Full Breakdown
Dancing With the Stars Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Emotional Elimination
11/13/2025, 4:24:49 AM
A Night of Celebration and Competition
On November 11, 2025, "Dancing With the Stars" marked its 20th anniversary with a special episode that blended nostalgia and fierce competition. The event featured returning favorites, including former host Tom Bergeron, who made his first appearance since his departure in 2020. The episode opened with a group performance by six original professional dancers from Season 1, choreographed by Derek Hough, setting a celebratory tone for the night.
The competition consisted of two rounds: individual performances inspired by iconic freestyle routines from past seasons and a relay dance where contestants partnered with former champions. The episode saw a record number of votes, highlighting the show's enduring popularity.
Key Performances and Scores
The night was marked by emotional performances, particularly from Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, who earned the first perfect score of the season with their foxtrot dedicated to Irwin's late father, Steve Irwin. Irwin's sister, Bindi, joined them on stage, enhancing the emotional weight of the performance. Other couples, including Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, also achieved perfect scores, showcasing the high level of talent remaining in the competition.
The relay dance round featured couples competing head-to-head, with Irwin and Earle winning their respective matches. However, the night ended on a bittersweet note as comedian Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater were eliminated after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 29 out of 40.
Official Statements and Responses
Tom Bergeron, during his guest judging stint, expressed his excitement about returning to the show, stating, “I am thrilled to be here tonight. It’s such a rush.” He also made a plea to ABC to reinstate the results show format, which would allow for nationwide voting, saying, “This show is setting ratings records again, so next season bring back the results show. Let the whole country vote.”
Richter, reflecting on his experience, stated, “It’s changed my life. I’m a different person because of this show and because of this woman right here,” referring to Slater. His elimination was met with both laughter and tears from the audience, underscoring his status as a fan favorite.
Criticism and Opposition
While the episode celebrated the show's legacy, some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the relay dance format, feeling it detracted from the core competition. Critics noted that the focus on nostalgia and celebrity appearances overshadowed the actual dancing, with some calling for a return to more traditional competition formats.
What's Next
The semi-finals of "Dancing With the Stars" are set to air on November 18, 2025, themed "Prince Night," honoring the late musician Prince. The remaining contestants, including Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, and Whitney Leavitt, will compete for a chance at the coveted Mirrorball Trophy as the season approaches its finale on November 25, 2025.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just want to make him proud. He’s my hero.” — Robert Irwin
- “It’s changed my life. I’m a different person because of this show and because of this woman right here. None of this would have happened without her.” — Andy Richter
The 20th anniversary episode of "Dancing With the Stars" not only celebrated the show's rich history but also set the stage for an exciting conclusion to Season 34, as contestants vie for the ultimate prize in the coming weeks.
