Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars has been nothing short of outstanding. And this week, DWTS celebrates its 20th birthday. Fan favorite pros from the past graced the ballroom to usher in this milestone. Plus, beloved former host Tom Bergeron also made his return. Only this time, he swapped his mic for a judge’s paddle. I confess – I was in my feels. Plus, I loved how Tom introduced the show. As a judge, Tom is looking for the “type of dance that induces goosebumps.”
This week, each couple danced twice. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt and her partner, Mark Ballas, were exempt from the relay dance after topping the leaderboard last week. They also earned two bonus points. Meanwhile, each of the duets showcased a new dance set to a past freestyle. Plus, in the relay round, the contestants danced either a jive, Viennese Waltz, or quickstep with a former Mirrorball champ.
Last week, during Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, actress Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov were given the ballroom boot. Let’s see who will make it to the semi-finals next week!
What happened in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9?
The opening performance, set to a switched-up version of the DWTS theme by Ray Chew, featured the current pros along with the troupe. And six pros from Season 1 joined them. Louis Van Amstel, Ashley DelGrosso, Alec Mazo, Charlotte Jorgensen, Edyta Śliwińska, and Jonathan Roberts all took to the floor. The entertaining and dynamic routine was choreographed by Derek Hough. Of course, Julianne Hough and Derek also danced.
Later, DWTS honored all the performers who are no longer with us. Rylee Arnold and Ezra Sosa, who choreographed this routine, danced to Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga. It was beautiful, and the segment concluded by honoring former head judge Len Goodman. His fellow judges were moved to tears. I wish that Len were in the ballroom for this special occasion.
Who was eliminated in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9?
Andy Richter and Emma Slater were eliminated in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9!
The bottom three couples were Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Jordan Chiles and Ezra, and Andy Richter and his partner, Emma Slater. In the end, fan favorites Andy and Emma were eliminated. And some members of the Reality Tea team were distraught to see “The People’s Princess” leave the ballroom.
The couple performed a feel-good quickstep to Puttin’ on the Ritz by Robbie Williams. It was entertaining, and you could see how much Andy had improved. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said, “This little man is turning into a dancer. I’m proud of you.” And Derek stated, “You were moving!” Emma and Andy scored 29 out of 40 points.
So, how did Andy feel about his time on DWTS? “It’s changed my life. I’m a different person because of this show and this woman right here,” Andy stated. “None of this would have happened without her.” He added, “We created a thing together, and it was just TikToks and dancing. So, it’s been wonderful, and I certainly feel like a winner.”
Who got the top score of the night in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9?
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas tied with the highest scores in Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson’s breathtaking foxtrot was inspired by his sister, Bindi Irwin’s, freestyle. Plus, Prince William FaceTimed with the duo and wished them well. WOW! Meanwhile, Bindi came out and stood with Robert at the end of the performance, while family videos of their father, Steve Irwin, were projected on the floor. Poor Robert dissolved in tears. “You have grown into a star, Robert,” Tom said.
“It was a poetic, touching tribute that really touched all of us,” Bruno Tonioli stated. And Carrie Ann even ignored Witney’s foot coming off the floor. “This dance was so powerful, so profound. Who cares about lifts?” she commented. And with that, Robert earned the first perfect score of the season.
Next, Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach’s sexy and dramatic Argentine Tango, set to Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers, wowed the judges. “Dylan, as the great Len Goodman would say, ‘Hold my gaze.’ That was your breakthrough moment by a long shot,” Derek said. And Carrie Ann said, “The man who held the crown for the Argentine Tango for me, the best performance, was Gilles Marini. Tonight, my friend, it now goes to you.” Of course, Dylan and Daniella also nabbed a perfect score.
Meanwhile, Whitney and Mark’s Argentine Tango, set to Cell Block Tango from Chicago The Musical, was inspired by Gabby Windey’s Season 31 freestyle with Val Chmerkovskiy. Their performance was sensual and dramatic. “That was such an incredibly passionate and precise dance,” Carrie Ann commented. Derek added, “I mean, it was dripping in elegance and control.” Cue another perfect score!
What were the judge’s scores in DWTS Season 34 Episode 9?
- Dylan and Daniella (Argentine Tango) – 42 points
- Whitney and Mark (Argentine Tango) – 42 points
- Robert and Witney (Foxtrot) – 42 points
- Alix and Val (Foxtrot) – 40 points
- Jordan and Ezra (Cha-Cha) – 39 points
- Elaine and Alan (Salsa) – 36 points
- Andy and Emma (Quickstep) – 29 points
With former Mirrorball champs returning for the relay round, this feels like an incredible way to mark the show’s 20th birthday. For the relay round, Jordan danced with Season 4 winner Apolo Anton Ohno. She competed against Elaine Hendrix and Season 24 winner Rashad Jennings. The style was the quickstep, and the song was I Get a Kick Out of You by Michael Bublé. Jordan’s elegant routine earned her two bonus points.
The next match-up featured Dylan and Rumer Willis, who won Season 20. They were pitted against Andy and Season 29 Mirrorball champ Kaitlyn Bristowe. The duos danced a Viennese Waltz to Earned It by The Weeknd. Dylan and Rumer had sizzling chemistry. Meanwhile, Andy showed off his sense of humor in this relay. When Kaitlyn ripped open his shirt, a t-shirt underneath displayed rippling abs. However, the judges awarded Dylan the bonus points.
Finally, Alix Earle danced with Season 33 champ Joey Graziadei. They competed against Robert and Season 32 winner Xochitl Gomez. The pairs danced a jive to Olly Murs’ Dance with Me Tonight. Both jives were excellent. In the end, Robert won the bonus points.
Final thoughts on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 9
I thought that Alix and Val’s foxtrot to Matthew Morrison’s Singin’ in the Rain was stellar. The elegant routine captured old Hollywood glamour. “Clean, classic, smooth, sophisticated, stylish,” Derek said. “This foxtrot was flawless.” The duo earned a perfect score.
I also enjoyed Elaine and Alan’s bubbly and fun-filled salsa, inspired by Mario Lopez’s Season 3 freestyle with Karina Smirnoff. “Whatever you do, you’re like the best champagne,” Bruno raved. “It always goes down a treat.”
I thought that this episode of DWTS was perfect. I loved seeing the audience filled with former contestants. And I adored seeing Tom back in the ballroom. In his final comments, he suggested that they bring the results show back. That way, the entire country can vote. Yes, Tom!
Next week is the semi-finals, and the ballroom will be celebrating the music of Prince. I’ve already picked out my purple ensemble.
Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+. It will stream on Hulu the next day.
TELL US – WHICH SEASON 34 EPISODE 9 ROUTINE WAS YOUR FAVORITE? DID THE RIGHT COUPLES MAKE IT INTO THE SEMI-FINALS? ARE YOU SAD THAT ANDY WENT HOME?
