaged, and his candid commentary about relationships earned him a loyal following.
Chris Soules: Prince Farming and the Dance Floor
Chris Soules, the "Prince Farming" of The Bachelor, had a good run on DWTS, finishing in fifth place with partner Witney Carson. Soules’ journey was marked by solid performances, though his connection with the Mirrorball Trophy wasn’t meant to be. Nevertheless, his time on the show allowed him to showcase a different side of his personality, which was a hit with fans.
Sean Lowe: The Bachelor Who Didn't Dance to Victory
Sean Lowe, often considered the gold standard for The Bachelor due to his successful marriage to Catherine Giudici Lowe, wasn’t quite as successful on the dance floor. Despite his popularity, Lowe and his partner Peta Murgatroyd finished in sixth place on DWTS. Lowe’s time on the show proved that while he may have found love in the Bachelor world, dancing wasn’t his forte.
Jake Pavelka: The First Bachelor to Dance
Jake Pavelka, the first-ever Bachelor to compete on DWTS, had a memorable run, but unfortunately, his journey was cut short. Paired with Chelsie Hightower, Pavelka’s partnership lasted only until the fifth elimination, marking an early exit for the pilot-turned-reality-star. Despite not making it to the finals, Pavelka’s presence on the show paved the way for future Bachelor contestants to take a shot at the Mirrorball.
Conclusion: The Dance Floor Is Full of Surprises
The world of Dancing with the Stars is full of surprises, and the history of Bachelor Nation contestants on the show has been no exception. While some have soared to victory and secured their place in the hearts of fans, others have faltered on their journey, showing that even the most successful TV personalities can struggle under the intense scrutiny and pressure of the competition. Joey Graziadei’s recent win is a testament to the fact that even if you're known for handing out roses, you can still shine on the dance floor. Will more Bachelor and Bachelorette contestants follow in his footsteps? Only time will tell, but one thing is
Login