Dancing With the Stars Season 33 began with high expectations, featuring contestants like former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and Disney alum Chandler Kinney, who quickly became audience favorites. Former NBA player Dwight Howard also impressed fans early on, achieving high scores.
However, as viewers of the show know, the leaderboard can change significantly each week, and halfway through the season, new stars begin to shine.
Now, as Week 6 approaches, a different athlete—Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola—has started to make his mark.
Danny Amendola, a retired NFL player, initially didn’t stand out from the competition in Season 33. Starting out with scores that placed him in the middle of the pack, Amendola didn’t appear to be a serious contender.
But by Dedication Night, his performances started to improve noticeably, with Amendola showing more confidence and capturing the hearts of viewers.
He has earned consecutive 9s from the judges, and many are beginning to believe he has a real shot at winning the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. With dedication and a bit of luck in the fan voting, Amendola could take home the title.
Amendola’s journey on DWTS has been challenging. After years of playing football, a sport where expressions are rarely necessary, he found it difficult to appear open and engaging on the dance floor.
This lack of facial expression initially kept him from connecting with the audience in the same way that more charismatic dancers like gymnasts Stephen Nedoroscik and Joey Graziadei have been able to.
But Amendola did not give up. He worked hard, was determined to improve, and was motivated by his professional partner Whitney Carson. Carson, who he affectionately calls his “coach,” has been essential in helping Amendola grow from Week 1 to Week 6.
Beneath his serious expression, Amendola clearly wanted to make the most of his experience on DWTS. With guidance from Carson, he gradually improved his dance techniques and began expressing himself more.
Amendola performed a lively jive to the song “Danger Zone” from Top Gun and a bold paso doble to Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer.”
In these performances, he showcased his progress in using his facial expressions to enhance his dance routines.
As Amendola became more comfortable on the dance floor, he learned to use his performances to share stories and convey emotions. His partnership with Carson helped him gain self-assurance in his dancing abilities, and he grew more confident with each routine.
One significant moment came on Dedication Night, where each contestant dedicated their performance to someone special in their lives. Amendola took this opportunity to honor his late coach, Mike Leach, through a contemporary dance.
This performance required him to express grief—a complex emotion to capture through dance. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba encouraged Amendola to view the routine as a way to say goodbye to Leach, as he had not been able to do so before the coach’s passing.
Taking Inaba’s advice to heart, Amendola dedicated himself to the performance, channeling the sorrow and respect he felt for Leach, who had played an essential role in his college football career.
Afterward, Inaba described his performance as “a breakthrough,” a moment where Amendola’s emotional connection was unmistakable.
This breakthrough allowed Amendola to grow more comfortable and hopeful about his chances in the competition. On Disney Night, he loosened up and embraced the theme with a jazz number inspired by Deadpool and Wolverine.
In a playful nod to Ryan Reynolds’s character, Wade Wilson, Amendola blew a kiss at the camera, surprising viewers with his newfound charm.
His performance earned him high scores from the judges, marking another improvement. With Halloween Night on the horizon, many are curious to see how Amendola will continue to grow as a performer. His willingness to embrace feedback and connect with the audience could help him win over more fans.
Recently, DWTS has placed a strong emphasis on fan engagement, as contestants need votes from viewers to stay in the competition.
Social media has become essential, with contestants and their professional partners frequently sharing updates on platforms like TikTok. By connecting with fans online, they encourage people to vote and help them stay in the race for the mirrorball trophy.
As the competition intensifies, only seven pairs remain. For Amendola, continuing to improve his dance skills and build his fan base will be important. If he can further develop his stage presence, he may become a favorite among viewers who vote each week.
His progress has shown he deserves to be in the competition, but it’s ultimately up to the audience to decide if they prefer a contestant who is steadily improving or one they simply enjoy watching.
Regardless of the outcome, many viewers would love to see Amendola reach the final stages of the competition and prove himself as a serious contender.
As Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars moves closer to its finale, Danny Amendola’s journey continues to impress both judges and audiences.
From a hesitant start, Amendola has transformed, revealing a newfound passion and skill for dance. His growth, particularly since Dedication Night, has shown his ability to not only master routines but to also open up emotionally, connecting with viewers on a deeper level.
His tribute to his late coach, Mike Leach, highlighted a turning point where he was able to channel personal feelings into his performance, earning him respect from the judges and admiration from fans.
Amendola’s experience proves that DWTS isn’t only about technical skill—it’s about connecting with the audience and sharing a story.
As the competition narrows, Amendola’s focus and dedication might just be what keeps him in the running for the Mirrorball Trophy. The journey he’s on reflects the show’s essence, blending hard work with the courage to express oneself openly.
If Amendola continues this upward path, his potential to win remains strong. Now, it’s up to the fans to decide whether to support this inspiring journey or cheer on another contestant who resonates with them the most, knowing that every vote could shape the show’s finale.
