‘Dancing with the Stars’ 500th Episode recap: Blasts from the past and instant dance challenges on landmark night [Live Blog]

After taking a week off for the US presidential election, “Dancing with the Stars” returns tonight, November 12, with a brand new show celebrating a landmark occasion. “500th Episode” will feature new competitive performances as well as tributes to past performances and contestants. Scroll down for our live blog for all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary as the night progresses.

With the elimination of “Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran and her partner Sasha Farber in the last episode, “Halloween Nightmares,” there are six couples remaining in contention for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson, “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson, NBA champion Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach, TV star Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong, Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten, and Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold.

The night begins with an opening number choreographed by Daniella and her husband Pasha Pashkov. There will also be a special performance set to the same music that opened the very first episode of the series back in 2005. And the competition is about to get even more intense. In addition to their regular first-round dances, which will be inspired by iconic past “DWTS” performances, the celebrities will face a fearsome second round of instant dance challenges where they won’t learn their dance style or song until five minutes before they perform it live, raising the stakes exponentially. Who will be up to the task? Follow along below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).

Cordell Martin, 7:57pm — Should be an interesting night. I have no idea who will be eliminated.

Daniel Montgomery, 7:57pm — I wonder how the instant dance challenge will go. Could be an interesting train wreck lol

CM, 7:57pm — Yeah I think it’s going to expose a few of the contestants lol. Who do you guys think is going home?

Jeffrey Kare, 7:58pm — Dwight.

CM, 7:58pm — I think Dwight could stay depending on how well he does with the Argentine tango. I’m just hoping Chandler doesn’t go. Both she and Brandon deserve to be in the finale.

DM, 7:58pm — I’m nervous for Ilona and Stephen. I have a feeling Dwight has a fan base.

CM, 7:59pm — Yeah Dwight could sneak by another week.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Contemporary)

DM, 8:05pm — They’re paying tribute to a contemporary routine by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker. Riker was the runner-up that season, so that’s a tough act to follow.

CM, 8:05pm — Interesting to see Joey going first

JUDGES — Bruno Tonioli thought it was powerful and deeply felt, beautifully choreographed and well performed. Carrie Ann Inaba thought it was beautiful, but lacked a bit of rawness. Derek Hough disagrees, he thought Joey was solid and supportive in the lifts.

DM, 8:10pm — Good dance, Joey was emotionally connected in his expression, coulda used more expression in the body

JK, 8:10pm — From start to finish, that whole performance was BREATHTAKING!

CM, 8:10pm — Solid routine. Not one of my favorites from him, but will be another top scoring dance from him. Oh so carrie Ann is going to channel her inner Len tonight lol

SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Bruno (9) = 28 out of 30

CM, 8:11pm — And watch her give Chandler a 10 and Derek gives her a 9 lol. I agree with Carrie Ann and Bruno on the score.

DM, 8:12pm — Same, the 10 was a little excessive for that routine. Save a little room for later, Derek lol

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Quickstep)

DM, 8:14pm — They’re recreating quickstep made famous by Julianne Hough and Helio Castroneves.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann called it fantastic, he was sharp and clean, but there was one moment where he was out of sync. Derek thought it was like a fizzy drink, it put a smile on his face. The frame was a little bit rounded here and there. Bruno calls it full-throttle, but with a lightness on the footwork. And he gets tense in frame.

DM, 8:19pm — One of Danny’s better dances, loved the choreography. I’d give a 9

JK, 8:19pm — Very classy! Very energetic! Very fun!

CM, 8:19pm — Very fun routine. Danny came alive on the dance floor. I agree I would give a 9 as well.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30

JK, 8:21pm — The judges agree with you guys.

DM, 8:21pm — As well they should.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Argentine Tango)

DM, 8:24pm — He got the first 10 of the season in the last episode. I think Carrie Ann got a little carried away there haha. They’re recreating James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess’ Argentine tango.

JUDGES — Derek thought it was cleverly handled with their height difference, it was captivating. Bruno thought it was effective. Carrie Ann thinks they’re the most innovative couple, they performed with strength and commitment, but she wanted to see more of Dwight dancing.

