“Dancing With the Stars” marked a significant milestone on November 12 as it celebrated its 500th episode. After a brief hiatus for Election Night, the popular dance competition commenced the celebration with an impressive opening performance of “Crazy In Love,” featuring surprise appearances from former contestant Sharna Burgess, judge Derek Hough, and co-host Julianne Hough. The special episode also paid tribute to the show’s history with memorable routines from past seasons.
Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro took a moment to honor the late judge Len Goodman, reflecting on his legacy. He mentioned that Goodman’s spirit continues to influence the competition, particularly with the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, which contestants are vying for in the coming weeks.
During this landmark episode, the remaining six couples performed routines inspired by performances from the show’s inaugural season, each adding their unique flair. The night also included an adrenaline-pumping Instant Dance Challenge, testing the contestants’ adaptability as they had to prepare a surprise routine in just five minutes based on a randomly drawn dance style.
In the main performances, the scores were as follows:
– Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: Contemporary, Score: 28/30
– Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: Quickstep, Score: 27/30
– Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach: Argentine Tango, Score: 26/30
– Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: Viennese Waltz, Score: 29/30
– Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: Argentine Tango, Score: 30/30
– Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: Quickstep, Score: 28/30
In the Instant Dance Challenge:
– Joey Graziadei earned 27/30 for a Rumba.
– Danny Amendola performed a Jive for 24/30.
– Dwight Howard, with a Paso Doble, received 22/30.
– Stephen Nedoroscik scored 25/30 with a Jive.
– Chandler Kinney achieved a perfect 30/30 with a Cha Cha.
– Ilona Maher earned 24/30 for a Salsa.
Ultimately, the couple eliminated this week was Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach, who expressed gratitude for their experience in the competition, highlighting the journey they shared. Karagach emphasized their collective achievement, stating, “A lot of people said we couldn’t do it, and we did it. And for me, that’s a win.”
As the competition heats up, those remaining contestants are eager to seize the opportunity to win the illustrious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
In a hopeful twist, this season has showcased tremendous talent and resilience, promising an exciting finish as the remaining couples aim to outshine each other in the upcoming weeks.
This episode not only celebrated the legacy of “Dancing With the Stars” but also emphasized the spirit of determination and camaraderie amongst the contestants, making it a memorable night for fans and participants alike.