‘The Best’: Stephen Nedoroscik Says as Emotional Teammate Pens Heartfelt Note Post 'Dancing With the Stars' End
The latest season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) has finally come to an end, wrapping up three months of glitz, glamour, and emotional performances. As the spotlight dimmed, a new champion claimed the mirror ball trophy. However, it wasn’t gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold who took home the grand prize. Instead, Bachelor star Joey Graziadei was declared the winner. Although Stephen and Rylee fell short of victory, their journey to the finals was nothing short of remarkable—especially for someone like Stephen, who had no formal dance experience before the show.
Not only did their performances make an impact, but Stephen and Rylee’s growing bond off-stage became a highlight for fans everywhere. Their heartwarming partnership and the way they supported each other left an enduring mark on DWTS enthusiasts. Following the finale, the duo sat down with **Access Hollywood** to share their thoughts, recount their experiences, and discuss the future of their friendship.
In their interview, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold reflected on the whirlwind three months they spent on **Dancing with the Stars**. When asked what they were most thankful for, Rylee shared that meeting Stephen was the best thing to come out of this season for her. According to Rylee, the gymnast not only impressed her with his dedication to dance but also transformed her perspective on life.
**”The way he lives life and how inspiring he is—it’s just how I’m going to take that with me throughout the rest of my life. He really just changed me in a lot of ways,”** said Rylee, beaming at her partner. Stephen, on his part, reciprocated the sentiment. He spoke about how fortunate he was to have Rylee by his side throughout the competition. **”I mean, I don’t think anyone else could have coached me as well. Dance as well with me. And she’s just such a patient person. I promise I am not the best dancer. She put up with so much when it came to teaching me. And I’m just so appreciative of everything,”** Stephen explained with sincerity.
The conversation then took a nostalgic turn as the interviewer brought up Rylee’s supportive role off the dance floor. Since Stephen couldn’t drive due to an eye condition, Rylee would often chauffeur him to and from rehearsals. This led to the next question—what they’d miss most about those daily car rides.
Stephen’s eyes lit up as he responded, **”I think at the end of the day, I’m just going to miss things like our conversations. We just talk about anything and everything. And, you know, it’s just really fun.”** Their genuine connection became evident as they recalled the small moments that made this journey unforgettable.
The interview wrapped up with one final question: how did they plan to keep in touch now that the DWTS season had come to an end? Rylee didn’t hesitate before saying that she would call Stephen every single day—even after the end of **Dancing with the Stars**. She jokingly added, **”Sorry, Steve. Got you,”** letting the world know that their friendship wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Stephen’s chuckle at her playful remark showed that the feeling was mutual.
It’s moments like these that highlight the wonderful bond between Stephen and Rylee. Though they may not have won the mirror ball trophy, the camaraderie they forged was a victory in itself. Their friendship helped turn a potentially heartbreaking defeat into a lighthearted affair, reminding us all of the joy that comes from genuine human connection.
Stephen Nedoroscik’s Reaction to His Defeat at Dancing with the Stars
READ MORE~ Down Sick, Taylor Fritz’s Girlfriend Morgan Riddle Finds Solace in Boyfriend’s Unusual Gift at Home
Stephen Nedoroscik’s journey might not have ended with him lifting the mirror ball trophy, but he has still left an indelible mark on the DWTS stage. Finishing fourth with Rylee was not the result Stephen had hoped for, especially since he entered the competition with a clear determination to win. Nevertheless, his perspective and sense of humor remained intact, even in the face of disappointment.
Following the finale, Stephen made light of the situation by changing his social media bio, adding a humorous twist to his defeat. By taking things in stride and focusing on the positive aspects, Stephen demonstrated the very spirit that made his DWTS journey so inspirational. It’s easy to see why Rylee speaks so highly of him—he’s someone who brings hope, positivity, and a willingness to learn even when things don’t go as planned.
Keeping DWTS Heartbreak Aside: Stephen and Rylee’s Relationship Inspires Fans
The journey of Stephen and Rylee was not only about dance but also about trust, resilience, and finding friendship in unexpected places. The bond between them—which grew stronger with each misstep, every retry, and all those long drives together—is a testament to what makes reality TV so relatable. Fans may be sad to see this season come to a close, but they will certainly remember the beautiful connection that Stephen and Rylee shared both on and off the dance floor.
