โDancing With the Starsโ is celebrating two decades of getting celebrities out of their comfort zone and onto the ballroom floor.
The Week 9, Nov. 11 episode of โDWTSโ went all out for its 20th Birthday Party theme night, bringing back familiar faces like original host Tom Bergeron, who served as a guest judge, as well as six Season 1 pros for a special opening number choreographed by current judge Derek Hough.
After the spectacular opening number, Bergeron and current co-host Alfonso Ribeiro took the stage to welcome viewers to the 20th anniversary celebration. Co-host Julianne Hough, who was part of the first routine, also joined the two.
The episode also included an emotional in memoriam that honored the late Len Goodman, as well as former contestants Aaron Carter, Jerry Springer and Shannen Doherty, among others.
The seven remaining couples first impressed the judges with their new routines before attempting to nab more points in the Relay Dance competition portion.
Last week, Danielle Fishel and partner Pasha Pashkov were eliminated after Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night.
Hereโs a recap of what went down on the ninth episode of the season, including the dances, scores from Bergeron, Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and who was eliminated.
What Did Each Star Dance to and What Was Their Score?
- Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa performed a cha cha to โGet Upโ by Ciara featuring Chamillionaire โ SCORE: 37/40
- Social media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed a foxtrot to โSinginโ in the Rainโ by Matthew Morrison โ SCORE: 40/40
- Reality TV star Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach performed an Argentine tango to โAinโt No Sunshineโ by Bill Withers โ SCORE: 40/40
- Actor Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten performed a salsa to โIt Takes Twoโ by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock โ SCORE: 36/40
- Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson performed a foxtrot to โFootprints in the Sandโ by Leona Lewis โ SCORE: 40/40
- โThe Secret Lives of Mormon Wivesโ star Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Ballas performed a Argentine tango to โCell Block Tangoโ from โChicago The Musicalโ โ SCORE: 40/40
- Comedian Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater performed a quickstep to โPuttinโ on the Ritzโ by Robbie Williams โ SCORE: 29/40
What Were the Relay Dance Results?
There were three relay dances in which two couples performed the same dance style to the same song, one pair after the next.
Each current Season 34 celebrity teamed up with a past Mirrorball champion for this round, while their pro partner served as their coach.
The judges then collectively determined the winner of each relay dance and gave the winning pair two bonus points.
Last week, Whitney and Mark won immunity and did not have to participate in the Relay Dance Round. They also received two bonus points for this week.
Pairs
Danced a quickstep to โI Get a Kick Out of Youโ by Michael Bublรฉ
- Jordan Chiles and Apolo Ohno (Season 4 winner) โย WINNER
- Elaine Hendrix and Rashad Jennings (Season 24 winner)
Pairs
Danced a Viennese waltz to โWorth Itโ by The Weeknd
- Dylan Efron and Rumer Willis (Season 20 winner) โย WINNER
- Andy Richter and Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 29 winner)
Pairs
Danced to jive to โDance With Me Tonightโ by Olly Murs
- Robert Irwin and Xochitl Gomez (Season 32 winner) โย WINNER
- Alix Earle and Joey Graziadei (Season 33 winner)
Who Was Eliminated During โDWTSโ 20th Birthday Party Night, Week 9?
Andy Richterโs time on โDWTSโ came to an end after he and partner Emma Slater were eliminated.
โIโve said it a bunch, itโs changed my life. Iโm a different person because of this show and this woman,โ he told Ribeiro after his elimination. โItโs been wonderful and I certainly feel like a winner.โ
Who Is At the Top of the Leaderboard?
With the bonus points added, Irwin, Efron and Leavitt were at the top of the leaderboard with 42 points at the end of the episode.
Celebrities Left in the Competition
The following competitors still have a chance at the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
โDWTSโ returns next Tuesday, Nov. 18, for its Prince Night-themed semifinals.