It’s “Dedication Night” on Dancing With The Stars, and that can only mean one thing: the producers want fans to form an emotional connection to the celebrity contestants left vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. As Season 33 of ABC’s reality dance competition show heats up, and more celebrity contestants are eliminated each week, the remaining nine celebrities have to make an impression on fans, and what better way to do it than by offering up their dance to someone who has had a huge impact on their lives? It can make for an emotional evening.
Speaking of emotional, judge Derek Hough and his wife, dancer Hayley Erbert, will also be performing tonight. The couple will do a dance in honor of the medical emergency Hayley suffered last year. While on tour, Hayley suffered a devastating brain bleed that required emergency surgery. She survived the procedure and made a full recovery, where she had to relearn to walk. And dance.
While last week’s broadcast was not without its controversies, mostly stemming from guest judge Gene Simmons’ unprofessional behavior, this week’s guest judge is far more qualified: former pro Mark Ballas returns to the ballroom to judge the contestants as they pour their hearts out onto the dance floor—and maybe score some 10s while doing it.
Mark competed on a whopping 20 seasons of DWTS, winning the Mirrorball Trophy three times in the process. Mark last competed on Season 31 of the show, where he won the top prize with partner Charli D’Amelio.
Mark says that because it’s “Dedication Night,” he’ll be looking for strong storytelling coupled with dance fundamentals. Sounds like he’s going to be a tougher judge than Gene. The hosts also let the audience know that this week, the judges visited the dancers during rehearsals to give them pointers.
While fan favorites, if not the best dancers, Eric Roberts and Reginald VelJohnson were sent home last week, the remaining dancers still have a way to go before claiming ballroom glory. We already know which songs the stars will be dancing to during “Dedication Night,” so let’s see how they did.
This contains spoilers to the results of the Dedication Night elimination of Season 33 of DWTS.
Chandler Kinney And Brandon Armstrong
Chandler Kinney has topped the leaderboard for the first three nights of the competition, before falling off a bit. She wants to work harder to get back to the top.
Chandler dedicates her performance to her mother, who sacrificed everything to help her daughter succeed in Hollywood. She and partner Brandon Armstrong are going to perform a contemporary to the tear-jerking ballad, “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Contemporary is a fun dance because there are less rules and restrictions. The dancers are more free to explore and it often makes for a visually stunning dance.
After Derek Hough drops by their rehearsal to offer some tips, their dance is light and airy, with flowing garments and a cloudy, dreamy set. Unsurprisingly, it’s a gorgeous dance that proves why Chandler is a front-runner in this competition. Derek calls the dance “a beautiful way to start the show.” Mark Ballas says it was a “beautiful job.” Bruno Tonioli says it was “ethereal.” Carrie Ann Inaba offers some insight on what DWTS is really about.
”
Dancing With The Stars
is about more than just dance, it’s about connecting with all of us.”
But all four judges also offer constructive criticism, advising Chandler to “dig deeper.”
Final scores: 8/8/8/8
Stephen Nedoroscik And Rylee Arnold
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold are still flying high from earning their highest score yet last week, but this week, they’re gunning for their first nines. Stephen dedicates his dance to men’s gymnastics, since he famously won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Stephen’s awe-inspiring pommel horse routine earned him the apt nickname, “Pommel Horse Guy,” which endeared him to millions.
Bruno Tonioli drops by Stephen and Rylee’s rehearsal to offer some advice. He wants Stephen to get into character for their Argentine tango. It is, admittedly, a struggle for Stephen.
But as “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes starts, Stephen dusts up his hands, marches towards a pommel horse and hurls himself into the air, all while wearing a blue bedazzled suit. This show is pure camp.
Stephen and Rylee’s dance is a delight, a crisp, sharp Argentine tango, and Stephen is actually convincing as a dancer. For the first time, you can almost forget that it’s the “Pommel Horse Guy,” despite him starting the dance on an actual pommel horse. The judges are glowing in their reviews, and Carrie Ann Inaba earns boos when she points out he was a little wobbly.
Final scores: 8/9/8/8
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Danny Amendola And Witney Carson
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson get a visit from Carrie Ann Inaba during rehearsal for their contemporary dance. Danny explains that he’s dedicating his dance to his late football coach, Mike Leach. Danny says Coach Leach was an “instrumental character” in his life and career.
Carrie Ann says that Danny needs to channel his emotions into his dance as a way to say goodbye to his coach, which is somewhat weird, but it’s DWTS and we’re going with it.
