DWTS Season 33 Semifinals Results: Who Went Home and Full Leaderboard Scores

The penultimate episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 showcased the remaining five couples as they vied for a position in the highly anticipated finale. After a night featuring two distinct rounds of choreography—the Ballroom round and the Latin round—the competition reached its emotional peak with the reveal of the finalists and the departure of a fan-favorite athlete. This comprehensive review breaks down the DWTS Season 33 Semifinals Results: Who Went Home and Full Leaderboard Scores, analyzing the technical execution and the judges' critiques that defined the evening. View Semifinals Performance Highlights

The Stakes of the Season 33 Semifinals

As the competition narrowed down to the final five, the pressure reached an all-time high. The semifinals represent the ultimate hurdle for the celebrities, as it is the last opportunity to prove their technical growth and emotional connection to the audience before the Mirrorball Trophy is within reach. In Season 33, the talent pool remained exceptionally deep, featuring a mix of Olympic athletes, reality TV stars, and professional actors. The format for the night required each couple to perform two full routines: one ballroom style they had not yet mastered and one high-energy Latin dance.

The judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli—maintained a rigorous standard, emphasizing that at this stage, "good" was no longer sufficient. "The semifinals are where we separate the dancers from the performers," Derek Hough noted during the broadcast. The scores reflected this scrutiny, with several couples earning near-perfect marks while others struggled to maintain consistency across both rounds. The tension in the ballroom was palpable as the live audience and viewers at home awaited the results that would determine the final four.

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: Technical Excellence

Chandler Kinney and her professional partner Brandon Armstrong entered the semifinals as the consistent frontrunners of the season. Known for her precision and background in dance, Kinney faced the challenge of meeting the judges' increasingly high expectations. In their first round, the pair performed a Viennese Waltz that was praised for its fluidity and romantic storytelling. The judges highlighted Kinney’s exceptional frame and her ability to maintain a professional level of technique while conveying deep emotion.

In the second round, Kinney and Armstrong pivoted to a high-octane Paso Doble. This performance showcased Kinney’s versatility, shifting from the softness of the waltz to the sharp, aggressive movements required for the Latin style. The routine earned a perfect score, cementing her position at the top of the leaderboard. Bruno Tonioli described the performance as "a masterclass in power and poise," noting that Kinney had successfully transitioned from a talented student to a true contemporary artist.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: The Season's Dark Horse

Joey Graziadei, the former "Bachelor," continued his upward trajectory alongside pro Jenna Johnson. Throughout Season 33, Graziadei has been lauded for his work ethic and natural rhythm. For the semifinals, the duo tackled a Foxtrot followed by a Contemporary routine. The Foxtrot was noted for its classic elegance, though the judges offered minor critiques regarding Graziadei’s shoulder placement during the more complex transitions.

However, it was their Contemporary piece that truly resonated with the audience. Dedicated to Graziadei’s journey of self-discovery, the dance featured intricate lifts and a raw, vulnerable energy. Jenna Johnson’s choreography utilized Graziadei’s athletic strength to create visually stunning moments that left Carrie Ann Inaba in tears. The judges were unanimous in their praise for his emotional growth, awarding the pair a near-perfect score for the round. This performance solidified Graziadei’s status as a serious contender for the Mirrorball Trophy, proving that his popularity was backed by genuine skill.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: The Power of Personality

Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold remained the season's most energetic pair. Nedoroscik’s journey has been defined by his ability to translate his gymnastic prowess into the world of ballroom dance. In the semifinals, they performed a Tango and a Cha-Cha. The Tango was a test of Nedoroscik’s discipline, requiring him to temper his explosive energy with the sharp, controlled movements of the dance style. While the judges noted some technical inconsistencies in his footwork, they praised his focus and commitment to the character.

The Cha-Cha allowed Nedoroscik to return to his high-energy roots. The routine was packed with personality and fast-paced sequences that played to the strengths of the "Pommel Horse King." Rylee Arnold’s choreography was specifically designed to highlight Nedoroscik’s charisma, which has made them a fan favorite throughout the season. Despite not having the highest technical scores of the night, their combined total and the massive "Arnold-Nedoroscik" fan base kept them safely in the running for the finale.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: Emotional Resilience

Rugby star Ilona Maher has been the emotional heart of Season 33. Alongside Alan Bersten, Maher has used her platform to promote body positivity and strength. Their semifinal performances included a Waltz and a Jive. The Waltz was a breakthrough moment for Maher, who has occasionally struggled with the softer, more traditional aspects of ballroom dance. The judges commended her for her grace and the visible confidence she has gained since the premiere episode.

Their Jive was a stark contrast, requiring speed and precision. While Maher’s height and athletic build presented challenges for the quick-stepping nature of the Jive, her performance was filled with joy and determination. "You are an inspiration to so many," Carrie Ann Inaba remarked, acknowledging that Maher’s journey was about more than just the scores. While they landed toward the bottom of the leaderboard based on judges' points alone, the viewer vote continued to be a powerful factor in their survival throughout the competition.

Full Leaderboard Scores: Semifinals Breakdown

The scores from the semifinals were a combination of two rounds of individual performances. Below is the breakdown of the total judges' scores for each couple:

• Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong: 58/60 (29/30 Waltz + 29/30 Paso Doble)
• Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson: 57/60 (28/30 Foxtrot + 29/30 Contemporary)
• Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold: 54/60 (27/30 Tango + 27/30 Cha-Cha)
• Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten: 53/60 (27/30 Waltz + 26/30 Jive)
• Danny Amendola & Witney Carson: 52/60 (26/30 Viennese Waltz + 26/30 Salsa)

The leaderboard reflected a very narrow margin between the contestants, emphasizing that the final decision would lean heavily on the public's participation. With only six points separating the first and fifth positions, every single viewer vote became critical in determining the final four.

Who Went Home? The Final Elimination

The elimination segment of the DWTS semifinals is historically one of the most stressful moments of the season. After the scores were tallied and the viewer votes were integrated, the five couples stood center stage to hear their fate. In a season filled with surprises, the tension was high as host Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced the couples who were safe and moving on to the finale.

Ultimately, it was Danny Amendola and Witney Carson who were eliminated. Despite a valiant effort and significant improvement throughout the season, the former NFL star fell just short of the finale. Amendola’s journey was characterized by his transition from a professional athlete to a graceful performer. His partnership with Witney Carson was highly praised for its chemistry and creative choreography. In his parting words, Amendola expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating, "I’ve learned so much about myself through this process, and I’m so proud of what Witney and I accomplished."

The Road to the Finale

With Danny Amendola’s departure, the Season 33 finalists are officially set: Chandler Kinney, Joey Graziadei, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Ilona Maher. Each finalist brings a unique strength to the grand finale. Kinney offers technical perfection, Graziadei provides emotional depth, Nedoroscik brings infectious energy, and Maher represents the power of the underdog. The upcoming finale will feature the highly anticipated Freestyle round, where the couples are given total creative freedom to impress the judges and the public one last time.

As the countdown to the crowning of the new Mirrorball champion begins, fans are debating which of these four talented individuals will take home the title. The Season 33 semifinals proved that in the ballroom, anything can happen, and the final scores are only one part of the story. The connection between the dancers and the audience remains the ultimate deciding factor in the world of *Dancing with the Stars*.

Meet the Season 33 Finalists
Danny Amendola's Final Dance Highlights
The Mirrorball Trophy Season 33
Detailed DWTS Score Summaries