On Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 3, the ballroom transformed into a tribute to the iconic TV show Soul Train, with contestants dancing to a soundtrack of timeless hits from music legends like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, and Alicia Keys. It was a night filled with nostalgia, rhythm, and dazzling performances, as the dancers embraced the soul music vibe and brought the energy of Soul Train to life.

A Night of Soulful Tributes and Memorable Performances

This week’s episode paid homage to Soul Train, celebrating its legacy by challenging the stars to embrace styles and music that captured the heart and soul of the show. Contestants performed a variety of dance styles, including the Foxtrot, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive, and Quickstep, all infused with the essence of soul music. The evening even included a beautiful Viennese Waltz, adding to the eclectic mix of styles on display.

The opening number, choreographed by Luam, set the tone for the evening with an energetic and vibrant routine that had the audience and judges buzzing. Popin’ Pete, an alum of Soul Train and a member of The Electric Boogaloos, made several appearances throughout the night, reminding viewers of the dance culture that Soul Train helped shape. The famous Soul Train Line made a special appearance, adding a fun and authentic touch to the evening.

Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, along with judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, joined in the celebration of soul music and dance. They were also joined by guest judge Rosie Perez, a former Soul Train dancer herself. Perez brought her unique perspective to the judges’ table, emphasizing the importance of bringing “the boogie” to the performances. Her passion for dance was evident throughout the night, and her critiques helped elevate the energy in the ballroom.

Last Week's Shocking Double Elimination

Episode 2 of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 shocked fans with the first double elimination of the season. Tori Spelling, known for her iconic role in Beverly Hills 90210, and her professional partner Pasha Pashkov were sent home. Spelling’s graceful Rumba may have placed her in 10th on the leaderboard, but it wasn’t enough to keep her in the competition. Equally surprising was the elimination of socialite Anna Delvey, whose partner Ezra Sosa couldn't save their Quickstep from landing them in 11th place. Delvey, known for her controversial public image, left the ballroom with some buzz-worthy parting words. When asked by judge Julianne Hough what she took away from her time on the show, Delvey simply replied, “Nothing,” sparking conversation among fans and critics alike.

Even with these eliminations, other contestants who found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard, like actor Eric Roberts and Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson, managed to escape elimination. The double elimination rattled the competition, raising the stakes for all remaining couples moving forward.

Episode 3 Highlights: Standout Performances on Soul Train Night

Soul Train Night brought out a wide range of dance styles, allowing contestants to showcase their versatility and creativity. Among the night's top performances was a stunning Cha-Cha by actress Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong. Their hip-hop-infused routine to It’s Tricky by Run-DMC was a crowd favorite, and for the third week in a row, Chandler and Brandon topped the leaderboard with an impressive score of 36 out of 40 points. Their funky, soulful routine earned praise from all four judges.

Carrie Ann Inaba lauded their performance, saying, “You guys together, that was partnership. That was such great commitment. Amazing partnership. Cool vibe. All of the above. There.”

Guest judge Rosie Perez was equally impressed, calling Chandler’s musicality, rhythm, and passion “infectious” and adding, “Your routine personified the feeling of soul and Soul Train.”

Derek Hough complimented Brandon’s choreography, noting the seamless fusion of Cha-Cha and soul elements. “Great choreography, my man,” Derek said. “That was so good.”

Bruno Tonioli compared Chandler’s star quality to that of actress Zendaya, who competed on Season 16 of DWTS. He praised her style, content, and technique, cementing her status as a frontrunner in the competition.

Other high scorers of the night included Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, who delivered a sharp and clean Jive that featured a confident backflip by Joey. Carrie Ann was blown away by the routine, declaring, “You are so talented! It was so sharp, so clean, every movement crisp.” Guest judge Rosie Perez added, “Your sex appeal is amazing,” acknowledging Joey’s newfound confidence on the dance floor.

The Bottom of the Leaderboard and Surprising Struggles

While Chandler Kinney and Joey Graziadei impressed the judges and fans, the bottom of the leaderboard told a different story. NBA star Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karagach found themselves struggling after a lackluster Cha-Cha that left the judges disappointed. Dwight’s performance was hampered by a tight rehearsal schedule, and Carrie Ann admitted, “That was hard to watch.” All the judges agreed that more rehearsal time would have improved the performance.

Fan favorite Reginald VelJohnson, known for his role on Family Matters, also landed at the bottom with his Foxtrot routine alongside partner Emma Slater. Despite low scores, Reginald’s endearing positivity and heartwarming friendship with Emma continue to win over the audience. Carrie Ann even shed tears during her critique, saying, “There’s something so sweet and innocent when you dance that I wish I could give you tens and tens.”

No Elimination on Soul Train Night, But Hair Metal Night Looms

In a twist, no couples were eliminated on Soul Train Night, but the competition will pick up steam on October 8, 2024, with Hair Metal Night. All judges' scores and viewer votes from Soul Train Night will carry over, and the lowest-scoring couple will be eliminated after the next episode. Hair Metal Night promises to be a high-energy affair, with couples dancing to rock anthems and KISS legend Gene Simmons joining the judging panel. Fans are eager to see how Simmons will fare as a guest judge, and his rock star persona is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the ballroom.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

As the competition heats up, the pressure is on for couples like Dwight and Daniella, and Reginald and Emma, to step up their game to avoid elimination. With Hair Metal Night on the horizon, the judges will be looking for both technical prowess and showmanship.

On the other hand, Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong continue to dominate the competition, and many fans are already predicting that they could make it to the finals. Their consistent high scores and creative routines have made them the couple to watch this season.

As we head into the next round, viewers are left wondering who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short. Will fan favorites like Dwight Howard be able to recover from their struggles, or will the competition continue to be dominated by frontrunners like Chandler Kinney?

Don’t miss the next episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 airing on October 8 at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. Hair Metal Night is sure to rock the ballroom!