A Surprise Announcement Ends the Night
4 hr 20 min ago
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As the contestants prepared for the results, Alfonso announced that for the first time ever, the show surpassed 50 million votes.
After combining judges scores and fan votes, Julianne and Alfonso began to announce the results. They explained, in no particular order, the first couples safe from elimination were: “All of you,” Alfonso revealed.
“We couldn’t send anyone home tonight on such a special night,” said Julianne. “All of the votes and all of the scores from tonight will carry over to next week.”
Alix Shows Her Big Sister Side
4 hr 20 min ago
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Alix dedicated this week to her little sister Izabel.
Two years after Alix’s parents got divorced when she was 10 years old, she found out her father was expecting another child. Alix said initially, she didn’t “understand it” and “didn’t want it.”
“But then my step-mom handed me Izabel and I held her for the first time — oh gosh, here come the tears — she really changed my perspective on what family means,” Alix said. “So I really give Izabel so much credit for blending our family together.”
“Alix is the coolest big sister that I could ever have,” said Izabel at practice.
The contemporary dance, set to “Sparks” by Coldplay, started with Alix cradling and twirling Izabel.
“Talent and love really runs in the family,” said Bruno, who praised Alix for making the dance look easy.
Carrie Ann corrected Alix’s arms on turns, while Derek said she has “maturity” to her movements.
He made a note that there was “a lot of negativity” and “weird energy” tonight but overall, the day was “about love.”
Kym praised Alix’s freedom in her dance and called her the “surprise” of this season.
Score: 35/40
Mr. Feeny Is Back in the Classroom with Danielle
4 hr 41 min ago
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Danielle dedicated her dance to William Daniels, a.k.a Mr. Feeny from Boy Meets World.
“I don’t think I would have been the professional I am today without being able to watch him [William] all those years,” said Danielle. She recalls the emotional scene she shared with William in the finale of the show, saying they did one take and “all of that was real.”
William and his wife Bonnie joined Danielle and partner Pasha via Zoom during rehearsal. “I’m very proud of Danielle for all she’s doing,” said William. “It’s a pleasure watching you.”
William kicked off the routine in character as Mr. Feeney, standing in front of a desk with papers in his hand.
Danielle and Pasha danced a jive to the Boy Meets World theme song, “Boy Meets World” by Twenty Cent Crush featuring Phil Rosenthal. At the end, they rejoined William at the desk, where he held up a paper with an “A+” written on it.
“I think that made everyone’s nostalgic hearts very happy,” said Kym. “You still look like a teenager by the way. I don’t know how that is possible but you do.” She gave some pointers for Danielle to get a “dancer’s hand” by practicing with a pen.
Bruno teased she must be pitching “Boy Meets World, the musical.” with that performance. He told her she needs to sharpen the edges, but he “absolutely loved it.”
Carrie Ann said she thinks she’s “watching the same dance over and over” with Danielle and Pasha, adding, “try to give a little bit more variety.” As the audience started to boo Carrie Ann, Danielle tried to hush them to take the criticism.
Derek called the routine a “proper jive” and praised Danielle for honoring a mentor in her life.
Danielle started to cry as scores were read. She let out a huge scream when Bruno gave her her first 8.
Score: 29/40
Scott and Husband Mark Announce They’re Expecting a Baby
4 hr 54 min ago
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Scott dedicated this week’s dance to his husband Mark. He explained that after dating “mean guys,” when he met Mark, Scott felt like he could “exhale.”
“I’ll treasure this for the rest of my life,” Mark said.
During practice, they surprised partner Rylee Arnold with the news that they’re expecting a baby. “I’m so excited to raise a family with him,” said Scott. “I just feel like we’re really, really lucky.”
The routine, a foxtrot to Scott’s own song “Parallel,” started with Scott serenading Mark, before Rylee joined Scott for the dance.
“Congratulations,” Derek began celebrating the baby news. “I saw that commitment,” he added about Scott’s dedication to the foxtrot.
