On November 12, “Dancing With the Stars” celebrated a significant milestone with its 500th episode, revealing the six teams that would progress to the semifinals for Season 33. The episode kicked off with a nostalgic performance featuring professional dancers, including the return of fan-favorite Sharna Burgess, who danced to “Crazy in Love,” a nod to the opening number from the show’s premiere in 2005. The ballroom also welcomed back several past contestants, such as Adam Rippon, Ginger Zee, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Alyson Hannigan, AJ McLean, and Simone Biles.
In this week’s competition, the remaining six couples performed routines that honored memorable performances from previous seasons. Last week, a tie had formed atop the leaderboard between Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, and Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, both achieving 32 points, setting the stage for a heated showdown.
Joey and Jenna wowed the judges with a contemporary dance inspired by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s iconic performance from Season 20. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out a lack of raw emotion while Derek Hough, who had previously awarded them a 9, upgraded their score to a perfect 10 this week, reflecting his supportive stance.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong delivered a stunning Argentine Tango, paying homage to Derek and Kellie Pickler’s performance from Season 16. The judges were thoroughly impressed, leading them to earn a perfect score of 30, marking the first of the season.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach attempted to replicate the energy of James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’s Season 23 Argentine Tango but fell short of expectations. Carrie Ann expressed disappointment and noted that she missed the earlier version of Dwight.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, who previously struggled during Halloween week, made a remarkable comeback with a Quickstep inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s Season 25 routine, ultimately impressing Carrie Ann who awarded them a score of 10.
Following the performance rounds, the couples faced an additional challenge, learning a new dance style within just five minutes prior to going live. While all couples showcased their talent, only Chandler and Brandon secured another perfect score of 30 for their impromptu routine.
In the end, after considering the audience votes, Dwight and Daniella were eliminated from the competition, concluding their journey in this season.
This episode highlighted not only the nostalgia of past performances but also the resilience of the dancers, demonstrating that even those who may falter can rise again with hard work and determination. The show’s ability to blend memories with fresh talent continues to engage audiences and celebrates the art of dance.