Dancing With The Stars 34 Recap: 2025 Wicked Night Week 6 Live Blog
Good Evening Everyone :)
Welcome to week six of season thirty-four of Dancing with the Stars. Whether you are team green or pink, a good witch or bad- we will all be celebrating the phenomenon that is Wicked! Tonight, the remaining couples will perform a routine to a song from either the motion picture Wicked or upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good.
Joining the judging panel tonight will be the franchise director, Jon M. Chu. Some special taped massages will air from the stars of the films, including Academy Award nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The opening number will be set to a medley of songs featured in both movies.
Last week, dedication night ended without an elimination. But this week, we are back to business as usual. For the first time this season, Dylan Efron and Daniella earned the top score from the judges. Andy Richter and Emma were once again our lowest scoring pair. Can he possibly escape elimination yet again? Or is the comedian’s time finally up? And how will the leaderboard change as we officially hit the midpoint of the season?
Which dancers tonight will defy gravity? Who will mourn the wicked? Will anyone be dancing through life? And just how many more Wicked references can I make before even I get turned off? Let’s find out.
Your votes will be combined with the judges scores (from last week as well) to determine which couple will have danced for the last time. Remember, VOTING begins at the top of the show and concludes after the final dance of the evening.
Oscar nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande welcome us to the show and introduce the opening number, choreographed by Chris Scott. The pros and troupe are out performing to a medley of songs from the two films. Even Derek Hough gets in on the action, performing toward the end of the number. And not to be left out, our hosts Alfonso and Julianne also join in the fun with a little dancing. It’s a Wicked party!
Scott Hoying & Rylee – Contemporary
The first 30 seconds of this was a complete mess. The lifts were awkward and Scott was having a real problem with the musicality and remaining in sync with Rylee. It got better as it went on but never reached the potential it could have had. Perhaps Scott’s nerves got the better of him but this was a mixed bag and that’s being generous.
Jon felt the yearning of the dance but he wished the transitions were cleaner. Bruno loved the energy but he saw missed passes. Carrie Ann was happy with how the show started but cautions Scott to balance his arms because they go in and out of character. Derek wanted the transitions to be more seamless.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Jon- 7, Bruno- 7 =28/40
VOTE for Scott & Rylee at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting SCOTT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Alix Earle & Val – Jazz
That was quite Broadway and I mean that as a total compliment. Val choreographed a very good routine that was a tribute to the movie but kept the musical theatre flair. And Alix kept up with the steps and looked very much in character throughout. Fans of the films will definitely appreciate the very obvious nods to moments in the movie.
Bruno calls it delicious. He loved how classic musical comedy it was. Carrie Ann says it wasn’t her most difficult dance but it was her best dance. Derek says tonight is about storytelling and he also compliments the jazz moves. Jon agrees with the notes about the storytelling.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Jon- 8, Bruno- 9 = 35/40
VOTE for Alix & Val at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ALIX to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Out of commercial, Jonathan Bailey joins Ariana and Cynthia in a video taped message discussing his character.
Robert Irwin & Witney – Jazz
Aww, that was super cute. I think one would have to be a real scrooge to not smile from ear to ear watching that. A fun jazz number with some really good choreography and Robert was game to do just about everything Witney wanted. Lots of fun moments and good clean jazz steps. One of Robert’s best performances.
Carrie Ann says dancing through life should be his theme song. She loved the choreography from Witney. Derek thinks Robert was meant to be on stage as a performer. Jon felt the props did not hinder Robert and he loves his range. Bruno calls it a joyful theatrical treat.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Jon- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40
VOTE for Robert & Witney at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ROBERT to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Whitney Leavitt & Mark – Quickstep
That had some really good character work by Whitney. She truly became the character in that and it was nice to see. The quickstep was good- a nice pace around the floor and some fast footwork. The posture and frame were decent even though it could have been stronger from time to time. But with so much going on in the dance, it’s understandable.
