Who Went Home on Dancing With The Stars Week 7?

Dancing With The Stars week 7 saw Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach eliminated, as revealed on ten-dance.com, leaving fans both surprised and saddened. This departure highlights the show’s demanding blend of skill, performance, and audience appeal. Eager to explore the full recap and see how the remaining contestants fared? Join our community, explore dance classes, and stay updated on the latest dance events!

1. What Happened on Dancing With The Stars Week 7?

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach were eliminated from “Dancing With the Stars” during week 7. The episode was a milestone, celebrating the show’s 500th episode and featuring the Instant Dance Challenge, where couples had to quickly learn and perform a surprise routine.

To expand, week 7 was a special night filled with excitement and nostalgia. The show commemorated its 500th episode with a spectacular opening number and tributes to past seasons. However, the highlight of the evening was the challenging Instant Dance Challenge. This twist pushed contestants to their limits, testing their adaptability and raw talent. Despite their best efforts, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach’s combined scores and audience votes led to their elimination, marking the end of their journey on the show.

2. How Did Each Star Perform and What Were Their Scores?

The stars performed dances inspired by the show’s first season, along with an Instant Dance Challenge; Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong received a perfect score of 30/30 for their Argentine Tango and another 30/30 for their Cha Cha in the Instant Dance Challenge.

Let’s break down the performances:

Couple	Dance Style	Song	Score (Original Routine)	Instant Dance Style	Instant Dance Song	Score (Instant Dance)	Total Score
Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson	Contemporary	“Work Song” by Hozier	28/30	Rumba	“Birds of a Feather”	27/30	55/60
Danny Amendola & Witney Carson	Quickstep	“Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue	27/30	Jive	“Good Golly, Miss Molly”	24/30	51/60
Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach	Argentine Tango	“Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project	26/30	Paso Doble	“Victorious” by Panic!	22/30	48/60
Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold	Viennese Waltz	“Glimpse of Us” by Joji	29/30	Jive	“Love is Embarrassing”	25/30	54/60
Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong	Argentine Tango	“Para Te” by Appart	30/30	Cha Cha	“Apple” by Charli XCX	30/30	60/60
Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten	Quickstep	“Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams	28/30	Salsa	“Da’ Dip” by Freak Nasty	24/30	52/60

This night on Dancing With The Stars was a roller coaster of emotions, skill, and surprise. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s outstanding performance earned them the highest score of the night, proving their versatility and artistry. On the other hand, the Instant Dance Challenge added an element of unpredictability. This meant that the couples had to quickly adapt and showcase their improvisational skills.

3. What Made Week 7 of Dancing With The Stars So Special?

Week 7 was special because it celebrated the 500th episode of “Dancing With the Stars” and featured the challenging Instant Dance Challenge. This added an element of surprise and tested the dancers’ ability to adapt quickly.

This milestone celebration brought together memorable moments from the show’s history, including appearances by Sharna Burgess, Derek Hough, and Julianne Hough. According to a celebratory piece in Variety in November 2024, this episode paid homage to the show’s legacy while pushing contestants to new limits with the Instant Dance Challenge. In this challenge, couples had to learn and perform a routine with only five minutes of preparation. This tested their adaptability and creativity, making the night particularly thrilling for both the dancers and the audience.

4. What Was the Instant Dance Challenge and How Did It Work?

The Instant Dance Challenge was a “DWTS” first where each star drew a dance style and received a song only five minutes before performing live.

Dancing With The Stars Instant Dance Challenge

Each star had to draw a dance style and was then given the song they would show off their moves to. They had only five minutes to change, listen to the song, and prepare a routine.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

The Draw: Each celebrity drew a dance style at random.
The Song Reveal: The chosen song for their impromptu performance was revealed.
Quick Prep: They had only five minutes to change costumes, listen to the song, and choreograph a routine.
Live Performance: The couples performed their instant dance live, judged on creativity, technique, and overall performance.

This high-pressure situation tested the dancers’ ability to think on their feet, adapt to new music and styles, and showcase their natural talent. This made for an exciting and unpredictable segment of the show.

5. What Did Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach Say About Their Elimination?

Dwight Howard expressed gratitude for his “amazing experience,” praised Daniella Karagach as an “amazing partner,” and highlighted how much he learned; Karagach emphasized that despite doubters, they proved they could compete, considering it a win.

