Dancing with the stars In season 33, episode 9, the five remaining couples compete for a spot in next week’s finale. This week, each couple must perform both a Latin and a ballroom routine for the semi-finals. Each dance is a style that the celebrity has not danced before. With the final in sight, the judges will be extra picky.

Last week, during DWTS’ 500^e episode, pro Sharna Burgess returned to the ballroom. Plus, each couple put their own spin on a fan-favorite routine. It was a fun episode.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all that fun for NBA star Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karagach. The duo could no longer overcome their enormous height difference and were sent home.

Meanwhile, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong dominated with a perfect 60 out of 60. Their Argentine Tango was dramatic and sexy. Even judge Derek Hough liked it more than his original choreography for the piece. Plus, their instant Cha-Cha for Charli XCX’s Apple was a hit. “Chandler, you ate that,” Derek said, “and you didn’t leave any crumbs.” Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson took second place with a score of 55 points.

What happened on Dancing with the Stars Season 33 Episode 9?

Shout out to Sasha Farber and Ezra Sosa for choreographing a fantastic and flirty opening routine to Dua Lipa’s Dance The Night. Then the couples left it all on the ballroom floor. The styles performed include the Fox Trot, Paso Doble, Viennese Waltz, Salsa, Cha-Cha and Tango. So something for everyone.

This week is tougher for the participants as they have to perform two full routines. All the judges were more critical than usual, which further increased the stress level for the couples. I think this has to be the hardest week of the season. Not only are the couples trying to get a place in the final, but they are also busy fine-tuning two complete performances.

Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 9?

No one was eliminated eliminated on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 9!

In a twist, co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that all five contestants will dance in the final. Yes! Of course, they had to freak out the last two pairs before announcing that they were safe.

Last season, DWTS also had five contestants in the finale. Usually there are four couples in the final. I have to say, I can make a case for every contestant having a spot in the finale this season.

Naturally, there have been shifts at the top of the rankings throughout the season. So even though Chandler and Brandon are the frontrunners, the race is insanely close. And I’m happy to say that each couple has dancing chops, so this will be an exciting competition for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

Additionally, as an added treat, Mandy Moore choreographed a dance for some of the dancers who are part of the DWTS LIVE 2025 Tour. However, the evening had another big surprise when Julianne took off her outfit and danced a super sexy routine with the male pros. Go, Julianne!

Who got the highest score of the night on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 9?

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, along with Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, tied for highest scores on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 9.

Chandler served a sizzling Salsa for Spicy Margarita by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Chandler, “You’re on fire, Chandler. You are so feisty and a new side of you is emerging.” Derek added: “It’s the semi-finals but you danced like you were already in the final.” However, Derek would have liked to see more Salsa content. The duo received 29 out of 30 from the jury.

Then Chandler’s Foxtrot also impressed. “I mean, this was the most intensely sensual Foxtrot I have ever seen,” said Bruno Tonioli. “You went supernova tonight.” Unfortunately, Carrie Ann saw Chandler’s foot leave the ground twice. That meant points deduction. So the couple scored 29 for their Foxtrot.

Joey and Jenna beat their Foxtrot to Erin Boheme’s I Won’t Dance with District 78. “Fred Astaire is giving you a high five now,” Derek said. “That was one of the best, if not the best Foxtrot I have ever seen from a male celebrity.” The couple achieved a perfect score of 30.

Their Paso Doble had a bit of a stumble and Carrie Ann told Joey he was starting a little ahead of the music. Still, they earned 28 out of 30 for that performance. These two couples seem to have what it takes to win.

What were the judges’ scores on DWTS season 33, episode 9?

Here are the combined scores for both the ballroom and Latin rounds:

• Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong – (Salsa and Foxtrot) – 58

• Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Foxtrot and Paso Doble) – 58

• Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Paso Doble and Viennese Waltz) – 57

• Danny Amendola and Witney Carson – (Viennese waltz and salsa) – 54

• Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold – (Cha-Cha and Tango) – 53

I enjoyed Joey and Jenna’s Hollywood-glam Foxtrot. Of course, it’s great that Joey is the first Bachelor to make it to the finals. Some Bachelorettes have won, but never a Bachelor. I’m always impressed when a celebrity with no dance experience transforms before our eyes.

Danny, Ilona and Stephen are also dancing newcomers. Their journeys on the show have been up and down. Tonight I loved Danny and Witney’s Salsa to I Like It by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin. Their lifts and tricks were insane! Even the judges were stunned.

And Stephen danced his Tango with Rylee with his glasses half on his face before falling off. The fact that he stayed ahead and had no depth perception is unbelievable. He’s come so far in this league.

I ended up getting foggy watching Ilona and Alan’s Viennese Waltz to JVKE’s song, golden hour. Their dance was elegant, sweet and tender. ‘You were radiant at that dance tonight. The flow, the musicality, the softness and what you showed…you showed vulnerability,” Bruno said.

Final thoughts on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 9

Well, I didn’t expect all five couples to advance to the finals. I thought since it happened last year, only four competitors would go further.

Moreover, the evening had a festive touch. Although there were some mistakes, it was cool to see how far each participant had come. Danny, Ilona and Stephen have all improved enormously, as has Joey.

Chandler obviously has a dance background, which sometimes makes her performance level seem higher than that of the other participants. However, there have been a few weeks where she and Brandon haven’t been at the top of the leaderboard.

This means that the field is open to the other participants. This is a competitive group and they all want to win. And as always, the Freestyle round often decides who will walk away with the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

It looks like the DWTS season 33 finale is going to be a nail-biter!

Dancing with the Stars Season 33 airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.

TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 33, EPISODE 9? WHICH DANCE WAS YOUR FAVORITE? WHO ARE YOU rooting for to WIN THE MIRROR BALL?

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