9:30 pm ET
Connor Wood dedicated ‘Piano Man’ to dad, earned ‘most improved’
Bryan Alexander
Rehearsal drama:Connor Wood broke the news to his dad, Pete, that he was dedicating his dance to him. A touching honor for the proud father, who didn’t seem eager to hit the dance floor. He didn’t.
Dance:Wood and partner Rylee Arnold performed a Viennese waltz to “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, dedicated to Pete. Wearing a burgundy suit, Wood glided across the ballroom floor before joining his father near the piano onstage for an emotional embrace. Pete joined his son at the judges’ table for the critiques.
“You’ve come a long way,” Derek Hough said.
Kym Johnson praised Wood’s infectious smile, telling his father, “I can see where you get it from.”
“Tonight, my darling, that was a proper, real Viennese waltz,” Bruno Tonioli proclaimed.
Carrie Ann Inaba praised Wood for “coming back with an open heart” each week and called him the night’s most improved dancer.
Score: 32/40. Straight 8’s. Their best score. “I feel so good,” the sweating Connor exclaimed. “I’m so stoked.”
9:19 pm ET
Harry Shum Jr. wife gets sweet shoutout, dance moment
Bryan Alexander
Rehearsal drama: Harry Shum Jr. dedicated his dance to his wife, Shelby, his partner of more than 20 years. The couple embraced during rehearsal as Shum reflected on their life together. “You are my life partner, and we’ve been through a lot over 20 years,” he said. “He’s stability to me,” Shelby said. There’s no mention of the drama this week involving Jenna Johnson’s husbandVal getting suspended,or judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s lift comments last week.
Dance:Shum and partner Jenna Johnson performed a foxtrot to “Stop This Train” by John Mayer, literally starting at a train station. Shum gallantly twirled Johnson around the floor before his wife joined the dance. And damn, she was good! Shelby kicked up her leg, twirled and stayed in perfect time through some complicated choreography. The emotional family reunion left Shum’s entire family crying in the audience. Shum’s daughter also joined mom and dad on the floor. Everyone cried, everywhere.
“What a beautiful way to tell your story,” a choked up Carrie Ann Inaba said, making a point to praise Johnson’s choreography.
“It took my breath away,” Derek Hough said. “A very difficult dance, and you made it look easy.”
“I saw a ballroom dancer doing a beautiful foxtrot,” Kym Johnson said to Shum.
“I knew you had it, and you proved it tonight,” Bruno Tonioli proclaimed.
Score: 36/40, Carrie Ann Inaba gave a 9.
9:15 pm ET
Jenna Dewan, Alan Bersten don’t mention Val’s absence
Joelle Goldstein
Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten did not acknowledge Val Chmerkovskiy’s absence this week or the scandal that unfolded, only noting that it was an “unusual situation” and that Bersten felt “honored to step in and help” this week. He emphasized that they would stay focused on the dance ahead, dedicated to Dewan’s mom, Nancy.
Dewan explained that her parents split up when she was young and that her mom took on so much to care and provide for her. “If my mom can go through what she did and be loving and soft … then I can do anything,” Dewan said.
They danced Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, which began with a slow dance between Dewan and her mom. Bersten filled in seamlessly, almost as if the two had been dancing together all competition. It was elegant and emotional as confetti fell as Dewan spun in breathtaking fashion. The routine even left Dewan’s partner, Steve Kazee, in tears from the crowd.
The judges were equally as moved, with Bruno Tonioli saying it was “exquisite.” Derek Hough called it “gentle, graceful and gorgeous.” He also called “The Rookie” actress a “class act.” Kym Johnson pointed out that Dewan had “the biggest expectation” on her ahead of the competition but she had exceeded those expectations.
But it was Carrie Ann Inaba’s feedback that had the most eyeballs on it, with the judge acknowledging that the journey “has been a lot” for her. She called Dewan’s dance “the ultimate breakthrough.”
8:56 pm ET
Amber Glenn shows vulnerable side with Pasha Pashkov, sister Brooke
Bryan Alexander
Rehearsal drama:Amber Glenn dedicated her dance to her sister, Brooke, who helped her through some of her darkest moments. Glenn opened up about having “depressive episodes,” saying that’s “when she stepped up” and her sister was there “when I was at my lowest.” Brooke even showed up for dance rehearsal. “It is OK to struggle, as long as you keep going,” Glenn said.
