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Dancing With the Stars is heading into the always emotional dedication night with more drama outside the ballroom than in it.
During last week’s Super Bowl-themed night, Val Chmerkovskiy’s wife, fellow pro dancer Jenna Johnson and her partner Harry Shum, Jr., performed a samba routine that included a lift called into question by judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
After Inaba’s critique, Chmerkovskiy posted a TikTok saying viewers “almost saw Fresh Prince enter the ballroom,” a statement many took as a reference to Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap. Chmerkovskiy was then served with a one-week suspension by BBC Studios, the production company behind DWTS, becoming the first pro dancer to be suspended in the show’s history. He later apologized to Inaba both publicly and privately.
Dedication night will go on minus Chmerkovskiy, whose partner Jenna Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten instead.
Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro addressed the suspension right off the bat, saying, “As you can see, Alan Bersten is with Jenna Dewan as Val is not with us this week.”
Ten couples remain in the hunt for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. They’ll try to impress judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli when the competition resumes Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with streaming available the next day on Hulu.
Tatyana and Jan get feedback and scores
“My darling, you were glowing tonight,” Bruno said. “You were guided by an inner light and it showed.”
“It was like watching an old Hollywood film come to life,” Carrie Ann said.
“I could’ve had a little less Alfonso,” Derek joked. “You are one of the most improved,” he said to Tatyana. “It really was beautiful.”
Kym added: “You have this effortless, easy style to your dancing. It was beautiful and lovely.”
Tatyana and Jan received a 32 out of 40 from the judges, their best score of the season!
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:23
Tatyana and Jan are up next
Tatyana Ali and partner Jan Ravnik will perform a Viennese Waltz to “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson, dedicated to Tatyana’s Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery, who died in 2013.
“He was very much a father figure for all of us,” Tatyana said of her on-screen father. “I miss him.”
Tatyana recorded the song that she and Jan (and Alfonso!) are dancing to.
It’s a very elegant start. It’s easy to see her growth from week 1, which is exciting!
Their actual waltzing feels a little choppy, but it’s not bad.
Alfonso stepping in for Jan to finish the routine in a nod to Avery was beautiful.
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:19
Ezra and Daniella’s feedback and scores
“You must be so proud,” Kym said to Ezra’s mom.
“You really are a lesson to us all. And the dancing, by the way, that was brilliant!” Bruno said. “You’re a real talent and we love you.”
A teary Carrie Ann applauded “the momentum” and “physicality.”
“I’m a little fragile,” Derek said. “Beautiful.”
… And now I’m crying!
Ezra and Daniella received a 37 out of 40, including the first 10 of the season, awarded by Kym!
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:12
Ezra and Daniella are up first!
Ezra Frech and partner Daniella Karagach will perform a Contemporary routine to “Bloodline” by Mon Rovia, dedicated to his mom Bahar.
Ezra said of his mom during the pre-performance package: “She worked so hard to get me to feel confident in myself.”
Bahar said: “Everything you see on this show is genuine.”
The opening moments of this routine are stunning. Daniella climbing gently on Ezra’s leg! Gorgeous. She is truly one of the best choreographers ever.
You can feel the pure heart in this dance. Let’s hope the judges do too.
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:08
Welcome to guest judge Kym Johnson!
“I hope you all remember to embrace the moment,” guest judge Kym Johnson said to the couples during introductions.
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:05
Val’s absence addressed
“As you can see, Alan Bersten is with Jenna Dewan as Val is not with us this week,” Alfonso said moments after the introductions.
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:04
Here are the remaining couples:
The couples taking the floor tonight are:
- Amber and Pasha
- Harry and Jenna
- Maura and Mark
- Tatyana and Jan
- Jenna and Alan
- Ezra and Daniella
- Connor and Rylee
- Julia and Ezra
- Jackson and Emma
- Tyler and Sharna
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:02
Annnnd away we go!
DWTS is back for Dedication Night! There are sure to be loads of tears and triumphs – but the real question is who will be sent packing at the end?
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 01:00
Jenna and Alan’s dance revealed
Jenna Dewan and her substitute partner Alan Bersten will perform a Viennese Waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, dedicated to her mom Nancy.
Alan has stepped in to replace the suspended Val Chmerkovskiy for this week.
Caitlin Hornik21 October 2026 00:43