Dancing with the Stars: Halloween Night Highlights

Halloween Night on Dancing with the Stars brought thrilling performances and emotional moments as contestants showcased their talents. Here’s a recap of the standout moments from the evening.

Andy’s Spooktacular Paso Doble

A Noteworthy Performance

Andy Richter wowed the audience with his Paso Doble, performing to Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor." Dressed as a priest, his routine paid homage to his role in Scary Movie. The performance began with a captivating black-and-white sequence, leading into a dramatic choreography with partner Emma Slater.

Judges’ Praise

Carrie Ann Inaba commended Andy for his continuous improvement, noting his enhanced posture and encouraging him to utilize his legs more. Derek Hough awarded him a score of 6, praising his commitment to the performance. Cheryl Burke called him "the heart of the show," while Bruno Tonioli appreciated the horror vibe he captured. Andy scored a total of 28 out of 40.

Jordan’s Emotional Rumba

Symbolism in Dance

Jordan Chiles, reflecting on her previous week’s success, aimed to reach the top solo. Her contemporary performance to Sia’s "Elastic Heart" featured a symbolic harness, representing the importance of seeking help during tough times.

Judges’ Feedback

Bruno praised her belief in herself, while Carrie Ann noted her exploration of new movements, albeit with some struggles with the prop. Derek acknowledged her athleticism but felt the execution could improve. Jordan received a score of 34 out of 40, emphasizing the message that "needing help is okay."

Whitney’s Emotional Jazz Routine

Overcoming Challenges

Whitney Leavitt expressed her emotional struggles ahead of her jazz performance to Green Day’s "Brain Stew." After a therapeutic scream, she delivered an electrifying performance with partner Mark Ballas, dressed in matching striped outfits.

Judges’ Reactions

Cheryl praised their partnership and choreography, while Bruno described the performance as "mind-blowing." Carrie Ann encouraged Whitney to embrace mistakes for creativity, and Derek noted the high difficulty level of their routine. Whitney scored an impressive 37 out of 40.

Cheryl Burke’s Return

A Warm Welcome

Cheryl Burke made her much-anticipated return as a guest judge, expressing her excitement to be back in the ballroom after a three-year hiatus. She emphasized the importance of authenticity in performances, quoting the late Len Goodman.

Contestant Update: Hospitalization

A Concern for Elaine Hendrix

In a surprising turn, it was announced that Elaine Hendrix was absent due to an injury sustained earlier that day. Host Alfonso Ribeiro reassured fans that she remains in the competition and will need their votes.

Drama Behind the Scenes

Maks Chmerkovskiy’s Controversial Comments

Former pro Maks Chmerkovskiy stirred controversy by criticizing fellow contestant Jan Ravnik’s qualifications on a podcast. Jan responded with a playful Instagram story, showcasing support from his partner, Jen Affleck.

Upcoming Performances

A Spooky Lineup

The evening featured a variety of performances, including:

• Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy performing a Tango to Billie Eilish’s "bury a friend."
• Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s Argentine Tango to "Sweet Dreams Are Made of This."
• Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa’s contemporary routine to "Elastic Heart."

As the competition heats up, fans eagerly await the next round of performances and the unfolding drama behind the scenes.

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In summary, Halloween Night on Dancing with the Stars was filled with emotional highs, impressive performances, and unexpected twists. The contestants not only entertained but also shared personal stories, making the evening memorable. As the competition progresses, it will be fascinating to see how each dancer evolves and overcomes challenges.