Derek feels like we are discovering a star in Whitney. He says it was a very complicated routine. Jon calls it the perfect blend of technical and fun. Bruno labels it insanely good. He notes how careful he was watching the very complicated footwork. Carrie Ann says it was unhinged in all the right ways.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 9, Jon- 10, Bruno- 10 = 39/40
VOTE for Whitney & Mark at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting WHITNEY to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
I wonder if we just saw the top 2 going back to back with Robert and then Whitney. We have weeks to go but it looks to be entirely possible.
Dylan Efron & Daniella – Rumba
Wow. That was quite…sexy. The rumba is a dance that should exude a passion and this definitely did. I loved how Daniella made sure to choreograph this as a proper rumba with lots of hip action. Dylan is turning into a good leading man in terms of dancing. My only gripe here is that sometimes during the routine, you could see the wheels turning on Dylan’s face. In other words, preparing fore next steps. That’s a clear difference between a professional and amateur.
Jon felt Dylan was so connected. He loved the masculinity he saw. Bruno calls it subtle and sensous. Bruno says the hip action lost some control in the middle but adds this is the hardest dance for men to do. Carrie Ann appreciates the partnerships but notes his foot got stuck on the drag turn reverse. Derek says Dylan is growing each week and he appreciates it.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Jon- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
VOTE for Dylan & Daniella at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting DYLAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Out of commercial, Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh talks about her character and what it represents in the movie.
Andy Richter & Emma – Jazz
Dare I say….Andy’s best dance. Yup. Okay. So I am not ready to throw any stellar grades at him but he actually did quite a bit of dancing here. Emma gave him a jazz routine that he could really sink his teeth into from a performance perspective. This is the type of dance that fits comfortable on him. And it showed. Of course, it was more jazz-lite but still…. a marked improvement for him.
Bruno says it is a miracle because Andy was on time. Carrie Ann tells Andy it was really good and he is living proof that anyone can dance. Derek is very proud at how much Andy has embraced this competition. Jon sees how much dance is meaning to Andy and he is also proud.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 6, Jon- 7, Bruno- 7 = 27/40
OHH. I see you Derek. Methinks Derek is ready to say goodbye to Andy. He also mentioned how it is the halfway point. In fact, the comments by the judges came off rather like… “you’ve done so well but…” Maybe I am just reading too much into it but it seems like that to me.
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 for tickets to the tour. Val and Jenna will be joining the tour as well. Get your tickets to see the show when it comes to your city!
Elaine Hendrix & Alan – Contemporary
Yikes. Elaine complaining in the rehearsal package about her scores and how she was hit by a car. Don’t do that Elaine. Bitching about scoring is never a pretty picture. This dance was….okay but a little weird. I understand it is Wicked night and it must be a big two hour commercial for the films but did we really need to see the climax of the film played out as though this was the actual movie. Elaine lifted up like Elphaba and all? The final 30 seconds of that routine featured no dancing from Elaine. I don’t know. What we saw of the actual contemporary dancing was nice though. I guess they had to go all out because…Wicked.
Carrie Ann (who is crying because of course) calls it something special. She felt it was magical. Derek understands that Elaine is truly defying the odds. He feels she trusted Alan and will cherish the moment. Jon says Elaine surrendered to her own power. Bruno says Elaine inhabited the character and had the biggest number in the show and killed it.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Jon- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40
VOTE for Elaine & Alan at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting ELAINE to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
In case you didn’t hear it enough, Elaine is sure to mention again that she is 54 and injured. I’m not a huge fan of desperation on this show and that hurts to say because Elaine has been one of my favorites. I hope the attitude is different next week.
Some of our troupe bring us back from commercial with some classic musical theater steps. Cute!
Jen Affleck & Jan – Foxtrot
Jen asked Jan for harder choreography and he gave it to her. She had a lot to do here and it was an intricate foxtrot in certain moments. I really appreciate how she completely threw herself into that routine and it paid off because it was elegant and sweet but strong and a little saucy too. I think that might have been Jen’s best overall routine this season.
