Who Went Home On ‘Dancing With The Stars?’ Semi-Finals Recap And Scores

After bidding farewell to NBA star Dwight Howard last week, the five remaining couples took to the ballroom for the highly anticipated Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals. Keep reading for the full DWTS Semi-Finals recap, including which celebrities advanced to the finals.

The Season 33 Semi-Finals kicked off with a performance to Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” choreographed by Sasha Farber and Ezra Sosa. The night also showcased a special routine by the pros joining the DWTS LIVE 2025 Tour, set to Tate McRae’s “greedy (Acoustic)” and choreographed by Mandy Moore. Additionally, there was a surprise performance featuring co-host Julianne Hough to the TikTok hit “Man in Finance.”

Forbes‘Dancing With The Stars’ 500th Episode Recap And ScoresBy Monica Mercuri

During tonight’s episode, each contestant performed two dances: one ballroom style and one Latin style, including the Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Salsa, and Paso Doble. Read on for all the DWTS Semi-Finals scores and what the judges said about each routine.

What Were The Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals Scores?

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong

Dance 1: Salsa

Scores: 29 (10, 9, 10)

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong performed a Salsa to “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé for their Latin dance. Carrie Ann applauded Chandler’s artistry and called the routine “amazing.” Derek agreed with his co-judge and added that she danced as if she was already in the finals, though he wished there was more salsa content. Bruno also commended the performance and its heat and sensuality. They earned two 10s and one 9 from Derek.

Dance 2: Foxtrot

Scores: 29 (9, 10, 10)

Chandler and Brandon performed a Foxtrot to “Too Sweet” by Hozier for their ballroom dance. Bruno said that was a dance he would never forget. Carrie Ann added that she loved that Chandler is still growing and evolving but noted that her foot came off the ground twice. Derek said that Brandon has grown with Chandler as a partner this season and called the routine “phenomenal.” They were given one 9 from Carrie Ann and two 10s.

Total for both rounds: 58

Joey Graziadei And Jenna Johnson

Dance 1: Foxtrot

Scores: 30 (10, 10, 10)

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson performed a Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme featuring District 78 for their ballroom routine. Derek called their foxtrot one of the best he’s ever seen, while Bruno praised the routine as fantastic, crediting Jenna for choreographing a “pure high-quality foxtrot.” Carrie Ann added that “the race is on” and they are bringing the game to the competition. They received their first perfect score of the season.

Dance 2: Paso Doble

Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)

For their Latin dance, Joey and Jenna performed a Paso Doble to “Come Together” by Lennon & McCartney. Carrie Ann loved the attack and passion in the performance but pointed out that he was slightly ahead of the music and stumbled at the end. Derek called the routine strong, precise, and powerful. Bruno highlighted a small mistake in the timing but described the dance as brilliant overall. The couple earned two 9s and a 10 from Derek.

Total for both rounds: 58

Ilona Maher And Alan Bersten

Dance 1: Paso Doble

Scores: 28 (9, 10, 9)

For their Latin dance, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten performed a Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version)” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras. Bruno described their dance as “strong and focused,” while Carrie Ann encouraged Ilona never to doubt her place in the semi-finals, noting she’s had the most growth and improvement in the competition. Derek agreed and called 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)

Ilona and Alan performed a Viennese Waltz to “golden hour” by JVKE for their ballroom dance. Derek called the dance delicate, graceful, and stunning. Bruno praised the flow, musicality, and softness of the routine. Carrie Ann added that she feels honored to have watched that dance and said that Ilona has changed her life.

Total for both rounds: 57

Danny Amendola And Witney Carson

Dance 1: Viennese Waltz

Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson performed a Viennese Waltz to “Gravity” by John Mayer for their ballroom dance. Carrie Ann said their routine was impressive, calling out Danny’s beautiful integrity and emotional depth in dancing. Derek complimented the fantastic movements but noted that the emotional rawness was sometimes lost. Bruno applauded their chemistry and commended Danny for showing improvement at every level. They earned straight 9s from the judges.

Dance 2: Salsa

Scores: 27 (9, 9, 9)

Danny and Witney performed a Salsa to “I Like It” for their final Latin dance, by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin. Carrie Ann loved that they went for it and the execution of their lifts, while Derek said that they blew the roof off and is proud of what they’ve accomplished. Bruno added that this was a wonderful end to a spectacular night. They received all 9s from the judges.

Total for both rounds: 54

Stephen Nedoroscik And Rylee Arnold

Dance 1: Cha Cha

Scores: 25 (8, 8, 9)

For their Latin dance, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold performed a Cha Cha to “Bailar” by Deorro featuring Elvis Crespo. Derek said that he felt like the dance got the better of him and pointed out issues like bent legs, heel leads and turned feet. Bruno commented that he captured the feel of the dance but needs to work harder on his hip placement and foot action. Carrie Ann acknowledged the dance as a step back in his musicality but encouraged him to return stronger. He earned two 8s and one 9.

Dance 2: Tango

Scores: 28 (10, 9, 9)

Stephen and Rylee performed a Tango to “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap for their ballroom routine. Bruno said that the mission to tango was accomplished and that he was trying his best. After losing his glasses mid-routine, Carrie Ann praised him for continuing with confidence and leading Rylee like a pro. Derek added that his performance was impressive and said their Tango outshined their Cha Cha. The couple earned one 10 from Carrie Ann and two 9s.

Total for both rounds: 53

Who Was Eliminated In The Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals?

In a surprising twist, no couple was eliminated during the Dancing With the Stars Semi-Finals on Nov. 19. 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 moving on to the finale.

Instead, all of the judges’ scores and viewers’ votes will carry over into the finale, where each pair will perform a freestyle dance. This marks the second consecutive year that every contestant in the semi-finals has advanced to the finale. Stay tuned for more details about next week’s three-hour event, which will also feature a special performance by Derek and former pro dancer Mark Ballas.

The Season 33 finale of Dancing With the Stars will air on Tuesday, Nov. 26, on ABC and Disney+. New episodes will be available to stream on ABC.com and Hulu the following day.