Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars brought a magical twist on Tuesday, October 21, with its highly anticipated Wicked Night. The theme celebrated the iconic Broadway musical Wicked, and the episode featured electrifying performances, emotional breakthroughs, and a few surprises that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Week 6 of the competition saw the remaining ten couples tackle a variety of dance styles including Argentine Tango, Contemporary, Foxtrot, Jazz, Rumba, and Quickstep. All performances were set to songs from the Wicked movie soundtrack, creating a night full of drama, storytelling, and theatrical flair.
The episode kicked off with an opening number introduced by a special video message from Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. They welcomed viewers to a medley that included “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Defying Gravity,” “For Good,” “Thank Goodness,” “Dancing Through Life,” and “What Is This Feeling?” Choreographed by Wicked’s own Christopher Scott, the opening number set the tone for a night celebrating the magic of Oz. During the performance, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Alfonso Ribeiro took the stage to bring iconic characters to life, with Julianne and Alfonso stepping into the roles of Glinda and Elphaba.
Adding to the excitement, Wicked director Jon M. Chu joined the judges’ panel alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. His expert insights provided an insider’s perspective, blending Broadway knowledge with the technical evaluations the show is known for.
Memorable Performances and First 10s of the Season
One of the standout moments of the night was Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa performing a stunning Rumba to “For Good.” The routine was highlighted by poppies surrounding the dance floor, and the judges were unanimous in their praise. Bruno called it “drop dead gorgeous,” Carrie Ann said she didn’t want the night to end, and Derek commented on the grounded technique and emotional depth. Jordan received her first 10s of the season, scoring an impressive 39/40.
Danielle Fishel also had a breakthrough moment with her Argentine Tango to “No Good Deed.” In her introduction, Danielle expressed her desire to embrace a darker, moodier side. Her performance impressed the judges, who praised her intensity, passion, and storytelling. Jon M. Chu noted Danielle’s rise above expectations, while Bruno celebrated her “passion and drama,” and Carrie Ann called it her breakthrough moment of the season. Danielle scored 36/40, earning rapturous applause from the audience.
Jen Affleck, performing a Foxtrot with partner Jan Ravnik to “As Long as You’re Mine,” delivered her best performance yet. She channeled Elphaba, relating to the character’s outsider status, and captivated the judges with both technical skill and emotional expression. Derek complimented her connection to the dance, Bruno highlighted her improved flow of movement, and Carrie Ann noted her consistent growth. Jen earned a score of 32/40.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten’s Contemporary routine to “Defying Gravity” brought the audience and judges to tears. Elaine, who has a titanium joint in her right foot, shared in her intro package the physical limitations she battles. Her emotive performance moved Carrie Ann to tears, while Derek and Bruno applauded her grace, wisdom, and determination. Elaine scored 36/40, proving that age and injury are no barriers to excellence on the dance floor.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas achieved the first perfect 10s of the season with their Quickstep to “Popular,” embodying Glinda’s bubbly personality. Derek Hough called it an “advanced, jam-packed routine,” Jon M. Chu praised the technical precision and fun, and Bruno celebrated the energy, describing it as “Glinda gone ballistic.” Whitney scored 39/40, cementing her as a frontrunner this season.
Robert Irwin, performing Jazz to “Dancing Through Life,” impressed with his theatrical interpretation as Prince Fiyero. Carrie Ann called it a “joyful, theatrical treat,” while Derek noted Robert’s natural stage presence and urged him to swap hiking boots for Broadway shoes. Robert scored 36/40, showcasing his growth and dedication.
Alix Earle also shined with her Jazz routine to “What Is This Feeling?” Partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy, she recreated iconic moments from the musical, complete with Ariana’s famous Glinda hair flip. Judges praised her storytelling and stage presence, and she scored 35/40.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold performed a Contemporary routine to “The Wizard And I,” channeling their love for Wicked through intricate choreography. While the judges provided constructive feedback on transitions and arm movements, Jon M. Chu admitted he was “swept away to Oz.” Scott scored 28/40, leaving an impression despite the lower score.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater transported the ballroom to the Emerald City with their Jazz performance to “One Short Day.” The judges noted Andy’s growth and dedication, describing the performance as a “miracle” and a testament to the inclusivity of dance. Andy scored 27/40, marking his first 7s of the season.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach tackled the Rumba to “I’m Not That Girl,” stepping outside Dylan’s comfort zone. Judges praised his emotional connection and hip movement, giving the duo a score of 32/40.
Elimination and Emotional Goodbyes
At the end of the night, after combining viewer votes from Dedication Night and Wicked Night with the judges’ scores, one couple was eliminated. Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold were sent home. In his farewell, Scott reflected on the experience as “everything,” calling Rylee his favorite person and describing Wicked Night as “the perfect way to go.” Rylee expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to partner with Scott, saying she “couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
Viewer Favorites and Season Standouts
This week’s episode solidified certain frontrunners while showcasing the growth and dedication of all contestants. Whitney Leavitt’s high-energy Quickstep and Jordan Chiles’ emotional Rumba captured the hearts of viewers and judges alike. Danielle Fishel and Elaine Hendrix’s performances were reminders that Dancing with the Stars is as much about personal breakthroughs and storytelling as it is about technical excellence.
Wicked Night not only provided breathtaking performances but also featured special content from the upcoming Wicked sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to premiere on November 21. Fans were treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and video messages from Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, making it a must-watch night for theater lovers and dance fans alike.
Looking Ahead
With Week 6 in the books, the competition continues to heat up. Remaining couples will carry forward their momentum and audience support into future performances, while eliminated contestants reflect on their personal and professional growth. The combination of theatrical storytelling, challenging choreography, and emotional performances ensures that Season 34 remains one of the most engaging and memorable seasons of Dancing with the Stars in recent years.
From jaw-dropping routines to heartfelt moments, Wicked Night was a testament to the transformative power of dance, the magic of Broadway, and the resilience of the show’s contestants. Fans can expect the intensity and excitement to continue as the competition heads into the latter half of the season, with more surprises, high scores, and emotional performances on the horizon.