Dance:Glenn and partner Pasha Pashkov performed a contemporary routine to “Breathe Me” by Sia, dedicated to Brooke. The dance began with Glenn lying on the ground in pain. But the barefoot Glenn leapt to life as fog rose across the ballroom floor. Brooke, also in a white dress, stepped in to catch Amber as she fell, a moving reflection of their real-life bond. The sisters embraced at the end, leaving Brooke in tears.
“What a beautiful way to say thank you to your sister,” Kym Johnson said.
“I could hardly breathe,” Bruno Tonioli said, praising the drama and choreography.
Carrie Ann Inaba thanked Glenn for addressing mental health. “Thank you for tackling this topic,” she said.
Derek Hough was equally moved. “You made us feel something really powerful,” he said.
Score: 38/40. Carrie Ann gave a 10 with Kym. Their best scores of the season.
As a special bonus, and massive transition, Pasha was named Sexiest ‘DWTS’ Pro Alive and got a sash.
8:48 pm ET
Jackson Olson stays joyful with dance for his mom
Joelle Goldstein
Jackson Olson dedicated his dance this week to his mom, Laura, “the strongest, most patient person I know.” He recalled how she “kept pushing me” to be great at whatever he does and that he’d be nowhere without her. For her part, Laura said it was “beyond flattering” to be asked to be in her son’s dance, though she grew emotional even before rehearsals started.
But in true Savannah Bananas fashion, Olson kept things upbeat and fun, dancing an adorable Quickstep with partner Emma Slater to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole. Everyone had smiles on their face, including the judges.
Derek Hough declared it a “great performance” but urged Olson to keep the frame up. Kym Johnson called Olson “the ultimate showman” and agreed with Hough on the need to focus on his frame.
Bruno Tonioli said he was “twinkling” and praised the “theatrical” dance. “You were expressing yourself better than ever tonight,” he said.
And Carrie Ann Inaba had similar feedback, noting that it’s clear Olson gets his confidence from his mom and that he was “top-notch performing.”
Olson and Slater earned all 8’s, their best scores of the competition.
Score: 32/40
8:34 pm ET
Maura Higgins brings Irish fight with dance dedicated to Ireland
Bryan Alexander
Rehearsal drama: “The Traitors” star Maura Higgins dedicated her dance to the entire country of Ireland. That’s a first! An entire country. “I miss my family and friends. I can’t let Ireland down,” she said in the rehearsal video. Irish dance legend Michael Flatley sent one of his best dancers to train her, a champion conveniently named Lucky. “Hopefully you can bring some luck to my dance,” Higgins said.
Dance: Higgins and partner Mark Ballas performed a paso doble to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys. Higgins whipped her Irish flag skirt around with mad passion as a shirtless, body-painted Ballas waved the Irish flag to start. Lucky joined the dance and showed some fire with his Irish dancing. That might be cheating. But Maura jumped right in and did Ireland proud, ending with a massive kick to the camera while being held aloft by both dancers.
Carrie Ann Inaba called it the first Irish dance paso doble, but pointed out a lift. And then let it go. Derek Hough asked, “Could you be any more Irish?” Kym Johnson said, “It made me want to go to an Irish pub with you.” Bruno Tonioli proclaimed, “The pride of Ireland unleashed!”
Score:35/40. The couple’s greatest score.
8:26 pm ET
Tatyana Ali dedicates dance to ‘Fresh Prince’ dad James Avery
Joelle Goldstein
“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star Tatyana Ali said she always knew if she made it to Dedication Night that she would dedicate her dance to her late costar and TV dad, James Avery. In rehearsals, Ali opened up to partner Jan Ravnik about how Avery taught her “what you do can be more than just a job.”
“I loved him a lot,” she said.
Of course, Ali also asked her “Fresh Prince” costar Alfonso Ribeiro to join her in the dance, saying, “It wouldn’t be the performance that it needs to be without Alfonso … I think [Avery] would be really proud.” Ribeiro also called Avery a “very important part of our lives,” and said it was a “blessing” to dance with his costar on “DWTS.”
After the emotional performance − a Viennese waltz to “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson, which featured a couch, a nod to the show, and ended with Ali and Ribeiro looking up at a photo of Avery displayed on the screen − the judges praised the routine’s elegance.
