Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Episode 6 recap: High drama as Wicked Night kicks off with standout routines and major twists

The ballroom was turned into a Broadway enchantment in Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Episode 6, "Wicked Night." The evening showcased elaborate set pieces, stunning visuals, and magic, rivalry, and friendship-influenced choreography. It was based on the hit stage musical Wicked and its intended sequel, Wicked: For Good.

Guest judge Jon M. Chu, director of Wicked, earned a seat at the panel of judges with Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli to bring a cinematic flair to their weekly criticism. The stage was momentarily turned into Oz itself when the ten remaining couples danced to songs such as “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “For Good.”

The first perfect 10s of the season went to Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, two early standouts this season, thanks to their quickstep to “Popular.” Their performance combined musical theater passion and impeccable timing, helping them finish first on the leaderboard.

Not every couple, however, was able to seize the moment. They were one-and-doned. Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold eliminated from Dancing With the Stars despite passionate dance play on a night of emotional farewells and highs Magical, delicious, and far from forgettable "Wicked Night" was exactly as it promised.

Dancing With the Stars – Wicked Night delivers bold themes and scoreboard shake-ups

By fusing narrative with intricate dance, "Wicked Night" elevated the artistic standard for Dancing With the Stars. The episode had the feel of a Broadway production rather than a television contest, complete with broomstick props and emerald lighting. Because of the keen eye of guest judge Jon M. Chu and the impending double-elimination twist, each couple had to give their most spectacular performance to date.

The perfect routine: Whitney & Mark claim the season’s first perfect scores

The judges were immediately captivated by Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas's quickstep to "Popular," which rocked the ballroom. Their lively, well-rehearsed, and ebullient performance echoed the charm of Glinda the Good Witch from Wicked. The routine was described as "unhinged in all the right ways" by Carrie Ann Inaba, and guest judge Jon M. Chu claimed to have "forgotten he was judging."

In addition to earning them the Dancing With the Star Season 34's first 10s, their routine cemented their position as the front-runner. Their cooperation was taken to a new level by the precision, chemistry, and storytelling. Now that they have 72 points between them, Whitney and Mark are the team to beat in this season that is getting more and more competitive.

The elimination & ripple effect on the competition

Some floated, while others faltered under the strain. Although Rylee Arnold and Scott Hoying gave an honest performance that demonstrated genuine development, their combined votes and points were insufficient to secure their victory. They said goodbye in a melancholy way, with Scott reflecting that "Wicked Night" seemed like the ideal departure.

There was tension in the ballroom after the elimination. At the tournament next week, where even small mistakes could have serious consequences, each surviving couple now takes their scores into account. With Jon M. Chu's dynamic judging, Whitney and Mark's flawless night, and the high stakes that lie ahead, Dancing With the Stars Season 34 demonstrated that every performance is a captivating risk and that no amount of magic can ensure safety.

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Watch all the performances from Dancing With the Stars Wicked Night on ABC and Disney+.

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