Derek Hough praises the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant for recreating his own dance better than him

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong achieved the first perfect score of Season 33.

The student has become the master…

In the 500th episode on Tuesday evening dancing with the stars, Contestants were tasked with a unique challenge: recreating some of the show’s most memorable dances from the last 20 years. But only Chandler Kinney and pro partner Brandon Armstrong had to recreate a dance originally performed by one of the judges.

The duo recreated the Argentine tango that Derek Hough choreographed for himself and his partner Kellie Pickler in season 16. And Hough proclaimed that her version of the routine was better than his own.

Related: Dancing with the stars Contestant Chandler Kinney admits she’s “a little frustrated” by Carrie Ann Inaba’s feedback

“A settlement is inevitable,” Hough told the couple. “But I liked this one. I really did. That’s a big compliment. Her approach was sharp and a little different. They made it smooth as silk – the accuracy, the intensity, it was just so smooth.”

That’s high praise considering Hough and Pickler’s winning seasons. But Hough was right in his comments, as the routine earned Kinney and Armstrong the first perfect score of Season 33.

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They scored all 10 judges’ points, sparking chaos at the judges’ table when Bruno Tonioli passed out on Hough’s lap (and the couple appeared to kiss until Carrie Ann Inaba joked that it was a “family show”).

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With 30 points, Kinney and Armstrong are at the top of the Instant Dance Challenge leaderboard. During this season, fans have complained that Kinney was judged more harshly due to her dance background and high level of performance. But she and Armstrong finally earned the praise throughout the season that many felt they deserved.

Dancing with the stars airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.