Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8 Recap: How Did the Series Celebrate Its 500th Episode?

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Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8 celebrated the show’s milestone 500^th episode. Each couple recreated and put their own spin on an iconic routine from the show’s history.

Last week, during the “Halloween Nightmares” show, Bachelorette star Jenn Tran and her partner, Sasha Farber, were eliminated. And now many DWTS judges, dancers, and fans are hoping that this duo is a romantic couple in real life. This was Jenn’s best night, so having her leave was bittersweet.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s Argentine Tango was incredible. They tied for first place on the leaderboard with Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. Chandler’s Viennese Waltz scared up a 10-paddle from Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

During the Dance-Offs, Jenn, Joey, and Dwight Howard won, adding 3 points to their scores from the evening. Of course, Chandler and Brandon were immune from the Dance Offs. Overall, it was a ghoulishly good time.

What happened in Dancing with the Stars, Season 33, Episode 8?

Each couple danced in an individual round, and they also took part in the Instant Dance Challenge. The duos found out their song and dance style a mere five minutes before they performed. They randomly selected a dance from four styles that they had performed before. I might faint, and I’m watching from home.

Plus, Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach choreographed an opening routine to Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s hit, Crazy in Love. In 2005, this song was the opener to DWTS’ first episode. Judge Derek Hough and DWTS co-host Julianne Hough danced along with the pros. Special shout out to former DWTS Sharna Burgess, who also danced in the number. This is her first time in the ballroom since Season 30. And Alfonso Ribeiro mentioned former head judge Len Goodman, which was sweet.

Who was eliminated in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8?

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach were eliminated in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8!

It was a difficult night for Dwight and Daniella. They performed an Argentine Tango to Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre) by the Gotan Project. Their routine paid homage to the sexy Season 23 performance by James Hinchliffe and Sharna. This reimagined routine had tons of crazy lifts.

Bruno Tonioli stated, “It takes away at times when you do the Tango … the stride. There is a very specific stride that is very well masked, but it worked very, very well,” he added.

Finally, judge Carrie Ann Inaba weighed in. “The way you solve the problems of your height difference is incredible,” Carrie Ann said. “I thought you performed that routine with strength and really good commitment to the movement, but I wanted to see more of you dancing.” The couple earned 26 out of 30.

Then, for their Instant Dance, Dwight and Daniella danced the Paso Doble to Victorious by Panic at the Disco. This routine had some issues. The judges mentioned a lack of oval shaping, timing problems, and slipping on Danielle’s skirt. Dwight and Daniella earned 22 out of 30 for their Paso.

After his elimination, Dwight said, “Daniella’s an amazing partner. I’m glad that she was here with me.” He added, “The show meant so much to me. I learned so much here. Thank you, everyone.”

Who got the top score of the night in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8?

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong got the highest scores in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8.

They did it again! Last week, Chandler tied for the top spot on the leaderboard with Joey Graziadei and his partner, Jenna Johnson. For this week’s dance, the couple performed an Argentine Tango set to Para Te by Apart. Their number was inspired by Season 16 champs Derek and Kellie Pickler. Chandler and Brandon’s performance was sexy and dramatic.

“Redoing a dance that has been done before is kind of tricky because comparison is inevitable. I have to say though, for me, I preferred this one. Even over mine,” Derek stated. He called the routine “smooth as silk” and “slick.”

Then Bruno weighed in. “I’m still breathless. You managed to do that very elusive quality of Cyd Charisse, which is blending beauty and danger,” he stated.

“Chandler, you are maybe the most powerful dancer, female dancer, that I’ve ever seen on this dance floor,” Carrie Ann noted. The duo nabbed a 30 out of 30, landing the first perfect score of the season.

Their Instant Dance was a Cha-Cha to Apple by Charli XCX. “Chandler, you ate that, and left no crumbs,” Derek stated. “This is the dance of a winner,” Bruno added. Once again, Chandler and Brandon nabbed a perfect score.

What were the judge’s scores in DWTS Season 33, Episode 8?

These scores included the scores from the Instant Dance Challenge.

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Viennese Waltz and Cha-Cha) – 60
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Contemporary and Rumba) – 55
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Viennese Waltz and Jive) – 54
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Quickstep and Salsa) – 52
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Quickstep and Jive) – 51
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Argentine Tango and Paso Doble) – 48

I really loved Danny and Witney’s Quickstep to Royal Crown Revue’s song, Hey Pachuco. Their number was inspired by Season 5 Mirrorball champs Hélio Castroneves and Julianne’s performance. Hélio and Julianne’s dance is one of my all-time favorites. In his rehearsal package, Danny said, “I want to show America and the judges that I can dance my ass off and have fun doing it.” Touchdown! I enjoyed seeing Danny have fun, and the choreography with the hats was awesome! The routine was fast, fun, and flirty.

And Stephen and Rylee chose to pay homage to Season 31 winners Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’ Viennese Waltz. Of course, having Mark come to rehearsals and give Stephen some pointers didn’t hurt. Their dance was fluid and graceful. “You made me feel something really beautiful tonight,” Derek told Stephen. This performance showed Stephen’s growth as a dancer. And it showed his emotional side, which we hadn’t seen before.

Final thoughts on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 8

I enjoyed seeing former winners and pros in the audience to help celebrate DWTS’s 500th episode. Next week is the semi-finals! Each couple will perform a ballroom and a Latin routine. Then we will know which dancing duos will compete for The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Obviously, Chandler and Brandon are the front-runners, along with Joey and Jenna. They have spent the most time at the top of the leaderboard. I also feel like Stephen and Rylee will grab a spot.

So, who will go home just shy of the finale? I feel like it is a toss-up between Danny and Ilona. Ilona and Alan’s Quickstep was fun and they killed it. However, in the Instant Dance round, it looked like Alan nearly dropped Ilona. And Bruno said what we were all thinking. “You two nearly gave me a heart attack. You almost crash-landed three times,” Bruno stated.

Both Danny and Ilona’s performance and scores aren’t consistent from week to week. I think it will come down to who has the better performance in the semi-finals. I can’t wait to see who will be dancing in the Season 33 DWTS finals!

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

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 33, EPISODE 8? WHICH DANCE WAS YOUR FAVORITE? WHO ARE YOU ROOTING FOR?

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