TV Recaps Dancing With the Stars recap: Sizzling semi-finals end with a shocking twist Five couples, two rounds of dances, one more week until the Mirrorball Trophy is awarded. By Calie Schepp Calie Schepp Calie Schepp is an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly, where she writes the script for EW's daily What to Watch podcast and covers a plethora of pop culture. She graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in journalism. EW's editorial guidelines Published on November 19, 2024 10:58PM EST Comments Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dancing With the Stars season 33, episode 9, "Semi-Finals Night." Vroom, vroom! It's full speed ahead on the road to the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing With the Stars. The semi-finals really put the stars' skills to the test, as they danced in two rounds of heated competition with one performance in a Latin style and one in a ballroom style. Disney star Chandler Kinney kicked off the show, vowing to show off her sexy side in her salsa routine. She and pro partner Brandon Armstrong even went to a salsa bar to really get into the spirit. But Latin-style dances have always been a bit difficult for Chandler to nail, and tonight's performance was no different. She still received two 10s, and later received the same score, a 29 out of 30, for her foxtrot in the second round of dances. Chandler Kinney, Brandon Armstrong. ABC Chandler Kinney's Dancing With the Stars pro partner apologizes for costing them perfect score Bachelor star Joey Graziadei said in his opening package that he wanted to "make sure our ballroom dance is the strongest of the night." And not only was his and pro partner Jenna Johnson's foxtrot the best of the night, it was one of the best judge Derek Hough had ever seen! The pair got rave reviews for their jazz-inspired number, with Bruno Tonioli saying the quality of Joey's dancing was perfection. Joey and Jenna received a perfect score of 30 for their foxtrot, but when it came to their paso doble in the second round, timing was not on their side. The judges gave the couple a 28 out of 30 — but hey, at least Derek awarded them with their first 10 for a Latin routine. Thanks Derek! Jenna Johnson, Joey Graziadei. ABC Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro partner Alan crafted a powerful paso doble that impressed the judges and showed that Ilona deserves a spot in the semi-finals. "You have proven your worth in so many ways," Carrie Ann Inaba said, holding back tears. "You’ve made such an incredible transformation.” The pair, who've built a beautiful friendship throughout the season, were also holding back tears as they received their scores, which included a 10 from Derek and a standing ovation from the crowd. Delicate, graceful, tender, stunning, radiant, vulnerable. Those were all terms used by the judges to describe Ilona's Viennese waltz in round two, which earned her her highest score yet, a 29 out of 30. Ilona Maher, Alan Bersten. ABC Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik's pro partner Rylee Arnold said she wanted to bring out "sexy Steve" for tonight's cha cha. Were they successful? Not according to Bruno, who said Stephen was less like Ricky Martin and more like a kid in a candy shop. Derek remarked that his dance lacked refined details and attention to the steps. The couple got a 25 out of 30, landing them in the bottom spot on the leaderboard after the first round of dancing. But their second dance earned them higher scores, including a 10 from Carrie Ann. She said their tango was "magic" after Stephen persevered through his glasses falling off mid dance. Rylee Arnold, Stephen Nedoroscik. ABC Julianne Hough strips down during Dancing With the Stars to deliver surprise dance NFL star Danny Amendola said he was laser focused on the competition this week, and his dedication showed in his performance, a wispy and emotional Viennese waltz. “Your bum was sticking out, not that I mind,” Bruno cheekily remarked. Danny's pro partner Witney Carson added some truly awe-inspiring lifts and tricks to their high-flying salsa for round two, but the judges gave them three nines, landing them in second-to-last place on the leaderboard. But can we get a little commotion for the leopard print floral shirt and matching hat?! Danny Amendola, Witney Carson. ABC Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough then teased the crowd by saying how heartbreaking it would to be to say goodbye to one of the beloved couples just one week shy of the finale. But luckily, our hearts won't be breaking just yet, because no one was sent home, meaning everyone will compete in the finale! And they better pull out all the stops for their freestyles. Pommel horse guy, I'm lookin' at you. DWTS season 33, episode 9 scores Here's where each couple landed on the leaderboard (after two rounds of dancing): Chandler & Brandon - Salsa + Foxtrot, 58 out of 60Joey & Jenna - Foxtrot + Paso doble, 58 out of 60Ilona & Alan - Paso doble + Viennese waltz, 57 out of 60Danny & Witney - Viennese waltz + Salsa, 54 out of 60Stephen & Rylee - Cha-cha + Tango, 53 out of 60 Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Next week, it's the super-sized season finale! There are five couples competing, three hours of dancing, and the fan-favorite freestyle round. Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.