DM, 8:28pm — Daniella was phenomenal in that dance. Dwight partnered her very well and excelled in the lifts, but he was otherwise just kinda walking through it.

CM, 8:29pm — yeah I agree that Dwight walked around a lot through the routine. I will say that it was entertaining and may keep him out of elimination.

JK, 8:29pm — Middle of the road at best.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 26 out of 30

DM, 8:30pm — Carrie Ann kinda on point with that one.

CM, 8:30pm — Carrie Ann is actually making sense tonight lol

JK, 8:30pm — She must’ve learned her lesson from two weeks ago.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Viennese Waltz)

DM, 8:30pm — It’s going to be very difficult for Stephen to match a Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas dance. She was basically a pro, but Mark Ballas is there to guide Stephen through it during rehearsal.

JUDGES — Bruno thought it was elegant and he figured out the lyricism he had been lacking. Carrie Ann was never taken out of the dance by some kind of mistake or misstep. Derek loved the emotional tone, he could see the work Stephen put into his technique and timing.

DM, 8:35pm — Not Charli D’Amelio good for Stephen, but that was lovely, controlled, and beautifully paced.

JK, 8:35pm — Definitely one of his better dances in a while.

CM, 8:35pm — Beautiful routine. He needed it tonight

SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (9) = 29 out of 30

JK, 8:36pm — He just came so close to a perfect score.

DM, 8:37pm — I actually agree a little more with the 9, but I like Stephen so much I’m really happy to see him get the 10s.

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Argentine Tango)

DM, 8:39pm — They will recreate a dance by Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler. I’m ready for Chandler to get those perfect 10s across the board.

JUDGES — Derek preferred this dance to his own, it was smooth as silk, and slick. Bruno is breathless, she blended beauty and danger like an unpredictable panther. Carrie Ann thinks she’s the most powerful female dancer she’s ever seen on the dance floor, it was fire.

DM, 8:42pm — Give that girl her 10s. That was spot-on.

JK, 8:44pm — MAGNIFICENT!

CM, 8:44pm — Yes Chandler! That was amazing! She better get a 30!

SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30

DM, 8:49pm — No one has gotten the same score tonight. I like that the judges are mixing it up and getting it right for the most part.

CM, 8:49pm — Alright fans make sure to vote for her

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Quickstep)

DM, 8:49pm — They’re recreating Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold. Another iconic duo to try to recreate. It’s going to be tough.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was amazing, everything was great and clean. Derek says she bounced back from last week. Bruno thought she refined her footwork.

DM, 8:52pm — Wow, that was fun, clean, and confident. Ilona looked like she was never doubting herself. Maybe her best dance?

JK, 8:53pm — Well put together and very creative.

CM, 8:53pm — Kudos to Ilona for letting loose and going for it.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 28 out of 30

INSTANT DANCE CHALLENGE

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Rumba)

DM, 8:56pm — Poor Joey having to go first in the first round and now having to go first on this wild new challenge.

DM, 9:01pm — Okay, so it’s not totally out of the blue for the contestants, they had a chance to practice the four possible dance styles during the rehearsals week.

JUDGES — Bruno noticed heel leads, but for the time it was good. Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful and lyrical, and the partnership pulled it together. Derek thinks he has great musicality, though he also noticed the improper heel leads.

DM, 9:02pm — Pretty clean and polished for Joey under the circumstances.

JK, 9:03pm — I’d say that was smooth sailing.

CM, 9:04pm — Pretty impressive.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Jive)

DM, 9:05pm — Another fast-paced dance after their quickstep, so this might work out for them. Unless they spent their energy on their first dance.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was safe and clean after a slow star. Derek thinks jive was especially hard for this challenge. Bruno thought the timing was on and off, but the performance value was on the whole time.

DM, 9:11pm — Danny struggled at a couple of moments, but he got it together quickly with Witney’s help.

JK, 9:12pm — That was a fun routine.

CM, 9:14pm — I agree it was a bit slow at the beginning but picked up at the end

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30

DM, 9:14pm — Fair scores.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Paso Doble)

DM, 9:15pm — Looked like Daniella was kinda dreading the dance style they randomly drew. I’m more worried for him than I am for anyone else.