Danny and Witney’s contemporary dance to “Unsteady (Erich Lee Gravity Remix)” by X Ambassadors is impressive, particularly with all of the acrobatics Witney incorporated into the routine. Danny genuinely seems emotional at the end of the performance. Carrie Ann calls the performance a “breakthrough.” Derek Hough says it’s always beautiful when athletes like Danny come on the show and embrace the art of dance. Bruno Tonioli calls it their best performance so far and offers Danny three special words:
Final scores: 9/9/9/9
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach are performing a rumba, which is fine until Dwight says he’s dedicating his performance to his five children. The rumba is normally viewed as a more seductive dance, but Derek Hough says he thinks the rumba is really about love and that can be about familial love. Whatever you say, Derek.
Dwight says he always encourages his kids to “shoot for the stars,” so when we find out that Dwight and Daniella are dancing to a song called “Shoot For The Stars” by Dwight Howard, it’s very confusing. Apparently, Dwight actually recorded a children’s album back in 2010 called “Shoot For The Stars.” Who knew?
Derek says that Dwight oozes “pure joy.” Mark Ballas says he gets a lot of joy from watching him dance, but it lacked hip action. And Carrie Ann Inaba says the message of the dedication was powerful, but he needs to remain focused.
Final scores: 7/8/7/7
Phaedra Parks And Val Chmerkovskiy
After what many considered to be unfair scoring last week by Gene Simmons, Phaedra Parks made a triumphant return to the dance floor after rightfully calling Gene a “ding-a-ling” in the press. She said last week was frustrating, but she’s determined to overcome it. Phaedra is dedicating her performance to her mom, who sacrificed everything to help raise her sons while Phaedra works.
Bruno Tonioli visits their rehearsal and reminds Phaedra to move more naturally and not allow her partner Val Chmerkovskiy to lead her around so much. They’re doing a rumba to “Because You Loved Me” by Céline Dion. The choreography is a little basic, but it’s not a bad performance. It’s just not on the level of Danny Amendola or Chandler Kinney.
Despite that, Carrie Ann Inaba says she’s improved and is an amazing communicator-through-dance. Derek Hough redeems the ballroom from the memory of Gene Simmons by tossing his five paddle aside when it’s his turn to judge. And Mark Ballas says she’s improved a lot, but she needs to trust Val more.
Final scores: 8/8/8/8
Brooks Nader And Gleb Savchenko
Brooks Nader says she’s dedicating her salsa to “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William to her three sisters, who supported her during her recent divorce. Carrie Ann Inaba visits their rehearsal and gives it to them straight: she says she feels like Brooks is wasting her opportunity to be great.
Brooks’ sisters are going to join her and Gleb on the dance floor, and they say that they’ll only give Gleb the stamp of approval to date their sister if they win. Once again, Brooks and Gleb aren’t hiding their flirtations, and although audiences seem tired of their shtick, the two aren’t about to give it up now.
Brooks and her three sisters start off the dance in bedazzled cowboy hats and micro shorts, shimmying around, shaking what their mama gave them. By the time Gleb joins her on the dance floor, Brooks looks more focused and confident. But by the end, there are some issues staying on beat. Derek Hough says it was a fantastic performance. Mark Ballas says it’s a very special memory for Brooks and her sisters, but Brooks needs to dig a little deeper.
Final scores: 8/8/8/8
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Joey Graziadei And Jenna Johnson
Joey Graziadei has been a sensation this season. The Bachelor star has continuously landed at the top of the leaderboard, surprising just about everyone. Tonight, he is dedicating his dance to his fiancé, Kelsey Anderson, whom he met on The Bachelor.
Bruno Tonioli is the judge advising them, so he says Joey needs to be more aware of his body on the dance floor. But, Bruno says, Joey has done so well, now there is pressure to maintain the momentum.
Joey and his partner, Jenna Johnson, are performing a Viennese waltz to “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims. It’s a moody, broady dance, and Joey fully embodies the character with his smooth turns around the floor. He keeps up with his partner in a way that makes the viewer forget who is the pro and who is the celebrity.
Bruno calls him “the king of ballroom.” Carrie Ann Inaba calls him a “phenomenal” dancer, though she points out some minor glitches. She gets booed again, but come on, audience, she’s only trying to help him. Derek Hough calls it “effortless.” Mark Ballas says Joey flies across the floor, but then he mysteriously says, “The frame is an illusion.” Mark Ballas needs to become a full-time judge because he’s so kooky, yet he’s also very thoughtful in his critiques.
