Why Joey Graziadei Was Reluctant to Join Dancing With the Stars

Joey Graziadei shared more about his experience with Dancing with the Stars. He admitted that he didn’t see himself joining the show. He needed some convincing from someone within Bachelor Nation. Find out who was the person who encouraged Joey to jump onto the ABC dancing show.

Help From Bachelor Nation

Graziaidei returned to the Bachelor Happy Hour podcast with his fiance Kelsey Anderson. She was with him throughout his journey on Season 33 of DWTS. At first, Graziadei didn’t want to compete on the show. He needed someone to pulls his leg, excuse the pun.

Host Joe Amabile was the one who convinced Graziadei to lace up his dancing shoes. Joey was unsure about the experience. He also spoke to another Bachelor alum, Charity Lawson. She competed in Season 32 and made it to the finale.

Charity assured Joey it was the best decision of her life. “I was worried about how it was going to be and if I was going to be even able to perform and enjoy it. I was worried about putting myself out there, and you gave me confidence,” Joey told Joe.

Joe said he wasn’t as good as Joey was on the show. He didn’t even make it as far. But all that mattered was that he enjoyed his experience. Joey ended up winning the Mirrorball Trophy and he fell in love with dancing.

Dancing Into 2025

Imagine if he never went on the show at all. Someone else could’ve won the show. DWTS fans had split reactions to Joey’s win. Joey will put his dancing shoes back on. This time, he will return to the ballroom for the 2025 DWTS Tour, which kicks off on Thursday, January 16. (Find out the rest of Joey’s future plans.)

What are your thoughts on Joey not wanting to try out for Dancing with the Stars? Does this surprise you? Let us know in the comment section.