Full Breakdown
Dancing With the Stars Week 8: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night Recap
11/5/2025, 12:07:11 PM
Overview of the Competition
Week 8 of *Dancing With the Stars* Season 34 featured a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame theme, with the remaining eight contestants performing to iconic songs from legendary artists. The episode aired on November 4, 2025, and included both individual performances and team dances, culminating in the elimination of one contestant based on judges' scores and viewer votes.
Performance Highlights
Each contestant performed twice: once with their professional partner and again in team formations. Notable performances included:
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy danced a paso doble to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” earning a score of 39/40. Judges praised Earle for her fierce performance, with Bruno Tonioli calling her a "paso doble bombshell."
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas also performed a paso doble, this time to Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears,” receiving a matching score of 39/40. Derek Hough described their routine as "classic" and "edgy."
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach opened the night with a jive to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” scoring 36/40. Flavor Flav awarded them their first perfect 10 of the season, praising their energetic performance.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa performed a jazz routine to Ike and Tina Turner’s “River Deep – Mountain High,” earning a score of 38/40. Judges commended Chiles for her boldness and risk-taking.
Team Dances
The contestants were divided into two teams for the first team dance round of the season. Team Chicago, featuring Fishel, Leavitt, Chiles, and Efron, scored a perfect 40/40 for their freestyle routine, while Team Kool, consisting of Earle, Irwin, Richter, and Hendrix, scored 38/40. The performances were enhanced by live music from Chicago and Kool & The Gang.
Elimination Results
Following the performances, Danielle Fishel was eliminated from the competition. Despite a heartfelt contemporary dance to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” which earned her a score of 34/40, Fishel's total was not enough to secure her a spot in the quarterfinals. In contrast, Andy Richter, who scored 30/40 for his contemporary routine, advanced to the next round, largely due to his strong fan support.
Official Statements & Responses
Judges expressed mixed sentiments about the performances. Carrie Ann Inaba praised Elaine Hendrix for her resilience after returning from injury, stating, “You profoundly embraced every moment.” Meanwhile, Flavor Flav's energetic presence as a guest judge added excitement, with his enthusiastic remarks resonating with both contestants and viewers.
What's Next
As the competition progresses, only seven contestants remain. The next episode will feature a 20th Birthday Party special, introducing new challenges and relay dances. The season finale is scheduled for November 25, 2025, where the ultimate winner will be crowned.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You were an absolute rock and roll goddess out there.” — Derek Hough
- “That was brilliant.” — Bruno Tonioli on Alix Earle's performance
- “You didn’t just dominate, you owned this arena!” — Derek Hough on Robert Irwin's paso doble
- “I'm always surprised. In some ways, it's ridiculous that I'm still here. But I'm very happy that I am.” — Andy Richter
This week’s episode showcased the contestants' growth and the increasing stakes as they vie for the coveted mirror ball trophy.
