The ballroom was filled with tears and emotion as the latest episode of Dancing With the Stars honored the people closest to the contestants’ hearts.
For the first time in the show’s history, each star could dedicate their dance not only to someone special but also include their honoree in the routine itself. Contestants paid tribute to mothers, siblings, best friends, and even co-stars. Two-time DWTS champion Kym Johnson joined the judging panel to offer her expert feedback throughout the night.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough revealed that the show had surpassed a remarkable milestone of 50 million votes. In a move that added to the emotional atmosphere, they announced that no couples would be eliminated that night; all votes and scores would carry over to next week’s “Wicked Night” elimination.
Comedian Andy Richter brought his adopted daughter Cordelia into his salsa performance to “Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte. His partner, Emma Slater, guided Cordelia through the choreography, twirling alongside her dad. Richter joked that his daughter learned the steps faster than he did. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba praised him for improvement, though she noted that the musicality needed work. Bruno Tonioli agreed but commended the father-daughter duo for adding creative flair to the routine.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came from wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. His contemporary dance to “You’ll Be in My Heart” left the ballroom in tears. Irwin dedicated the performance to his mother, Terri, and “all the moms who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.” Having lost his father, Steve Irwin, at just two years old, Robert’s tribute was especially poignant. At the conclusion, his mother appeared in the ballroom, and Derek Hough, who previously won with Bindi Irwin, was visibly moved, declaring, “The world needs the Irwin family.” Robert earned his highest scores of the season.
Actress Elaine Hendrix celebrated female friendship with a foxtrot to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love), joined by her long-time best friend Lisa Anna Walter. The duo, who met on the set of The Parent Trap 28 years ago, were supported by Alan Bersten in a stunning trio performance. Judges praised Hendrix’s performance, comparing her to Ginger Rogers and giving her the highest scores she had received all season.
Whitney Leavitt, star of Mormon Wives, shared a contemporary dance to “Heal” by Jamal Roberts with her husband and best friend, Connor. The routine highlighted their strong bond and the sacrifices Connor made to support Whitney’s dreams. Despite minor errors, the judges acknowledged the difficulty of the performance and praised their teamwork.
Mother of three Jen Affleck honored her own mother, Maria, with a Viennese Waltz to “Rescue” by Lauren Daigle. She thanked Maria for her sacrifices, including moving from Ecuador to give Jen a better life. Guest judge Kym Johnson encouraged Affleck to stay more grounded, and the mother of three was visibly emotional reflecting on her own journey with motherhood.
Dylan Efron dedicated a contemporary dance to his younger sister Olivia, performing to his brother’s song “Rewrite the Stars” from The Greatest Showman. He highlighted how his five-year-old sister transformed his outlook on life, and the judges praised the emotional depth and precision of his performance, awarding him his season’s highest score.
Olympian Jordan Chiles honored her father, Timothy, with a Viennese Waltz to “Daughters” by John Mayer, acknowledging him for putting her on the path to gymnastics success. The father-daughter duo shared the floor with her partner Ezra Sosa, creating a heartfelt trio. Judges praised both Timothy and Ezra for their courage and execution, noting the emotional impact of the routine.
Scott Hoying of Pentatonix performed a foxtrot to his original song Parallel, dedicated to his husband Mark. The routine, which included hints at their upcoming surrogate journey, impressed the audience but received constructive feedback from the judges regarding lines and frame.
Lastly, Danielle Fishel, famed for Boy Meets World, paid homage to William Daniels (Mr. Feeney) with a jive to the show’s theme song. Daniels began the routine seated at his desk before Fishel and partner Pasha Pashkov danced into the ballroom. Judges found the performance nostalgic and entertaining, though they noted it needed sharper technical execution, awarding Fishel her first 8 of the season.
The night showcased not only the skill and creativity of the contestants but also their heartfelt connections to the people who shaped their lives. Every dance was a celebration of love, family, and friendship, leaving the ballroom—and viewers at home—deeply moved.
