Hold onto your sequins and spray tans, dance fans! Dancing with the Stars Season 33 is charging into its finale on November 26th, 8 p.m. ET, with five couples who've survived the most electrifying semi-finals in recent memory. That’s right, no one was eliminated during the semi-finals!
This season's competitors have transformed from nervous novices to full-blown dance warriors, ready to snatch that coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Your finalists are a star-studded lineup that'll make your jaw drop: Disney darling Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Bachelor heartthrob Joey Graziadei with Jenna Johnson, Olympic powerhouses Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, NFL star Danny Amendola dancing with Witney Carson, and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik paired with Rylee Arnold.
The semi-finals were nothing short of a dance demolition derby, with perfect scores flying around like confetti and judges dropping more 10s than the previous rounds. From salsa to foxtrot, these dancers pulled out moves that would make professional dancers weep with envy.
One thing's crystal clear—this finale is going to be an absolute showstopper.
How did each contestant perform on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Episode 9?
Chandler Kinney
Chandler Kinney didn't just dance—she owned the stage with a determination that screamed "I'm more than just a Disney star!" For her first performance, she dove headfirst into a salsa that was equal parts spicy and challenging.
Knowing her historical struggle with Latin dances, Chandler and her pro partner Brandon Armstrong went full method actor, hitting up a local salsa bar to absorb every nuance of the dance.
The result? A performance that was bold and technically impressive. While not perfect, her salsa demonstrated incredible growth and commitment. The judges recognized her effort, rewarding her with two coveted 10s.
But Chandler wasn't done yet. Her foxtrot in the second round was a masterclass in elegance and precision, earning her another near-perfect score of 29 out of 30. From Disney princess to dance queen—Chandler Kinney is proving she's a multi-talented force to be reckoned with on Dancing with the Stars.
Joey Graziadei
Joey Graziadei entered Dancing with the Stars as the Bachelor heartthrob, but he's leaving as a legitimate dance sensation. From the moment he stepped onto the dance floor, it was clear he wasn't just another pretty face—he was here to throw it down.
His foxtrot wasn't just a performance; it was a statement. So extraordinary was his execution that Derek Hough, one of the judges, declared it one of the best dances he had ever witnessed in Dancing with the Stars history.
Bruno Tonioli, known for his dramatic critiques, was rendered almost speechless, ultimately proclaiming Joey's dancing "perfection." The pair received a flawless 30 out of 30, setting the bar impossibly high for the other competitors.
Their second dance, a paso doble, might not have been quite as magical—they scored a still-impressive 28—but Derek did award them their first 10 for a Latin routine, proving Joey's consistent improvement and dedication.
Ilona Maher
Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher isn't just transforming on the dance floor—she's obliterating expectations.
Her paso doble was a masterpiece of power and precision, so emotionally charged that judge Carrie Ann Inaba was moved to tears. "You have proven your worth in so many ways," Inaba proclaimed, recognizing Maher's incredible journey from athlete to dancer.
This performance on Dancing with the Stars was more than just technically brilliant—it was a narrative of transformation. Ilona and her pro partner Alan have built a beautiful friendship throughout the season, and their connection was palpable. Their Viennese waltz in the second round was a complete 180 from her powerful paso doble, showcasing her remarkable range.
The judges struggled to find adjectives to capture her performance, landing on words like "delicate," "graceful," "tender," "stunning," "radiant," and "vulnerable." Her highest score of 29 out of 30 was a testament to her incredible growth and versatility.
Stephen Nedoroscik
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik's dance journey has been a hilarious rollercoaster of awkward charm and unexpected potential. His pro partner Rylee Arnold was determined to unleash "s*xy Steve" during their cha-cha, but the results were more comedic than sensual.
Bruno Tonioli's critique was brutally honest—Stephen was less Ricky Martin and more "kid in a candy shop," lacking the sultry swagger typically associated with the dance.
Derek Hough pointed out technical deficiencies, noting a lack of refined details and attentive footwork. Their first-round score of 25 out of 30 landed them at the bottom of the leaderboard. But Stephen is nothing if not persistent.
Their second dance, a tango, was a remarkable turnaround. Midway through the performance, Stephen's glasses flew off—a moment that could have derailed lesser performers. Instead, he powered through, winning Carrie Ann's heart and a perfect 10, who declared the dance "magic."
Danny Amendola
NFL star Danny Amendola approached this competition on Dancing with the Stars with laser-focused intensity, bringing a footballer's competitive spirit to the dance floor. His Viennese waltz was a study of emotional vulnerability, wispy and deeply felt.
Bruno Tonioli, never one for subtlety, couldn't resist a cheeky comment about Danny's posture: "Your bum was sticking out, not that I mind!"
For their second performance, Danny and pro partner Witney Carson cranked up the excitement with a high-flying salsa featuring truly awe-inspiring lifts and tricks on this episode of Dancing with the Stars. While the technical execution didn't quite match their earlier emotional depth—earning three nines and landing them second-to-last on the leaderboard—Danny's commitment never wavered.
And let's be real, his leopard print floral shirt and matching hat deserved a performance score all on their own.
Who's going on to the finale?
In a twist that'll make your heart soar, no one was sent home in the semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars Season 33. That means all five couples are charging full speed into the finale, where they'll unleash their freestyle performances and leave everything on the dance floor.
The stage is set. The glitter is ready. The Mirrorball Trophy is waiting. Who will dance their way into dance history? Stay tuned, because this finale of Dancing with the Stars is going to be one for the books!
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Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale airs on November 26th, 8 PM ET on ABC and Disney+.
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