It’s official, the 33rd season of Dancing With The Stars has officially crowned its mirrorball champion. Team USA Rugby player Ilona Maher has claimed the title as runner up in this years competition. Let’s relive her outstanding journey on the show.
Ilona Maher, Alan Bersten All DWTS Performances
Premiere Cha Cha
The Olympian began the show off on the right foot, she had quite a bit of improvement to be made. Ilona and Alan Bersten earned straight 6s.
Oscars Night Salsa
During the second week, Ilona returned again with major improvement. Ilona earned straight 7’s in her Oscars Night rumba.
Soul Train Night Foxtrot
In week 3, Ilona certainly stepped it up. She earned one 8 and two 7s from the judges, he also earned a 8 from guest judge Rosie Perez.
Hair Metal Night Jive
In week 4, Ilona returned with a Jive for Hair Metal night. She earned two 7s and a 6 from the judges, additionally he earned another 6 from guest judge Gene Simmons.
Dedication Night Rumba
In week 5, Ilona returned with a dedication night Rumba. She earned three 8’s from each judge, and an additional 8 from guest judge Mark Ballas.
Disney Night Jazz
In week 6, Ilona showed off her strength in her Disney Night Jazz performance. This night she received two 8s and one 9.
Team Goofs Dance
Also in week 6, Ilona teamed up with Joey and Jenna; Chandler and Brandon; and Jenn and Sasha. The group earned three 9’s in their freestyle.
Halloween Night Tango
In week 7, Ilona showed up as a serial killer. This impressive dance earned the pair all 8s.
Halloween Dance Off
In the Halloween dance off, Ilona danced against Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach. It was determined that Dwight and Daniella won this dance off.
500th Episode Quickstep
For the 500th episode, Ilona took inspiration from Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s quickstep in Dancing With The Stars season 25. This dance earned Ilona and Alan two 9s and one 10.
Instant Salsa
This season featured the first ever Instant Dance Round. If you missed it, celebrities and their pro partners were given 5 minutes to create a dance in a randomly assigned style with a randomly assigned song. Ilona and Alan earned three 8s in this round.
Semi Finals Viennese Waltz
During the ballroom portion of the Semi Finals, Ilona and Alan performed a Viennese Waltz. The pair earned two 10s and a 9 for this performance.
Semi Finals Paso Doble
For the latin dance portion of the Semi Finals, Ilona and Alan performed a sultry Paso Doble. They earned two 9s and one 10 for this dance.
Redemption Jive
During the first half of the finale, Ilona and Alan redeemed themselves, performing their week 4 dance, the Jive. They earned three 9s.
Finale Freestyle
For Ilona and Alan’s final dance, they performed an uplifting freestyle. For those who may not know, Ilona is often criticized online for being an athlete, due to her body type. The pair earned three 10s to finish off the night.
How do you feel about Ilona winner runner up on Dancing With The Stars? Did you vote for her? Let us know in the comments down below.
Words by:
Corey Cesare Corey Cesare is Talent Recap's Managing Editor and featured YouTube Host. She has a love of all things pop culture and an unhealthy obsession with celebrities. Corey earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Cinema/Screen Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2021. She spends her spare time shooting astro, nature, and portrait photography, and coming up with movie ideas that she hopes to make into a film someday.