Kym gave a few critiques about his form, while Bruno said he could feel the “love” with Scott’s dance and praised that his “lines” are getting better. “You’re getting here,” he said.
Carrie Ann said the dance felt “disjointed” and told him to watch Rylee in rehearsal to “match” her lines.
Score: 30/40
Jordan Leads Her Dad in the Ballroom with Their Viennese Waltz
5 hr 6 min ago
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Jordan dedicated her dance to her father Timothy. “He is my truest heart,” she said during rehearsal.
Jordan explained that it was her dad who decided to put her in gymnastics as a child to help with her ADHD. “He helped start my career in gymnastics.”
While telling her story, partner Ezra Sosa broke down in tears calling their story “healing” because “I don’t have a relationship with my own.” Jordan said she appreciates that Ezra is allowing her dad to be one to him.
“I’m so proud,” Timothy said. “I hope after this dance, I hope dads call their daughters and young ladies call their dads.”
She began her Viennese Waltz to “Daughters” by John Mayer with Ezra, and spent a lot of the time on the floor leading her father through the routine.
Carrie Ann praised the “respect and love” Timothy had by showing up and doing “pretty much the whole dance” with Jordan.
Derek said watching them made him excited to have that same moment with his child — stopping himself before revealing the gender of his baby on the way.
Kym said it “doesn’t get much better than a father-daughter dance” and praised the amount of time they danced together during the routine.
Bruno said he’s “so proud” of Jordan, who is getting “better and better” each week.
Score: 32/40
Dylan Is the Best Big Brother with His Sister Olivia
5 hr 22 min ago
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This week, Dylan Efron is dancing with his little sister, Olivia, to a song by his older brother, actor Zac Efron.
“I wasn’t expecting to be a big brother,” Dylan said, noting Olivia is 5 and he’s 33 years old. “But immediately, I was inseparable from her. She means the world to me.”
Dancing to “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman, performed by Zac and Zendaya, Dylan started choking up, saying it’s a nod to his brother Zac, who “always took care of me.” Adding, “I want to be the best role model I can” for Olivia.
“I just like being with Dylan, he’s my best friend,” Olivia said at practice. “I just feel like I’m free with him.”
“This is definitely the best moment in the show so far for me” said Dylan in tears.
The dance kicked off with Dylan and Olivia twirling together on stage, before he joined partner Daniella Karagach for their contemporary routine. His sister ran up to him at the end of their dance. “It was so much fun,” Olivia declared.
Bruno said Olivia had perfectly pointed toes, while saying Dylan is getting “better and better” every week.
Carrie Ann said Olivia is “incredible” and Dylan “made her night” calling the performance “brilliant.”
Derek called out Dylan saying, “I hate you. You’re a great guy, you’re in shape, you can dance and you’re a great brother? Come on man!”
Kym remarked that Dylan’s “improving” and becoming “such a great dancer” each week.
Score: 36/40
Jen Gets Emotional Honoring Her Mom
5 hr 34 min ago
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Jen Affleck dedicated her dance to her mom, who was raised in Ecuador and moved to the U.S. at age 26. “To me, my mom is just a warrior,” said Jen. “Because of her sacrifice, I have everything that I have right now.”
She hit the ballroom with partner Jan Ravnik dancing a Viennese Waltz to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle.
Jen’s mother joined towards the end and left the stage fighting back tears.
“I could feel the love between the two of you,” said Kym, while adding a critique about Jen’s form.
Bruno gave a note about follow through, while Carrie Ann called the dance Jen’s most “passionate yet.”
“It was graceful, it was beautiful,” added Derek.
In the skybox, Jen got emotional, saying she didn’t realize how much her mom went through until she became a mom herself.
Score: 29/40
Whitney’s Husband Wows the Judges
5 hr 43 min ago
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Whitney dedicated her dance to her husband, Conner. During rehearsal, Whitney praised him for giving up his job to move to L.A. with their children for her to compete on the show.
