“Dancing With the Stars” celebrated a significant achievement on November 12, marking its 500th episode. The milestone episode kicked off with a dazzling performance from professional dancers, including the beloved Sharna Burgess, who opened the show with the song “Crazy in Love,” echoing the very first episode aired back in 2005. The event also featured the return of some fan-favorite contestants, such as Adam Rippon, Ginger Zee, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Alyson Hannigan, AJ McLean, and Simone Biles.
In this episode, the six remaining couples showcased routines inspired by cherished performances from past seasons, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for both the judges and the audience.
Last week concluded with a tie at the top of the leaderboard between Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, along with Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, both scoring 32 points. This rivalry fueled their determination to take the lead.
Joey and Jenna honored Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s memorable contemporary performance from Season 20, though judge Carrie Ann Inaba expressed that their routine lacked intensity. Conversely, Derek Hough, who initially awarded them a 9 the previous week, applauded them, highering their score to a perfect 10.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon paid tribute to Derek and Kellie Pickler’s Argentine Tango from Season 16, and their rendition received unanimous praise, garnering the season’s first perfect score of 30.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach attempted to honor a past performance from Season 23 with their own Argentine Tango but did not resonate well with Carrie Ann, who felt they fell short of earlier performances.
On a brighter note, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, who struggled previously, made a striking comeback with a Quickstep inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold from Season 25, impressively securing a 10 from Carrie Ann.
The couples faced an additional challenge, performing a dance style and song they learned just five minutes before their live performance. All couples displayed great enthusiasm, but it was Chandler and Brandon who achieved another perfect score of 30 for this challenge.
In the end, after counting the audience votes, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach were eliminated from the competition.
This episode not only highlighted the impressive talent of the contestants but also served as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of the show over the years. Fans have much to look forward to as the semifinals approach, promising even more exciting performances and emotional moments. As the competition narrows, each team’s dedication is evident, showcasing the spirit of resilience that has become synonymous with “Dancing With the Stars.”