Their positive attitude despite the elimination was inspiring. According to an interview with Entertainment Tonight after the show, Howard mentioned that he cherished every moment and was thankful for the opportunity to grow as a dancer. Karagach added that she was proud of their journey and the boundaries they pushed. This showcases their resilience and the strong bond they formed throughout the competition.

6. Which Celebrities Are Still in the Running for the Mirrorball Trophy?

The celebrities remaining in the competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy are Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold.

Remaining Couples
Danny Amendola & Witney Carson
Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson
Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten
Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong
Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold

These couples have consistently demonstrated talent, hard work, and a strong connection with the audience. As the competition intensifies, they will need to continue pushing their limits and delivering memorable performances to capture the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

7. How Can I Watch Past Episodes of Dancing With The Stars?

Past episodes of “Dancing With The Stars” can typically be streamed on platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, depending on your region and subscription.

To watch past episodes:

Check Disney+: “Dancing With The Stars” streams on Disney+.
Hulu: Some seasons or episodes might be available on Hulu.
ABC Website/App: Check the ABC website or app for available episodes.
YouTube: Official clips and highlights are often available on the “Dancing With The Stars” YouTube channel.

Make sure to check the availability in your region and any subscription requirements to catch up on all the exciting moments.

8. What are Some Memorable Moments from Dancing With The Stars’ 500 Episodes?

Memorable moments from “Dancing With the Stars” include surprise appearances, tributes to Len Goodman, and standout performances like Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s perfect score.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach dancing on DWTS

Some iconic instances include:

Surprise Guest Appearances: Special appearances by former contestants, judges, and celebrity guests have often added excitement.
Tributes to Len Goodman: Heartfelt tributes to the late head judge Len Goodman, honoring his contributions to the show.
Standout Performances: Memorable dances that earned perfect scores, like Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong’s Argentine Tango.
Emotional Eliminations: Touching farewell speeches from eliminated contestants.
Groundbreaking Routines: Performances that pushed the boundaries of dance and storytelling.

These moments encapsulate the show’s blend of entertainment, emotion, and artistry, making it a beloved part of television history.

9. Where Can I Find Dance Lessons Inspired by Dancing With The Stars?

You can find dance lessons inspired by “Dancing With The Stars” at local dance studios, community centers, and online platforms like ten-dance.com, which offer classes in various styles.

Here are a few options to explore:

Local Dance Studios: Many dance studios offer classes in styles featured on the show, such as ballroom, Latin, and contemporary dance.
Community Centers: Check local community centers for affordable dance classes and workshops.
Online Platforms: Websites like ten-dance.com provide online dance tutorials and courses for all skill levels.
Workshops and Intensives: Look for dance workshops or intensives that focus on specific styles or techniques showcased on “Dancing With The Stars.”

These resources can help you learn to dance like your favorite contestants and explore the joy of movement and self-expression.

10. How Has Dancing With The Stars Evolved Over Its 33 Seasons?

“Dancing With the Stars” has evolved by incorporating new dance styles, innovative challenges like the Instant Dance Challenge, and adapting to changing audience preferences through social media and online engagement.

Here are some key ways the show has changed:

Introduction of New Dance Styles: The show has incorporated contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop into traditional ballroom and Latin styles.
Innovative Challenges: Challenges like the Instant Dance Challenge and themed nights keep the format fresh and engaging.
Social Media Integration: Increased use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and fan engagement.
Online Voting: Allowing viewers to vote online and through social media to increase participation.
Diverse Casting: Featuring a more diverse cast of celebrities from different backgrounds and age groups.
Technical Enhancements: Improved production quality, including enhanced lighting, sound, and visual effects.

These changes have helped “Dancing With the Stars” remain relevant and popular over its 33 seasons, attracting new viewers while retaining its loyal fan base.

11. What are the Judges Looking For in Each Performance?

The judges on “Dancing With the Stars” typically look for technique, musicality, performance quality, and overall impact in each dance.

Dancing With The Stars Instant Dance Challenge

Here is a breakdown of the key elements they evaluate:

Technique: Proper footwork, posture, and execution of dance steps.
Musicality: Dancing in sync with the music, interpreting the rhythm and melody.
Performance Quality: Expressing emotion, storytelling, and engaging the audience.
Choreography: Creativity and complexity of the dance routine.
Connection: Chemistry and partnership between the dancers.
Overall Impact: The wow factor and lasting impression of the performance.

These criteria help the judges assess the dancers’ skills and artistry, providing constructive feedback and scores that influence the competition.

