Dancing With the Stars: A Magical Wicked Night
Fans of Dancing With the Stars are in for a treat as the show celebrates its first-ever Wicked Night. This special episode coincides with the highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good, bringing the enchanting world of Oz to the ballroom. The remaining couples will perform to iconic songs from the beloved Broadway musical and its film adaptation, creating a night filled with magic and nostalgia. Adding to the excitement, acclaimed director Jon M. Chu will join the panel as a guest judge, promising to elevate the performances to new heights.
A Night of High Stakes
Following the previous week’s Dedication Night, where no couples were eliminated, viewers can expect at least one couple to bid farewell during Wicked Night. The stakes are higher than ever, with the possibility of a double elimination looming. As the couples prepare to dance their hearts out, fans are left wondering which pair will rise to the top of the leaderboard and who will face the dreaded elimination.
Opening Act: Pros Unite
The evening kicked off with an electrifying ensemble performance by the professional dancers, showcasing their skills to the hits of Wicked. This spectacular introduction featured special appearances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who brought their characters, Elphaba and Glinda, to life. The energy was palpable, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of dance.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold: 28/40
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold opened the night with a contemporary routine to “The Wizard and I.” Guest judge Jon M. Chu praised the performance, calling it the “best season of Dancing With the Stars ever,” although he noted that the transitions could be smoother. Bruno Tonioli commended Hoying for his determination but advised him to temper his passion. The couple received a score of 28, with all judges awarding them 7s.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 35/40
Next up, Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy delivered a jazz performance to “What Is This Feeling?” Tonioli raved about Earle’s “delicious” execution, while Carrie Ann Inaba declared it her best dance yet, despite its simplicity. Both Hough and Chu praised Earle for her storytelling ability, resulting in a score of 35, with the trio of main judges awarding 9s and Chu giving an 8.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 36/40
Robert Irwin, a self-proclaimed Wicked superfan, teamed up with Witney Carson for a charming jazz routine to “Dancing Through Life.” Inaba was impressed by the ambition of the performance, and Hough encouraged Irwin to embrace his stage presence. The judges were delighted, awarding the couple a score of 36, all 9s.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: 39/40
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas wowed the audience with a fast-paced quickstep to “Popular.” Hough expressed his amazement at discovering a star in Leavitt, while Chu praised the blend of technical skill and artistry. Tonioli was so impressed that he stood up to applaud, leading the couple to achieve the first 10s of the season from Inaba, Chu, and Tonioli, while Hough awarded them a 9, bringing their total to 39.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 32/40
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach brought a sultry rumba to life with “I’m Not That Girl.” Chu noted Efron’s connection during the performance, highlighting a refreshing masculinity in dance. While Tonioli praised the sensuality of the routine, he pointed out a moment where Efron lost his hip movement. The couple received a score of 32, with all judges awarding 8s.
Tune In for More
As the competition heats up, Dancing With the Stars continues to captivate audiences every Tuesday at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+. For those who want to relive the magic, the performances will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
For a deeper dive into the history of this iconic show, fans can check out TV Guide Magazine’s special issue celebrating 20 years of Dancing With the Stars, available online and on newsstands. The excitement of Wicked Night is just the beginning as the season unfolds, and fans eagerly await to see who will dance their way to victory.
