RECAP: “Dancing With The Stars” Season 33, Episode 9 (Semi-Finals)

BY Amy Pilott & Allie Pilott (age 9)

The Final 5 for “Dancing with the Stars” Season 33 — Chandler Kinney, Danny Amendola, Ilona Maher, Joey Graziadei, and Stephen Nedoroscik — each had to perform two dances in this week’s semifinal. It really is anyone’s game! Everyone has had their moment at the top, but now the pressure is on!

Chandler Kinney and Brandon (Salsa)

After this spicy number Allie has declared her allegiance to Chandler, stating she wants her to win. (Or Ilona, obviously!) In addition to some difficult tricks and flips, Chandler was determined to show her sexy side in addition to her technical ability. The couple received a 29/30.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna (Foxtrot)

Allie didn’t like it — and mom agreed. This may be the end of the road for Joey. It wasn’t his strongest performance and you need to rock it in the semis. However, Derek disagreed and said it was the best foxtrot he’s ever seen. What do we know? The couple received a perfect score of 30/30 (Allie vehemently disagrees).

Ilona Maher and Alan (Paso Doble)

A super powerful dance for a powerful woman! Allie didn’t think this was her best, but Ilona commanded the floor like a Matador. Bulls beware! The judges believed this was her strongest performance. She was waiting for this particular dance to show off her strength. The couple received a score of 28/30.

Danny Amendola and Witney (Viennese Waltz)

A smooth and sexy waltz, though Danny still isn’t a performer. He is an incredible athlete and while the technique is there, he lacks charisma. The couple received a 27/30 (lowest score of the night thus far).

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee (Cha Cha)

Cutie pootie Rylee started off by telling silly Stephen to bring the sexy. They are legit the most adorable couple, but sex appeal isn’t a strong suit for either of them. When it came time to dance, Rylee certainly brought it — but Stephen is still too cute to be suave. The judges were quick to point out that this wasn’t his best performance, and said they looked forward to his second dance. They received a score of 25/30 (now really the lowest score of the night).

The second dances were the only ones left for each of these couples. None of them had done these particular styles before, and we were excited to see them give it their last shot for the finale.

Second Dance: Chandler & Brandon (Foxtrot)

An INTENSE dance — very dramatic — but not so much a foxtrot. I wasn’t sure how the judges would react. Carrie Ann has consistently called out “illegal” lifts, and nothing will stop her from doing so now. I do miss Len Goodman in these moments, because he would have called this out for not being ENOUGH in hold. Regardless it was great! They received a 29/30.

Second Dance: Joey & Jenna (Paso Doble)

Allie says THIS was good! It was strong and technical. Joey’s still not a performer, but it was very powerful and classic. At the point, Derek is just giving away 10s. They received a 28/30.

Second Dance: Ilona & Alan (Viennese Waltz)

THAT WAS AMAZING. It was so pretty and elegant. So emotional. Allie said, “It’s more than 10.” And as a mom, I really cannot express enough how beautiful it is that Ilona shows girls that you can be strong and soft, calm and sexy. Ilona captivated us all this summer as an Olympic rugby player, and seeing her thrive now dancing and modeling for Maybelline just shows there is nothing this woman cannot do. Somehow this is when Derek lost his 10 paddle. They received a 29/30.

Second Dance: Stephen & Rylee (Tango)

He LOST his glasses! He was doing the dance with the specs, and then they fell off — but he continued. Honestly, he is adorable! Like, we love Stephen, but the dances aren’t as strong as some of the others. They received a 28/30.

Second Dance: Danny & Witney (Salsa)

The practice package warned us we were in for flips and tricks, and these two BROUGHT IT. I don’t know how much salsa there was, but Danny tossed her like a football and it was kinda magical. “I love it — it was really really really really good; especially the straddle flip thing,” proclaimed Allie. They received a score of 27/30 (we disagreed, so did Alfonso).

SPOILER:

…no one is going home! it looks like ABC has three hours to fill next week, so why not keep all five couples for the finale? We cannot wait to recap next week’s episode, and Allie and I are already thinking about what we can write about next. This has been super fun for us! We hope you’re enjoying it too !

What did you think of the episode? Leave your takes in the comments!

Did you miss our previous recaps? Click here for our “Dancing With the Stars” coverage.

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