The competition heats up at Dedication Night

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dancing with the stars Season 33, Episode 5, “Dedication Night.”

I'm not crying, you're crying! The Dancing with the stars Attendees went to great lengths at Dedication Night to honor important people in their lives who have made them the person they are today. Halfway through the competition, the dancers showed tremendous progress and many couples ended the evening tied.

The couples also received a little help from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who stopped by rehearsals to give each duo pointers at halftime. And, DWTS Alum Mark Ballas lent his ballroom expertise as a guest judge this week.

The pommel horse guy did it! Stephen Nedoroscik dedicated his Argentine tango to men's gymnastics, starting his routine the way he probably expected all season: on the pommel horse. He showcased not only his gymnastics skills, but also his dedication to learning every week. “At this stage of the competition,” said Derek, “it’s time to go one better, and you’ve done that. Tonight it was Stephen, the man.”

NFL star Danny Amendola, who has become a surprising fan favorite of late, impressed the judges and audience with his touching contemporary performance that paid tribute to his late coach Mike Leach. Fluid movements, beautiful exercises and dedication to the emotion of the exercise resulted in Danny receiving his highest score to date, 36 out of 40.

NO FIVE for Phaedra Parks! Last week, guest judge Gene Simmons gave Phaedra a five for her Paso Doble, while the rest of the judges gave her sevens. Tonight, after Phaedra gave her mother a heartfelt rumba, Derek stood up triumphantly, took out his five-paddle and smashed it, simultaneously making a subtle jab at Simmons' score and showing that Phaedra deserved better.

It was a round of redemption for Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher, who rose from last week's six to this week's eight thanks to her smooth and feminine rumba. And Danny and Witney tied for first place Bachelor Star Joey Graziadei with his romantic Viennese waltz. “I asked for a prince, you gave me a king!” said Bruno. “A king of the ballroom.”

In addition to the contestants' performances, tonight's episode delivered a dance that was nothing short of a miracle. Derek and his wife Hayley Erbert went there DWTS She's back in the ballroom for the first time since her brain surgery in 2023. Their stunning routine showcased Hayley's resilience and strength, as well as their love for each other. It would be shocking if there was a dry eye in the room or at home.

In the end, love couldn't save Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko from elimination. The couple seemingly exchanged “I love yous” on and off the ballroom upon learning they were going home.

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DWTS Scores for Season 33, Episode 5

Here's where each couple landed on the leaderboard:

Danny & Witney – Contemporary, 36 out of 40
Joey & Jenna – Viennese Waltz, 36 out of 40
Stephen & Rylee – Argentine Tango, 33 out of 40
Chandler & Brandon – Contemporary, 32 out of 40
Phaedra & Val – Rumba, 32 out of 40
Brooks & Gleb – Salsa, 32 out of 40
Ilona & Alan – Rumba, 32 out of 40
Jenn & Sasha – Foxtrot, 32 out of 40
Dwight & Daniella – Rumba, 29 out of 40

Next week, the fan-favorite Disney night returns! And for the first time this season, the stars will compete against each other in team dances.

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