Tuesday night, “Dancing with the Stars” traded the mirrorball for a broomstick as the ballroom transformed into a scene straight out of Oz for “Wicked Night.” From the emerald lighting to the swirling fog and sparkling costumes, the energy was very Broadway — big, bold, and breathtaking. You could feel the excitement buzzing before the first couple even hit the floor.
The theme couldn’t have come at a better time. With the second “Wicked” movie just around the corner, the idea of dedicating an entire week to the iconic musical felt both timely and inspired. Guest judge Jon M. Chu, who directed the upcoming film adaptation, brought an extra layer of magic to the night, praising dancers not just for their steps, but for how they captured the emotion and story of the songs. The entire production leaned fully into the world of Oz — hosts dressed for the part, lighting cast a glowing green hue, and the opening number set the tone with a full-on Emerald City spectacle.
But what made “Wicked Night” truly special wasn’t just the theme — it was the dancing. This week, everyone seemed to step up their game. Some of the season’s lowest scorers delivered their best work yet, while a few front-runners reached new heights. It felt like one of those rare nights where the competition collectively leveled up.
A huge highlight was the first 10s of the season: Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas’ Quickstep to “Popular” was effervescent, full of personality, snap and precision — the kind of routine that jumps off the screen. The judges were practically in the audience with them. They’ve been doing good work all along, but last night that work paid off in style.
Jordan Chiles was an undeniable standout. Her Rumba to “For Good” was breathtaking — elegant, emotional and technically flawless. She has always been a strong performer, but this was the night where everything clicked. You could see the connection with her partner Ezra Sosa, feel the emotion in every movement and sense that she was dancing straight from the heart. It wasn’t just good — it was unforgettable. Jon M. Chu himself admitted that he has been rooting for Jordan and Ezra.
Then there was Andy, who had his best dance of the season. After a few weeks of uncertainty, he finally found his stride. His confidence soared, his movement was sharper and he looked like he was truly enjoying himself. Watching him dance last night was like watching a story unfold — one of growth, hard work and finally finding the joy in performance. It was the kind of moment that makes “DWTS” so rewarding to watch.
Let’s talk about Elaine Hendrix, because her time has finally come. She has been criminally underscored all season — delivering elegant, thoughtful performances that never quite got the numbers they deserved. That changed with her Contemporary to “Defying Gravity.” It was emotional, raw and completely captivating. Elaine didn’t just dance; she told a story that brought Judge Carrie Ann Inaba to tears. It was the performance she’s been building toward since Week 1, and it was beautiful to see her finally get her due.
Robert Irwin also had a standout performance, as he does every week, bringing his signature charm and grounded sincerity to the ballroom. His dance to “Dancing Through Life” was fun and upbeat. Robert has been steadily improving week by week, but Witney Carson’s choreography for jazz really brought out a playful side of his dancing.
Even beyond the top moments, there was something special in the air for everyone. The so-called “lower scorers” all delivered strong routines, proving that they belong on that ballroom floor just as much as the frontrunners. It’s rare to see such across-the-board improvement in one episode, but “Wicked Night” seemed to bring out the best in nearly every dancer.
Of course, it wouldn’t be “DWTS” without a touch of bittersweetness — this week’s elimination saw Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold say goodbye. They left with grace, smiles and plenty of love from their fellow contestants, capping off a night that felt more like a celebration than a competition.
Themed nights can be tricky, often teetering between spectacle and distraction, but “DWTS” nailed the balance this time. The theatricality enhanced the storytelling rather than overshadowing it, and the music gave everyone something emotional to tap into. The result was an episode that reminded viewers why this show has lasted so long — it’s about connection, growth and the pure joy of performance.
If last night proved anything, it’s that the magic of “Wicked” doesn’t just live on Broadway — it can thrive in a ballroom too. Between Jordan’s show-stopping Rumba, Elaine’s powerful redemption and Andy’s well-earned breakthrough, this episode was a reminder that sometimes the best moments come when you least expect them.
My personal score for the night: a 9! I do think the judges have been scoring this season very differently to previous seasons, because 9s and 10s on Week 6 is a big change from consistent 5 to 7s, but it is a testament to the raw talent possessed by this season’s cast.