It’s rare to see a pair on Dancing with the Stars that just makes sense from the very first step. You know the ones. There’s no awkward fumbling with the frame, no weird height gaps that make the lifts look like a struggle, and—crucially—no ego. That was exactly the vibe with Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong. Honestly, if you watched the Season 33 premiere and saw their Tango to Chappell Roan’s "Hot to Go!", you probably thought Chandler was a secret pro hiding in a Disney star’s wardrobe.
She wasn't. But she was that good.
The Partnership Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s be real for a second. Brandon Armstrong has had a bit of a rough run with "mid-season curses" in the past. He’s an incredible dancer, but for one reason or another, his partners haven’t always had the momentum to push into the final stretch. Then comes Chandler Kinney. You might know her from Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin or the Zombies franchise. She’s young, she’s driven, and she basically lives in the rehearsal studio.
They clicked. Fast.
They were both admittedly "meticulous" people. In interviews, they joked about how brutal the eight-hour rehearsal days were, with Chandler once saying it felt like "the longest days of my life." But that intensity paid off. They weren't just dancing; they were building a technical powerhouse.
Breaking the Internet (and the Leaderboard)
Week 8 was the turning point. It was the 500th episode of DWTS, and the pressure was through the roof. Chandler and Brandon decided to tackle an Argentine Tango inspired by Derek Hough and Kellie Pickler’s legendary Season 16 routine.
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Derek himself was sitting at the judges' table. No pressure, right?
They didn't just do it justice—they arguably topped it. Derek gushed that he actually preferred their version to his own. That night, they snatched the first two perfect scores of the season. 60 out of 60. It was a massive moment for Brandon, who had finally found the partner who could translate his choreography into pure, unadulterated 10s.
The "Rookie Mistake" That Cost the Perfect Streak
Everything seemed set for a total sweep until the semi-finals. If you’re a die-hard fan, you remember the Foxtrot. It was beautiful, but Brandon made what he called a "rookie mistake." He lifted his foot off the floor twice.
In ballroom, that’s a big no-no.
Carrie Ann Inaba, who has eyes like a hawk for these things, called it out immediately. That one-point deduction felt like a punch in the gut. Brandon was visibly gutted, apologizing to Chandler on air. But here’s the thing about their bond: she didn't care. She told him he had nothing to apologize for. That kind of grace under pressure is why people started rooting for them as more than just "the talented couple."
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Making Black History in the Finale
Heading into the finale, things got deep. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong weren't just competing for a Mirrorball; they were making history. They became the first-ever all-Black partnership to reach the Dancing with the Stars finale.
That’s wild to think about, considering the show has been on for over 30 seasons.
Their freestyle was a love letter to that history. They started in black and white, paying homage to the dancers who came before them, before exploding into a 70s-glam color spectacle. It was probably the most meaningful dance of the night. Even though they ended up in third place—with Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson taking the win—the impact was undeniable.
Why the Romance Rumors Never Stuck
Whenever a young, attractive actress is paired with a handsome pro, the internet goes into a tailspin. "Are they dating?" "Did you see that look?"
With Chandler and Brandon, the rumors were pretty much dead on arrival. Why? Because Brandon’s wife, Brylee, was a constant fixture in the studio.
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Chandler actually talked about how much she loved having Brylee around. Brylee used to be a dancer too, so she would sit in the corner and give them notes on what looked good from an audience perspective. It wasn't some dramatic "love triangle" tabloid fodder; it was just a group of people working really hard to win a trophy.
What’s Next for the Duo?
The season is over, but the dancing isn't. Chandler has been vocal about how this show reignited her childhood passion for dance. She doesn't want to stop. Brandon has already moved on to Season 34, but his "breakout" season with Chandler changed how people view him as a pro. He proved he can lead a frontrunner all the way to the end.
If you’re looking to follow in their footsteps—maybe not on national TV, but in your own life—here’s the takeaway from their journey:
- Trust the Process: Chandler was terrified of partner dancing because of "trust issues" with others. She had to let go to get those 10s.
- The Power of Repetition: Those 8-hour days weren't for show. If you want to be "smooth as silk," you have to do the boring work.
- Acknowledge Your Roots: Their finale freestyle worked because it was about something bigger than them. Find your "why" when things get tough.
You can still catch their performances on Disney+ or YouTube. Even knowing the result, watching that Argentine Tango back is a masterclass in what happens when the right pro meets the right partner at exactly the right time.
For more updates on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars or to see where Chandler’s career goes next, keep an eye on official casting announcements for the upcoming tour dates where this duo often reunites for special performances.