“Dancing with the Stars” was back for the quarter-finals and its 500th episode Tuesday. The show brought some celebration and an unusual dance challenge before one couple left the ballroom.
The 500th episode opened with a number to “Crazy in Love,” the same song that opened the show on its premiere in 2005. The number was choreographed by “DWTS” power couple, Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov.
To celebrate the show’s milestone, professional dancers showcased their talent, and retired pro Sharna Burgess returned to the stage for the number. Host Julianne Hough and Judge Derek Hough also joined the powerful opening number. However, there was a lack of celebration during week eight besides the opening number.
The episode featured no flashbacks from previous seasons, no reminiscing on standout dances and partnerships nor a montage to commemorate the moment. Only two past pros were featured on the episode, Burgess and Mark Ballas, although many were seen in the crowd. Although it was an action-packed night of dancing, the episode should have featured more reflection on the show’s journey.
The remaining six couples performed dances inspired by past iconic “DWTS” performances. Ballas was present during rehearsals for Stephen Nedoroscik and partner Rylee Arnold’s dance. The two recreated the powerful Viennese waltz done by mirrorball champions Charli D’Amelio and Ballas in Season 31. The pair earned two 10s and a 9 for their emotional dance.
Standout dancer Chandler Kinney and partner Brandon Armstrong recreated an Argentine tango from Season 16. Their tango was accurate, precise and praised by Derek Hough, who danced the original number with Kellie Pickler. Hough even noted he preferred their version over his. The pair received high praise from the judges and earned the first perfect score of the season.
Also earning high scores, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took two nines and a ten for their contemporary. The pair recreated Allison Holker and Riker Lynch’s dance from Season 20. Graziadei and Johnson’s chemistry shined on stage, and the show of vulnerability from Graziadei made this a stand-out dance.
Fan-favorite Ilona Maher scored high. Maher and partner Alan Bersten recreated Season 20’s quickstep by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold. Maher was praised for her lines by judge Carrie Ann Inaba, earning a 10 from her and two 9s from the other judges for her performance.
At the bottom of the leaderboard were the two performances from Dwight Howard and Danny Amendola. Amendola performed a quickstep and earned three nines. The dance was fast-paced and entertaining, but the judges noted timing mistakes. Howard performed an Argentine tango with partner Karagach. The two performed the intense routine partially on a platform, which put Karagach at the same height as Howard. Despite their innovation, they earned an 8 and two 9s, winding up at the bottom of the leaderboard.
After partner dances, the couples headed into the instant dance challenge. Stars drew a random dance style blindfolded prior to the episode. Their style was revealed live on air. They were assigned a random song, chose their costumes and prepared a dance during the commercial break. The process was also live-streamed on the “DWTS” TikTok.
The instant dance challenge was a bold addition to the usual Tuesday night shows and ultimately fell a bit flat. Dances were rushed with the little time the couples had, and each pair looked very stressed when preparing. Fans noted how pros were vocal about their dislike of the challenge. Despite being unpopular amongst the pros, it was impressive to see their dance expertise at work.
Kinney earned another perfect score for her instant cha-cha to “Apple” by Charli XCX. Armstrong hilariously admitted he did not know the song of the summer. Graziadei and Johnson also scored high, earning three 9s for their seductive rumba. Maher and Amendola both received three 8s, and Nedoroscik earned a 9 and two 8s.
Howard took a long time to get ready for his performance. He and Karagach performed a sloppy and poorly executed pasodoble. Although the judges commended his effort, he received two 7s and an 8. With a combination of low scores and fan votes, Howard was unfortunately sent home.
With the hectic instant dance challenge behind them, the five remaining couples will head into the semi-finals next week. As the competition winds down, stars will need a combination of high scores and fan votes to make it to the finals.
