New York Big news for fans of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS): past winners Joey Graziadei and Kaitlyn Bristowe are making a comeback not as competitors this time, but as returning champions invited to perform in the show’s special 20th-anniversary episode.
Their appearances mark a celebratory moment for DWTS, recognising the impact these “Bachelor Nation” stars had on the ballroom and how they continue to be part of the show’s legacy.
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What’s happening and who they’re partnered with
The 20th-anniversary edition of DWTS features a Relay Dance Round where former Mirrorball champions pair up with current contestants to perform a unique routine. Here are the pairings that matter:
- Joey Graziadei will team up with social-media star and current competitor Alix Earle.
- Kaitlyn Bristowe will join forces with comedian and previous competitor Andy Richter.
These matches were announced ahead of the anniversary show that airs on Nov. 11, 2025.
The format aims to bring nostalgia and fresh energy fans love seeing familiar faces, and pairing them with current stars creates chatter, excitement and fun.
Returning champs: Why this matters
Joey and Kaitlyn were already familiar names to DWTS viewers:
- Joey Graziadei won Season 33, becoming the first male “Bachelor” franchise contestant to win.
- Kaitlyn Bristowe won Season 29 with pro partner Artem Chigvintsev.
Their return signals more than nostalgia; it underlines how DWTS celebrates its legacy while staying current. For your podcast listeners, this is a great moment to talk about how reality stars evolve, how their win changes their public image, and what it means to come back “for more.”
Fan reaction & social buzz
On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, fans of both shows The Bachelor/The Bachelorette and DWTS are excited:
“Yesss!! Joey & Alix!? This duo is gonna slay.”
“Kaitlyn back with Andy!? QueenReturns.”
Hashtags like #DWTS20 and #BachelorNationOnDWTS are trending in fan forums and threads. The conversation isn’t deep yet, but it’s joyful and full of anticipation.
For your podcast episode, you could highlight fan clips, short voice notes, or tweet screens from Bachelor Nation fans reacting to the pairings.
Segment ideas for your podcast
If you’re recording a show on this topic, here are some segment ideas:
- Intro clip – Tease the announcement: “Two former champions return. Who are they dancing with?”
- Backstory dive – Talk about Joey’s journey (Bachelor → DWTS winner) and Kaitlyn’s legacy.
- Pairing analysis – Discuss why pairing with Alix Earle and Andy Richter matters. What styles could they bring? What’s unexpected?
- Listener voices – Play or read fan reactions: expectations, predictions, excitement.
- Looking ahead – Ask: What could this mean for the live tour? For future seasons? Does return = comeback?
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Joey Graziadei and Kaitlyn Bristowe’s comeback to DWTS isn’t just a fun throwback, it’s a moment of legacy, celebration, and fresh performance magic. Their showings at the 20th-anniversary episode highlight how reality TV and dance competition intersect in our pop-culture moment. For your podcast audience, this is a feel-good story that brings together past wins, new collaborations and a whole lot of excitement.
