Dancing with the Stars Week 6, themed “Wicked Night,” transported the ballroom into the world of Oz. With guest judge Jon M. Chu joining the panel, two couples achieved the season’s first perfect 10s. But amid the magic and high scores, the night took an emotional turn as Pentatonix star Scott Hoying and partner Rylee Arnold were eliminated, ending their journey on a heartfelt note. Here’s a full breakdown of the night’s highlights, performances, and results.
Week 6 of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 delivered an enchanting evening titled “Wicked Night,” inspired by the beloved Broadway musical Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: Part One film. The stage transformed into a shimmering Emerald City as contestants danced to iconic songs from the musical, captivating audiences and judges alike.
It was a night of celebration, theatrical flair, and strong competition — but also one that ended in tears as Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold were eliminated despite a touching performance.
A Magical Theme: The Ballroom Turns Emerald
The DWTS ballroom was dressed in dazzling green lights and mystical décor, channeling the fantasy world of Oz. Guest judge Jon M. Chu, director of the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, joined regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli for this week’s show.
After last week’s “Dedication Night” ended with no elimination, Week 6 combined two weeks’ worth of votes and judges’ scores, making this episode particularly tense for contestants.
The “Wicked Night” theme encouraged each pair to embody the characters and energy of the Broadway phenomenon, resulting in some of the most emotional and high-energy performances of the season.
Two Couples Earn the First 10s of Season 34
For the first time this season, the judges awarded perfect 10s — and not just to one couple, but two.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Dazzle with “Popular”
Whitney Leavitt and her pro partner Mark Ballas danced a quickstep to the upbeat number “Popular.” Their chemistry, technique, and flawless timing earned them three 10s and a 9, giving them an incredible score of 39/40.
Judge Derek Hough called it “pure joy,” while Carrie Ann praised their “effortless precision.” Their performance marked a major breakthrough and solidified them as frontrunners.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa Shine with “For Good”
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa delivered a heartfelt rumba to “For Good,” one of the musical’s most beloved ballads. Their emotional storytelling and fluid movements also earned them a near-perfect 39/40, matching Whitney and Mark’s achievement.
Bruno Tonioli described their dance as “soulful and poetic,” while guest judge Jon M. Chu commended their ability to merge athleticism with emotion.
Other Standout Performances of the Night
Elaine Hendrix’s Emotional “Defying Gravity”
Actress Elaine Hendrix (best known for The Parent Trap) performed a moving contemporary routine to “Defying Gravity” with partner Alan Bersten. The performance earned standing ovations and emotional reactions from the judges, particularly Carrie Ann, who was moved to tears.
Elaine revealed that she danced despite lingering pain from a titanium foot joint — making her performance one of the most inspiring of the evening.
Danielle Fishel’s Dark Turn with “No Good Deed”
Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel and her pro partner Pasha Pashkov tackled an Argentine tango to “No Good Deed.” The routine showcased her newfound confidence and intensity, marking her most mature performance yet.
Jen Affleck Channels Elphaba Energy
Influencer Jen Affleck (no relation to Ben) and her partner Gleb Savchenko impressed with a foxtrot to “As Long As You’re Mine.” The judges noted her steady improvement and praised her emotional connection to the character.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold’s Emotional Elimination
Despite fan support, Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying and his 19-year-old partner Rylee Arnold were eliminated at the end of “Wicked Night.” Their contemporary routine to “The Wizard and I” was graceful and sincere, earning solid scores — but it wasn’t enough to save them once combined votes and scores were tallied.
Scott reflected after the show, “This experience meant everything to me. Rylee is my favorite person ever — I learned so much.”
Rylee, who made her DWTS debut this season, responded tearfully: “You were the best first partner I could have ever asked for. You made me proud every single week.”
Fans flooded social media expressing disappointment at the elimination, calling it “too soon” for the talented duo to leave.
Guest Judge Jon M. Chu Brings Broadway Energy
Adding to the excitement, Jon M. Chu, the visionary behind Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, brought his directorial insight to the judging panel. He encouraged dancers to focus on narrative storytelling, emotional connection, and theatrical expression — core elements of both Wicked and dance.
Chu’s presence elevated the night’s energy, bridging Hollywood, Broadway, and ballroom artistry into one unforgettable evening.
How Voting and Scores Shaped the Outcome
Because the previous week didn’t include an elimination, the results for “Wicked Night” factored in two weeks of audience votes and judges’ scores. This twist made the competition even tighter, as one weaker week could outweigh a stronger one.
Unfortunately, despite Scott Hoying’s growing improvement and fan following, his cumulative score placed him at the bottom — ultimately leading to his exit.
The Season Heats Up: What’s Next on DWTS
As the show enters its mid-season phase, the competition is fiercer than ever. With Whitney Leavitt and Jordan Chiles leading the scoreboard, other contestants like Danielle Fishel and Elaine Hendrix must step up their game to stay in contention.
The upcoming Halloween Night is expected to feature elaborate costumes, eerie soundtracks, and theatrical storytelling — a favorite among fans every year.
If “Wicked Night” proved anything, it’s that Season 34 is delivering its strongest performances yet.
Conclusion
Dancing with the Stars’ “Wicked Night” will go down as one of the most memorable evenings of the season — not just for its dazzling performances and first perfect 10s, but for the heartfelt emotion that filled the ballroom.
From the magic of Emerald City to Scott Hoying’s emotional goodbye, Week 6 embodied everything fans love about the show: drama, artistry, and genuine human connection. As the journey continues, the remaining couples have one message to keep in mind — it’s only going to get tougher from here.
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FAQs
Q1. Who was eliminated on “Wicked Night” of Dancing with the Stars?
Scott Hoying and his professional partner Rylee Arnold were eliminated at the end of Week 6.
Q2. Which couples earned perfect 10s?
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas and Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa both earned 10s for their outstanding performances.
Q3. Who was the guest judge for “Wicked Night”?
Director Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked: Part One, joined the judging panel.
Q4. Why was the elimination based on two weeks of results?
Because there was no elimination during “Dedication Night,” scores and votes from Weeks 5 and 6 were combined.
Q5. What is next week’s theme on Dancing with the Stars?
The next episode will feature the fan-favorite Halloween Night, known for spooky themes and creative choreography.
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