Chandler Kinney Shines: First Perfect Scores in ‘Dancing With the Stars’ History on 500th Episode

Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars reached a historic milestone on Tuesday night, celebrating its 500th episode with an evening full of nostalgia, creativity, and fierce competition. The six remaining couples took on the challenge of recreating iconic performances from past seasons with fresh choreography, leading to some unforgettable moments and the first two perfect scores of the season. The episode concluded with NBA All-Star Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karaguch being eliminated, leaving the remaining contestants to gear up for next week’s semi-finals.

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Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: A Night to Remember

The standout moment of the evening belonged to Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong, who delivered a flawless Argentine Tango that earned them the season’s first perfect score. Their performance was inspired by Judge Derek Hough’s Season 16 routine with Kellie Pickler, and it left Hough himself in awe. “Smooth as silk,” he proclaimed, adding, “I preferred this one, even over mine!” Judge Bruno Tonioli described Kinney’s performance as blending “beauty and danger,” while Carrie Ann Inaba called her “maybe the most powerful female dancer I have ever seen on this dance floor.”

The magic didn’t stop there. In the Instant Dance round, Kinney and Armstrong executed a Cha-Cha to Charli XCX’s “Apple,” showcasing their adaptability and energy. Inaba gushed, “You are owning the dance floor tonight,” and Hough remarked, “You ate that and left no crumbs.” Unsurprisingly, this routine also earned them another perfect 30, solidifying Kinney as the frontrunner of the season.

Farewell to Dwight Howard: A Heartfelt Goodbye

The evening also marked the end of the road for Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karaguch, who were eliminated after their Argentine Tango. Despite their height difference—Howard stands at 6’10″—the duo impressed judges with their innovative choreography, which incorporated a raised platform to bridge the gap. Their performance, set to Gotan Project’s “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre),” was praised for its creativity, with Inaba calling them “the most innovative out there.”

After their elimination, Howard reflected on his time on the show: “I had an amazing experience,” he said, while Karaguch praised their partnership, saying, “A lot of people said we couldn’t do it, and we did it.”

Other Highlights from the 500th Episode

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: The Power of Contemporary Dance

The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson embraced the emotional intensity of Contemporary dance with a routine inspired by Season 20’s Riker Lynch and Allison Holker. Set to Hozier’s haunting ballad “Work Song,” their performance was a story of strength and vulnerability, elevated by dramatic lifts and intricate choreography.

One of the most striking moments saw the couple start and finish their routine atop a grand piano, using the prop to add depth and dimension to their movements. Judge Bruno Tonioli called the performance “very, very powerful,” praising the dramatic staging and technical execution. However, Carrie Ann Inaba critiqued the routine for lacking the raw emotional vulnerability often associated with Contemporary dance. Inaba’s critique sparked a passionate rebuttal from Derek Hough, who insisted, “I disagree! I see you as a real contender in this competition.” The pair earned 28 points, demonstrating Graziadei’s steady improvement throughout the season.

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: A Quickstep Full of Charm

NFL star Danny Amendola and his partner Witney Carson delivered a vibrant Quickstep inspired by the legendary Season 5 routine performed by Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough. Their choice of music—“Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue—set the tone for a playful, high-energy performance that blended athletic precision with theatrical flair.

The routine incorporated hat tricks and featured four backup dancers, adding a touch of Broadway-style showmanship to the choreography. Derek Hough couldn’t hide his delight, describing the performance as “bubbly, refreshing, and it put a smile on my face.” The routine demonstrated Amendola’s growth as a dancer, as his footwork—usually seen on the football field—translated seamlessly to the ballroom. The judges awarded them 28 points, recognizing their effort to infuse fun and finesse into the demanding dance.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: Emotional Waltz Brilliance

Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold captivated both the judges and the audience with a Viennese Waltz to Joji’s melancholic hit “Glimpse of Us.” The routine, inspired by Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’ Season 31 performance, was a masterclass in elegance and restraint.

The duo’s dedication to perfecting their ballroom frame was evident, thanks in part to coaching from Mark Ballas himself. The result was a polished and emotionally evocative dance that Judge Bruno Tonioli described as “polished, elegant, and smart.” Carrie Ann Inaba, visibly moved, added, “The world needed that at this moment.” The routine earned 29 points, just one shy of a perfect score, with Derek Hough praising it for evoking genuine beauty and emotion.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: A Lighthearted Quickstep

Rugby star Ilona Maher and her partner Alan Bersten brought a sense of joy and playfulness to their Quickstep, inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s Season 25 performance. Set to Pharrell Williams’ upbeat track “Chuck Berry,” their routine showcased Maher’s ability to balance strength with lightness on the dance floor.

The judges commended their chemistry and synchronization, with Bruno Tonioli calling the routine “delightfully entertaining.” Despite the intense competition, Maher’s spirited approach stood out, earning the pair 28 points and cementing her place as a fan favorite.

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The Instant Dance Challenge: A Test of Skill and Creativity

In the second round of the evening, couples had mere moments to choreograph their routines based on randomly assigned songs and dance styles.

• Graziadei and Johnson delivered a spontaneous Rumba, earning 27 points.
• Amendola and Carson took on a challenging Jive to “Good Golly Miss Molly,” scoring 24 points.
• Howard and Karaguch performed a Paso Doble, which earned 22 points despite some missteps.
• Nedoroscik and Arnold showcased a Jive to Olivia Rodrigo’s “love is embarrassing,” scoring 25 points.
• Maher and Bersten concluded with a Salsa to Freak Nasty’s “Da’ Dip,” earning 24 points.