Dancing with the StarsFull Recap: The Semifinals End With a Shocking Elimination Twist

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Ilona Maher, Alan Berstein, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson.Photo:Disney/Eric McCandless (2)

Disney/Eric McCandless (2)

The semifinals have come and gone!On the Nov. 19 episode ofDancing with the Stars, the five remaining couples made their way into the ballroom for the opportunity to advance to the finals and fight for the chance to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.The celebrities and the pros that remained in the competition heading into the episode were: 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.In addition to their ballroom routines, each duo to hit the dance floor to perform a Latin dance.Read on to find out who got eliminated and how all five contestants fared onDWTS.(Note: the most recent updates appear at the top, so scroll all the way down to start from the beginning of the show.)

The semifinals have come and gone!

On the Nov. 19 episode ofDancing with the Stars, the five remaining couples made their way into the ballroom for the opportunity to advance to the finals and fight for the chance to win the coveted mirrorball trophy.

The celebrities and the pros that remained in the competition heading into the episode were: 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.

In addition to their ballroom routines, each duo to hit the dance floor to perform a Latin dance.

Read on to find out who got eliminated and how all five contestants fared onDWTS.

(Note: the most recent updates appear at the top, so scroll all the way down to start from the beginning of the show.)

The Results Are InNovember 19, 2024 10:04 PM ESTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAfter the final dance of the night, America voted to keep their favorite couples in the running for the coveted mirrorball trophy.Alfonso and Julianne announced that the couples dancing in the finale were: Danny and Witney, Joey and Jenna and Chandler and Brandon.This left Ilona and Alan and Stephen and Rylee on the chopping block. After much suspense, Alfonso and Julianne announced that no one was going home.

The Results Are In

November 19, 2024 10:04 PM EST

After the final dance of the night, America voted to keep their favorite couples in the running for the coveted mirrorball trophy.

Alfonso and Julianne announced that the couples dancing in the finale were: Danny and Witney, Joey and Jenna and Chandler and Brandon.

This left Ilona and Alan and Stephen and Rylee on the chopping block. After much suspense, Alfonso and Julianne announced that no one was going home.

Danny Turns Up The Heat!

Ahead of his final performance of the night, Danny and his partner Witney put in the work to ensure his spot in the finals.

From wearing a neon green satin shirt to choreographing gravity defying lifts, the couple pulled out all the stops and took a big “risk” with the tricks they incorporated into the dance.

“My man, you blew the roof off,” Derek smiled. “Literally, with Whitney, you blew it! She almost like went to the stratosphere [it was] so impressive. The lifts are 10 out of 10.”

Score: 27/30

Stephen Goes For The Gold

November 19, 2024 09:43 PM EST

“The last few months have been nothing short of amazing,” he smiled. “I have put my mind and body through it, trying to make sure I get these dances perfect, and I’m not stopping. I won an Olympic medal, and now I’m coming for that mirrorball.”

Eventually, he and his partner Rylee hit the dance floor and delivered a powerful performance. Halfway through the dance, Stephen’s glasses flew off his face but he kept going and impressed judges.

“What you did was so impressive, I felt the triumphant moment much better than first jazz,” Derek praised.

Score: 28/30

Ilona Is The Picture of Elegance

November 19, 2024 09:33 PM EST

In a video package that played ahead of her second performance, Ilona revealed that she was dedicating her Viennese Waltz to JVKE’s “golden hour” to her partner Alan.

“We truly created something special, and honestly, I think I’ve found a friend to life,” she smiled as the footage transitioned to the couple practicing their routine.

Ilona admitted that the Viennese Waltz was challenging because she wasn’t “used to” the graceful and fluid movements it requires.

In the end, Ilona and Alan were able to create magic as they glided across the dance floor and finished their routine in a sensual embrace.

“My darling, you were radiant tonight in that dance,” Bruno said. “The flow, the musicality, the softness in which you showed vulnerability – I saw the real you, my darling. And remember, sometimes a caress is much more powerful than a punch.”

Score: 29/30

Joey Turns On The Drama

November 19, 2024 09:21 PM EST

The formerBachelorstar confessed that he felt a lot of pressure heading into their last chance at a spot in the finals.

“Competition is very tough,” he admitted in a video package. “I know how close it is, because the scoreboard has changed quite a bit, so I don’t have really any room for air.”

Despite this, the duo got into character and dazzled audiences with their dramatic performance. The judges pointed out that Joey was a bit ahead of the music and had a few missteps towards the end of the performance, but still offered the couple good feedback.

“I hate to say this, at the beginning of the routine, you were just a hair ahead of the music,” Carrie Ann said. “At the end, there was just a bit of a stumble to the end. Listen, that takes nothing away from how good you are.”