Partner Mark Ballas explained he’s playing the role of “fame” in their contemporary dance, depicting something trying to keep Whitney and Conner apart. Conner broke down in tears reflecting on their “trying times” and praising her decision to stay in the relationship.
The trio danced to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts, which wowed the judges.
“Dancing is so healing,” said Derek, before saying Conner is “a dancer!” Derek pointed out one mistake, but praised Whitney’s performance.
Kym said she has loved watching Whitney every week, while Bruno said he’s “breathless” by their “ambitious routine.”
Carrie Ann broke down in tears saying “you bring me to a place of emotion that’s hard to put into words and it’s why some of us became dancers for this,” for a “way to cope with emotions.” She added that at the end, Whitney slightly went “out of sync” but said it was “amazing.”
Score: 33/40
Elaine Is Supported by Her Parent Trap Costars Dennis Quaid and Lisa Ann Walter
5 hr 53 min ago
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Elaine said she’s been on “cloud nine” since her high score of 24/30 last week.
This week, she’s joined by her “bestie,” actress and Parent Trap costar, Lisa Ann Walter. Elaine explained that after her mother died, Lisa was the first person she called, and Lisa promised her she will “never be alone.”
“I hope I don’t screw it up for you guys,” Lisa Ann said when she joined Elaine and partner Alan Bersten at practice.
The pair hit the ballroom to perform the foxtrot to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole, a song that was included in The Parent Trap.
Shortly into the dance, Lisa Ann joined for a three-person foxtrot. When they finished, the camera caught their Parent Trap costar Dennis Quaid supporting them in the audience.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate friendship,” Carrie Ann told them.
Derek called out Lisa’s strong “pivots” while he critiqued Elaine’s shoulder placement.
“That made my heart happy,” said Kym, while giving Elaine a pointer on arm placement.
Bruno exclaimed that it looked like they had a “very good time” and compared Elaine to Ginger Rogers. “Pure Hollywood,” he said.
Score: 30/40
Robert Breaks Down in Tears Honoring His Mom Terri
6 hr 5 min ago
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Robert Irwin called his mom, Terri Irwin, an “absolute hero” who raised him after his father Steve Irwin died when Robert was 2 years old.
As Robert began to explain what his mother means to him during rehearsal, he broke down crying. “I’ve never been able to capture the feeling of gratitude that I feel for her,” he admitted. “And at every milestone, I just wish that my dad was there. She was there and that was enough.”
Partner Witney Carson called Robert and Terri’s strength “so inspiring.”
When Terri joined the pair at rehearsal, she declared, “I’m ready to cry.”
In the ballroom, Robert and Witney danced a contemporary routine to “You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins. At the very end, his mother made a brief appearance to wrap up the routine.
“He’s looking at you kid and he’s smiling,” said Bruno of Steve as he fought back tears. Robert then walked up and hugged Bruno.
Carrie Ann said if she ever had kids, she’d want them to be like Robert. “You’re always connecting with the audience,” the judge said to Robert. “It was really beautiful.”
Derek was at a loss for word as he fought back tears. “I’m really proud of you,” he said. “You’ve become such an amazing man. The world needs the Irwin family.”
Kym said when Terri joined him on the ballroom floor, it “got her.”
“I love him so much,” said Terri, adding, “I’m so blessed to be his mom.”
As Robert and Witney joined Julianne, they dabbed their eyes with tissues. “This is for all the moms who don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Robert said. “Go call your mom and tell her that you love her.”
Score: 35/40
Andy Has a Daddy-Daughter Night
6 hr 18 min ago
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Andy Richter dedicated his salsa (danced to “Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte) to his daughter, Cornelia. In his intro, the comedian explained that he didn’t think he was having any more kids after raising his two adult children.
But he welcomed Cornelia into his life when he met his current wife, single mom Jennifer Herrera. He quickly adopted Cornelia and says this dance together is “absolutely the highlight of my time here.”
