Director Jon M. Chu joins ‘Wicked’ Night as special guest judge

The celebrities defied gravity at the end of last week’s “Dedication Night” on Dancing With the Stars. No one was eliminated from the competition after an episode full of tearful tributes, so there are still 10 contestants vying for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, social media personality Alix Earle, reality star Dylan Efron, actress Danielle Fishel, actress Elaine Hendrix, Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, and comedian Andy Richter.

But the celebrities aren’t out of danger. Far from it. The judges’ scores and viewer votes from “Dedication Night” will be combined with tonight’s scores and votes to determine who may be up for elimination. And it’s “Wicked Night,” so the ballroom will be transformed into Emerald City as the dancers try to live up to the blockbuster 2024 movie musical and its upcoming followup, Wicked: For Good, which opens on Nov. 21.

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The stakes are especially high because the stars won’t just be judged by Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. They’ll also have to impress special guest judge Jon M. Chu, who directed the Wicked films and won Critics Choice and National Board of Review awards for his efforts during the last awards season.

Richter comes into “Wicked Night” at a disadvantage. He had the lowest judges scores on “Dedication Night” by a significant margin, so it would take a Herculean effort to pull him out of last place. But fans at home have proved they will support the lovable entertainer; they have saved him from elimination each week so far despite similarly low numbers from the judges. Meanwhile, Efron has a comfortable cushion, having secured the top judges’ score on “Dedication Night,” but he shouldn’t take anything for granted. Hilaria Baldwin was sent home on “Disney Night” despite solid scores. On DWTS, you’ve got to mobilize the fans.

The competitive dances will include Argentine tango, contemporary, foxtrot, jazz, rumba, and quickstep. In addition, “Wicked Night” will feature a world premiere clip from Wicked: For Good as well as video messages from the film’s stars, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh. What will happen when the celebs take the stage? The possibilities are unlimited.

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Scott Hoying and pro Rylee Arnold

Performance: The Grammy winning singer conveyed Elphaba’s journey with a contemporary routine to “The Wizard And I” by Cynthia Erivo featuring Michelle Yeoh.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was an amazing way to start off the show,” his enthusiasm always “excites” her, but his arms “go in and out of character.”
Derek’s comments: He wanted to see more “seamless” transitions, consider each lift and subsequent movie as “one continuous sentence.”
Jon’s comments: “Contemporary is hard for someone with regular arms and legs,” and he wishes the transitions were cleaner.
Bruno’s comments: “There were times you were so enthusiastic you missed some of the passes.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Jon (7), Bruno (7) = 28 out of 40

Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Alix Earle and pro Val Chmerkovskiy

Performance: The social media superstar channeled Galinda and her rocky early relationship with Elphaba during her jazz number to “What Is This Feeling?” by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “It wasn’t your most difficult dance, but it was your best dance.” It was “animated and uplifting.”
Derek’s comments: “I loved the emphasis [on storytelling] … Your personality, the way you told that story was fantastic.”
Jon’s comments: “It’s so fun to see you do this here,” he says. He thinks she did justice to Galinda.
Bruno’s comments: “I thought it was delicious because it was right back to the classic musical comedy.” He compares the routine to Gwen Verdon and Lucille Ball.
Scores: Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Jon (8), Bruno (9) = 35 out of 40

Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Robert Irwin and pro Witney Carson

Performance: The wildlife conservationist portrayed the dashing Fiyero in his challenging, risky, ambitious jazz performance to “Dancing Through Life” by Jonathan Bailey featuring Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode and Cynthia Erivo.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was so ambitious.” He took the challenge, and Carson’s choreography “showcased” Irwin in the best way, and he “nailed it.”
Derek’s comments: “We need to change out your hiking boots for dancing shoes. You were meant to be on stage. You’re a performer.” He calls it “beautiful” and “well done.”
Jon’s comments: “To see it in person is even better,” and the difficult book props didn’t hold him back, and he went from last week’s “honesty” to this week’s “joy.”
Bruno’s comments: “You handle every situation … brilliantly.” He raves about Iwrin’s commitment to every performance.
Scores: Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Jon (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40

Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Whitney Leavitt and pro Mark Ballas

Performance: The Mormon Wives star went from Galinda’s dorm room straight to the dance floor for her quickstep to “Popular” by Ariana Grande.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was unhinged in all the right ways … You are getting better with each performance.”
Derek’s comments: “I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes, the way you animate, the way you perform.” It was a “complicated,” “jam-packed” routine, and Mark looks “fabulous.”
Jon’s comments: “It was the perfect blend of technical prowess and just fun.” He was “floating on air in a bubble.”
Bruno’s comments: “That was insane! Insanely good.” It was “Galinda gone ballistic.” He watched the footwork like a hawk, and she pulled it off in a “magnificent” way.
Scores: Carrie Ann (10), Derek (9), Jon (10), Bruno (10) = 39 out of 40

Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Dylan Efron and pro Daniella Karagach

Performance: The social media personality delivered the season’s first rumba to one of Elphaba’s most emotional songs, “I’m Not That Girl” by Cynthia Erivo.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “The partnership here is what makes this magic,” “but sometimes his foot got stuck on the drag.”
Derek’s comments: “You’re growing, you’re progressing … and I appreciate that so much.” And Karagach is like “dancing with a Ferrari,” but he’s “not overpowered” by her.
Jon’s comments: “This is a really hard song,” but “you were so connected to the story.” “This is the kind of masculinity in dance that we need.”
Bruno’s comments: “Subtle, sensuous, romantic, wonderful extended lines.” And “your hips have no problem at all,” but “you lost a little control of it.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Jon (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

Andy Richter and Emma Slater, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Andy Richter and pro Emma Slater

Performance: The funnyman brought the show to Emerald City for a jazz performance to “One Short Day” by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel featuring Michael McCorry Rose.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was really good. You are living proof that the art of dancing is for everyone.” It was “great choreography,” and he “didn’t miss one step.”
Derek’s comments: “I’m genuinely proud of you. Seeing you embrace the experience so much brings joy to my heart.”
Jon’s comments: “I can see in your eyes right now how much dance has given you.” He adds, “Wicked is about being the underdog.”
Bruno’s comments: “Even the great Oz himself could not have created a better illusion,” and Richter was “actually on time.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (7), Derek (6), Jon (7), Bruno (7) = 27 out of 40

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten

Performance: Hendrix overcame an old injury from a car accident to tackle a contemporary routine to the iconic “Defying Gravity ” by Cynthia Erivo featuring Ariana Grande.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “That was something special. I just burst into tears. Your were just so purely in the moment.” Her “passion” was “beauty and elegance. I am so proud of you.”
Derek’s comments: “Y’all did the song!” She is “defying the odds.” “You move with such grace and wisdom, and man are you going to cherish that moment forever.”
Jon’s comments: “That was pure ascension.” “It’s not about control, it’s about surrender to your own power. I felt that today.”
Bruno’s comments: “The way you inhabited the character was completely true,” with “total trust” in her partner. It was the toughest number of the night because it’s the “biggest number,” and “you killed it.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Jon (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40

Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Jen Affleck and pro Jan Ravnik

Performance: The Mormon Wives star was prepared for tougher choreography with her foxtrot to “As Long as You’re Mine” by Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “I think you’re still in process, but I love the direction you’re going in.”
Derek’s comments: “I really felt like you were connected to that dance.” He doesn’t think she needs harder choreography, he thinks she needs more “texture” in her movements, and she achieved that.
Jon’s comments: “I saw [perseverance] between you two, so I loved that.”
Bruno’s comments: “You’re getting there. Your flow of movement is improving a lot.” Because it’s “not what you’re doing, it’s how you do it.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Jon (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Danielle Fishel and pro Pasha Pashkov

Performance: The actress tried to tap into her “dark and moody side” for her Argentine tango to “No Good Deed” by Cynthia Erivo.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “Tonight, that was the breakthrough.” She gave her all, and that’s a risk, it’s a “powerful woman in action” and she achieved it.”
Derek’s comments: “The difficulty level of that routine” were “professional,” but “make sure you breathe the dance.” Still, it was “magnificent.”
Jon’s comments: “So I loved seeing you rise to that.” But “I wish the intensity grew at the end.”
Bruno’s comments: “Full of passion and drama. It has a fantastic drama, but it was pure and real Argentine tango.” It was the “most difficult song to choreograph,” but she did “a fantastic job.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Jon (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40

Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Dancing With the StarsDisney/Andrew Eccles

Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa

Performance: The rumba is a romantic dance, but Sosa and Chiles portrayed friends and tried to square that circle with their routine to “For Good” by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Carrie Ann’s comments: “I don’t want tonight to end.” The routine was “perfection.”
Derek’s comments: “That routine was so stunning. The quality of movement, your arms.” She has all the motion and moves, but he wants to see more emotion.
Jon’s comments: “I feel [the competitiveness] in you. You want to win this thing, I can tell.”
Bruno’s comments: “Wikly good and drop dead gorgeous.” She had the movement from the body through the legs, “nothing’s gonna stop you now.”
Scores: Carrie Ann (10), Derek (9), Jon (10), Bruno (10) = 39 out of 40

Judges’ Combined Leaderboard After Two Weeks

1. Whitney Leavitt — 72
2. Jordan Chiles — 71
2. Robert Irwin — 71
4. Alix Earle — 70
5. Dylan Efron — 68
6. Elaine Hendrix — 66
7. Danielle Fishel — 65
8. Jen Affleck — 61
9. Scott Hoying — 58
10. Andy Richter — 51

Results

Celebs in Jeopardy: Dylan Efron, Scott Hoying, Andy Richter

Eliminated: Scott Hoying

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