Final scores: 9/9/9/9
Ilona Maher And Alan Bersten
Ilona Maher had a rough night during the last elimination. She became emotional after the judges had some tougher criticism of her and Alan Bersten’s jive on “Hair Metal Night.” Ilona’s frank response to Carrie Ann Inaba asking if she was okay (“I’ve been better, Carrie Ann”) even went viral on TikTok.
This week, Ilona is again emotional in rehearsal, saying she doesn’t want to let her partner down. She’s dedicating her rumba to “My Way” by Yseault to her teammates on the U.S. women’s rugby team. Carrie Ann advises her embrace who she is, including her femininity.
Ilona and Alan’s dance is much improved from last week, and it even includes a daring death drop. Carrie Ann calls it a vulnerable and delicate performance. Derek Hough says her dance was fluid and controlled. Mark Ballas called it “graceful, soft and beautiful.”
Ilona and Alan end up earning straight eights, but the viewers on X felt she deserved better.
I’m performing a citizens arrest of these judges for those illegal scores @ilona_maher that was all 9s AT LEAST GO OFF KWEEN
if ilona has zero fans i am dead
Guys after what Ilona was put through last week AND that amazing beautiful rumba, she deserved at least one 9
Final scores: 8/8/8/8
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Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber
Yet another couple competing this season facing “showmance” rumors, Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber are handling it a little differently than Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko. Namely, they aren’t addressing it.
Tonight, The Bachelorette star continues to prove her relatability in her choice for her dedication dance. Jenn isn’t dedicating her dance to her mother or her late football coach, but instead, she’s dedicating it to Taylor Swift.
Jenn says Taylor’s music has always helped her through hard times and it has helped her realize there is strength in being vulnerable. Derek Hough visits them at rehearsal and helps Jenn soften some of her movements.
“I am thankful for Taylor Swift’s music to be able to help me bare my soul.”
She and Sasha perform a foxtrot to “The Archer” by Taylor Swift, of course. It appears Jenn took Derek’s words to heart because she’s soft and natural throughout the entire performance. Sasha is a great dance partner for her because he really allows her to shine, so if the rumors about them are true, that’s a good sign. Derek says she still needs to work on some details, but it was a beautiful dance. Mark Ballas says she needs to work on her frame, but still said it was a great performance. Bruno Tonioli says she lost her frame a bit, but that she’s a great dancer.
Final scores: 8/8/8/8
Who Went Home During Dancing With The Stars‘ Dedication Night Elimination?
After an emotional night, in the end, someone still has to go home. The bottom three are announced: Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach and, in a complete travesty, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. There’s a gasp in the ballroom, but the hosts remind the audience that although these couples are the bottom three, they aren’t necessarily the three lowest scoring couples.
But all is made right when it’s announced that Brooks and Gleb have shown off their hip action on the dance floor for the last time. Brooks looks surprised, and even a little sad.
But is she sad because she’s been voted out, or is she sad because she won’t get to spend as much time with Gleb “working”? We’ll never know.
It appears no matter how many of her sisters join her on the dance floor, it’s not enough to make the audience like her. From the looks of it on X, fans aren’t too sad about Brooks and Gleb being given the boot.
GET OUT OF MY BALLROOM
brooks looked so… surprised???? Like girl there’s no way you weren’t seeing the hate online
BROOKS AND GLEB ARE OUT WE DID IT
THANK YOU JESUS, IM SO GLAD THEY ARE GONE
Here’s a look at where the couples landed on the leaderboard during “Dedication Night”:
|
Season 33 DWTS Couples, Night 5 |
Place |
|---|---|
|
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson |
36/40 |
|
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson |
36/40 |
|
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold |
33/40 |
|
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong |
32/40 |
|
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber |
32/40 |
|
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko – ELIMINATED |
32/40 |
|
Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy |
32/40 |
|
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten |
32/40 |
|
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagech |
29/40 |
Tune in next week to see which celebrities are eliminated next. Dancing With The Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. (ET/PST) on ABC and Disney+.
Dancing with the Stars is a popular dancing competition reality TV show airing on ABC and Disney+. The series features various celebrities who pair with professional dancers to compete in front of a panel of judges. The US version of the UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing premiered in 2005 and was originally hosted by Tom Bergeron for its first 28 seasons.
- Release Date
- June 1, 2005
- Main Genre
- Reality
- Cast
- Carrie Ann Inaba , Bruno Tonioli , Len Goodman , Tom Bergeron , Cheryl Burke , Tony Dovolani , Derek Hough , Mark Ballas , Karina Smirnoff , Maksim Chmerkovskiy , Kym Johnson , Sasha Farber , Val Chmerkovskiy , Emma Slater , Sharna Burgess