“The bond Andy and Cornelia have fills my whole heart,” Jennifer told the cameras.
Cornelia joined the pair towards the end of their dance, which delighted judge Kym, who praised the way the trio kicked off the night.
Bruno called Cornelia “little baby spice,” before he critiqued Andy going slightly off time.
For Carrie Ann, she said Andy showed improvement tonight, despite going off time.
And Derek also praised the performance for being “playful, pure and full of love.”
When Andy spoke with Julianne, he said this is a night he’ll always remember.
Score: 24/40
Julianne Hough Has a Close Call
6 hr 18 min ago
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As co-host Julianne Hough entered the ballroom with Alfonso Ribeiro, she tripped on her walk out, but steadied herself quickly. Alfonso looked over and held her hand as they continued on to hit their mark and announce the contestants.
After each dancer and pro had their intro, the hosts welcomed
Kym Johnson back to the ballroom.
Jen Affleck Battles a Sickness
7 hr 3 min ago
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The MomToker revealed on her Instagram Stories on Oct. 13 that she’s been sick all week.
“Couldn’t practice as much this week. With lots of rest and help from [my husband] Zac and my family, we still pulled something off Ironic that my song is ‘Rescue.’ This week tested me in ways I never imagined,” she wrote alongside a photo of herself resting in bed.
Jen later shared a video of her playing the song for her mom, writing, “So many emotions going into this week’s performance. This song means everything to me-it’s for mothers who show up daily, serve without days off, and suffer in silence. Postpartum/prenatal included. I want every mom to feel seen and heard.”
She also shared a look at rehearsals, praising Jan for all his support through her difficult week.
“Even after I got really sick and missed practices, he stayed patient, and in the little time we had, helped perfect the dance and make it feel extra special for me and my mom,” she shared.
Robert Irwin Opens Up About His ‘Tough Week’
7 hr 3 min ago
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In the midst of working on his routine, Irwin admitted on Oct. 12 it’s been “a tough week.”
“We’ve been working hard and I’ve been sort of tapping into emotions that I haven’t really gotten to share before — certainly not publicly,” Robert said in a TikTok video. “I’ve been thinking a lot about my dad, I’ve been thinking a lot about the highs and the lows, the grief, the way my mom has helped me navigate that.”
Robert’s father, Steve Irwin, died nearly two decades ago after being attacked by a stingray off the coast of Australia while filming an underwater documentary. Robert was nearly 3 years old.
The Lineup Gets Stacked
7 hr 3 min ago
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Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravnik will perform a Viennese Waltz to Lauren Daigle’s “Rescue” in dedication to her mother, Maria. Jen’s fellow Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas will perform a Contemporary routine to Jamal Robert’s “Heal” in dedication to her husband, Connor.
Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa will perform a Viennese Waltz to John Mayer’s “Daughters” in dedication to her father, Timothy.
Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson will perform a Contemporary routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be In My Heart” in dedication to his mother, Terri.
Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Contemporary routine to Coldplay’s “Sparks” in dedication to her younger sister, Izabel.
Dylan Efron will similarly honor his younger sister, Olivia, with a Contemporary routine with partner Danielle Karagach. They’ll perform to Dylan’s brother Zac Efron’s song “Rewrite the Stars” with Zendaya from The Greatest Showman.
Danielle Fishel and partner Pasha Pashkov, meanwhile, will honor her Boy Meets World costar Bill Daniels (who played Mr. Feeny) with a Jive to the Boy Meets World theme song.
Elaine Hendrix will also honor a former colleague: her best friend and Parent Trap costar, Lisa Ann Walter. Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten will perform a Foxtrot to Natalie Cole’s “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love),” a nod to The Parent Trap.
Scott Hoying and partner Rylee Arnold will perform a Foxtrot to his own song “Parallel” in dedication to his husband, Mark.
Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater will perform a Salsa to Harry Belafonte’s “Jump In the Line” in dedication to his daughter, Cornelia.
