‘The Best’: Stephen Nedoroscik Says as Emotional Teammate Pens Heartfelt Note Post ‘Dancing With the Stars’ End

After an incredible three months of jaw-dropping performances, dramatic eliminations, and stunning comebacks, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 33 has officially concluded. This season was a true rollercoaster ride, captivating audiences across the country with the journey of its spirited contestants. On Tuesday night, the curtain finally fell, with Joey Graziadei emerging as the ultimate winner. Despite scoring a perfect 10 in the finals, fan favorites Stephen Nedoroscik and his talented partner, Rylee Arnold, finished fourth, largely due to viewer votes favoring Joey’s consistent performances throughout the season.

But in reality, there was something much more profound that Stephen Nedoroscik achieved — something beyond trophies and titles. A gymnast with no prior dancing experience, Stephen’s arrival in the finals is itself an incredible feat. His transformation from an uncertain beginner to an astonishing performer over the course of these weeks is inspiring. However, perhaps the greatest triumph of all is the relationships he forged during the competition, especially his special bond with Rylee Arnold.

Stephen’s connection with Rylee Arnold was palpable on the dance floor — their performances exuded trust, passion, and camaraderie. The journey they took together, marked by hard work and a shared dream, culminated in a heartfelt note from Stephen to Rylee. He couldn’t have asked for a better partner to take him through this whirlwind of a journey. Their bond has not only grown stronger but has also touched the hearts of countless fans, who were rooting for them till the very last step.

Beyond his dynamic partnership with Rylee, Stephen also seemed to have built a strong bond with the other contestants of the show. Just a day after the finale, Chandler Kinney, who secured third place, took to Instagram to share a heartwarming photo that captured all of the celebrity contestants who had made it to the finals. Stephen, Ilona Maher, Joey Graziadei, Danny Amendola, and Chandler herself all huddled together in the photo, radiating joy despite the competition’s conclusion. Chandler captioned her post, “‘Thankful’ doesn’t even begin to express how I feel about these last few months. There’s SO much that I can and will say, but for now, I just want to say thank you.”

Stephen’s comment on the post was short but said it all — “The best group.” His words encapsulated not just the experience, but also the bond these individuals formed during this journey. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s the friendships that come out of a competition that are more valuable than the prize itself.

The camaraderie between the contestants was evident both on and off the stage. They might have been competitors, but they were also each other’s biggest supporters. Season 33 will undoubtedly be remembered not just for its dance moves but for the energy and warmth shared among the participants. It was clear that the final was not the end of these friendships — the connection they built seems destined to last.

Stephen’s Emotional Note to Rylee Arnold

The finale might have brought down the curtain on their ‘Dancing with the Stars’ adventure, but Stephen’s gratitude towards Rylee Arnold was far from over. The gymnast, whose only prior experience on stage was in a completely different capacity, turned to Instagram to express his heartfelt appreciation for Rylee. Stephen wrote, “The perfect way to end this unforgettable journey. I’m a Pommel Horse specialist. I had never danced, performed with emotion, or had to be delicate. Rylee, I feel so lucky to have had you by my side. Your positivity, kindness, and determination made every second of this experience worthwhile.” He continued, “Thank you for not only being the best dance partner but also an indispensable friend.”

It’s not often that one finds a partner who pushes them beyond their comfort zone, while also standing by their side as a friend. Rylee did just that for Stephen, and in return, Stephen gave everything he had to the performance — vulnerability, joy, and an unwavering determination to do his best.

Fans have come to love Stephen’s story — the story of a gymnast who entered a dance competition with nothing but a willingness to learn, and ended up dazzling audiences across America. Even though Stephen and Rylee did not win the coveted mirror ball trophy, they did achieve something much greater — the respect and admiration of fans, judges, and fellow contestants. The perfect 30 they scored in the finale was the ideal conclusion to their journey, symbolizing the growth Stephen underwent and the remarkable partnership he shared with Rylee.

In the end, Stephen Nedoroscik might not have won the mirror ball, but he certainly walked away with something more important — lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the immense satisfaction of having won the hearts of the audience. And while he returns to the world of gymnastics, he can carry the lessons he learned on the dance floor with him, standing tall with his head held high, knowing that he gave it his all.