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Dancing with the Stars hits milestone, revealing semi-finalists in 500th episode
Dancing with the Stars turned a significant page on November 12, celebrating its 500th episode in a grand spectacle that combined nostalgia, exquisite performances, and a real-time progress reveal for Season 33’s semi-finalists. This milestone episode was filled with twists, historic performances, and a clear glimpse of each contender’s path to glory.
A nostalgic opening that dazzled
The episode kicked off with a blast from the past, featuring a stunning opening number to “Crazy in Love,” a nostalgic nod to the series premiere in 2005. The dance was led by some of the show’s most cherished professional dancers, including the beloved Sharna Burgess, who made a triumphant return. It was a warm reminder of the series’ rich history and the many stars who have graced its ballroom.
Past favorites light up the ballroom
To mark the monumental occasion, several past competitors returned to the ballroom to offer their cheers and support. Notable appearances included Adam Rippon, Ginger Zee, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Alyson Hannigan, AJ McLean, and Simone Biles. Their presence was a testament to the long-lasting impact Dancing with the Stars has had on its participants and viewers alike.
Honoring iconic performances
This week’s challenge for the six remaining teams was to pay homage to fan-favorite performances from previous seasons. The stakes were high, with each duo eager to earn their place in the semifinals.
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson face critique
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson tackled a contemporary routine inspired by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s Season 20 performance. While Carrie Ann Inaba felt the performance “lacked a bit of rawness,” Derek Hough disagreed, giving the duo a solid 10, elevating them after a previous score of 9. Their dance showcased their strong chemistry and artistic expression, proving why they’ve made it this far in the competition.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong earn perfection
On the other hand, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong delivered an Argentine Tango that paid tribute to Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler’s Season 16 performance. Derek himself was so impressed that he admitted to preferring their version over his own, reflecting the duo’s exceptional skill and dynamic energy. The judges unanimously agreed, awarding them the season’s first perfect score of 30.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach find missteps
Not all teams found success in their tributes. Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach honored James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’ Season 23 Argentine Tango but fell short of expectations. Carrie Ann Inaba’s critique was pointed, awarding an 8 and expressing a longing for the “earlier Dwight” that had shown more promise.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten’s comeback
Meanwhile, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten staged a remarkable comeback. After a challenging Halloween week, the pair executed a Quickstep inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s Season 25 performance. Their effort won them a perfect 10 from Carrie Ann, showcasing their resilience and an undeniable spark on the dance floor.
The ultimate challenge
Following their solo dances, the couples faced their most intense challenge yet: learning a new dance style and song just five minutes before performing live. This test of quick adaptation and raw talent pushed the dancers to their limits. Chandler and Brandon once again stole the show, achieving another perfect score of 30, solidifying their status as frontrunners.
The semi-finalists unveiled
As the night drew to a close, the tension was palpable. The combination of judges’ scores and audience votes determined who would continue their journey. Ultimately, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach were eliminated, capping off an evening filled with high emotions and spectacular performances.
Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences with its seamless blend of competition and entertainment. Stay tuned as the remaining teams battle it out in the semifinals, each step bringing them closer to the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
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