Get ready for a night of magic, drama, and jaw-dropping performances—but not everyone will make it through unscathed. Dancing with the Stars just celebrated Wicked Night, and it was a whirlwind of Broadway brilliance, emotional goodbyes, and performances that left us all spellbound. But here's where it gets controversial: was the elimination fair, or did the judges miss the mark? Let’s dive into the highlights and lowlights of this unforgettable episode.
The evening kicked off with a bang as the cast paid tribute to the beloved musical Wicked, complete with gravity-defying dances and performances that truly changed the game. Adding to the excitement, stars like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh made cameo appearances via pre-taped videos, while director Jon M. Chu stepped in as a guest judge. Ariana set the tone, declaring, 'We can't wait to share with you the songs and magic of Wicked and Wicked: For Good.' Cynthia added, 'Wicked is a beloved tale of two best friends who change each other's lives for good.' The DWTS pros then delivered an epic medley performance, complete with Easter eggs for die-hard fans.
But the night wasn’t all glitter and applause. And this is the part most people miss: as the competition reached its halfway point, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold danced their final routine, bidding tearful goodbyes. 'It's meant everything. I'm so incredibly grateful for this,' Scott shared. Rylee, through tears, added, 'I couldn't have asked for a better partner. I love you.'
Now, let’s break down how the stars fared during this Wicked Night—and yes, fan-favorite comedian Andy Richter is still in the running!
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
Dance: Contemporary to 'The Wizard and I'
Scott, no stranger to Ariana or Cynthia, has seen Wicked on Broadway 'maybe 20 times,' so the pressure was on. Despite his enthusiasm, the judges noted that his execution fell short. Jon Chu wished for cleaner transitions, while Bruno pointed out that Scott's passion may have overshadowed his technique. Scores: 28/40
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Jazz to 'What Is This Feeling?'
Alix channeled her inner Galinda, expertly mimicking Ariana's mannerisms, while Val rocked green eyeliner as a nod to Cynthia's Elphaba. Their performance creatively told the story of two enemies failing to coexist, earning high praise from the judges. Bruno called it 'delicious,' and Carrie Ann noted it was her best dance yet. Scores: 35/40
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Dance: Jazz to 'Dancing Through Life'
Robert, the season’s heartthrob, took on the role of Fiyero, with Jonathan Bailey introducing his character in a pretaped video. Their action-packed routine included jumps, flips, and even spinning on library books. Carrie Ann called the choreography 'stunning,' and Derek joked that Robert should swap his zoo uniform for a Broadway career. Scores: 36/40
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Dance: Quickstep to 'Popular'
Amid controversy over song choices, Whitney and Mark delivered a reimagined performance of 'Popular' that earned the season’s first 10s. Jon Chu praised the blend of technicality and art, while Derek declared, 'We are discovering a star before our eyes.' Scores: 39/40
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dance: Rumba to 'I'm Not That Girl'
Dylan, fresh off the highest score of the season, tackled his first Latin dance since week 2. His sensual performance earned praise from Bruno, who joked, 'Your hips are no problem at all.' Jon Chu noted Dylan's strong, intentional movements. Scores: 32/40
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Dance: Jazz to 'One Short Day'
Andy, the people’s champion, continues to defy expectations. Introduced by Michelle Yeoh, Andy shared his journey of self-discovery through the competition. Bruno quipped, 'Even the great Oz himself could not have created a better illusion,' as Andy landed his first 7s of the season. Scores: 27/40
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Dance: Contemporary to 'Defying Gravity'
Elaine, battling a foot injury, soared in a gravity-defying performance that included synchronized spins, lifts, and a trust fall. Carrie Ann was moved to tears, calling it a 'magical' moment. Scores: 36/40
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Dance: Foxtrot to 'As Long as You’re Mine'
Jen, who related to Elphaba as a Latina woman who felt like an outcast, delivered a dramatic foxtrot with Jan. While the judges appreciated her execution, they noted room for improvement. Scores: 32/40
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Dance: Argentine Tango to 'No Good Deed'
Danielle aimed to show a different side with a moody, acrobatic performance. Carrie Ann called it her 'breakthrough,' and Bruno praised its authenticity. Scores: 36/40
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Dance: Rumba to 'For Good'
Closing the night, Jordan and Ezra delivered a lyrical, emotional performance that left Bruno gushing, 'Cynthia would be proud.' Their nearly-perfect score set the bar high. Scores: 39/40
Controversy Alert: Did Scott and Rylee deserve to go home, or were they victims of tougher judging? And was Whitney and Mark’s song choice truly fair? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one episode that’s sure to spark debate!