JUDGES — Derek thought it was impressive, though it had timing issues and was a little flat. Bruno says you have to be so in the time to get it right. Carrie Ann thought there were some mess-ups, but she’s proud of how he handled himself.

DM, 9:21pm — Dwight’s was definitely the roughest of the instant dances so far. But solid effort all things considered.

CM, 9:22pm — Yeah that was a bit rough. Definitely in the bottom two.

JK, 9:22pm — He gave it his best shot, but still wasn’t great.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30

DM, 9:24pm — Oof, 7s at this late stage of the competition is rough, but honest.

CM, 9:24pm — Yeah I agree. We’ll see if his fan base comes through

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Jive)

DM, 9:25pm — They’re repeating their week one dance, which was our first indication that Stephen had a lot of promise, but some timing issues. The question is whether he can handle the timing without a lot of opportunity to rehearse.

JUDGES — Bruno thought the timing was better, but there was a mistake. Carrie Ann still sees the tempo issues, but she was happy with his happy feet. Derek smiles when he watches Stephen dance, there were timing problems, but he steadied himself and got back on track.

DM, 9:31pm — That was an excellent jive for Stephen. His timing was even better than it’s been in the past.

JK, 9:32pm — He’s really getting back in business!

CM, 9:32pm — Much improved from his first jive.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 25 out of 30

DM, 9:34pm — I’m really liking the scoring tonight. The judges are critical, but enthusiastic when it’s warranted. Not too high, not too low, just right.

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Cha Cha)

DM, 9:35pm — Chandler seemed more excited about this dance style than Brandon is.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann says she’s owning the ballroom tonight. Derek says she ate and left no crumbs, the leg action was beautiful. Bruno thought her hips were magnificent, the placement and finishes and leg action were spot-on.

DM, 9:41pm — Girl did the thing. I have no idea how she put that together so cleanly at a moment’s notice.

JK, 9:42pm — Impressive!

CM, 9:42pm — Get it Chandler! Tonight was her night.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30

DM, 9:43pm — I’m stunned that they basically made it up as they went along at the end of the dance. Those 10s were well deserved.

CM, 9:44pm — Well deserved. Fans don’t screw this up.

JK, 9:44pm — We definitely need to keep our fingers crossed for that.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Salsa)

DM, 9:45pm — She killed her first routine just when she needed it the most. Now she needs to do it again, following Chandler’s perfect score. Again.

CM, 9:46pm — Not “Da Dip” lol

DM, 9:46pm — Don’t hate, I love “Da Dip” haha

JUDGES — Derek was impressed, and when it doubt, shake it out and lift it out. Bruno gives them credit, but they almost crash landed three times, and the things that went right were good. Carrie Ann thought it was clean and showed how far she’s come.

DM, 9:52pm — Those last lifts were janky as hell, but the rest of that routine was a really strong, clutch performance by Ilona.

JK, 9:52pm — Not as good as the previous dance, but still solid.

CM, 9:53pm — I love it too lol. Solid routine. They should’ve left out the lifts

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30

JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD

1. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong — 30 + 30 = 60
2. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson — 28 + 27 = 55
3. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold — 29 + 25 = 54
4. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten — 28 + 24 = 52
5. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson — 27 + 24 = 51
6. Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach — 26 + 22 = 48

RESULTS

CM, 9:55pm — I think the bottom two will be Dwight and possibly Danny or Ilona.

JK, 9:56pm — I’m thinking the same thing.

DM, 9:58pm — Safe celebs are Ilona Maher (whoa, she’s got some fans!), Stephen Nedoroscik (whew, I’m really happy for him), Danny Amendola (not looking good for Dwight). The eliminated celeb is … Dwight Howard.

CM, 10:01pm — Not surprised

DM, 10:01pm — I think that was the right result, I like the way the season is shaping up

CM, 10:01pm — Me too. Next week is going to be a nail biter.

JK, 10:02pm — I’m glad we didn’t get another shocking elimination in a row.

CM, 10:02pm — Listen I’m glad Chandler made it.