After an electrifying Semi-Finals night on Dancing With the Stars, fans were on the edge of their seats, wondering who went home on Dancing with the Stars. Last week, viewers bid farewell to Dwight Howard, leaving five talented couples to battle it out for a coveted spot in the finale. The stakes were incredibly high as each pair prepared two all-new routines, hoping to impress the judges and secure enough votes to continue their journey. Let’s dive into the DWTS Semi-Finals recap and uncover the results of this crucial episode.
The Semi-Finals show opened with a vibrant group performance to Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” choreographed by the talented Sasha Farber and Ezra Sosa. The energy in the ballroom was palpable, setting the stage for a night of spectacular dances. Adding to the excitement, the DWTS LIVE 2025 Tour pros gave a sneak peek of their upcoming performances with a routine to Tate McRae’s “greedy (Acoustic),” choreographed by Mandy Moore. Co-host Julianne Hough also graced the stage with a surprise performance to the viral TikTok hit “Man in Finance,” keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.
Forbes‘Dancing With The Stars’ 500th Episode Recap And ScoresBy Monica Mercuri
Throughout the evening, each of the five remaining couples showcased their versatility with two distinct dances: one ballroom and one Latin style. The styles ranged from the elegant Viennese Waltz and Foxtrot to the passionate Tango, Salsa, and Paso Doble. The judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, provided their expert critiques and scores after each performance.
Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals: Scores and Highlights
DANCING WITH THE STARS -Semi-Finals (3309) – In the season’s penultimate episode, each of the five … [+] couples will take the stage to showcase two all-new performances as they fight for a spot in the finale. TUESDAY, NOV. 19 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless) CARRIE ANN INABA, DEREK HOUGH, BRUNO TONIOLI
DWTS judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli evaluating semi-final performances
Let’s break down each couple’s performance and scores from the Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals:
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
Dance 1: Salsa
Scores: 29 (10, 9, 10)
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong ignited the dance floor with their Salsa to “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised Chandler’s artistry, calling the routine “amazing.” Derek Hough echoed this sentiment, noting her performance quality was already finale-worthy, though he wished for more traditional salsa elements. Bruno Tonioli was captivated by the “heat and sensuality” of their performance. They received two perfect 10s, with Derek awarding a 9.
Dance 2: Foxtrot
Scores: 29 (9, 10, 10)
For their ballroom round, Chandler and Brandon delivered a Foxtrot to “Too Sweet” by Hozier. Bruno declared it unforgettable, while Carrie Ann admired Chandler’s continued growth but pointed out a minor foot lift. Derek praised Brandon’s partnership and growth alongside Chandler, deeming the routine “phenomenal.” They earned two 10s and a 9 from Carrie Ann.
Total for both rounds: 58
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
Dance 1: Foxtrot
Scores: 30 (10, 10, 10)
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson stunned the judges with their Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme featuring District 78. Derek hailed it as “one of the best foxtrots he’s ever seen,” and Bruno lauded Jenna’s choreography for its “pure high-quality foxtrot.” Carrie Ann declared, “the race is on,” acknowledging their strong competition. They achieved their first perfect score of the season.
Dance 2: Paso Doble
Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)
Their Latin performance, a Paso Doble to “Come Together” by Lennon & McCartney, showcased power and passion. Carrie Ann loved their attack but noted a slight timing issue and a stumble. Derek found the routine “strong, precise, and powerful.” Bruno mentioned a minor timing mistake but overall considered it “brilliant.” They received a 10 from Derek and two 9s.
Total for both rounds: 58
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
Dance 1: Paso Doble
Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten brought intensity to their Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version)” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Bruno described it as “strong and focused.” Carrie Ann commended Ilona’s remarkable growth, stating she had shown the most improvement in the competition. Derek agreed, calling their Paso Doble “sharp and powerful.” They earned their first 10 from Derek and two 9s.
Dance 2: Viennese Waltz
Scores: 29 (10, 9, 10)
Their Viennese Waltz to “golden hour” by JVKE was a display of elegance. Derek called it “delicate, graceful, and stunning.” Bruno praised the “flow, musicality, and softness.” Carrie Ann expressed feeling “honored” to witness the dance, acknowledging Ilona’s personal impact on her. They received two 10s and a 9 from Derek.
Total for both rounds: 57
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson
Dance 1: Viennese Waltz
Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson danced a Viennese Waltz to “Gravity” by John Mayer. Carrie Ann was impressed by Danny’s “beautiful integrity and emotional depth.” Derek complimented the movements but suggested some emotional rawness was lost at times. Bruno praised their chemistry and Danny’s consistent improvement. They earned straight 9s.
Dance 2: Salsa
Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)
For their final 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 lifts. Derek felt they “blew the roof off” and expressed pride in their journey. Bruno called it a “wonderful end to a spectacular night.” They again received all 9s.
Total for both rounds: 54
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
Dance 1: Cha Cha
Scores: 25 (8, 8, 9)
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold performed a Cha Cha to “Bailar” by Deorro featuring Elvis Crespo. Derek felt the dance “got the better of him,” pointing out technical issues. Bruno noted he captured the dance’s feel but needed work on hip and foot action. Carrie Ann acknowledged a “step back” in musicality but encouraged a stronger comeback. He received two 8s and a 9.
Dance 2: Tango
Scores: 28 (10, 9, 9)
Their Tango to “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap showcased improvement. Bruno declared “mission tango accomplished.” After Stephen lost his glasses mid-routine, Carrie Ann praised his composure and leadership. Derek said their Tango “outshined their Cha Cha.” They earned a 10 from Carrie Ann and two 9s.
Total for both rounds: 53
Shocking Semi-Finals Twist: Who Was Eliminated?
DANCING WITH THE STARS -Semi-Finals (3309) – In the season’s penultimate episode, each of the five … [+] couples will take the stage to showcase two all-new performances as they fight for a spot in the finale. TUESDAY, NOV. 19 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EST), on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
Group shot of Dancing With The Stars semi-finalist couples posing after their performances
In a dramatic turn of events, and answering the burning question of who went home on Dancing with the Stars, no couple was eliminated during the Semi-Finals! 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 all advancing to the Season 33 finale.
This means all judges’ scores and viewer votes from the Semi-Finals will carry over to the finale. For the second year in a row, every semi-finalist will compete for the Mirrorball trophy.
The Dancing With the Stars Season 33 finale is set to be a three-hour extravaganza on Tuesday, Nov. 26, airing on ABC and streaming on Disney+. Viewers can also catch new episodes the next day on ABC.com and Hulu. The finale promises freestyle dances and a special performance by Derek Hough and former pro Mark Ballas. Don’t miss it!
