Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy Electrify "Dancing with the Stars" Rock & Roll Night

Influencer Alix Earle and pro Val Chmerkovskiy set the ballroom ablaze with their powerful Paso Doble to Bon Jovi, proving they're serious contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy.

TL;DR: The Key Takeaways

• Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy scored an impressive 39 out of 40 for their Paso Doble to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" on "Dancing with the Stars" Rock & Roll Night.
• Judges praised Earle's power, precision, and partnership, with guest judge Flavor Flav even clarifying his "9" was an accidental computer error, meant to be a perfect "10."
• Earle's commitment to the performance, including a bold hair transformation, and her growing chemistry with Chmerkovskiy are making them fan favorites and strong contenders for the Season 34 Mirrorball Trophy.

Imagine the lights dimming, a familiar guitar riff blasting through the speakers, and then two figures emerge, clad head-to-toe in rebellious black leather and studs. That's exactly how Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy kicked off their Rock & Roll Night Paso Doble on "Dancing with the Stars" this past Tuesday, November 4. It wasn't just a dance; it was a full-blown rock concert, leaving the judges and audience screaming for more.

The social media sensation, Alix Earle, alongside her seasoned professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, tackled Bon Jovi's iconic 1986 anthem, "Livin' on a Prayer." Their performance wasn't just energetic; it was a display of raw power and surprising precision that solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with this season.

A Fiery Ballroom Transformation for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night

From the moment they stepped onto the floor, Earle and Chmerkovskiy embodied the grit and passion of rock and roll. Earle sported a sultry leather corset with sheer mesh paneling, thigh-high boots, and a dramatic slit skirt, perfectly complemented by her newly cut wispy bangs, an idea she told Us Weekly was her own to "commit to the bit" and achieve a "Pam Anderson type of vibe" (Source: Us Weekly, "Alix Earle Is Down to Change Her Appearance for 'Dancing With the Stars' Themed Nights," November 4, 2025). Val matched her intensity in black leather pants, an open jacket, and a retro headband.

Their Paso Doble was packed with dramatic lines, powerful movements, and a clear musicality that resonated with the Bon Jovi classic. The routine showcased how far Earle has come since the early weeks, demonstrating a balance of discipline and unbridled emotion.

Scores and Judges' Enthusiastic Feedback on Their Dynamic Performance

The duo captivated the judges, earning a near-perfect score of 39 out of 40, which included three coveted tens and one nine. This marked their second consecutive week just shy of a perfect score, a testament to their consistent improvement.

"Electrifying!" and "Paso Doble bombshell!" declared Judge Bruno Tonioli, who also playfully warned Val, "Be careful, she's almost too hot to handle."

Carrie Ann Inaba applauded Earle's "powerful posture and partnership," noting that Alix was in her "fierce girl era" and had managed to set a new standard for dance technique. Derek Hough added, "Pure Paso Power! It was amazing!" and crowned her a "rock and roll goddess."

– Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough, DWTS Judges

Even guest judge Flavor Flav was thoroughly impressed. He enthusiastically praised their "great timing" but famously gave them a 9 instead of a 10. He later clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that it was an accidental computer error, stating, "I accidentally hit 9 for someone and told the crew I meant to hit 10, and they said they can't change it... That girl deserved perfect 10s" (Source: Us Weekly, "Alix Earle, Val Chmerkovskiy Brush Off Rumors They Don't Get Along on 'DWTS'," November 4, 2025). This behind-the-scenes mishap only added to the buzz around their performance.

Alix Earle's Remarkable Journey: From Beetlejuice to Bon Jovi

Earle's progression on the show has been remarkable. Just a week prior, she charmed audiences with a creative contemporary routine inspired by "Beetlejuice" for the Halloween episode, showcasing her theatrical range. The Rock & Roll Night Paso Doble, however, marked a pivotal moment, displaying a new level of power and control. Chmerkovskiy's choreography clearly pushed Earle technically, allowing her to channel raw emotion while maintaining precision.

Their journey has also been marked by palpable chemistry, both on and off the dance floor. Their playful dynamic was evident at a recent after-party, where Val jokingly remarked that he "saw his Mirrorball flash before his eyes" watching Earle dance in a viral video, as reported by People magazine (Source: Zoombangla News Desk, "VIDEO: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS Rock & Roll Night Dance Stuns Fans With Fiery ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ Paso Doble," November 5, 2025). This lighthearted banter underscores the genuine camaraderie that fuels their success.

Chasing the Perfect Score: A Mindset of Growth and Potential

Despite consistently delivering stellar performances, Alix and Val haven't yet clinched that elusive perfect 40. However, Alix views this not as a setback but as a challenge to embrace. She told Us Weekly that she sees it "almost as a compliment not getting a perfect score because that means they see more potential and I'm excited to unlock that new potential" (Source: Us Weekly, "Alix Earle, Val Chmerkovskiy Brush Off Rumors They Don't Get Along on 'DWTS'," November 4, 2025). Val echoed this sentiment, teasing that perhaps they "just got to start bribing the judges with more money" but ultimately acknowledging that the judges want them to "work for it," making the eventual perfect score "that much more rewarding."

