Dancing With The Stars 34 Recap: 2025 Halloween Night Week 7 Live Blog
Happy Tuesday Everyone :)
Welcome to week seven of season thirty-four of Dancing with the Stars. Tonight, we celebrate Halloween. Get ready for some spooky routines, dazzling costumes, and some tricks and treats in the ballroom. The remaining couples will perform a routine to an unlearned dance and then everyone will participate in a marathon for extra points.
Joining the judging panel tonight will be two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Cheryl Burke. Let’s hope Cheryl brings her vast knowledge and is able to impart some of that to the cast. Only four episodes will be left this season following tonight’s installment.
Last week, Wicked night featured some stellar routines. At the very top of the leaderboard with an almost perfect score were Whitney Leavitt and Mark & Jordan Chiles and Ezra. Andy Richter and Emma were again the lowest scoring pair. But as the case has been all season, Andy survived with the audience vote. Instead, Scott Hoying and Rylee were eliminated. Will the funnyman make it through yet again?
As we head toward the finale, it is looking very much like Robert, Alix, and Whitney are locks. If the show follows the same pattern as the last two seasons, that will leave two open spots. Be on the lookout to see how the judges score the dance marathon. It will give us a good idea of who they think will go the distance.
Your votes will be combined with the judges scores to determine which couple will end up with the biggest trick of all- being eliminated. Remember, VOTING begins at the top of the show and concludes after the final dance of the evening.
We begin with a funny little bit about a “murder in the ballroom” with a Clue like mystery about who did it and with what. Alfonso and Julianne welcome us and the stars into the ballroom.
Oh damn. Elaine was injured in rehearsal and is currently in the hospital being evaluated. She’s still in the competition according to our hosts and people can still vote for her. But we will find out later whether or not she can continue on and how that will work. That’s a bummer. Elaine is one of the better and more interesting contestants this season. I hope she is alright and can come back to dance. It is never fun to see someone go out with an injury.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark – Jazz
That was fun! I love the costumes and the contacts on Mark and Whitney. This was a solid jazz routine with some nice side by side choreography that for the most part, was done together. I saw a couple of moments where I would have liked to see Whitney be a bit more sharp with her movements, especially considering the jerky nature of the dance that Mark put together. But all in all, it was a good effort and a fun routine to open Halloween night.
Cheryl is impressed by the partnership. She loves the choreography. She notes that Whitney has to watch the timing so she is matched with Mark. Bruno calls it a mind blowing routine. He loved the differing jazz styles. Carrie Ann loves the spooky fosse dancing but agrees with Cheryl on the timing. Derek says the dance was no tricks and no treats. He also agrees with the side by side timing but calls it brilliant.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Cheryl- 9, Bruno- 10 = 37/40
VOTE for Whitney & Mark at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting WHITNEY to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Really Bruno? a 10 for a dance that absolutely had sync issues? Hmm. A bit of an overscore there if you ask me and I only mention it because we are in the final weeks here and every point counts now.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Contemporary
Ezra is from So You Think You Can Dance and so he knows how to choreograph a contemporary routine. And I think I remember a few routines on that show with a prop like a rope or harness between the dancers. It makes for a very cool aesthetic and as long as you don’t mess up, it is a success. This was definitely a success and a powerful routine. Jordan finally gets to sink her teeth into some character work and she pulls it off well. Compliments go to Ezra here on the choreography.
Bruno says nothing can hold Jordan back. He saw her story throughout the dance. Carrie Ann loved how Jordan explored new movement. She feels the prop was a struggle at times. Derek loves a prop and calls it fantastic. He does feel the execution wasn’t one hundred percent realized. Cheryl tells them she wants to see more trust in the partnership and it will bring everything to a new level.
The troupe comes out to perform an Argentine Tango before the scores are given out to Jordan.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 8, Cheryl- 8, Bruno- 9 = 34/40
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Andy Richter & Emma – Paso Doble
Well, not much here to work with. Emma gave Andy probably the easiest paso steps I have ever seen on this show. It couldn’t have been more basic. Yes, he did the steps and yes, there were no glaring issues. But this was clearly an amateur dance that was more style over substance. The costumes and smoke are cool but they cannot completely hide a dance that was lacking quality.
Carrie Ann says Andy is getting better weekly and saw some good posture. She notes that he needs to work on using his legs more. Derek “breaks” his 6-paddle and says Andy is committed and doing it. Cheryl calls Andy the heart of the show. She wants him to have more intention in his movements. Bruno says the cult like horror films of the past was captured.