12. How Do the Celebrities Prepare for Each Week’s Performance?

Celebrities prepare for each week’s “Dancing With the Stars” performance through rigorous training, rehearsals with their professional partners, and studying the choreography.

Here’s a detailed look at their preparation process:

Intensive Training: Celebrities often train for several hours each day to learn the dance routine and improve their technique.
Rehearsals: They work closely with their professional partners to perfect the choreography, timing, and partnering skills.
Choreography Study: Celebrities spend time studying and memorizing the dance steps and formations.
Costume Fittings: They attend costume fittings to ensure their outfits are comfortable and enhance their performance.
Feedback Sessions: They receive feedback from judges and choreographers to refine their technique and performance quality.
Mental Preparation: Celebrities focus on mental preparation to manage stress, build confidence, and stay focused during the live show.

This comprehensive preparation helps the celebrities deliver polished and captivating performances each week, showcasing their growth and dedication.

13. What Role Do the Professional Dance Partners Play in the Show?

The professional dance partners on “Dancing With the Stars” play a crucial role in teaching, choreographing, and guiding their celebrity partners through the competition.

Here are some key aspects of their role:

Teaching and Training: The professionals teach their celebrity partners the fundamentals of various dance styles and help them improve their technique.
Choreography: They create unique and challenging routines that showcase their celebrity partners’ strengths and hide their weaknesses.
Mentoring: The professionals provide guidance, encouragement, and emotional support to their celebrity partners throughout the competition.
Creative Direction: They contribute to the overall creative vision of the performances, including costume design, music selection, and stage presence.
Performance Support: The professionals dance alongside their celebrity partners, providing stability, confidence, and visual appeal.
Feedback and Critique: They offer constructive feedback and critique to help their celebrity partners improve and grow as dancers.

Their expertise, creativity, and dedication are essential to the success of the show and the development of the celebrity dancers.

14. How Does the Audience Voting Work on Dancing With The Stars?

Audience voting on “Dancing With the Stars” allows viewers to support their favorite couples through online voting and phone calls, influencing who stays and who goes each week.

Here’s a breakdown of the voting process:

Online Voting: Viewers can vote for their favorite couples on the show’s official website or through the ABC app.
Phone Voting: During a designated voting window, viewers can call a toll-free number assigned to each couple.
Voting Window: The voting window typically opens after all the couples have performed and remains open for a limited time.
Vote Limits: There may be limits on the number of votes each person can cast per method (online or phone).
Vote Combination: The audience votes are combined with the judges’ scores to determine the final results.
Elimination: The couple with the lowest combined score is typically eliminated each week.

This interactive voting system empowers the audience to play a significant role in the outcome of the competition, making it a dynamic and engaging viewing experience.

15. What Styles of Dance Are Commonly Featured on Dancing With The Stars?

Common dance styles featured on “Dancing With the Stars” include ballroom dances like the Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot, as well as Latin dances like the Cha-Cha, Rumba, and Jive.

Here’s a more detailed list:

Ballroom Dances:
- Waltz: A graceful dance with flowing movements.
- Tango: A passionate dance with sharp, staccato steps.
- Foxtrot: A smooth and elegant dance with long, continuous strides.
- Viennese Waltz: A fast-paced, whirling dance.
- Quickstep: A lively and energetic dance with hops and skips.
Latin Dances:
- Cha-Cha: A flirtatious dance with quick, syncopated steps.
- Rumba: A romantic dance with sensual hip movements.
- Jive: A high-energy dance with kicks and flicks.
- Samba: A lively dance with bouncy, rhythmic steps.
- Paso Doble: A dramatic dance inspired by the Spanish bullfight.
Other Styles:
- Contemporary: An expressive dance that blends elements of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
- Jazz: A lively and improvisational dance with syncopated rhythms.
- Hip-Hop: A high-energy dance with street-style movements.

The show’s diverse range of dance styles allows the celebrities to showcase their versatility and creativity, while also educating viewers about different forms of dance.

16. How Does Dancing With The Stars Promote Physical Fitness?

“Dancing With the Stars” promotes physical fitness by showcasing the physical demands of dance and inspiring viewers to engage in active lifestyles through dance.

Here are some specific ways the show promotes fitness:

Showcasing Physical Activity: The show highlights the physical exertion, strength, and endurance required for dance.
Inspiring Viewers: By watching celebrities transform through dance, viewers are motivated to try dance as a form of exercise.
Promoting Dance as Exercise: The show emphasizes the health benefits of dance, such as improved cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Encouraging Active Lifestyles: The show encourages viewers to incorporate dance into their daily routines, whether through classes, workshops, or social dancing.
Providing Role Models: The celebrity dancers serve as role models, demonstrating that anyone can learn to dance and achieve their fitness goals with dedication and hard work.

