The semi-finals of Dancing With the Stars Season 33 delivered a night of breathtaking performances as the top five couples battled for a coveted spot in the finale. After weeks of intense competition, the pressure was on, and each celebrity dancer had to bring their A-game to the ballroom. For fans who missed the live show or want to relive the excitement, YouTube is already buzzing with highlights and key moments from this dramatic episode. Let’s dive into a recap of the performances and scores from this penultimate night before the grand finale, and see why everyone is talking about it online.
Semi-Finals Recap: Performances and Scores
The evening commenced with a dynamic group number to Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” setting an energetic tone for the high-stakes competition. Adding to the night’s sparkle, the DWTS LIVE 2025 Tour pros previewed their upcoming show with a routine to Tate McRae’s “greedy (Acoustic),” and co-host Julianne Hough surprised the audience with a performance to the TikTok sensation “Man in Finance.” However, the spotlight remained firmly on the five celebrity and pro dancer couples, each tasked with performing two distinct dances: one ballroom and one Latin style.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
For their Latin performance, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong ignited the floor with a Salsa to “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé. The judges were clearly impressed. Carrie Ann Inaba lauded Chandler’s artistry, calling the routine “amazing.” Derek Hough echoed this sentiment, praising her performance as if she were already in the finals, although he suggested wanting to see more salsa elements. Bruno Tonioli celebrated the routine’s heat and sensuality.
Dance 1: Salsa
Scores: 29 (10, 9, 10)
Transitioning to ballroom, Chandler and Brandon danced a Foxtrot to Hozier’s “Too Sweet.” Bruno declared it a performance he would never forget. Carrie Ann, while admiring Chandler’s continuous growth, pointed out a minor footwork issue. Derek commended Brandon’s growth alongside Chandler and described their Foxtrot as “phenomenal.”
Dance 2: Foxtrot
Scores: 29 (9, 10, 10)
Total for both rounds: 58
Joey Graziadei And Jenna Johnson
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson aimed for perfection with their Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme featuring District 78. Derek was effusive, calling it “one of the best” Foxtrots he had ever witnessed. Bruno praised Jenna’s choreography for its “pure high-quality foxtrot” execution. Carrie Ann announced, “the race is on,” acknowledging their heightened competitiveness. This performance earned them their first perfect score of the season.
Dance 1: Foxtrot
Scores: 30 (10, 10, 10)
Switching to Latin, Joey and Jenna delivered a Paso Doble to “Come Together” by Lennon & McCartney. Carrie Ann appreciated the attack and passion but noted Joey was slightly ahead of the music and stumbled at the end. Derek still found the routine “strong, precise, and powerful.” Bruno mentioned a minor timing mistake but overall deemed the dance “brilliant.”
Dance 2: Paso Doble
Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)
Total for both rounds: 58
Ilona Maher And Alan Bersten
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten presented a powerful Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version)” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Bruno described it as “strong and focused.” Carrie Ann praised Ilona’s significant growth throughout the competition, encouraging her to own her place in the semi-finals. Derek concurred, calling their Paso Doble “sharp and powerful.”
Dance 1: Paso Doble
Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)
For their ballroom dance, Ilona and Alan chose a Viennese Waltz to JVKE’s “golden hour.” Derek was captivated, calling it “delicate, graceful, and stunning.” Bruno lauded the routine’s flow, musicality, and softness. Carrie Ann expressed feeling “honored” to have watched the dance, stating Ilona had “changed her life” with her performance.
Dance 2: Viennese Waltz
Scores: 29 (10, 9, 10)
Total for both rounds: 57
Danny Amendola And Witney Carson
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson danced a Viennese Waltz to “Gravity” by John Mayer. Carrie Ann highlighted Danny’s “beautiful integrity and emotional depth” in his dancing, finding the routine impressive. Derek acknowledged the fantastic movements but felt some emotional rawness was lost at times. Bruno praised their chemistry and Danny’s consistent improvement.
Dance 1: Viennese Waltz
Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)
For their Latin dance, Danny and Witney performed a Salsa to “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin. Carrie Ann loved their commitment and the execution of their lifts. Derek said they “blew the roof off” and expressed pride in their journey. Bruno declared it a “wonderful end to a spectacular night.”
Dance 2: Salsa
Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)
Total for both rounds: 54
Stephen Nedoroscik And Rylee Arnold
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold took on the Cha Cha for their Latin routine, dancing to “Bailar” by Deorro featuring Elvis Crespo. Derek felt the dance “got the better of him,” pointing out technical issues. Bruno agreed he captured the dance’s feel but needed to refine hip placement and foot action. Carrie Ann noted a step back in musicality but encouraged him to rebound stronger.
Dance 1: Cha Cha
Scores: 25 (8, 8, 9)
Redeeming themselves in ballroom, Stephen and Rylee performed a Tango to The Temper Trap’s “Sweet Disposition.” Bruno stated the “mission to tango was accomplished.” Carrie Ann praised Stephen’s composure after losing his glasses mid-routine, leading Rylee “like a pro.” Derek found the performance impressive and considered their Tango superior to their Cha Cha.
Dance 2: Tango
Scores: 28 (10, 9, 9)
Total for both rounds: 53
No Elimination Surprise – All Couples Advance to Finale
In a surprising twist, no couple was eliminated during the Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals. All five couples—Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold—are advancing to the finale. The judges’ scores and viewer votes from this semi-finals episode will carry over, adding extra weight to the final showdown.
This marks the second consecutive year where all semi-finalists have progressed to the finale, raising the stakes for what promises to be an epic three-hour finale event. Fans can look forward to freestyle dances from each pair, along with a special performance by Derek Hough and former pro dancer Mark Ballas. The Season 33 finale of Dancing With the Stars will air on Tuesday, Nov. 26, on ABC and Disney+. For those eager to catch up or simply re-watch the semi-finals’ most memorable moments, YouTube is your go-to platform for highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, and judge reactions. Don’t miss out on the finale – it’s sure to be a night of unforgettable performances!
