Full Breakdown
Disney Night on Dancing With the Stars: Hilaria Baldwin Eliminated
10/8/2025, 4:51:49 AM
Overview of Disney Night
On October 7, 2025, "Dancing With the Stars" celebrated Disney Night, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Disneyland Resort. The episode featured 11 celebrity contestants performing routines inspired by beloved Disney films and attractions. The night opened with a group performance of "Be Our Guest" from *Beauty and the Beast*, choreographed by Mandy Moore, and included various dance styles such as Quickstep, Salsa, and Viennese Waltz.
Key Performances and Scores
The competition was fierce, with several standout performances. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas topped the leaderboard with a score of 25 for their Foxtrot to "The Room Where It Happens" from *Hamilton*, marking the first 9 of the season awarded by Carrie Ann Inaba. Other notable scores included Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy with 24 for their Viennese Waltz to "Once Upon a Dream" from *Maleficent*, and Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, who also scored 24 for their Quickstep to "Special Spice" from Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko performed a Quickstep to "Cantina Band" from *Star Wars: A New Hope*, receiving a score of 23. Despite positive feedback from judges, including Bruno Tonioli, who noted he "didn't see anything wrong," Derek Hough suggested there was "less traditional quickstep content" in the routine.
Elimination Results
At the end of the night, Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko were eliminated from the competition. This decision surprised many, as Baldwin had been performing well and was not in the lowest scoring range. The elimination was determined by a combination of judges' scores and viewer votes, which exceeded 40 million for the episode. Baldwin expressed gratitude for her experience on the show, stating, “This has been an incredible experience. I’m so grateful to all of you, and I’m grateful to my children and my family.”
Criticism and Reactions
The elimination sparked mixed reactions among fans and commentators. Some expressed frustration over Baldwin's previous dance experience, suggesting it gave her an unfair advantage. Others felt her elimination was unjust, given her consistent performances throughout the season. The decision highlighted the unpredictable nature of audience voting in reality competitions, where popularity can sometimes outweigh performance quality.
Official Statements
Following the elimination, Baldwin's partner Gleb Savchenko praised her dedication and spirit, stating, “I’m so proud of you, you’re a superhero in the dance studio.” Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro revealed the show had surpassed voting records, emphasizing the engagement of the audience.
What's Next
The next episode, Dedication Night, is set to air on October 14, 2025, promising emotional performances as contestants dedicate their dances to loved ones. The competition continues to intensify as the remaining couples strive for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m so grateful to all of you, and I’m grateful to my children and my family.” — Hilaria Baldwin
- “You're a superhero in the dance studio.” — Gleb Savchenko
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more surprises and emotional moments as the competition heats up.
