Joey Graziadei, fresh from his debut on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Season 33, took a moment to reflect on his performance and share his heartfelt sentiments towards his fiancée, Kelsey Anderson. Despite the spotlight and pressure of the dance competition, Graziadei’s focus remained on making Anderson proud.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE following the show’s premiere, Graziadei, who rose to fame as a former contestant on The Bachelor, admitted to feeling “very nervous” before his first performance. Nevertheless, he expressed enthusiasm for the challenges ahead.
“It’s nice to have Jenna Johnson as a safe space,” Graziadei, 29, said of his professional dance partner. “I’m trying to just hone in and hopefully breathe. We got through it, and I felt great about it. It’s nice to get one done.”
One of the primary sources of his motivation throughout the demanding rehearsal schedule and performance was his fiancée, who was in attendance. “I’m so lucky to have a supportive fiancée,” Graziadei remarked. “I texted her immediately after I was done and asked, ‘Did I make you proud?’ I want her to be happy with how I do this season, especially since she’s giving so much to be here with me.”
Competing Together and Setting Goals
Graziadei’s DWTS debut saw him and Johnson perform a Cha Cha to Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country.” Their routine earned a respectable score of 21 out of 30, with each judge awarding a seven. “I was told anything six or higher was good,” Graziadei noted. “The fact that we got three sevens was encouraging. Seeing Jenna’s reaction — she was shocked — was a highlight for me.”
Johnson humorously added, “I’m nervous to watch it back because I think my eyes were popped out of my head!”
Graziadei also expressed excitement about competing alongside former Bachelorette Jenn Tran, who was part of his season on The Bachelor. “It feels good,” Graziadei said. “Jenn did amazing tonight. We’re both focused on what we can control and hope to dance well every week.”
Future Plans and Relocations
Outside the dance floor, Graziadei and Anderson are preparing for a significant life change. Engaged at the end of Season 28 of The Bachelor, the couple is currently residing together in Los Angeles. However, they have plans to relocate to New York City, a move they shared with PEOPLE in March.
“I’ve always wanted to live there, and Joey is supporting me in that,” Anderson said. “We’re young and it’s the right time to experience living in a tiny, cramped apartment, even if we don’t end up loving it. At least we’ll have tried.”
Graziadei, who described himself as more of a beach enthusiast, acknowledged the appeal of the big city. “Anyone who knows me knows I’ve always been about the beach and warm weather. I lived in Hawaii, but I’ve really come to appreciate New York from the time I spent there,” he said. “It does have a different feel, and being closer to family and friends in Philly will be great. I think it’s the right time to do it, so we’re excited.”
As Graziadei continues his journey on Dancing with the Stars, he remains focused on making his fiancée proud while navigating the thrills and challenges of the competition.