Dancing with the stars marks a turning point!
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the long-running competition dance show will hit its 500th episode, and in PEOPLE’s exclusive look back at the show’s most iconic moments, ABC celebrates the stars, pros and judges who made the feat possible.
“Almost 20 years, Dancing with the stars won us all over, and on Tuesday we’ll celebrate our 500th episode together,” the voiceover narrates as the video flashes back to 2005 and fast-forwards to 2024.
The short clip features some of the show’s most iconic moments and viral performances from celebrities including JoJo Siwa, Charli D’Amelio and current contestant Dwight Howard. Famous faces are also treated to a blast from the past as host Alfonso Ribeiro and judge Derek Hough’s shots compete on screen.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach in ‘Dancing with the Stars’.
Dancing with the Stars/Instagram
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“21 Emmys, 394 stars, 51 pros and 32 winners,” the voiceover continues over photos of contestants celebrating their wins.
“Spectacular!” The late judge Len Goodman’s voice echoes across the screen as he blows a kiss to the winning couple. The flashback suddenly turns emotional as a photo of Goodman flashes across the video.
“We were shocked and saddened by the news of Len Goodman’s passing,” says Alfonso before the announcement: “As a tribute to him, we’ve redesigned and renamed our ultimate award — the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy.”
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Mirror Ball Trophy.
Eric McCandless via Getty
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As the dancers strike striking poses and fly across the stage, judge Bruno Tonioli exclaims, “Another hit!” while Carrie Ann Inaba notes, “We saw moves like this hall has never seen before!”
“Join us in celebrating 500 episodes Dancing with the stars,” the voice continues as the crowd cheers.
On April 22, 2024, Goodman died of bone cancer while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kent, England. He was 78 years old.
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Len Goodman holds 10 on ‘Dancing with the Stars’. Adam Taylor/ABC via Getty Alfonso Ribeiro promises ‘DWTS’ season 32 will honor Len Goodman’s legacy: ‘There won’t be a dry eye’
His manager Jackie Gill told BBC News that Goodman was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that Len Goodman has passed away peacefully at the age of 78,” Gill said in a statement. “A much loved husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.”
In addition to his beloved role on DWTS as head judge, the uk born television personality was also head judge at Strictly Come Dancingthe British version of the dance competition series. The series ran from 2004 to 2016, with Goodman appearing in all seasons.
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Dancing with the stars airs Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education