“Dancing With the Stars” Dedication Night: An Emotional Celebration of Love, Loss, and Legacy
There are nights on Dancing With the Stars that sparkle — and then there are nights that resonate. On October 14, the ABC ballroom became less of a competition stage and more of a living love letter as the season 34 cast paid tribute to their most meaningful relationships during the highly anticipated Dedication Night. And in a twist that had both the audience and contestants exhaling with relief, no one was sent home.
“It’s a special night,” host Alfonso Ribeiro began as the elimination segment approached. “The first couple who is safe is…” He paused, letting the room hold its breath. “All of you. No one is going home tonight.”
The ballroom erupted. Tears had already been flowing throughout the night — but now, they were joined by laughter and applause. Cohost Julianne Hough explained the surprise: “We couldn’t send anyone home tonight on such a special night. All of the scores and all of the votes from tonight will carry over to next week.”
For Elaine Hendrix, actress and contestant, the announcement carried even deeper weight. “It means everything to me,” she shared moments later. “This is a true second chance of my life and a dream come true. I’m beyond grateful.”
The evening unfolded as each celebrity dedicated their performance to someone who shaped their story — from parents and partners to siblings, children, and cherished friends. The ballroom glimmered not just with sequins, but with sincerity.
Andy Richter kicked off the night with a heartwarming salsa alongside his daughter, a number filled with playful energy and unmistakable pride. The standout performance, however, belonged to Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin. Performing a contemporary routine to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart”, he dedicated the dance to his mother, Terri Irwin, who was watching from the audience. It was tender, raw, and profoundly moving. Robert earned his first three nines of the season — a 35/40 — after bringing the entire ballroom to tears.
Other stars also delivered deeply personal performances. Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, the reality stars of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, brought soft elegance. Olympian Jordan Chiles channeled strength and discipline into a technically pristine routine. Social media star Alix Earle, actress Danielle Fishel, Pentatonix frontman Scott Hoying, conservationist Robert Irwin, actor-comedian Andy Richter, The Traitors winner Dylan Efron, and fan favorite Elaine Hendrix rounded out the night, proving that vulnerability on the dance floor is as powerful as any perfect paso doble.
The fifth week of competition closed with 10 couples remaining, each carrying their scores into week six. Last week’s Disney Night had seen Hilaria Baldwin leave the competition, but Dedication Night belonged entirely to connection — not elimination.
See the full list of scores for week five of DWTS season 34 (aka Dedication Night) below.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater: 24/40
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 35/40
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 30/40
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: 33/40
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik: 29/40
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 36/40
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 32/40
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold: 30/40
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov: 29/40
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 35/40
In a show built on sparkle and spectacle, this night offered something even more enduring: humanity. It was a reminder that beyond the mirrorball trophy, Dancing With the Stars has always been about people — their stories, their pain, their joy, and the rhythm that carries them through it all.