Bruno Tonioli said Ali was “glowing” and praised the “easy flow” of her dance, comparing it to being “guided by a guardian angel.” Carrie Ann Inaba got choked up about the “beautiful reunion” that unfolded on the dance floor between Ali and Ribeiro. “You danced like it was watching an old Hollywood film come to life,” she said.
Derek Hough called Ali “one of the most improved” competitors this season, saying it “really was beautiful.” And Kym Johnson commended her “effortless” ability to dance.
8:13 pm ET
Ezra Frech gets waterworks started with dance for mom Bahar Frech
Bryan Alexander
Rehearsal drama: Two-time Paralympian Ezra Frech dedicated his dance to his mother, Bahar, who broke down in tears during the rehearsals and in the video. “I’m really proud of the man he is,” she said.
Dance: Frech and partner Daniella Karagach were floating visions in blue, performing a contemporary routine to “Bloodline” by Mon Rovîa, dedicated to his mom, Bahar. Bahar even came onto the dance floor to embrace her son for the final moment on center stage. Total tears in the ballroom as Bahar joined the couple for the judges’ praise.
“The first dance of the night and you’ve got us crying up here,” Kym Johnson said.
“So inspiring, life-affirming,” Bruno Tonioli said, proclaiming, “You’re a real talent.”
Carrie Ann Inaba held back tears, calling the performance “absolutely stunning” in a trembling voice. Derek Hough was tearing up, too, telling Ezra’s mom, “Thank you.”
Score: 37/40, with Kym giving a 10 − the first of the season.
8:09 pm ET
Alfonso Ribeiro addresses Val’s absence, introduces guest judge Kym Johnson
Joelle Goldstein
Cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro kicked the night off by welcoming viewers to Dedication Night after a short montage showed the stars discussing who they were dedicating tonight’s dance to and why.
Ribeiro then briefly addressed Val Chmerkovskiy’s absence, simply saying, “Val is not with us this week.” He explained that Alan Bersten would be stepping in to dance with Jenna Dewan instead.
Ribeiro and Hough also introduced the night’s guest judge: former pro Kym Johnson. She urged the dancers to lean into the “feeling” and “emotion” of the night. “Embrace the moment because nights like this are really special,” she added.
7:40 pm ET
Is there an elimination this week on ‘DWTS’? Kalshi has wild prediction
Bryan Alexander
Prepare for emotional tears during “Dedication Night” on “Dancing with the Stars”tonight. And steel yourself for the pain of another dancer leaving the reality competition, just one week after the heartbreaking elimination of Guillermo Rodriguez and his pregnant pro partner Witney Carson.
But lo! Prediction market Kalshi is offering hope for an elimination-free Tuesday night. Under the category “Elimination,” the candidate “None” has screamed to the top of the trading charts, hovering around an 81% chance of no one going home.
It’s a solid bet. Nobody went home during “Dedication Night” last year, on Oct. 14, 2025, when Season 34 delivered a surprise non-elimination twist.
And it’s not a bad tradition to establish. These dancers are pouring their hearts out about the people who mean EVERYTHING to them. It’s a night to emote, to ugly-cry and to make the ballroom a safe space. Nobody needs to get sent home for a waltz dedicated to Mom.
But if somebody does have to go, Kalshi suggests it could be Jackson Olson, the overworked Savannah Bananas baseball player who has more “DWTS” bottom three appearances than home runs (1) this season. The market puts Olson’s elimination chances at around 14 percent.
7:30 pm ET
‘DWTS’ voting: How to vote online for Season 35 cast
Liza Esquibias
Voting opens when the show begins at 8 p.m. ET and closes after the last competitive dance of the evening. Fans can vote up to ten times per couple either online on ABC’s website, or by texting the celebrity’s first name to “21523” (standard text rates apply).
At the end of the night, the celebrity with combined lowest number of votes and judges’ scores will be eliminated from the competition.
7:00 pm ET
Before ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Dedication Night: Your refresher on Season 35 so far
Liza Esquibias
“Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 kicked off with a two-night premiere, featuring the male celebrities on Tuesday, Sept. 15, followed by the female celebrities on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Each performed to a No. 1 song from the year they were born. Week 1 ended with the double elimination of Connor Leavitt and Adele Zaikman, who is a first-time pro after winning “Dancing with the Stars: Next Pro,” as well as Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, also a first-time pro.
