The ballroom was transformed into the Emerald City for the highly-anticipated “Wicked Night” on season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, and the pressure has never been higher. With last week’s scores carrying over, every misstep could spell disaster for the remaining 10 couples. Here’s what you missed from the magical, high-stakes evening.
- Special Guest from Oz: Wicked movie director Jon M. Chu joined the judging panel, offering his expert critique on the themed performances.
- Breakout Performance: Influencer Alix Earle delivered what judges called her “best dance” of the season, a Jazz routine that earned her a stellar score of 35 out of 40.
- Mixed Reviews: While some stars soared, others like Scott Hoying received constructive criticism for lacking control, leaving their fate in the hands of the voters.
- Exclusive Sneak Peek: The night featured a never-before-seen clip from the upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good, along with special messages from stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
A Night of Theatrical Magic
The evening kicked off with a spectacular opening number choreographed by Wicked’s own Christopher Scott. The performance was a medley of the musical’s iconic songs, featuring a standout moment from judge Derek Hough and a fun Glinda-Elphaba dynamic from hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro.
Adding to the authenticity, the director of the upcoming Wicked films, Jon M. Chu, sat on the judges’ panel, providing unique insights and raising the bar for the contestants.
The Performances: Highs and Lows
Alix Earle Channels Her Inner Glinda
Alix Earle and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy lit up the stage with a Jazz routine to “What Is This Feeling?” Earle, who joked about being cast as a “tree” in her younger theater days, fully embraced the role of Glinda, even nailing Ariana Grande’s famous hair flip. The judges were captivated by her performance. Carrie Ann Inaba declared, “it was your best dance,” while Derek Hough praised her fantastic storytelling. The routine earned them a near-perfect score of 35/40.
Scott Hoying’s Passionate but Flawed Routine
A self-proclaimed Wicked superfan, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying performed a Contemporary routine to “The Wizard And I” with partner Rylee Arnold. While his passion was evident, the judges noted some technical issues. Bruno Tonioli advised him to “control it a little bit more,” and Hough pointed out that his transitions needed to be cleaner. Despite the critiques, guest judge Jon M. Chu said Hoying “swept me away to Oz.” The pair received a score of 28/40.
The Stakes Have Been Doubled
With no elimination last week, the tension was palpable. The viewer votes from Dedication Night will be combined with the votes and scores from Wicked Night, meaning every single point matters. While some couples defied gravity with their performances, others may find themselves on a perilous journey home as the competition heats up. The final results hang in the balance, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.