Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars: A New Era of Dance and Drama
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars has shimmied its way onto screens, welcoming a vibrant new cast of celebrity contestants eager to showcase their dance skills for a chance to win the coveted Mirrorball trophy. This beloved dance competition series, the American counterpart to the UK’s Strictly Come Dancing, has once again captured the hearts of audiences with its mix of talent, glamour, and unexpected twists.
A Familiar Face Returns
This season, the show has brought back fan-favorite co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who add their unique flair and charisma to the proceedings. The judging panel features returning judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, Julianne’s older brother, ensuring that the competition remains fierce and the critiques insightful. Their combined expertise promises to elevate the performances and keep contestants on their toes.
Star-Studded Contestants
Among the star-studded lineup competing this season are a diverse array of personalities, including former NBA player Dwight Howard, Bachelor franchise stars Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran, Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, and actor Reginald VelJohnson, known for his roles in Family Matters and Die Hard. Each contestant brings their unique background and story, adding layers of intrigue to the competition.
As the season progresses, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating which celebrity’s dance moves will shine and which will falter. The show airs every Tuesday at 8 PM on ABC, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
Week-by-Week Highlights
Week Two: Oscars Night, Double Elimination
The second week of competition saw the first round of eliminations, with Anna Delvey and Tori Spelling being sent home. Delvey, a controversial addition to the cast, performed a Quickstep to “Suddenly I See” from The Devil Wears Prada. After her elimination, she bluntly stated, “Nothing,” when asked what she would take away from her time on the show. Tori Spelling, who danced the Rumba to “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, expressed her sadness at leaving so soon, highlighting the close bonds formed among contestants.
Week Four: Hair Metal Night, Double Elimination
In week four, the competition intensified with a double elimination. Eric Roberts, who had struggled with low scores, performed a Paso Doble to Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” before being eliminated. He expressed gratitude for the experience and the connections made during the show. Reginald VelJohnson also faced elimination after a stiff performance of the Cha Cha to “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister, marking the end of his journey in the competition.
Week Five: Dedication Night, Single Elimination
The halfway point of the season brought another emotional elimination as Brooks Nader was sent home. She dedicated her final salsa performance to her younger sisters, reflecting on the joy and growth she experienced throughout the competition. Her partner, Gleb Savchenko, praised her talent and the unexpected journey they shared.
Week Six: Disney Night, Single Elimination
Disney Night saw Phaedra Parks eliminated after a spirited performance of “Cruella de Vil.” Despite her efforts, her combined scores placed her at the bottom of the leaderboard. Parks expressed her appreciation for her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, acknowledging his patience and support throughout their time together.
Week Seven: Halloween Nightmares, Single Elimination
In a shocking twist, Jenn Tran was eliminated despite her consistent improvement. Performing a Contemporary to “Vampire” by Olivia Rodrigo, she also participated in a Cha-Cha dance-off, which she won. However, the judges’ scores ultimately led to her departure, leaving fans outraged and questioning the decision.
Week Eight: 500th Episode, Single Elimination
The milestone 500th episode featured another elimination as Dwight Howard was sent home after weeks of viewer insistence. He and his partner, Daniella Karagach, performed a Paso Doble to “Victorious” by Panic! At the Disco. Reflecting on his experience, Howard expressed gratitude for the journey, emphasizing the achievement of overcoming challenges throughout the competition.
Conclusion
As Dancing with the Stars Season 33 unfolds, the blend of talent, drama, and emotional farewells continues to captivate audiences. Each week brings new surprises, and the journey of the remaining contestants promises to be filled with excitement and heart. With the stakes higher than ever, fans eagerly await who will ultimately take home the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition progresses!