Viral Hits Night on Week 2 saw contestants come together for the first time this season, as each couple danced to catchy tunes that have gone viral on social media. Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten were sent home at the end of the evening.
Week 3 had a Yacht Rock theme, featuring a lineup of “smooth grooves, soft-rock classics and iconic hits that defined” the iconic era. The episode resulted in the elimination of Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart.
For Week 4 of the competition, the dances paid tribute to Mariah Carey and her iconic discography. Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong were ultimately voted off.
And last week’s Super Bowl Night paid tribute to the performers who have headlined a Super Bowl halftime show. Week 5 ended with fan favorites Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson being sent home.
6:52 pm ET
Carrie Ann Inaba speaks out
Joelle Goldstein
Ahead of Dedication Night, Carrie Ann Inaba posted a message to Instagram, in which she expressed her excitement for what’s to come this evening.
“Looking forward to a heartfelt night of dedications,” she wrote.
Along with a black and white photo of the ballroom, Inaba added in the caption, “Always and forever team Dancing with the Stars #TEAMDWTS.”
6:30 pm ET
Who got eliminated on ‘DWTS’ last week?
Liza Esquibias
Week 5 of the competition was Super Bowl Night, with each dance honoring popular halftime performances from over the years. The scores and the results of the night are below.
- Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy: 36 out of 40
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: 36 out of 40
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: 34 out of 40
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: 33 out of 40
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: 33 out of 40
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: 33 out of 40
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: 31 out of 40
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: 30 out of 40
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: 29 out of 40
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: 25 out of 40
- Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson: 22 out of 40
Eliminated: Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
6:00 pm ET
‘DWTS’ tonight: Dedication Night songs and dances
Liza Esquibias
Dedication Night honors the people and places that hold a special place in the hearts of the celebrity contestants. Here are the dances and songs that each couple will be dancing to.
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: Quickstep to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole, for Olson’s mom Laura
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Contemporary to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, for Stiles’ “10 Things I Hate About You” co-star Heath Ledger
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: Foxtrot to “Stop This Train” by John Mayer, for Shum’s wife Shelby
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: Contemporary to “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran, for mothers everywhere
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: Paso doble to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys, for Ireland
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Contemporary to “Breathe Me” by Sia, for Glenn’s sister Brooke
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Viennese waltz to “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson, for Ali’s late “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” co-star James Avery
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: Contemporary to “Bloodline” by Mon Rovia, for Frech’s mom Bahar
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: Viennese waltz to “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, for Wood’s dad Pete
- Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten: Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, for Dewan’s mom Nancy
5:45 pm ET
‘DWTS’ time tonight: What time does ‘Dancing with the Stars’ start?
Liza Esquibias
“Dancing with the Stars” airs live on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. The episode can be streamed the next day on Hulu and Disney+.
5:40 pm ET
Who is replacing Val on ‘DWTS’ tonight?
Liza Esquibias
Pro Alan Bersten will be stepping in to dance with Val Chmerkovskiy’s celebrity partner Jenna Dewan for Dedication Night during his one-week suspension.
Bersten competed with celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis earlier this season until their elimination at the end of Week 3. He and Dewan will be performing a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers. The dance is dedicated to “The Rookie” star’s mom, Nancy Lee Bursch, who will also be featured in the routine.
5:31 pm ET
Why did Val get suspended from ‘DWTS’?
Liza Esquibias
Val Chmerkovskiy was suspended for a week for seemingly implying he wanted to slap judge Carrie Ann Inaba the way Will Smith did Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. He made the remark in a since-deleted social media post in response to a lift critique Inaba gave his wife Jenna Johnson, also a pro, and her partner Harry Shum Jr. after their performance last week.
“You almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom last night,” Chmerkovskiy wrote, referring to “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” character played by Smith, who infamously went onstage and slapped Rock during the award show after he made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Inaba acknowledged Chmerkovskiy’s post on her Instagram, writing, “So this is what we are doing now?” He later issued a public apology, but on Saturday, Oct. 17, BBC Studios revealed he would not be participating in Week 6 of the competition.
“The well-being of everyone who works on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ is non-negotiable,” read their statement. “Val’s social media post was inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show.”
The pro dancer also addressed the situation in his own statement: “In a moment where my instinct was to defend my wife, I made a poor decision to reference a meme to ‘keep my wife’s name’ out of the conversation, without stopping to think through what else that reference could imply, which was genuinely never my intention.”
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