I love how that whole word salad by Bruno was basically one big back handed compliment.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Cheryl- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
VOTE for Andy & Emma at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ANDY to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
DWTSTour.Com if you want to purchase tickets to see this season’s tour. Up next, we will find out details about Elaine and what it means for the competition.
Out of commercial, Jenna & Jan are out to perform. On the subject of Jan- I do understand where Maks was coming from with his critique but I also think it was too harsh. Jan might not come from a ballroom background but he has done a decent job and being on the show will help him iron out his technique. Maks has always been known for his style of being outspoken so I am not surprised.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Argentine Tango
Elaine is still at the hospital. She has been cleared by doctors to stay in the competition if she survives tonight’s elimination. She will be judged tonight by her final full rehearsal of the planned routine. And the rehearsal was good. Sure, it didn’t have a big impact without the costumes and character work but the steps were done well. You could see Elaine really giving it her all with that footwork that you need in an Argentine Tango. Alan put in some nice tricks and the dance itself was entertaining. It is sad we don’t get to see that live with all the bells and whistles. I do hope Elaine is safe tonight and can dance next week.
Derek sends out his best to Elaine and says it is hard to judge that. He notes it will still impressive even in the taped video. Cheryl feels Elaine has been underrated in past weeks. She wants them to work on the transitions. Bruno gives kudos to Alan on the choreography. Carrie Ann is broken-hearted. She is pissed that Elaine’s momentum was stopped and says she has got to come back.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Cheryl- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Since Elaine will not be able to participate in the marathon later for extra points, she will really need those votes to keep her in the competition. This will be a real test for her fanbase. We shall see what happens.
In case you want to buy some swag, you can go to dancingwiththestarsstore.com Moving on…
Danielle Fishel & Pasha – Viennese Waltz
That really came together for me at the midway point to the end. The idea behind the dance really added to it. Let’s be honest- a Viennese waltz on Halloween night is a tough ask. It is a very elegant dance and you are asking them to do it up scary style and make it memorable. I do think they achieved that at the end of the day. Danielle could stand to refine some of those arm extensions when gliding around the ballroom but it was a good and interestingly choreographed number.
Cheryl loved that is was a proper dance. She wants, moving forward, to see more authentic and raw emotion. Bruno loved how the movement reflected the idea of the dance. Carrie Ann has mixed emotions. She saw moments of progress but also saw some movements that were too small. Derek loves watching Danielle dance but lacks movement from the torso. They are rushing Derek to finish his comments.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Cheryl- 8, Bruno- 9 = 33/40
VOTE for Danielle & Pasha at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting Danielle to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Argentine Tango
I have to give props here to Whitney. She really was the star of that. And with Argentine Tango, I am not surprised. The female is always the centerpiece. But the man has to be able to make it work and show her off. Robert handled that well. Some really strong action with his feet and he kept in character. I think he really enjoys character dances and doing the “acting” thing. Whitney was stellar and I loved the way her feet were just dizzy around Robert. So good.
Bruno called it deadly hot. He feels it had tension and entrapment and a film noir feel. Carrie Ann believed Robert as the leading man. She calls it an amazing delivery. Derek was drawn in from the beginning and loved all the tricks. Cheryl cannot believe Robert hasn’t had dance experience. She is an Argentine Tango snob she says and wants Robert’s feet to make love to the floor. Well, alright then.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 9, Cheryl- 9, Bruno- 10 = 38/40
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Jen Affleck & Jan – Contemporary
HA. That was Jan’s way of saying screw the haters and just watch me kill a cotemporary. My eyes were drawn to him throughout. Jen did everything she was asked to but I wanted more character work out of her. Some more passion and aggression. I wanted her to attack it more. The dance was set up perfectly to give her the opportunity to be fierce. She tried. I don’t think she got there a hundred percent though.
Carrie Ann loved the beginning with the troupe. She still sees inconsistency though. She doesn’t want her arms to go limp at times. Derek tells Jan he is doing fantastic in his first season. He does agree with Carrie Ann a bit though and wants Jen to watch her feet. Cheryl calls it her best dance and loves the power and grit. She wants to see more work on the connection. Bruno tells her to let the beast go. He cautions her not to think too hard.
LOL@ Derek really hardcore defending Jan there. Looks like Maks’ comments hit a nerve. Wouldn’t it be hysterical if they got Maks to be a guest judge? Awkward? YES but fun tv. Anyways…
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Cheryl- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
VOTE for Jen & Jan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JEN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Alix Earle & Val – Tango
A very well executed tango from start to finish. Val was smart here because he took the theme of Halloween but didn’t allow it to completely overshadow a true tango. And Alix really kept up the energy throughout. I really loved those turns toward the end. They seemed to go on forever and one could easily lose balance after that. But it was a job well done with solid choreography.
