"Complicated, jam-packed routine” - Dancing with the Stars judge Derek praises Whitney Leavitt & pro Matt Ballas’s performance on Popular

During "Wicked Night" of Dancing With the Stars Season 34, Whitney Leavitt and her professional partner Matt Ballas stunned the judges, particularly Derek Hough. Their quickstep to "Popular" by Ariana Grande was more than just a dance; it was a declaration. Derek said that the routine was complex, challenging, and exhilarating all at once.

“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,” Derek commented

The performance was multifaceted, ranging from the fast-paced dance and dramatic flair to the set design that mirrored Wicked's Glinda pink. For Whitney and Matt, it was more important to develop character, energy, and a compelling story than simply hitting steps. And it paid off: they were firmly established as the front-runners after receiving some of the first flawless 10s of the season from the judges.

How Dancing With the Stars’ “Wicked Night” elevated Whitney & Matt into frontrunner status

The competition on Dancing With the Stars is frequently changed by themed nights, but for the "Wicked Night" edition, Whitney Leavitt and Matt Ballas went from competitors to spectators. Their dance, which signified that their trip in the competition isn't just safe, it's electric, brought the ballroom to life with its dazzling costumes, narrative performance, and precise technique.

Technical mastery meets theatrical storytelling

Whitney and Matt’s quickstep was built on textbook precision: crisp footwork, strong posture, sharp timing. Their choreography embodied Glinda’s effervescent persona, and Matt’s direction ensured Whitney stepped into the spotlight with confidence. It wasn’t just a dance; it was a character study.

Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno complimented, “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.

This praise highlighted more than flair; it underscored that Whitney had transcended “celebrity learning partner” into “performer commanding the room.” Their performance turned technique into theater, proving that the show's narrative and edge matter just as much as steps.

Emotional connection, grit, and the makings of a contender

Beyond the flash, Whitney brought vulnerability and determination to the dance floor. She’s publicly credited Matt for pushing her to new levels and refining her presence.

“I’m so grateful for Mark; he pushes me so much,” Whitney said after the performance.

That acknowledgment reveals the work behind the polish. Whitney’s growth, both in skill and stage presence, is becoming a narrative arc in itself. As Dancing With the Stars viewers engage with her story, the mix of transformation and excellence makes her not just a favorite but a figure of inspiration. With that blend of heart and hustle, Whitney and Matt aren’t just competing, they’re contending.

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