Chandler’s Ready for Round 2!

November 19, 2024 09:10 PM EST

During rehearsals, the actress shared how her journey onDWTShad reignited her love for dance and why making it to the finals would mean a lot to her.

“It’s helped me find a happiness that I haven’t felt in a long time,” she smiled. “I am a very anxious person… When I’m dancing, I just get to be present in the moment and that’s an awesome feeling.”

With a spot on the finals on the line, Chandler and Brandon wowed the crowd and delivered a fierce performance. While Carrie Ann gave the duo praise for how much they’ve grown together, she was met with boos when she pointed out that Brandon’s foot “came off the ground twice.”

Derek quickly came to her defense and said Carrie Ann “calls it” like she sees it before sharing his own feedback.

“When I was a pro on the show, there were partners that I had that brought the best out in me and made me a better dancer and a better choreographer,” Derek told Brandon. “I really feel like Brandon, that you have really grown this season.”

Sexy Steve Hits The Dance Floor!

November 19, 2024 08:56 PM EST

In a video package that played ahead of his performance, the Olympian confessed that “feeling sexy isn’t really my thing” but he was determined to put his best foot forward.

Stephen and Rylee started the dance with a bang and the gymnast was all hips as he shimmied to the beat of the music. Despite the audience’s roaring cheers, the judges pointed out a few missteps Stephen took during the performance.

“The cheeky, the funny side was like watching a child in a candy store, not quite Ricky Martin yet, but you captured the feel of the dance,” Bruno said. “You got everybody enjoy. You get everybody into a party mood.”

Score: 25/30

Danny Shows a Different Side to Himself

November 19, 2024 08:45 PM EST

This season, Danny has been an unexpected underdog and heading into the semifinals, the NFL player was determined to land on the top of the leaderboard with this week’s performances.

In a video package that played ahead of his performance with his partner Witney, Danny acknowledged how he’d have to embody elegance without any fancy lifts.

“Danny, I’m really proud of you for the way you approach these dances with true authenticity,” Carrie Ann said. “When I watch this partnership, the chemistry and this trust is really what makes the magic.”

Ilona Is Bringing The Passion

November 19, 2024 08:36 PM EST

Coming down from last week’s 10, Ilona told cameras that her biggest goal was to prove that she deserved to be in the show’s semifinals.

“This experience is one that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I don’t want it to be cut short. I think I have more to give,” she said.

The two received a standing ovation and glowing feedback from judges.

“Don’t you ever doubt your right to be here in the semifinals,” Carrie Ann praised as Ilona got emotional. “You started with the low scores. You have proven your worth in so many ways. This show is about transformation. You have made such an incredible transformation.”

Joey Is Determined to Make DWTS History

November 19, 2024 08:24 PM EST

Last week, Joey and his partner Jenna came in second place on the leaderboard. Though they received glowing scores from judges, the formerBachelorwas determined to finish this week on top.

“I want to take in the celebration, but I also want to get back to business as well,” Joey said in his video package. “There has never been a male Bachelor in theDancing with the Starsfinale and the crazy thing is that if I do it, it will beDancing with the Starshistory.”

“Honestly, the frame was so pristine, it could have been hung in a gallery. It was so incredible, truly,” Derek said. “The body contact, the frame, the smoothest strides. That was one of the best, if not the best Foxtrot I’ve ever seen!”

Score: 30/30

Chandler Gets Spicy!

November 19, 2024 08:13 PM EST

After receiving perfect scores for both her ballroom and instant dance performances last week, Chandler felt the pressure to deliver for her semi-final performances.

“I’m gonna bring all the fun, good vibes and energy into the ballroom tonight,” she smiled in a video package that played before her performance.

Chandler and Brandon dazzled the audience as they moved smoothly across the dance floor, shimmied their hips and delivered a jaw dropping lift.

“You are so spicy, and there is a new side of you that’s coming out. There’s a comfortability that’s happening,” Carrie Ann gushed. Despite the glowing praise she received from the crowd and fellow judge Bruno, Derek admitted that the dance came across more like a Cha Cha rather than a Salsa.

Joey Takes Ilona to ‘Bachelorette’ School

November 19, 2024 07:55 PM EST

“So I’ve heard a lot of people want you to maybe be the Bachelorette,” he began in Ilona’sTikTokvideo on Saturday, Nov. 17. “But I want to train you for it, I want to get you ready.”

After a few missteps, including telling Joey his “vibe has been terrible” and not all of her imaginary contestants were “my type,” Ilona eventually won his seal of approval.

“Joey teaching me to be the next Bachelorette cause y’all keep spreading rumors,” she wrote over the video, before captioning the clip, “I think if I do it, I’ll have a real problem being nice to the men."

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source: people.com