A scoring drama on “Dancing With the Stars” ignited heated reactions online, as fans rallied behind a beloved contestant they believed delivered a flawless performance.

The season 33 finale of “Dancing With the Stars” on November 26 was a night of high-stakes competition and heated debates. While fans celebrated the talent on display, many were left frustrated by the actions of one of the show’s judges toward finalist, gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik.

The finale featured the top five couples: Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, actress Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, “The Bachelorette” star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, rugby player Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and former NFL player Danny Amendola and Witney Carson.

Each pair performed one final routine in hopes of winning the coveted mirrorball trophy after the semifinals ended without an elimination.

Among the standout performances was Nedoroscik’s Quick Step with Arnold, which earned high praise from Judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

“All I could think of while I was watching that dance is that Len Goodman, this gentleman, this mirrorball [trophy] right here, would have been smiling from ear to ear. That was absolutely the best I’ve ever seen you,” Inaba remarked.

However, Derek Hough‘s feedback sparked controversy. Earlier, he had complimented Nedoroscik and his dance partner, “You’re like a burst of sunshine, like two little antidepressants dancing across the floor,” Derek said. “Seriously, he’s just radiating joy with every single step and dance out there.”

Despite his glowing remarks, Hough’s scoring decision—awarding the pair a score of 9 instead of a perfect 10—outraged fans, many of whom felt it was unjustified.

“Derec definitely doesn’t like Stephen he always has a bit for him & doesn’t want to give him the 10…Can they change Derrick as a judge [sic],” a user wondered.

“This was Stephen’s best dance 🥹🥹,” another commented, while a third chimed in, “Derek is annoying this season, trying to hard to be Len. He should’ve given him a 10! That was awesome [sic]!”

Some viewers voiced similar frustration with Hough’s scoring, calling it unreasonable. Meanwhile, more supporters rallied behind Nedoroscik and Arnold, praising Nedoroscik’s remarkable improvement throughout the season.

Others emphasized the difficulty of the Quick Step, often considered one of the hardest ballroom dances, and applauded Nedoroscik for delivering what they felt was a near-perfect performance.

The debate over the judges’ scores reflects fans’ strong investment in “DWTS” and the inherent drama of competitive reality TV.