‘Dancing with the Stars’: Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik Revealed as First Contestant of Season 33
Stephen Nedoroscik is the first contestant revealed to compete in the ballroom for Dancing with the Stars season 33. The Olympic bronze medalist is the first of the newest batch of stars, athletes, social media celebrities, reality TV personalities, and vintage television stars to compete for the Len Goodman mirrorball trophy.
Who is Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik?
Stephen Nedoroscik is best known for winning two bronze medals for the USA during the 2024 Olympics. He is also known for his expertise on the pommel horse—an event for which he became somewhat of a social media superstar in Paris.
The 25-year-old was likened to an iconic DC character for the way he removed his glasses, like Clark Kent turning into Superman, before jumping onto the pommel horse. He was also known for appearing to be asleep prior to competing, but it was later revealed he was visualizing his routine before performing it. Nedoroscik memes filled social media throughout the competition, making him one of the most recognizable competitors of the USA Men’s Gymnastics Team.
Nedoroscik admits he quickly said “yes” when asked to be on the reality dance competition series. Hailing from Worcester, Massachusetts, Nedoroscik is known for his black-rimmed glasses. But he hopes to bring some eyewear flair to the ballroom to coordinate with the show’s glittery costumes.
He joked he would be open to wearing some fashionable eyewear to keep to whatever theme and costuming required of the series. Thus far, Nedoroscik’s pro partner has yet to be revealed.
What can fans expect from season 33 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’?
Dancing with the Stars Season 33 will likely be one of the series’ most challenging seasons. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli are more demanding than ever of their competitors. They will look for clean footwork, connection with their pro partner, and growth throughout the season.
As in seasons past, season 33 will likely feature nights dedicated to themes such as Most Memorable Year, Latin Night, Disney (the parent company of ABC), celebrated musicians, and evenings devoted to a particular genre or decade of music.
Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will return as co-hosts for Dancing with the Stars Season 33. Ribeiro began hosting the series in season 31, while Hough became involved as a host in season 32. Both have taken home Mirrorballs: Ribeiro in season 19, while Hough snagged two during seasons 4 and 5.
Other names who are rumored to be part of season 33’s lineup (per Parade) include Jason Kelce, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, Kelly Ripa, Tom Sandoval, Ilona Maher, Joan Vassos, Gerry Turner, and David and Victoria Beckham. However, the stars’ participation in the program has yet to be confirmed.
What is ‘Dancing with the Stars’ about?
Since its first season in 2005, Dancing with the Stars has been a mainstay of ABC’s programming. The reality competition series places celebrities into the ballroom and out of their comfort zone, learning complex routines in just one week.
Ballroom dancing is technical. Not only is there proper foot placement to master, but also maintaining upper body positioning, and staying in time with a partner without looking at one’s feet. Most professional ballroom dancers spend years training for competitions. However, Dancing with the Stars asks its celebrities to pick up on techniques and appear to understand the concepts behind each move in seven days or less.
Each week, stars are judged on mastering ballroom techniques, interaction with the audience, and connection to their partner. Eliminations continue until the final winner is chosen and awarded the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, typically in late fall.
Good Morning America will reveal the remainder of the celebrity cast and the returning pros on Sept. 4. Dancing with the Stars debuts Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET.
