The semifinals end with a shocking twist

On By Littum

The results are in

3 hours 53 minutes ago

After the final dance of the night, America voted to keep their favorite couple in the running for the coveted mirror ball 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 in the lurch. After much excitement, Alfonso and Julianne announced that no one was going home.

Danny turns up the heat!

3 hours 53 minutes ago

Ahead of the final performance of the night, Danny and his partner Witney worked to secure his place in the final.

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

When it came time to perform their Salsa to “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, the judges and audience agreed that their dance was spectacular.

“Man, you blew the roof off,” Derek smirked. “Literally, with Whitney, you blew it! She almost went like went to the stratosphere (it was) so impressive. The promises are 10 out of 10.”

Score: 27/30

Stephen goes for the gold

4 hours 14 minutes ago

Ahead of his Tango to “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap, Stephen told the cameras it was time to “really lock in” on rehearsals.

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

Finally, 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 persisted and impressed the judges.

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

Score: 28/30

Ilona is the picture of elegance

4 hours 24 minutes ago

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

“We really created something special and to be honest, I think I’ve found a friend for life,” she smiled as filming switched to the pair practicing their routine.

Ilona admitted that the Viennese waltz was challenging because she was not “used to” the graceful and fluid movements it requires.

“I’m a tough rugby player who loves to lift weights and run through people,” she explained. “Getting to the final would only reinforce the message that you can be elegant and graceful and that you don’t hold back from trying things you want to because of how you look or how people perceive you.”

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

“My dear, you shone tonight in that dance,” Bruno said. “The flow, the musicality, the softness where you showed vulnerability—I saw the real you, my love. And remember, sometimes a caress is much more powerful than a punch.”

Score: 29/30

Joey turns on the drama

4 hours 36 minutes ago

As Joey and Jenna prepared for the second dance of the night, Jenna noted how Joey’s best performances involved playing a character and revealed that they were going to do a Paso Doble to “Come Together” by Lennon & McCartney.

The former Bachelor star admitted he felt a lot of pressure heading into their last chance at a place in the final.

“The 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 really have room for air.”

Despite this, the duo got into character and dazzled the audience with their dramatic performance. The judges pointed out that Joey was a little ahead of the music and had a few missteps towards the end of the performance, but still offered the pair 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. “In the end, there was just a bit of a stumble to the end. Look, that doesn’t take away from how good you are.”

Score: 28/30

Chandler is ready for round 2!

4 hours 48 minutes ago

For the second dance of the night, Chandler and Brandon performed a Foxtrot to “Too Sweet” by Hozier.

During rehearsals, the actress shared how her journey continued DWTS had rekindled 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’m a very anxious person… When I dance, I just get to be present in the moment and it’s a great feeling.”

With a spot in the finals on the line, Chandler and Brandon wowed the crowd and delivered a fierce performance. While Carrie Ann praised the duo 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, saying that Carrie Ann “calls it” like she sees it, before sharing his own feedback.

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

Score: 29/30

Sexy Steve hits the dance floor!

5 hours 1 min ago

For their first dance, Stephen and his partner Rylee performed a Cha Cha to “Bailar” by Deorro with Elvis Crespo.

In a video package played ahead of his performance, the Olympian admitted that “feeling sexy isn’t really my thing” but 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 music. Despite the audience’s roaring cheers, the judges pointed out a few missteps Stephen made during the performance.

“The cheeky, fun side was like seeing a kid in a candy store, not quite Ricky Martin yet, but you caught the feel of the dance,” Bruno said. “You got everyone enjoying themselves. You got everyone in the party mood.”

Score: 25/30

Danny shows another side of himself

5 hours 12 minutes ago

This season, Danny has been an unexpected underdog and heading into the semi-finals, the NFL player was determined to land at the top of the rankings with this week’s performances.

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

As the two began their Viennese waltz to “Gravity” by John Mayer, Danny and Witney epitomized emotion and grace as they moved as one through the performance.

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

Score: 27/30

Ilona brings the passion

5 hours 21 minutes ago

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

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

The rugby player and her partner Alan’s Paso Doble to “Unholy (Orchestral Version)” by Sam Smith and Kim Petras had the audience on their feet with their sexy and powerful performance.

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 became emotional. “You started with the low scores. You’ve proven your worth in so many ways. This show is about transformation. You’ve made such an incredible transformation.”

Score: 28/30

Joey is determined to make DWTS history

5 hours 33 minutes ago

Last week, Joey and his partner Jenna came second in the rankings. Although they received glowing scores from judges, they got the former Bachelor was determined to finish this week on top.

“I want to be part of the celebration, but I also want to get back to business,” Joey said in his video package. “There has never been a male bachelor in Dancing with the stars final and the crazy thing is if I do it, it will be Dancing with the stars history.”

Joey did exactly what he set out to do and delivered an amazing Foxtrot to “I Won’t Dance” by Erin Boheme with District 78. The audience rose to their feet after their performance and the duo received high praise from the judges.

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

Score: 30/30

Chandler is getting spicy!

5 hours and 45 minutes ago

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

In preparation for her Salsa to “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé with her partner Brandon, the two went to a Salsa bar to find the Latin flavor she needed.

“I’m going to 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 crowd as they moved smoothly across the dance floor, thrusting their hips and delivering a jaw-dropping performance.

“You’re so spicy and there’s a new side of you that’s coming out. There’s a comfort that’s happening,” Carrie Ann gushed. Despite the glowing praise she received from the audience and fellow judge Bruno, Derek admitted the dance was more like a Cha Cha than a Salsa.

Score: 29/30

Joey takes Ilona to ‘Bachelorette’ school

6 hours 2 minutes ago

Before the big episode of the night, fv Bachelor star29, the rugby player, 28, gave a few tips on how to be the leading lady on her very own season of the ABC dating show.

“So I’ve heard that a lot of people want you to maybe be the Bachelorette,” he began in Ilona’s TikTok video Saturday, November 17 “But I will train you for it, I will make you ready.”

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

“Joey teaches me to be the next Bachelorette because you guys keep spreading rumors,” she captioned the video before captioning the clip, “I think if I do I’m going to have a real problem with be nice to the men.”