‘Dancing With the Stars’ eliminates beloved sports star in emotional 500th episode

It was a milestone night for “Dancing With the Stars.”

After taking a week off due to election night, the dancing competition show celebrated its 500th episode on Nov. 12 with a special opening number to “Crazy In Love” that included a surprise appearance by Sharna Burgess, as well as judge Derek Hough and co-host Julianne Hough. The landmark night also included a nod to the past with the couple’s routines.

Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro also gave a sweet nod to late judge Len Goodman, after introducing the OG judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

“And of course, we all dearly miss our original head judge Len,” Ribeiro said. “But his spirit lives on in the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy that all of our couples are competing to lift in just two weeks.”

“Dancing With the Stars” opening number on Season 33, Week 7 on Nov. 12, 2024.Eric McCandless / Disney

The six remaining pairs performed the very same songs that opened the first episode of “Dancing with the Stars” in Season 1, but with a twist. Each couple paid tribute by adding their own unique spin on the OG song.

Additionally, the stars were put to the ultimate test with the Instant Dance Challenge. In the second half of the night, the couples had to perform a surprise routine, not knowing the dance style or song until five minutes before performing it live.

See how every contestant did during the Nov. 11 episode.

What did each star dance to and what was their score?

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: Contemporary, inspired by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s performance in Season 20, to “Work Song” by Hozier — Score: 28/30
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: Quickstep, inspired by Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough’s performance in Season 5, to “Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue — Score: 27/30
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach: Argentine Tango, inspired by James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess performance in Season 23, to “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project — Score: 26/30
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: Viennese Waltz, inspired by Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’ performance in Season 31, to “Glimpse of Us” by Joji — Score: 29/30
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: Argentine Tango, inspired by Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough’s performance in Season 16, to “Para Te” by Appart — Score: 30/30
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: Quickstep, inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s performance in Season 25, to “Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams — Score: 28/30

What happened in the Instant Dance Challenge?

In a “DWTS” first, each star had to draw a dance style and was then given the song they would show off their moves to. They had only five minutes to change, listen to the song and prepare a routine.

Viewers were able to see the couples prepare on the show’s official TikTok.

Up first, Joey Graziadei chose a Rumba and his song was “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish. He and Jenna Johnson got a 27/30, bringing their total for the night to 55/60.
Danny Amendola chose a Jive and his song was “Good Golly, Miss Molly” by Little Richard. He and Witney Carson got a 24/30, bringing their total to 51/60.
Dwight Howard chose a Paso Roble and his song was “Victorious” by Panic! At The Disco. He and Daniella Karagach got a 22/30, bringing their total to 48/60.
Stephen Nedoroscik chose a Jive to “Love is Embarrassing” by Olivia Rodrigo. He and Rylee Arnold got a 25/30, bringing their total to 54/60.
Chandler Kinney chose a Cha Cha to “Apple” by Charli XCX. She and Brandon Armstrong got a 30/30, bringing their total to 60/60.
Ilona Maher chose a Salsa to “Da’ Dip” by Freak Nasty. She and Alan Bersten got a 24/30, bringing their total to 52/60.