Get ready for a night of tears, triumphs, and unforgettable performances as 'Dancing with the Stars' transforms into a heartfelt celebration of love and gratitude on 'Dedication Night,' airing October 14th. This isn't just another episode – it's a chance for the remaining ten couples to pour their souls into routines dedicated to the people who shaped their lives. And this is where it gets even more special: for the first time ever, the celebrities' chosen loved ones will join them on the ballroom floor, adding a layer of intimacy and emotion to every step. But here's where it gets controversial: will this added personal element elevate the performances to new heights, or will the pressure of dancing with their inspirations prove too much for some contestants? Only time will tell.
Two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson graces the judges' table once again, offering her seasoned expertise alongside the panel. Expect a dazzling array of dance styles, from the graceful Viennese Waltz to the energetic Salsa, each one a unique expression of love and appreciation.
And this is the part most people miss: beyond the glitz and glamour, 'Dedication Night' is a powerful reminder of the profound impact our loved ones have on our lives. It's a night to celebrate those unsung heroes who inspire us, challenge us, and make us who we are.
Here's a sneak peek at the emotional journeys unfolding on the dance floor:
- Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik (Viennese Waltz to "Rescue" by Lauren Daigle) dedicate their performance to Jen's mother, Maria.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa (Viennese Waltz to "Daughters" by John Mayer) honor Jordan's father, Timothy.
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy (Contemporary to "Sparks" by Coldplay) celebrate Alix's younger sister, Izabel.
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach (Contemporary to "Rewrite the Stars" by Zac Efron & Zendaya) pay tribute to Dylan's little sister, Olivia.
- Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov (Jive to "Boy Meets World" by Twenty Cent Crush featuring Phil Rosenthal) dedicate their routine to Danielle's "Boy Meets World" co-star, Bill Daniels (Mr. Feeny).
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten (Foxtrot to "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole) honor Elaine's best friend and "The Parent Trap" co-star, Lisa Ann Walter (Chessy).
- Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold (Foxtrot to "Parallel" by Scott Hoying) celebrate Scott's husband, Mark.
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson (Contemporary to "You’ll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins) dedicate their performance to Robert's mother, Terri Irwin.
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas (Contemporary to "Heal" by Jamal Roberts) honor Whitney's husband, Connor.
- Andy Richter and Emma Slater (Salsa to "Jump In the Line" by Harry Belafonte) celebrate Andy's daughter, Cornelia.
Don't miss the chance to be part of this emotional journey! Vote live during the simulcast in the ET/CT time zones, or cast your vote online anytime via dwtsvote.abc.com. Fans on participating U.S. wireless carriers can also vote via SMS/text. Remember, your votes, combined with the judges' scores, will determine who stays in the competition and who faces elimination.
The magic doesn't end with the episode. Dive deeper into the world of 'Dancing with the Stars' with the official podcast, hosted by Season 33 champion Joey Graziadei. Get exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and expert analysis of the performances everyone's talking about, available Thursdays on Disney+ and Hulu.
Now, let's spark some debate: Do you think involving loved ones in the performances will enhance the emotional impact, or could it potentially distract from the technical aspects of the dance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
