Jenna Johnson Opens Up About Her Surprising ‘DWTS’ Partner and the Reality Behind the Pairing

Jenna Johnson’s Honest Reaction to Her ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Partner

On television, the unveiling of celebrity-pro pairings on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) is always a moment packed with suspense, cheers, and the promise of fresh chemistry. But behind the scenes, the process is even more unpredictable—just ask Jenna Johnson, one of the show’s most talented and candid professionals.

During a recent appearance on the “Almost Famous” podcast, Johnson, 30, peeled back the curtain on her real feelings about being paired with Joey Graziadei, the former Bachelor star, for DWTS’s latest season. Her words were refreshingly honest and a reminder that even for seasoned pros, expectations and reality don’t always align.

Behind the Scenes: Expectations and Surprises

Contrary to what many fans might believe, the pros don’t get advance notice about their celebrity partners. “They really like to make it a secret so it’s an authentic reaction,” Johnson explained. Despite hearing rumors that Joey’s name was in the mix, she confessed she was actually hoping for someone else—specifically, a football player.

“I’ve never had a football player,” Johnson admitted, her tone both wistful and lighthearted. For many DWTS pros, partnering with an athlete, especially one from the NFL, is a coveted experience. The physicality, the competitiveness, and the sheer spectacle that athletes bring to the dance floor often make for memorable seasons. Johnson had her hopes set on Danny Amendola, a former NFL star who ultimately was paired with Witney Carson instead.

“I kind of heard Danny was going to be involved and I was like, ‘This is my year. I’m gonna get the NFL guy,’” she recalled. But when the casting was revealed, her partner was not Amendola, but Joey Graziadei, a reality TV personality known for his turn as the Bachelor.

First Impressions: Mixed Feelings and Genuine Connections

Finding out she would be dancing with Graziadei left Johnson with mixed emotions. “I was a little sad,” she admitted, “because I’ve never had a football player.” Yet, she was quick to acknowledge that Joey brought his own strengths to the table. Though she hadn’t watched his season of The Bachelor, Johnson’s sister was a “mega fan” and raved about him. “All of the positive words about the Bachelor Nation alum were ‘true,’” Johnson said. “He is one of the most genuine humans I’ve ever met.”

The pair connected quickly, finding easy camaraderie and a shared sense of fun. “Obviously there’s stressful moments Joey—I’m not always the kindest—but it’s just such a pleasure to work with him,” Johnson reflected. Her comments reveal the reality of DWTS: the partnership is as much about personality and mutual respect as it is about dance skills.

Joey’s Perspective: Excitement and Family Ties

For Joey Graziadei, the feeling was mutual. He expressed enthusiasm about working with Johnson, sharing that his own sister was rooting for this particular pairing. “My sister watches the show and she was hoping I was gonna be with Jenna,” Graziadei told Us Weekly. “So when I found that out, I couldn’t wait.”

Joey’s approach to the competition has also impressed Johnson. She described him as “so talented,” joking that he’s “one of those annoying people that’s freakishly good at everything.” Sometimes, he even nails choreography on the very first try—a fact that makes Johnson both proud and a little exasperated. “I’m like, ‘How did that happen?’” she laughed.

The Reality of the DWTS Process: Unpredictable and Human

Johnson’s story highlights the unpredictable nature of DWTS partnerships. Despite what fans might think, pros are “really at the disposal of your partner.” Sometimes, that means adjusting expectations and embracing new challenges. “If they’re a good human, it makes this whole process even better,” Johnson said.

Johnson has danced with other Bachelor Nation alumni before, including Joe Amabile in season 27, but she’s quick to note that every experience is unique. The fan base is “epic,” but the dynamic between pro and celebrity is what shapes the season—for better or worse.

As for the competition itself, the show remains a high-pressure environment, even for experienced pros like Johnson. Each week brings a new dance style, fresh choreography, and the constant pressure to connect with both the audience and the judges. The chemistry between partners can mean the difference between a quick exit and a deep run in the competition.

For now, fans eager to see more of Johnson and Graziadei will have to wait—DWTS took a brief hiatus and will return to ABC and Disney+ on October 8, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET (AOL).

Assessment: Jenna Johnson’s candor offers a rare glimpse into the backstage realities of DWTS, reminding us that even the most polished performances start with honest human emotions and unexpected partnerships. Her journey with Joey Graziadei shows that sometimes, the most rewarding collaborations are the ones that challenge our expectations—and ourselves.