After three months, countless dances, and a string of unforgettable performances, Dancing with the Stars Season 33 has come to a close. Olympian Ilona Maher, along with her partner Alan Bersten, has captivated audiences with her energy, humor, and dedication, securing an impressive second-place finish. Though she didn’t take home the Mirror Ball Trophy, her journey on the show left a lasting impact, with fans and fellow contestants cheering her on every step of the way.
Ilona Maher’s Redemption Round: A Performance to Remember
In her redemption round, Ilona Maher showed just how much she’s grown throughout the season. She and Alan Bersten performed an electrifying jive to “Shake A Tail Feather” by Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers. The pair dazzled the judges, securing a solid 27 out of 30. But the best was yet to come.
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From Jive to Freestyle: Ilona’s Perfect 30
Ilona’s freestyle performance to “Femininomenon” by District 78 featuring Mona Rue was the highlight of her season. The routine was a jaw-dropping display of skill, creativity, and sheer energy, earning her a perfect score of 30. It was a fitting tribute to her incredible growth on the dance floor and solidified her place as one of the season’s most memorable contestants.
How Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten Took Second Place
Despite giving their all, Ilona and Alan finished just behind The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson in the final standings. While the Mirror Ball Trophy eluded them, Ilona’s journey was nothing short of a triumph. The pair’s chemistry and dedication to each routine kept fans coming back for more, and their second-place finish was a testament to their hard work and perseverance.
Ilona Maher Spills the Tea: Behind-the-Scenes Fun
Once the final curtain fell on DWTS Season 33, Ilona Maher didn’t hold back when it came to sharing the fun moments from behind the scenes. On November 29, she gave her followers an exclusive peek into her post-show adventures with a fun Instagram photo dump. Among the shots, fans were treated to a group picture featuring Ilona, fellow Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik, The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei, former NFL player Danny Amendola, and actress Chandler Kinney—captured together on a private jet. If that wasn’t enough, Ilona and Stephen flexed their Olympic bronze medals in another iconic photo, turning the jet ride into a full-on victory lap.
A Glimpse Into Ilona’s Behind-the-Scenes Fun
Every shot in the Instagram collection had a vintage, disposable-camera vibe, giving fans a taste of what it’s like to be part of the DWTS squad. From candid moments of laughter to a snapshot showing the group living it up, Ilona’s behind-the-scenes photos brought fans closer to her journey.
But the true showstopper came in the last picture: Ilona Maher, caught mid-laugh with a noticeable stain on her outfit. With her signature sense of humor, Ilona quickly cleared up the confusion in her caption: “Team No Sleep. To be clear: in the last photo, I spilled beer on myself. That is not pee. Don’t spread that rumor around.” As always, Ilona kept it real, proving once again why fans adore her.
Ilona Maher Reflects on Her DWTS Experience
In an emotional chat with Forbes, Ilona Maher opened up about how her DWTS experience has changed her. Stepping onto the dance floor was a huge leap out of her comfort zone. As an Olympian known for her strength and skill in rugby, Ilona was used to commanding attention on the field. However, the world of ballroom dancing was a new challenge that left her feeling vulnerable.
“For years now, I’ve been playing rugby in my comfort zone—something that I’m so good at, that I’m so powerful at,” she admitted. But learning to dance, especially when the pressure was on, wasn’t easy. “I knew it was going to be so hard,” she confessed. Despite the fear, Ilona pushed through, discovering a new kind of bravery along the way.
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The DWTS Journey: A Gateway to New Horizons
Ilona’s experience on DWTS has not only tested her dancing abilities but also helped her realize her untapped potential. She’s learned that stepping out of her comfort zone can lead to exciting new opportunities—whether in acting or exploring other ventures. The show, for her, is more than just a competition; it’s a reminder that embracing the unknown can be incredibly rewarding.
FAQ: Your Questions About Ilona Maher and DWTS Answered
1. What did Ilona Maher think of her DWTS journey?
Ilona Maher described her time on DWTS as transformative. While stepping onto the dance floor was initially daunting, it helped her become braver and embrace new challenges outside her comfort zone.
2. How did Ilona Maher perform in the DWTS finals?
Ilona finished in second place with her partner Alan Bersten, delivering standout performances, including a perfect freestyle and a redemption round jive that earned impressive scores.
3. Why did Ilona Maher post behind-the-scenes photos?
Ilona shared behind-the-scenes photos to give fans a glimpse into the fun moments and camaraderie she experienced during the DWTS season, including group shots and humorous candid moments.
4. Did Ilona Maher win the Mirror Ball Trophy?
No, Ilona did not win the Mirror Ball Trophy, finishing in second place behind Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, but her performances were widely praised by fans and judges.
5. What was Ilona Maher’s most memorable DWTS moment?
Her freestyle performance to “Femininomenon” was one of the most memorable moments, earning her a perfect score of 30 and showcasing her growth and versatility as a dancer.