Derek feels tough love sometimes gets the job done. He calls it fantastic and sharp and controlled. Cheryl tells Alix she did all of it but she didn’t like that they broke hold. She wants her to know she is amazing. Bruno calls it drop dead good. Carrie Ann has respect for Alix for the process.
Before Alix gets her scores- Brandon, Britt, Rylee, and Gleb come out for a quick dance.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Cheryl- 9, Bruno- 10 = 39/40
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Viennese Waltz
Wow. Could Danielle be more of a star? The blindfold, the power, the sheer elegance and ferocity. DAMN. I thought Dylan was good here although at moments, a tad on the messy side. He seemed to lose a bit of balance once or twice. The dance was very difficult and fast, which is different for a Viennese waltz. It wasn’t perfect but it was a risk that for the most part, paid off for them. Lovely character work and they are a hot pair when dancing together.
Cheryl says they are the most improved couple of the season. She wants him to watch his bum and lead with his legs, not his upper body. Bruno calls it sexy and kinky. He liked it and found Dylan to be a convincing lead. Carrie Ann says Dylan understands the emotional aspect of the moves and that sets him apart. Derek calls Dylan smooth as velvet and compliments the chemistry. He tells him to watch the frame but tells Dylan he belongs on stage.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Cheryl- 8, Bruno- 9 = 35/40
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Julianne congratulates Dylan on winning the People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive reader choice poll for best tattoos. I am so confused but good job Dylan on the ink. Alfonso counters by telling Derek that he was won the sexiest 40 year old category. The bad news is that Derek promised he would shave his head if he won. OMG. Derek bald? I cannot imagine him actually doing that. Watch them get a bald prop thingy for him to wear instead.
Hustle & Lindy Hop Dance Marathon
All the couples (minus Elaine & Alan) dance together and the judges will award extra points. It will replicate actual ballroom competition. Every couple dances in their own square until they are tapped on the shoulder. Once they are tapped, they are out and points are higher if you last longer. This could potentially be a bit of a mess for some of these couples. Good luck to them all.
Andy & Emma eliminated first and get 1 point.
Jen & Jan are out next with 2 points.
Danielle and Pasha get tapped out with 2 points.
Dylan and Danielle are out with 3 points.
Robert and Whitney are awarded 3 points.
Jordan & Ezra are gone with 4 points.
Alix & Val awarded 4 points.
Whitney and Mark win and get 5 points.
Welp, if that doesn’t look like the order the judges probably want to see the competition to go in, I don’t know what does. Pretty darn transparent with that one judges. But it isn’t only up to them. So vote who you like and we will see what happens. RESULTS and elimination are next but here is the final judges leaderboard.
Judges Scores For Week 7 (Out Of 45) – The extra five points are for the dance marathon.
Alix & Val – 43
Whitney & Mark – 42
Robert & Witney – 41
Dylan & Daniella – 38
Jordan & Ezra – 38
Danielle & Pasha – 35
Jen & Jan – 34
Elaine & Alan – 32
Andy & Emma – 28
ELIMINATION TIME!
As Halloween night comes to a close, we have your results and tonight’s elimination. We surpassed 55 million votes tonight and once again broke a record. Here we go…
The couples who are safe are– Alix & Val, Jordan & Ezra, Dylan & Daniella, Robert & Witney, Danielle & Pasha, Andy & Emma (OH BOY), Whitney & Mark, and Elaine & Alan.
Eliminated tonight are Jen & Jan.
Well… that sucks for Jan. The week Maks says he doesn’t belong on the show and he gets eliminated. I mean, Jen was improving but if Andy cannot go because the audience loves him, Jen getting eliminated makes the most sense. I assume all the votes she is getting are split with Whitney who is her co-star from that Mormon reality show. And despite improving, she wasn’t able to breakthrough enough. Will Jan be invited back next season is the big question?
NEXT WEEK is Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night. And there’s a lot happening.
Flavor Flav (yes, I said Flavor Flav) will be the guest judge, so that should be hysterical. Finally someone who will make Bruno look timid. We will have live performances from the bands CHICAGO and Kool & The Gang.
And it is the return of the team dances. Except this season, Alfonso and Julianne will each join a team and take part in the dancing!
So an exciting week coming up. Thanks everyone for watching with me tonight and have a blessed week. :)