Derek felt Jen was really connected to that dance. Jon loved the commitment. He saw romance and perseverance. Bruno tells Jen she is getting there and improving. He wants her to always be intentional in her steps. Carrie Ann likes the direction Jen is going on but she feels she is still in process.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Jon- 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.
Danielle Fishel & Pasha – Argentine Tango
I love a good Argentine tango. It is such a fierce dance. This was good. It was definitely different from what we have seen from Danielle. Pasha really wanted to do those lifts- he added a lot of them. One or two more than was necessary for my money but that’s no fault of Danielle. She did everything she was tasked to do here. I applaud her for stepping away from her usual bubbly self and trying this on for size. A nice risk taken.
Jon wanted to see the intensity grow more toward the end but thought it was amazing. Bruno says it had a fantastic style. He feels it was the most difficult song to choreograph with. Carrie Ann labels this dance a breakthrough for Danielle. Derek mentions how hard the routine was and saw professional moves. He wants her to breathe the dance even if its a strong one.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Jon- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40
VOTE for Danielle & Pasha at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting Danielle to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Jordan Chiles & Ezra – Rumba
Oof. That was an excellent rumba. So much power in Jordan’s steps yet very fluid in the hips. It wasn’t so much a love rumba but more just a powerful dance between two people who are coming together as one. Jordan’s gymnastic background gives her that powerful bottom half where she can stick any of these steps and it just looks fierce. Very impressive routine.
Bruno says it was wickedly good and drop dead gorgeous. He compliments the performance value. Carrie Ann doesn’t want the night to end. She calls the dance perfection. Derek says the quality of movement was stunning. He wants a bit more emotion now. Jon feels lucky to be here and he saw similar eyes in Jordan as he did when she was in the Olympics.
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 9, Jon- 10, Bruno- 10 = 39/40
VOTE for Jordan & Ezra at dwtsvote.abc.com and/or via texting JORDAN to 21523. Note- only US residents can vote using text method.
Cynthia and Ariana close out the night with one final video message. Results after the break…
Judges Scores For Week 5 (Out Of 40)
Jordan & Ezra – 39
Whitney & Mark – 39
Danielle & Pasha – 36
Elaine & Alan – 36
Robert & Witney – 36
Alix & Val – 35
Dylan & Daniella – 32
Jen & Jan – 32
Scott & Rylee – 28
Andy & Emma – 27
ELIMINATION TIME!
Wicked night has thankfully come to a close. It was a strong evening of dancing but I think I have had enough of this movie for quite a while now. Anyways, time to combine the results from last week to this and find out who is getting booted out of Oz. Here we go…
100 MILLION votes between last week and this.
The couples who are safe are– Danelle & Pasha, Jordan & Ezra, Whitney & Mark, Alix & Val, Robert & Witney, Jen & Jan, Elaine & Alan, Andy & Emma, and Dylan & Daniella.
Eliminated tonight are Scott & Rylee.
Hmm. Could it be that Dylan isn’t getting the votes so they decided to put him in “DANGER” as a way to wake up his fans? Of course it wasn’t an actual bottom three but this show does everything for a reason and that includes how they announce who is safe.
As for Scott- not such a surprise seeing him eliminated. He was an ok dancer but rather forgettable when you think about the crop of really strong dancers and personalities we have this season. Andy had his best night of the season and I am sure his fans will just rally no matter what he does. Clearly Robert, Whitney, and Alix are frontrunners to make the finale with any additional spots up for grabs depending on how the rest of the season goes.
Next week is our annual Halloween episode. Two-time DWTS champion Cheryl Burke will be on hand to guest judge. Get ready for fun costumes and spooky routines all dedicated to the scariest time of the year. Thanks for tuning in tonight and I’ll see you all in a week to do it again in week seven.