This perspective highlights a mature understanding of competition, focusing on personal growth and the journey rather than just the immediate outcome. It suggests they are not resting on their laurels, but constantly striving for more, which is precisely what makes for a compelling "Dancing with the Stars" narrative.

Example: A Fan's Perspective

Imagine Sarah, a long-time DWTS fan, settled on her couch with a snack, bracing for another Rock & Roll Night performance. She'd seen plenty of Paso Dobles. But the moment Alix and Val stomped onto the floor, clad in leather, she leaned forward. The precision, the raw power Alix channeled, the way Val guided her through those intense lines – it wasn't just a dance; it was a mini-concert, complete with air guitar moments from her living room. The 39 score felt right, a testament to their effort, and even though a 40 would have been epic, Sarah could feel the genuine excitement brewing for what they'd do next.

Beyond the Ballroom: Alix Earle's Resilient Personal Story

While Alix Earle is now a confident presence on national television, her journey hasn't been without its complexities. In previous interviews, she's openly discussed a challenging period in her family life during childhood, recalling when she discovered her father's affair with his now-stepmom, Ashley Dupré. She described the experience as her "world crashed down" at 10 years old, feeling she had to be more mature than adults around her (Source: Primetimer, "Dancing With the Stars alum Alix Earle performs Paso Doble on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night," November 5, 2025). However, she later confirmed to Elle that "whatever's happened in the past, we've all gotten past it as a family."

This background, while personal, offers a nuanced understanding of the resilience and composure she brings to the demanding "Dancing with the Stars" stage. It shows that her confident "fierce girl era" persona is not just for the cameras, but a reflection of a journey through real-world challenges, adding depth to her inspiring presence in the competition.

A Rockstar Endorsement and Growing Fan Momentum

The impact of their Bon Jovi routine wasn't lost on the rock legend himself. Alix Earle received a special video message from Jon Bon Jovi, who personally thanked her for dancing to "Livin' on a Prayer" and wished them the best, stating, "We'll be watching!" (Source: Primetimer, "Dancing With the Stars alum Alix Earle performs Paso Doble on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night," November 5, 2025).

Fans online echoed the sentiment, with the official "Dancing with the Stars" account captioning a clip of the routine, "Our prayers were answered after watching that fire #RockHallNight Paso Doble!" This outpouring of support, combined with their strong scores and undeniable chemistry, confirms that Earle and Chmerkovskiy are evolving from mere crowd-pleasers into genuine contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 34.

Practical Takeaways for Following Their Journey

• Catch the Replay: If you missed the electrifying Paso Doble, you can still catch Alix and Val's performance. "Dancing with the Stars" airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
• Watch for Growth: Keep an eye on their journey for that much-anticipated perfect score. Both Alix and Val believe the best is yet to come.
• Follow Fan Reactions: Engage with other fans online by searching for #AlixEarle, #ValChmerkovskiy, and #DWTS to join the conversation and see what other viewers are saying.
• Appreciate the Artistry: Look for the technical details and emotional storytelling in their dances – their partnership is truly blossoming into something special.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy's DWTS Performance

• What song did Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy dance to on Rock & Roll Night?

  They performed a Paso Doble to Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer."

• What score did Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy receive?

  The pair earned an impressive 39 out of 40, one of the highest scores of the night, with three 10s and one 9.

• What did the judges say about Alix Earle’s performance?

  Bruno Tonioli called it "electrifying" and a "Paso Doble bombshell," while Carrie Ann Inaba praised her powerful posture and teamwork. Derek Hough called her a "rock and roll goddess." Guest judge Flavor Flav clarified his 9 was a mistake, stating she deserved a 10.

• What was Alix Earle’s previous DWTS performance?

  The week before, she performed a creative contemporary dance inspired by "Beetlejuice" for the Halloween-themed episode.

Sources:

• Zoombangla News Desk, "VIDEO: Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy DWTS Rock & Roll Night Dance Stuns Fans With Fiery ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ Paso Doble," November 5, 2025.
• Us Weekly, "Alix Earle Is Down to Change Her Appearance for 'Dancing With the Stars' Themed Nights," November 4, 2025.
• Us Weekly, "Alix Earle, Val Chmerkovskiy Brush Off Rumors They Don't Get Along on 'DWTS'," November 4, 2025.
• Primetimer, "Dancing With the Stars alum Alix Earle performs Paso Doble on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night," November 5, 2025.
• Bassyonniago, "Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy Stun DWTS Fans with Fiery Paso Doble," November 5, 2025.
• Star Magazine, "Alix Earle Smolders in Leather Corset For Fiery Rock-Inspired 'DWTS' Look," November 5, 2025.