The semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars took place on November 19, 2024, with the remaining five couples performing two dances each: one ballroom and one Latin. This episode brought us closer to the highly anticipated finale, but in an unexpected twist, no one was eliminated. Here's a recap of the performances, scores, and who advanced to the final round.
After NBA star Dwight Howard was eliminated last week, the remaining contestants took to the stage to compete for a spot in the finale. The night kicked off with an energetic opening performance set to Dua Lipa’s "Dance The Night," choreographed by Sasha Farber and Ezra Sosa. There was also a special performance by the Dancing With the Stars pros as they rehearsed for their upcoming DWTS Live 2025 Tour, set to Tate McRae’s "greedy (Acoustic)." Co-host Julianne Hough surprised the audience with a performance of the viral TikTok song, “Man in Finance.”
Each couple performed two routines: one ballroom-style and one Latin-style. The judges for this semi-final episode were Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. Here's how the couples performed and scored:
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
- Salsa: The duo performed to "Spicy Margarita" by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé, receiving scores of 10, 9, and 10, totaling 29. The judges praised Chandler's artistry, though Derek wished there had been more salsa content.
- Foxtrot: Their second dance was a foxtrot to Hozier's "Too Sweet," earning 9, 10, and 10, for a total of 29. The judges loved the performance, with Bruno calling it unforgettable.
Total for both dances: 58
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
- Foxtrot: Joey and Jenna performed to "I Won’t Dance" by Erin Boheme, receiving perfect scores of 10, 10, and 10. Derek called it one of the best foxtrots he had ever seen.
- Paso Doble: For their Latin dance, they performed to "Come Together" by Lennon & McCartney, scoring 9, 10, and 9. While Carrie Ann liked the passion, she noticed a slight timing issue, but Derek praised their strength.
Total for both dances: 58
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
- Paso Doble: They danced to "Unholy (Orchestral Version)" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras, earning 9, 10, and 9. The judges called it sharp and powerful, and Bruno praised their focus.
- Viennese Waltz: For their ballroom routine, they performed "golden hour" by JVKE, earning 10, 9, and 10. Derek described it as delicate and graceful, while Carrie Ann said it was a life-changing performance for Ilona.
Total for both dances: 57
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson
- Viennese Waltz: Danny and Witney performed to "Gravity" by John Mayer, earning 9, 9, and 9 for a total of 27. The judges appreciated the emotional depth, but Derek felt the rawness could have been more consistent.
- Salsa: Their second performance was a salsa to "I Like It" by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin, earning another set of 9s. The judges loved their energy, and Derek was proud of their journey.
Total for both dances: 54
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
- Cha Cha: Their Latin dance to "Bailar" by Deorro and Elvis Crespo received 8, 8, and 9 for a total of 25. The judges pointed out some technical issues, but they commended Stephen for his effort.
- Tango: Their ballroom performance to "Sweet Disposition" by The Temper Trap scored 10, 9, and 9, for a total of 28. After losing his glasses mid-dance, Stephen impressed the judges with his confidence and leadership.
Total for both dances: 53
Who Was Eliminated?
In a surprising twist, none of the couples were eliminated during this semi-final. 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—earned a spot in the finale.
The scores from both the judges and the public will carry over to next week’s final round, where each couple will perform a freestyle dance. This marks the second consecutive year that all semi-finalists advanced to the finale.
The Season 33 finale of Dancing with the Stars will air on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The episode will also feature a special performance by Derek Hough and former pro dancer Mark Ballas. Be sure to tune in to see who will take home the Mirrorball Trophy!