The semifinals are upon us!
On the Nov. 19 episode of Dancing with the Stars, the five remaining couples make their way into the ballroom for the opportunity to advance to the finals and fight for the chance to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.
The celebrities and the pros that remain in the competition heading into the episode are: Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold.
In addition to their ballroom routines, each duo will have to hit the dance floor to perform a Latin dance.
Read on to find out who got eliminated and how all five contestants fared on DWTS.
Stephen Goes For The Gold
Ahead of his Tango to “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap, Stephen told cameras it was time to “really lock in” in rehearsals.
“The last few months have been nothing short of amazing,” he smiled. “I have put my mind and body through it, trying to make sure I get these dances perfect, and I’m not stopping. I won an Olympic medal, and now I’m coming for that mirrorball.”
Eventually, he and his partner Rylee hit the dance floor and delivered a powerful performance. Halfway through the dance, Stephen’s glasses flew off his face but he kept going and impressed judges.
“What you did was so impressive, I felt the triumphant moment much better than first jazz,” Derek praised.
Score: 28/30
Ilona Is The Picture of Elegance
In a video package that played ahead of her second performance, Ilona revealed that she was dedicating her Viennese Waltz to JVKE’s “golden hour” to her partner Alan.
“We truly created something special, and honestly, I think I’ve found a friend to life,” she smiled as the footage transitioned to the couple practicing their routine.
Ilona admitted that the Viennese Waltz was challenging because she wasn’t “used to” the graceful and fluid movements it requires.
“I’m a tough rugby player who loves to lift weights and run through people,” she explained. “Making it to the finale would only reinforce the message that you can be elegant and graceful, and to not hold yourself back from trying things that you want to because of how you look or how people perceive you.”
In the end, Ilona and Alan were able to create magic as they glided across the dance floor and finished their routine in a sensual embrace.
“My darling, you were radiant tonight in that dance,” Bruno said. “The flow, the musicality, the softness in which you showed vulnerability — I saw the real you, my darling. And remember, sometimes a caress is much more powerful than a punch.”
Score: 29/30
Joey Turns On The Drama
As Joey and Jenna prepped for their second dance of the night, Jenna noted how Joey’s best performances involved playing a character and revealed that they would be doing a Paso Doble to “Come Together” by Lennon & McCartney.
The former Bachelor star confessed that he felt a lot of pressure heading into their last chance at a spot in the finals.
“Competition is very tough,” he admitted in a video package. “I know how close it is, because the scoreboard has changed quite a bit, so I don’t have really any room for air.”
Despite this, the duo got into character and dazzled audiences with their dramatic performance. The judges pointed out that Joey was a bit ahead of the music and had a few missteps towards the end of the performance, but still offered the couple good feedback.
“I hate to say this, at the beginning of the routine, you were just a hair ahead of the music,” Carrie Ann said. “At the end, there was just a bit of a stumble to the end. Listen, that takes nothing away from how good you are.”
Score: 28/30
Chandler’s Ready for Round 2!
For her second dance of the night, Chandler and Brandon performed a Foxtrot to “Too Sweet” by Hozier.
During rehearsals, the actress shared how her journey on DWTS had reignited her love for dance and why making it to the finals would mean a lot to her.
“It’s helped me find a happiness that I haven’t felt in a long time,” she smiled. “I am a very anxious person… When I’m dancing, I just get to be present in the moment and that’s an awesome feeling.”
With a spot on the finals on the line, Chandler and Brandon wowed the crowd and delivered a fierce performance. While Carrie Ann gave the duo praise for how much they’ve grown together, she was met with boos when she pointed out that Brandon’s foot “came off the ground twice.”
Derek quickly came to her defense and said Carrie Ann “calls it” like she sees it before sharing his own feedback.
“When I was a pro on the show, there were partners that I had that brought the best out in me and made me a better dancer and a better choreographer,” Derek told Brandon. “I really feel like Brandon, that you have really grown this season.”
Score: 29/30
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Sexy Steve Hits The Dance Floor!
For their first dance, Stephen and his partner Rylee performed a Cha Cha to “Bailar” by Deorro featuring Elvis Crespo.
