Dancing With the Stars returned for Week 5 with a night filled with emotion, elegance, and deeply personal tributes. Hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, alongside judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough, the latest episode brought heartfelt performances as the ten remaining contestants danced in honor of influential figures in their lives.
This week’s Dancing With the Stars episode, titled Dedication Night, saw the remaining celebrities — Jen Affleck, Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, and Andy Richter — perform emotional routines ranging from the Foxtrot and Salsa to the Viennese Waltz.
Also Read: Dancing With the Stars Season 34: Which contestants were eliminated, and is Robert Irwin a favourite to win the finale?
Each performance was dedicated to a loved one or mentor who had a profound impact on the contestant’s life. The night’s performances drew tears not only from the audience but also from the judges, who praised the stars for their sincerity and artistry.
Despite the intensity of competition, producers decided that no one would be eliminated this week. Instead, scores from Dedication Night will carry over into Week 6, adding an extra layer of pressure for contestants in the next round.
The dance earned an impressive 36 out of 40 points, marking the highest score of the night. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was visibly moved, calling the performance “brilliant” and adding, “You made my night.”
Robert Irwin and professional partner Witney Carson followed closely behind with 35 points for their contemporary number dedicated to Irwin’s mother, Terri. The emotional tribute brought the audience to tears, with Bruno Tonioli commenting, “You gave us all of your heart and soul. A true expression of everlasting love.”
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy also earned 35 points, tying for second place. Their contemporary dance, inspired by Alix’s younger sister Izabel, impressed the judges for its grace and technical mastery. Tonioli remarked, “This routine was so difficult technically, but you made it look so natural. Like it was no effort at all.”
The judges, including guest judge Kym Johnson, gave Richter a combined 24 out of 40, making it his lowest-scoring performance of the season. Carrie Ann Inaba noted she “saw some improvement,” but the overall execution remained underwhelming compared to his fellow competitors.
However, scores will carry over into next week, meaning that the stakes are higher than ever for Week 6. With multiple contestants neck and neck, every step, spin, and lift will count in the race for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Week 6 will feature a Wicked-themed night inspired by the hit Broadway musical, with contestants performing routines set to songs from the show’s iconic soundtrack. Viewers can expect heightened drama, stunning costumes, and possibly the first double elimination of the season.
Emotional Dances Mark “Dedication Night”
This week’s Dancing With the Stars episode, titled Dedication Night, saw the remaining celebrities — Jen Affleck, Jordan Chiles, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, and Andy Richter — perform emotional routines ranging from the Foxtrot and Salsa to the Viennese Waltz.Also Read: Dancing With the Stars Season 34: Which contestants were eliminated, and is Robert Irwin a favourite to win the finale?
Each performance was dedicated to a loved one or mentor who had a profound impact on the contestant’s life. The night’s performances drew tears not only from the audience but also from the judges, who praised the stars for their sincerity and artistry.
Despite the intensity of competition, producers decided that no one would be eliminated this week. Instead, scores from Dedication Night will carry over into Week 6, adding an extra layer of pressure for contestants in the next round.
Top of the Leaderboard: Dylan Efron Takes the Lead
A newcomer to the top, Dylan Efron stunned the judges and audience alike with his moving contemporary routine. Partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach, Efron’s performance was dedicated to his five-year-old sister, Olivia.The dance earned an impressive 36 out of 40 points, marking the highest score of the night. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was visibly moved, calling the performance “brilliant” and adding, “You made my night.”
Robert Irwin and professional partner Witney Carson followed closely behind with 35 points for their contemporary number dedicated to Irwin’s mother, Terri. The emotional tribute brought the audience to tears, with Bruno Tonioli commenting, “You gave us all of your heart and soul. A true expression of everlasting love.”
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy also earned 35 points, tying for second place. Their contemporary dance, inspired by Alix’s younger sister Izabel, impressed the judges for its grace and technical mastery. Tonioli remarked, “This routine was so difficult technically, but you made it look so natural. Like it was no effort at all.”
Bottom of the Leaderboard: Andy Richter Struggles Again
Comedian Andy Richter once again found himself at the bottom of the Dancing With the Stars scoreboard. Despite showing improvement, Richter’s “musicality” issues persisted during his Foxtrot routine.The judges, including guest judge Kym Johnson, gave Richter a combined 24 out of 40, making it his lowest-scoring performance of the season. Carrie Ann Inaba noted she “saw some improvement,” but the overall execution remained underwhelming compared to his fellow competitors.
No Eliminations This Week, But Stakes Rise Ahead of Week 6
In a surprising twist, no eliminations took place this week — a rare move for Dancing With the Stars. Producers cited the emotional weight of Dedication Night as the reason behind the decision, allowing all contestants to advance.However, scores will carry over into next week, meaning that the stakes are higher than ever for Week 6. With multiple contestants neck and neck, every step, spin, and lift will count in the race for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
What’s Next: A Wicked-Themed Night on October 21
The next episode of Dancing With the Stars will air on October 21 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, followed by streaming availability on Hulu the next day.Week 6 will feature a Wicked-themed night inspired by the hit Broadway musical, with contestants performing routines set to songs from the show’s iconic soundtrack. Viewers can expect heightened drama, stunning costumes, and possibly the first double elimination of the season.