Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars: Wicked Night Recap and Elimination
10/22/2025, 4:25:06 AM
Overview of Wicked Night
On October 21, 2025, "Dancing with the Stars" celebrated its first-ever Wicked Night, featuring performances inspired by the beloved musical "Wicked" and its upcoming sequel, "Wicked: For Good." The episode included a guest appearance by Jon M. Chu, the director of both films, who joined the judging panel. The night was filled with vibrant performances set to iconic songs from the musicals, culminating in a surprising elimination.
Performance Highlights
The evening opened with a medley choreographed by Christopher Scott, featuring songs such as “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “Defying Gravity,” and “Dancing Through Life.” Each of the ten remaining couples performed routines that showcased their growth and creativity.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas delivered a Quickstep to “Popular,” earning the first 10s of the season with a score of 39/40. Judges praised the routine as a perfect blend of technical skill and entertainment, with Derek Hough stating, “I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes.”
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson performed a Jazz routine to “Dancing Through Life,” receiving a score of 36/40. Carrie Ann Inaba commended the ambitious nature of the dance, calling it “stunning” and suggesting that Irwin should consider a career on Broadway.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy danced a Jazz routine to “What Is This Feeling?” and scored 35/40. Bruno Tonioli described the performance as “delicious,” highlighting Earle’s storytelling ability.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach performed a Rumba to “I’m Not That Girl,” earning a score of 32/40. Judges noted Efron’s connection to the performance, with Jon M. Chu praising the masculinity he brought to the dance.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold opened the show with a Contemporary routine to “The Wizard and I,” but received the lowest score of the night at 28/40. Despite the enthusiasm in their performance, judges pointed out issues with transitions and execution.
Elimination
At the end of the night, Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold were eliminated after receiving the lowest combined scores from the previous week and Wicked Night. Hoying expressed gratitude for the experience, stating, “It’s been everything... I had so much fun, I learned so much, and it’s Wicked Night — that’s the perfect way to go.”
Conclusion
Wicked Night showcased the talents of the remaining contestants, with several achieving their highest scores of the season. The episode not only celebrated the magic of "Wicked" but also highlighted the emotional journey of the contestants, culminating in a heartfelt farewell to Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold. The competition continues as the remaining couples prepare for the upcoming Halloween-themed episode.
