Well, there are nights when Stephen Nedoroscik steps out in a tux, all suave and stylish, and others when he’s back to the grind. Last week? Fans caught a glimpse of the first version. But come November 12, he’s gearing up to show the second side. Curious? Alright, let’s dive in. The latest episode of DWTS got skipped, giving Stephen and his dance partner, Rylee Arnold, a surprise night off. And how did they spend it?

They turned up for a double date at the premiere of Wicked! Stephen brought his girlfriend, Tess McCracken, while Rylee was there with her boyfriend, Walker Lyons. The four of them posed, snapped pics, and soaked in the Broadway vibes. But with a new week ahead, it’s back to the ballroom hustle for Stephen and Rylee on Dancing with the Stars. And here’s what makes this episode special.

November 12 isn’t just any day—it’s the 500th episode of DWTS! Yep, 33 seasons and 499 episodes in, and the show’s still got that star power. Need proof? Stephen and Rylee hopped on a viral trend to get everyone hyped.

On November 11, Rylee posted a clip on Instagram following the “This wasn’t I” trend, with the text reading, “I think we should all collectively decide to vote for Stephen and Rylee tomorrow on dancing with the stars they just work so hard and truly deserve it!” And behind her, the LED lights were flashing, hyping up the big 500th milestone. And there they are in the background, pulling out all the stops to make sure everyone’s ready for this legendary episode.

On DWTS’ stage, Nedoroscik and his dance partner perform as a team. So they had to put the message together in their latest social media share. That’s the reason Arnold kept the caption, “That wasn’t us I promise 😭😂😭😂.” Has that plea done the job? The fans will need to wait a few more hours to know about that. But now the question may take a different turn. The query might be on the upcoming dance routine of Team Arnold Pommel. And there is some twist as well. 

On Tuesday night, DWTS will stage its 500th episode for the viewers. So naturally, it will come wrapped in nostalgia, preferably as a trip down memory lane. But the hosts have certain plans to serve that emotion on a plate. According to the release, the hopefuls would have to perform the dance routines that were done by the previous contestants. Wouldn’t it be a challenge? It will. However, Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold will be seen to stomp in the tune of Viennese Waltz. They will follow what Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas did in season 31. And this is not the end of tests awaiting on the road. 

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold will face a test of creativity 

After episode 8 on November 12, there will be two more episodes in the ongoing DWTS season. Moreover, those two episodes are the semi-finals (slated for November 19) and the finale (November 26). Therefore, a lot of stakes are on the upcoming episode in deciding the names eligible for the last two rounds.

But will that bother Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee? Remember, in episode 7 (Halloween Horrors Night), the 26-year-old gymnast earned his first full marks in the show. Also, he could limit the issues that the judges had pointed at his moves on the stage. But there’s a tremendous challenge waiting for him and others on the road. Any ideas? 

Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the DWTS judges, dropped a juicy insider on Good Morning America about what’s coming up. She said, “And then there’s an instant dance round. Five minutes, they’re going to be judged on. Five minutes, we tell them the dance, the style, and they have to go change in wardrobe and get back out and dance. We’re going to see a WHOLE different side of everybody.” Sounds intense, right? This twist is bound to throw the dancers a curveball, especially with so much at stake.

For Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, this could make or break their shot at avoiding elimination. They’ll need to nail the challenge to keep their place in the competition. Think they’ve got what it takes? Let us know your predictions!