In a video package that played ahead of his performance, the Olympian confessed that “feeling sexy isn’t really my thing” but he was determined to put his best foot forward.
Stephen and Rylee started the dance with a bang and the gymnast was all hips as he shimmied to the beat of the music. Despite the audience’s roaring cheers, the judges pointed out a few missteps Stephen took during the performance.
“The cheeky, the funny side was like watching a child in a candy store, not quite Ricky Martin yet, but you captured the feel of the dance,” Bruno said. “You got everybody enjoy. You get everybody into a party mood.”
Score: 25/30
Danny Shows a Different Side to Himself
This season, Danny has been an unexpected underdog and heading into the semifinals, the NFL player was determined to land on the top of the leaderboard with this week’s performances.
In a video package that played ahead of his performance with his partner Witney, Danny acknowledged how he’d have to embody elegance without any fancy lifts.
As the two began their Viennese Waltz to “Gravity” by John Mayer, Danny and Witney were the epitome of emotion and grace as they moved as one through the performance.
“Danny, I’m really proud of you for the way you approach these dances with true authenticity,” Carrie Ann said. “When I watch this partnership, the chemistry and this trust is really what makes the magic.”
Score: 27/30
Ilona Is Bringing The Passion
Coming down from last week’s 10, Ilona told cameras that her biggest goal was to prove that she deserved to be in the show’s semifinals.
“This experience is one that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I don’t want it to be cut short. I think I have more to give,” she said.
The rugby player and her partner Alan’s Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version)” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras got audiences on their feet with their sexy and powerful performance.
The two received a standing ovation and glowing feedback from judges.
“Don’t you ever doubt your right to be here in the semifinals,” Carrie Ann praised as Ilona got emotional. “You started with the low scores. You have proven your worth in so many ways. This show is about transformation. You have made such an incredible transformation.”
Score: 28/30
Joey Is Determined to Make DWTS History
Last week, Joey and his partner Jenna came in second place on the leaderboard. Though they received glowing scores from judges, the former Bachelor was determined to finish this week on top.
“I want to take in the celebration, but I also want to get back to business as well,” Joey said in his video package. “There has never been a male Bachelor in the Dancing with the Stars finale and the crazy thing is that if I do it, it will be Dancing with the Stars history.”
Joey did exactly what he set out to do and delivered a stunning Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme featuring District 78. The audience rose to their feet after their performance and the duo received great praise from judges.
“Honestly, the frame was so pristine, it could have been hung in a gallery. It was so incredible, truly,” Derek said. “The body contact, the frame, the smoothest strides. That was one of the best, if not the best Foxtrot I’ve ever seen!”
Score: 30/30
Chandler Gets Spicy!
After receiving perfect scores for both her ballroom and instant dance performances last week, Chandler felt the pressure to deliver for her semi-final performances.
In preparation for her Salsa to “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé with her partner Brandon, the two headed to a Salsa bar to find the Latin flavor she needed.
“I’m gonna bring all the fun, good vibes and energy into the ballroom tonight,” she smiled in a video package that played before her performance.
Chandler and Brandon dazzled the audience as they moved smoothly across the dance floor, shimmied their hips and delivered a jaw dropping lift.
“You are so spicy, and there is a new side of you that’s coming out. There’s a comfortability that’s happening,” Carrie Ann gushed. Despite the glowing praise she received from the crowd and fellow judge Bruno, Derek admitted that the dance came across more like a Cha Cha rather than a Salsa.
Score: 29/30
Joey Takes Ilona to ‘Bachelorette’ School
Ahead of the night’s big episode, the former Bachelor star, 29, gave the rugby player, 28, a couple pointers on how to be the lead in her very own season of the ABC dating show.
“So I’ve heard a lot of people want you to maybe be the Bachelorette,” he began in Ilona’s TikTok video on Saturday, Nov. 17. “But I want to train you for it, I want to get you ready.”
After a few missteps, including telling Joey his “vibe has been terrible” and not all of her imaginary contestants were “my type,” Ilona eventually won his seal of approval.
“Joey teaching me to be the next Bachelorette cause y’all keep spreading rumors,” she wrote over the video, before captioning the clip, “I think if I do it, I’ll have a real problem being nice to the men.”