Dancing with the Stars Season 33 semifinals on November 19, 2024, ended with a twist as hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced no eliminations. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson tied with Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong at the top with 58 points each, while Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten scored 57.
Danny Amendola with Witney Carson earned 54 points, and Stephen Nedoroscik with Rylee Arnold received 53. As the episode aired, a Dancing with the Stars fan posted on X
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"That was DIABOLICAL of them to be playing with our feelings like this! Tonight's elimination was heart attack inducing!"
The decision marks the second time in the show's regular season history after last season that five couples will compete in the finale, scheduled for November 26, where they will perform for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy.
Dancing with the Stars shocks fans with no elimination in Season 33 Semifinals
The surprise no-elimination announcement at the end of the semifinals triggered immediate backlash on social media. A Dancing with the Stars fan took to X to express frustration,
"See this stunt DWTS just pulled is why they aren't what they used to be. You have to have a heartbreaking elimination to be a legit."
The Dancing with the Stars semifinals showcased each couple performing both a ballroom and Latin dance style. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson topped the leaderboard, earning a perfect 30 for their foxtrot and 28 points for their follow-up paso doble, bringing their total to 58.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong matched the leaders with 58 points through their consistent performances. Their salsa to "Spicy Margarita" by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé earned 29 points and their foxtrot to "Too Sweet" by Hozier also received 29 points, with judges praising the emotional depth of the routine.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten secured third place with 57 points, combining 28 for their paso doble to "Unholy" and 29 for their Viennese waltz to "Golden Hour." Danny Amendola and Witney Carson earned matching 27 points for their Viennese waltz to "Gravity" and salsa to "I Like It," totaling 54 points. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold finished with 53 points, receiving 25 for their cha cha to "Bailar" and 28 for their tango to "Sweet Disposition."
A viewer on X addressed the overall scoring pattern:
"They started this season out with too high of scored and really couldn't redeem it after that."
Commenting on the unprecedented five-person finale decision, one X user wrote,
"5 people in the finale is so stupid. It should only be 3...makes it not exciting at all. This ain't no charity."
Another fan commented:
"Not to be negative but I miss when eliminations happened when they were supposed to. Let's go back to scoring low and sending people home every week for the next season."
One another fan expressed,
"Sorry we didn't need a 5 person finale! Not with people who can only do lifts, ones who still dance so sloppy, nobody is dying to see freestyles so we can oh see even more basic dancing with routines full of tricks to distract from the actual dance talent some have,"
All semifinal scores and votes will carry over to the November 26 finale, where the five couples face off for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy. Each couple will perform two new routines, including the highly anticipated freestyle numbers.
The evening will feature 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.
The show's decision to maintain a larger finale cast drew additional criticism. A fan on X shared:
"Semi-final elimination fake out pisses me off so much I still haven't forgiven them for doing THIS."
Another Dancing with the Stars viewer added:
"not to be negative but i kinda miss when eliminations happened when they were supposed to. let's go back to scoring low and sending people home every week for the next season."
The finale marks several milestones. Joey Graziadei became the first male Bachelor contestant to reach the DWTS finale. Olympic athlete Ilona Maher's presence represents rugby's debut in the final round.
Meanwhile, Stephen Nedoroscik brings gymnastics back to the finale stage, following a tradition of successful gymnasts on the show.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale will introduce enhanced production elements, including special group numbers and individual freestyle performances.
Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale is all set to air on November 26, 2024.
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