Dwight Howard Eliminated on DWTS, Disappoints Fans as Ilona Maher, Nedoroscik Advance
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacek
Featured Columnist IVNovember 13, 2024
Dwight Howard will not be adding a Dancing With the Stars championship to his 2020 NBA championship.
The former NBA big man was eliminated in Tuesday's episode, which was also the 500th episode in the show's history. That history was the theme, as couples paid tribute to former memorable performances while adding their own style to the dances.
What's more, there was also an instant dance challenge where competitors learned about the dance style and song just five minutes before performing.
Ultimately, Howard was the one who was sent home after the judges' scores were combined with the live voting. The other athletes had better luck, as Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and partner Alan Bersten were announced as the first couple to be safe.
Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and partner Rylee Arnold, as well as former NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola and partner Witney Carson, also advanced to the semifinals.
Social media had some reactions to Howard's exit:
hailey @hails4322i'm sorry, but did anyone else notice how Dwight just kinda stood there at the costumes like he just didn't wanna do this? i need this man to go home tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DWTS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DWTS</a> <a href="https://t.co/knBZeIQ1vR">pic.twitter.com/knBZeIQ1vR</a>
J.T @J_T2002I knew Dwight wasn't going to be good but I didn't know he was going to be this bad. See what happens when you can't hide behind lifts. This also goes for Danny. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DWTS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DWTS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZFwj9SbCzE">pic.twitter.com/ZFwj9SbCzE</a>
Sara Vicarel @SaraVicarelI agree that it's time for Dwight to go, but I can't help but commend his good sportsmanship and thankfulness to the judges. If he loses, he'll be the best, most graceful loser the show has ever seen. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dwts?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dwts</a>
Howard and partner Daniella Karagach performed an Argentine Tango and did fairly well before attempting a paso doble during the instant dance challenge.
They didn't do enough to impress the judges or the live audience members who were voting, which meant an end to their run.
At least he can still fall back on a list of accomplishments that includes that championship, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight All-NBA selections and eight All-Star Game nods because he was unable to match the results of his fellow athletes in this competition.