‘DWTS’ judge Derek Hough praises Chandler Kinney for improving his dancing

The student has become a champion…

On Tuesday night’s 500th episode of Dancing with the stars, contestants were tasked with a unique challenge — recreating some of the show’s most memorable dances from the past 20 years. But only Chandler Kinney and pro partner Brandon Armstrong had to recreate a dance originally performed by one of the judges.

The duo recreated the Argentine Tango that Derek Hough choreographed for himself and partner, Kellie Pickler, back in Season 16. And Hough proclaimed their version of the routine better than his own.

“Comparison is inevitable,” Hough told the pair. “But I preferred this one. I really did. That’s a huge compliment. Your approach was sharp and a little different. You made it smooth as silk – the accuracy, the intensity, it was just so smooth.”

That’s high praise considering Hough and Pickler went on to win their season. But Hough was on to something with his remarks as the routine gave Kinney and Armstrong the first perfect score of Season 33.

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Scoring all 10s from the panel, they caused mayhem at the judges’ table when Bruno Tonioli passed out in Hough’s lap (and the pair appeared to kiss until Carrie Ann Inaba joked that it was a “family show”).

The 30 points placed Kinney and Armstrong atop the leader board going into the Instant Dance Challenge. Throughout this season, fans have complained that Kinney has been judged more harshly due to her dance background and high performance level. But she and Armstrong finally got the praise many felt they deserved all season.

Dancing with the stars sent on Tuesdays at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.