Dancing with the Stars marked its 500th episode with multiple breakthroughs on Tuesday night. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong scored dual perfect 30s, bringing their total to 60/60. The show debuted a five-minute instant dance challenge where pairs learned new routines moments before performing live. NBA champion Dwight Howard finished his run after scoring 48/60 across both rounds.
The episode featured tributes to past memorable dances with season 27 champion Sharna Burgess returning as a special guest. Six couples began the night with Argentine tangos, quicksteps, Viennese waltz, and contemporary routines. The second round included rumba, jive, cha-cha, salsa, and paso doble performances.
Dwight Howard departs Dancing with the Stars on milestone 500th Episode
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson began the Dancing with the Stars 500th Episode with a contemporary tribute to Riker Lynch and Allison Holker's season 20 routine. Bruno Tonioli highlighted the performance's strength while Derek Hough praised Joey's support in lifts. Carrie Ann Inaba noted room for improvement in emotional expression. The Bachelor star received 28 out of 30 points.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson performed a quickstep honoring Julianne Hough and Helio Castroneves's past routine. The NFL player maintained consistent timing through complex footwork sequences. The judges recognized his improved frame control and awarded 27 out of 30 points with three 9s across the board.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold presented their Viennese waltz, paying homage to Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas's season 31 performance. Mark Ballas joined their rehearsal sessions to provide technical guidance. The Olympic gymnast earned 29 out of 30 points, receiving perfect 10s from Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong recreated Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough's Argentine tango. Their flawless execution earned the Dancing with the Stars Season 33's first perfect score. Derek Hough expressed his appreciation for their interpretation of his original choreography. The routine demonstrated exceptional control and precision throughout each movement.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten delivered a quickstep tribute to Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold's past performance. The Olympic rugby player showed marked improvement in footwork precision and timing. Their energetic presentation earned 28 out of 30 points, including a perfect 10 from Carrie Ann Inaba.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach performed an Argentine tango which was inspired by James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess's routine. The basketball player managed height differences through innovative lifts. The judges awarded 26 out of 30 points while noting areas for technical refinement.
Instant dance challenge details
Dancing with the Stars introduced its first instant dance challenge with a five-minute preparation time. Each couple had prior notice of four possible styles before learning their specific assignment.
The scores for the instant dance round:
- Joey/Jenna: Rumba - 27/30
- Danny/Witney: Jive - 24/30
- Stephen/Rylee: Jive - 25/30
- Chandler/Brandon: Cha-cha - 30/30
- Ilona/Alan: Salsa - 24/30
- Dwight/Daniella: Paso Doble - 22/30
Standout moments included Chandler's second perfect score of the night with her cha-cha. Joey managed fluid rumba movements earning praise for musicality. Stephen showed improvement in his jive timing from week one.
Danny tackled two fast-paced dances back-to-back. Ilona executed challenging lift sequences in her salsa. Dwight faced timing challenges in his paso doble performance.
Final leaderboard
The combined scores from both rounds of Dancing with the Stars 500th Episode determined the final standings:
- Chandler Kinney/Brandon Armstrong: 60/60
- Joey Graziadei/Jenna Johnson: 55/60
- Stephen Nedoroscik/Rylee Arnold: 54/60
- Ilona Maher/Alan Bersten: 52/60
- Danny Amendola/Witney Carson: 51/60
- Dwight Howard/Daniella Karagach: 48/60
These scores, combined with viewer votes, determined the night's results.
Elimination & results
After both rounds of Dancing with the Stars' 500th Episode concluded, host Alfonso Ribeiro announced the safe couples one by one. Ilona Maher received the first confirmation of safety, followed by Stephen Nedoroscik and Danny Amendola.
The tension mounted as Joey Graziadei and Chandler Kinney awaited their results. Upon securing their spots, Dwight Howard remained in the bottom position with a combined score of 48/60. The announcement of his departure marked the end of his six-week journey on the show.
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The remaining five couples move forward to compete in the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 semifinals, scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
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