Dancing With The Stars Season 33 has the honor of hosting the 500th episode spectacular tonight. Several former professional dancers received an invitation to return to the ballroom tonight. But there are plenty more surprises in store. Some may even bring viewers to tears.
Since 2005, DWTS has brought magic and excitement to homes all over the world. In honor of the 500th episode, producers wanted to reflect on some of the major players and events that helped bring the show to life over the years.
So what can viewers expect tonight?
DWTS Season 33 Honors The Late Len Goodman
PEOPLE obtained a sneak peek of tonight’s special episode. In a teaser, a voiceover announces DWTS has seen “21 Emmys, 394 stars, 51 pros, and 32 winners,” since its debut 19 years ago.
The individual routines for the evening will pay homage to iconic numbers performed on the show over the years. It’s the perfect opportunity for long-time fans to relive the splendor that made them fall in love with the show in the first place.
Of course, the episode is also rumored to pay homage to former head judge, Len Goodman. Len announced he would retire at the end of Season 31, sharing it was just his time and he wanted to spend more time with family. However, the ballroom expert likely knew he didn’t have much time left. He passed away just a few months later on April 22, 2023, after battling cancer.
In Season 32, Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy choreographed a stunning group number in his honor, inviting several former pros to partake.
PEOPLE’s teaser features a few glimpses of the routine, hinting there will be more tributes to Len Goodman tonight.
Check Out Tonight’s Setlist
Tonight, the top six will perform a routine inspired by one from a previous season. The setlist is as follows:
- Danny Amendola & Witney Carson – Quickstep to “Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue, inspired by Helio Castroneves & Julianne Hough from Season 5
- Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson – Contemporary to “Work Song” by Hozier, inspired by Riker Lynch & Allison Holker from Season 20
- Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach – Argentine tango to “Santa Maria (del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project, inspired by James Hinchcliffe & Sharna Burgess from Season 23
- Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong – Argentine tango to “Para Te” by Appart, inspired by Kellie Pickler & Derek Hough from Season 16
- Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten – Quickstep to “Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams, inspired by Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold from Season 25
- Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold – “Glimpse of Us” by Joji, inspired by Charli D’Amelio & Mark Ballas from Season 31
After the individual round, there will be an “Instant Dance Challenge” where the teams have mere minutes to choreograph a routine in a surprise style. Absolutely anything could happen.
Be sure to catch the full 500th episode starting tonight at 8 PM Eastern time on ABC. Keep following TV Shows Ace online for the latest DWTS coverage. Don’t miss out!