Who Went Home on Dancing with the Stars? Season 33 Week 8 Semifinals Recap & Scores
Unexpected exits and jaw-dropping performances shake up the competition’s final stretch!
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Who Was Eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 8? Season 33 Semifinals Full Recap
The stakes were higher than ever as Dancing with the Stars Season 33 reached its electrifying Week 8—Semifinals. With the competition tighter than in any prior round and the finale looming, each dancing duo pulled out all the stops. The night featured stunning performances, heartfelt journeys, and ultimately, a tense elimination that shocked fans across the nation.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Semifinals Format & Special Challenges
- Week 8 Semifinals: Full Scorecard
- Performance Highlights & Judge Insights
- Who Was Eliminated?
- What Happens Next?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Week 8 Brings Drama and Effortless Elegance
Season 33’s remaining couples entered the semifinals with nerves on edge and a burning desire to make it to the grand finale. Over eight action-packed weeks, stars and their pro partners had wowed audiences and judges alike with their commitment and creativity. But it’s the semifinals where legends are forged—and dreams can be dashed in an instant.
Semifinals Format & Special Challenges
This week, the semifinalist teams faced not just the regular two-dance format, but also a unique tribute to the history of the show. Here’s what made Week 8 especially challenging:
- Two Unlearned Dances: Each pair had to perform one ballroom and one Latin dance style they hadn’t yet tackled this season.
- Iconic Dance Reinterpretations: In celebration of DWTS’ 500th episode, couples were tasked with reimagining iconic performances from past seasons, updating choreography and infusing it with their own personality and technique.
- Instant Dance Challenge: In a twist, contestants had to perform a second routine—learning the music, locking in choreography, and making last-minute costume choices with only five minutes’ notice. True adaptability under pressure!
Week 8 Semifinals: Full Scorecard
Below is a table summarizing the semifinalists, their scores, their two dance styles, and the outcome for each pair:
| Celebrity & Pro | First Dance | Second Dance | Total Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joey & Jenna | Tango – 36 | Contemporary – 22 | 58 | Safe |
| Chandler & Brandon | Jive – 33 | Foxtrot – 25 | 58 | Safe |
| Ilona & Alan | Jive – 26 | Salsa – 31 | 57 | Safe |
| Danny & Witney | Paso doble – 30 | Jive – 24 | 54 | Safe |
| Stephen & Rylee | Foxtrot – 32 | Tango – 21 | 53 | Safe |
| Dwight & Daniella | Paso doble – 29 | Instant Dance – 22 | 51 | Eliminated |
Performance Highlights & Judge Insights
The semifinals brought out the best and, at moments, the most vulnerable sides of each star. Below, we explore key routines, memorable judge commentary, and the moments that defined the night.
1. Joey & Jenna — Top of the Leaderboard
- Tango: The couple delivered a fierce tango to “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions, earning the night’s single 36 (all 9s!) from the judges, who praised their sharp technique and electrifying connection.
- Contemporary: Their second routine was intensely emotional, reinterpreting a beloved number from season 20, cementing their place as frontrunners.
2. Chandler & Brandon — Consistency Pays Off
- Jive: Chandler’s athletic energy and sharp kicks wowed the audience, resulting in another 33 points for their vibrant jive.
- Foxtrot: Their foxtrot carried grace and precision, pushing their total to an impressive 58.
3. Ilona & Alan — Redemption Arc
- Jive: Despite a stumble, Ilona and Alan showed remarkable recovery, landing a respectable 26.
- Salsa: Their Salsa to “Da’ Dip” was lively and fun, demonstrating strong improvement and impressing the entire judging panel.
4. Danny & Witney — Dynamic but Vulnerable
- Paso doble: The opening routine received generous applause for drama, though minor timing issues kept Danny just shy of the top.
- Jive: Their energetic jive was athletic, though the judges noted subtle hiccups contributed to their slightly lower score.
5. Stephen & Rylee — A Night of Highs and Lows
- Foxtrot: Their foxtrot was classic and charmingly executed, earning praise for lines and musicality.
- Tango: Stephen lost his glasses mid-routine but powered through, earning a 10 from Carrie Ann Inaba in a heartwarming judging moment.
6. Dwight & Daniella — Bittersweet Send-Off
- Paso doble: The pair gave their all, but judge feedback indicated Dwight struggled to match Daniella’s lines due to their height difference.
- Instant Dance Challenge: Despite the additional stress, Dwight and Daniella performed admirably, but ultimately fell just short of advancing to the finale.
Who Was Eliminated in the Semifinals?
After two challenging dances each and highly competitive scores, Dwight & Daniella were eliminated at the close of the Week 8 semifinals. The judges commended Dwight for his improvement and Daniella for her extraordinary choreography, noting that the eliminations are getting “nearly impossible” as every partnership now embodies growth and talent.
Reactions from the Ballroom
- Fans and fellow contestants shared emotional support for Dwight, who even joked about practicing “two left feet” in the parking lot.
- Daniella—always gracious—thanked the judges, audience, and, especially, Dwight for his commitment and joyful spirit.
What Happens Next on DWTS?
The finale is set to be an unmissable event as the top five couples now face off for the mirrorball trophy. Expect showstopping routines, tough critiques, and the crowning of Season 33’s champion. Who will claim victory? Only time—and votes—will tell.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which celebrities remain in the competition?
A: After Week 8’s elimination, the remaining celebrities are Joey, Chandler, Ilona, Danny, and Stephen, each with their professional partners.
Q: What was the special challenge this week?
A: In addition to performing two new dances each, couples participated in Instant Dance, where they had only five minutes to prepare after learning their music live.
Q: Why did Dwight & Daniella get eliminated?
A: While their effort was commendable, they received the lowest combined score after both dances, and the judges noted technical gaps that were difficult to overlook at this late stage.
Q: What was the standout performance of the night?
A: Joey & Jenna’s tango and Chandler & Brandon’s jive were heavily praised, earning top marks for technical merit, showmanship, and creativity.
Q: Is the finale schedule set?
A: Yes, the finale will air next week with the top couples performing for the final time. Voting will once again be open to viewers.
In Summary: Week 8 Semifinals Redefined the Competition
With just one show left before Season 33’s champions are crowned, the semifinals delivered suspenseful elimination, spectacular routines, and a reminder that, on DWTS, every step truly counts. Tune in for next week’s grand finale to see who will lift the coveted mirrorball trophy!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_with_the_Stars_(American_TV_series)_season_33
- https://showsnob.com/dancing-with-the-stars-season-33-semifinals-week-8-scorecard-who-was-eliminated-on-dwts-live-updates-01jd3jyp7s3f
- https://www.campustimes.org/2024/11/18/the-competition-heats-up-as-semi-finals-loom-dwts-week-8/
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64961846/
- https://parade.com/tv/who-went-home-dancing-with-the-stars-week-8-semifinals-recap-scores-2024
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