Through these efforts, “Dancing With the Stars” promotes physical fitness and encourages viewers to embrace dance as a fun and effective way to stay active and healthy. According to research from the Juilliard School, in July 2025, dance provides physical fitness with a fun, social element.

17. Are There Any Common Injuries Among Dancing With The Stars Contestants?

Common injuries among “Dancing With the Stars” contestants include sprains, strains, stress fractures, and joint pain due to the rigorous physical demands of training and performing.

Here are some specific injuries that have been reported:

Ankle Sprains: Twisting or rolling the ankle during dance steps.
Muscle Strains: Overstretching or tearing muscles in the legs, back, or shoulders.
Stress Fractures: Small cracks in the bones due to repetitive impact.
Knee Pain: Irritation or injury to the knee joint due to high-impact movements.
Back Pain: Straining the back muscles or spinal ligaments due to improper posture or lifting.
Joint Pain: Inflammation or discomfort in the joints due to overuse.

To prevent these injuries, contestants often work with physical therapists, trainers, and medical professionals to ensure proper warm-up, stretching, and conditioning techniques.

18. How Has Dancing With The Stars Impacted the Popularity of Dance?

“Dancing With the Stars” has significantly impacted the popularity of dance by increasing awareness, inspiring participation, and showcasing the joy and artistry of dance to a broad audience.

Here are some specific ways the show has influenced dance popularity:

Increased Awareness: The show has introduced various dance styles to millions of viewers who may not have otherwise been exposed to them.
Inspired Participation: Many viewers have been inspired to take dance classes or workshops after watching the show.
Showcased the Joy of Dance: The show has highlighted the fun, creative, and emotional aspects of dance, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
Elevated Dance Professionals: The show has provided a platform for professional dancers and choreographers to showcase their talent and gain recognition.
Boosted Dance Studios: Dance studios and organizations have reported increased enrollment and interest in dance programs following the show’s popularity.
Enhanced Dance Culture: The show has contributed to a greater appreciation and understanding of dance as an art form and a form of physical expression.

Through its widespread appeal and positive portrayal of dance, “Dancing With the Stars” has played a significant role in promoting and popularizing dance around the world.

19. What are Some of the Biggest Upsets in Dancing With The Stars History?

Biggest upsets in “Dancing With the Stars” history include unexpected eliminations of front-runners and fan favorites, often due to surprising audience votes or lower-than-expected judges’ scores.

Here are some notable examples:

Unexpected Eliminations: Celebrities who were considered front-runners but were eliminated early due to lower audience votes or surprising judges’ scores.
Fan Favorite Departures: Popular contestants with strong fan bases who were unexpectedly eliminated.
Controversial Judge Decisions: Judges’ scores or critiques that were perceived as unfair or biased, leading to unexpected results.
Injury-Related Withdrawals: Celebrities who had to withdraw from the competition due to injuries, disrupting the expected outcome.
Surprise Victories: Underdogs who exceeded expectations and won the competition, defying predictions and surprising viewers.

These upsets have added drama and excitement to the show, demonstrating that anything can happen and that the outcome is never certain until the final episode.

20. How Can I Stay Updated on the Latest News from Dancing With The Stars?

Stay updated on the latest news from “Dancing With the Stars” by following official social media accounts, visiting the show’s website, and checking reputable entertainment news outlets; you can also visit ten-dance.com for dance-related content.

Here are some specific resources to follow:

Official Social Media Accounts:
- Facebook: “Dancing With the Stars” official page
- Twitter: @DancingABC
- Instagram: @dancingwiththestars
- TikTok: @officialdwts
Show’s Website:
- ABC Website: Official “Dancing With the Stars” page
Entertainment News Outlets:
- Entertainment Tonight
- People Magazine
- Us Weekly
- Variety
- The Hollywood Reporter
Dance-Related Websites:
- ten-dance.com

By following these sources, you can stay informed about the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content from “Dancing With the Stars,” ensuring you never miss a beat.

Are you feeling inspired by “Dancing With the Stars” and want to explore the world of dance? Visit ten-dance.com to discover a wide range of dance classes, styles, and resources. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, our platform offers something for everyone. Join our community today and start your dance journey! Address: 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 769-7000.