Dancing With the Stars 2025 Marks 20th Anniversary With Perfect Scores, Emotional Tributes & a Shocking Exit
DWTS 2025 Week 9: The 20th anniversary celebration of “Dancing With the Stars” delivered a powerful blend of nostalgia, standout performances, and heartfelt moments — ending with one couple bidding farewell to the ballroom. The special episode aired on Tuesday, November 11, with seven couples competing in Week 9 as the show honored two decades of dance excellence.
Tom Bergeron Returns to the Ballroom
One of the night’s biggest surprises was the return of beloved former host Tom Bergeron, who joined judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba at the panel. The show also paid tribute to legendary judge Len Goodman, featuring an emotional performance by pros Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold set to Lady Gaga’s “Always Remember Us This Way.”
Week 9 Performances & Scores
The episode kicked off with a high-energy group routine choreographed by Derek Hough and performed by past and present DWTS pros. Each competing couple then re-created iconic dances from previous seasons, giving fans a nostalgic journey through the show’s history.
It proved to be a standout night, with four couples earning perfect 40s:
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Robert Irwin & Witney Carson – Their touching Foxtrot honoring Bindi and Steve Irwin earned the first perfect score of the night.
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Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach – Delivered an intense and sharp Argentine Tango.
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Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy – Shined with a graceful Foxtrot to “Singin’ in the Rain.”
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Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas – Closed the night with a fiery Argentine Tango to “Cell Block Tango.”
Other scores included:
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Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten – 36
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Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa – 37
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Andy Richter & Emma Slater – 29
These were combined with live audience votes to determine who would move on to the semifinals.
Week 9 Elimination
Despite showing progress throughout the season and delivering an upbeat Quickstep to “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Andy Richter and Emma Slater were eliminated from the competition. Their departure leaves six couples advancing to the semifinals:
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Robert & Witney
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Dylan & Daniella
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Alix & Val
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Whitney & Mark
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Jordan & Ezra
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Elaine & Alan
Next week’s semifinals will take place during a special “Prince Night” episode.
Emotional Highlights That Stole the Night
Viewers praised the moving tribute to Len Goodman, with many calling it one of the most heartfelt DWTS moments ever. Social media also erupted when Prince William made a surprise appearance via Zoom during Robert Irwin’s rehearsal segment.
Additionally, Tom Bergeron’s return struck a nostalgic chord, bringing longtime fans back to the early days of the show’s legacy.
Two decades later, “Dancing With the Stars” continues to thrive, blending emotional storytelling, glitzy performances, and beloved personalities into one of TV’s most iconic competition series.
FYI: Quick Answers to Trending DWTS Questions
Q1: Who was eliminated on DWTS tonight?
Andy Richter and Emma Slater.
Q2: Who scored perfect 40s this week?
Robert & Witney, Dylan & Daniella, Alix & Val, and Whitney & Mark.
Q3: Did Prince William appear on DWTS?
Yes! He made a surprise Zoom cameo during Robert Irwin’s rehearsal.
Q4: Which episode featured Tom Bergeron’s return?
He returned as guest judge during the 20th anniversary episode (Week 9).
Q5: When are the DWTS semifinals?
Next week, during the special “Prince Night” episode..
Also Read: Tom Bergeron Returns to “Dancing With the Stars” for Its 20th Anniversary Celebration
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