DWTS Wicked Night: Everything You Need to Know for Oct 21st

Get ready to defy gravity! Dancing with the Stars is going full Oz for "Wicked Night," bringing movie magic, iconic songs, and a special guest judge to the ballroom. Here's everything you need to know to catch all the spellbinding performances and drama!

TL;DR: Quick Bites for the Busy Fan

When & Where: Tune in TUESDAY, OCT. 21, 2025, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT (7:00-9:00 p.m. CDT) live on ABC and Disney+, streaming next day on Hulu.
Special Guest: Wicked director Jon M. Chu joins the judging panel, plus an exclusive clip from Wicked: For Good and video messages from the film's stars.
High Stakes: No one went home on Dedication Night, so "Wicked Night" combines two weeks of votes and scores, meaning a potential double elimination looms!

Get Ready for a Truly Wicked Good Time on the Dance Floor

Alright, fellow dance fanatics and Oz enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Dancing With The Stars is pulling out all the stops for its highly anticipated "Wicked Night." This isn't just another themed episode; it's a full-blown celebration of the iconic musical phenomenon, timed perfectly as we gear up for the release of the epic conclusion, Wicked: For Good. Imagine your favorite celebrity and pro partners swirling, soaring, and maybe even defying a little gravity to the tunes that made Elphaba and Glinda household names. It's going to be absolutely "Popular"!

This special night promises to be packed with spectacle, emotional performances, and, of course, plenty of green. With no eliminations last week on Dedication Night, the stakes are higher than ever. The combined scores and votes from two weeks will determine who stays and who faces the dreaded ballroom exit. So, grab your popcorn (and maybe a tissue, just in case), because this is one episode you won't want to miss.

A Director's Eye: Jon M. Chu Joins the Judging Panel

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Adding an extra layer of sparkle and expert insight to "Wicked Night" is special guest judge Jon M. Chu. If that name sounds familiar, it's because he's the visionary director behind not one, but both of the much-anticipated Wicked films: the 2024 blockbuster and its upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good. While he might not be a ballroom dance pro, Chu's extensive experience in directing dynamic, dance-heavy films like In the Heights, Step Up 2: The Streets, and Step Up 3D makes him uniquely qualified to offer critiques on storytelling through movement, emotional delivery, and the sheer spectacle of a performance.

He'll be joining our beloved regular judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough—to cast a critical eye over the routines. Expect him to look beyond just the steps, seeking out the magic and narrative that truly bring the world of Oz to life on the dance floor. This is a rare chance to get feedback from someone who literally directed the very source material the dancers are interpreting, offering a fresh and deeply informed perspective.

Exclusive Sneak Peeks and Star-Studded Messages from Oz

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But Jon M. Chu isn't the only connection to the Wicked universe we'll see! "Wicked Night" is also your chance to get an exclusive first look at some brand-new footage. The episode will feature the world premiere of a never-before-seen clip from Universal Pictures’ Wicked: For Good, which is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. This is a huge treat for fans eager to see more of the conclusion to Elphaba and Glinda's story.

Beyond that, prepare for some star power direct from the film's cast! We'll be treated to special video messages from Academy Award nominees Cynthia Erivo (who plays Elphaba), Ariana Grande (our Glinda), Emmy Award nominee Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), and Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible). Hearing from the very actors who embody these iconic characters will surely add an extra layer of excitement and encouragement for the dancing couples.

Dancing Through Life to the Iconic Songs of Wicked

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The night kicks off with a spectacular show-stopping medley performed by the pros and troupe, featuring some of the most beloved anthems from both Wicked films. Get ready for a powerful blend of "No One Mourns the Wicked," "Defying Gravity," "For Good," "Thank Goodness," "Dancing Through Life," and "What Is This Feeling?" It's the perfect way to set the mood for a night of magic and movement.

Following this grand opening, the celebrity and pro couples will take to the Ozdust Ballroom floor, each performing a unique routine inspired by the world of Oz. We'll see a fantastic variety of dance styles, including the passionate Argentine Tango, expressive Contemporary, elegant Foxtrot, lively Jazz, sensual Rumba, and spirited Quickstep. Each pair has chosen a song that deeply connects to their journey or the Wicked theme, promising deeply personal and entertaining performances.

Who's Dancing What? Your "Wicked Night" Performance Lineup!

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Here’s a full breakdown of who’s dancing to which iconic Wicked tune and in what style. Get ready to pick your favorites and anticipate some show-stopping moments!

Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold: Contemporary to "The Wizard And I" (by Cynthia Erivo featuring Michelle Yeoh)
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: Jazz to "What Is This Feeling?" (by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo)
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: Jazz to "Dancing Through Life" (by Jonathan Bailey featuring Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, and Cynthia Erivo)
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: Quickstep to "Popular" (by Ariana Grande)
Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: Rumba to "I'm Not That Girl" (by Cynthia Erivo)
Andy Richter & Emma Slater: Jazz to "One Short Day" (by Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Idina Menzel featuring Michael McCorry Rose)
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: Contemporary to "Defying Gravity" (by Cynthia Erivo featuring Ariana Grande)
Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: Foxtrot to "As Long as You're Mine" (by Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey)
Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: Argentine Tango to "No Good Deed" (by Cynthia Erivo)
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: Rumba to "For Good" (by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande)

The Stakes Are Higher: A Double Elimination Looms Large

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Last week on Dedication Night, much to the surprise and relief of the couples, there was no elimination. This means that for "Wicked Night," the competition is even more intense! The judges' scores and viewer votes from both Dedication Night and "Wicked Night" will be combined to determine who faces elimination. This could very well lead to a dreaded double elimination, making every step and every vote absolutely critical.

Looking at the leaderboard from Dedication Night, several couples are feeling the heat. Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik, along with Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov, landed near the bottom, tying for the second-lowest scores. Danielle and Pasha also received a notably harsh critique from Carrie Ann Inaba for their "Boy Meets World"-themed Jive, putting them in a precarious position.

Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, despite showing some improvement, have consistently trended near the bottom of the judges' leaderboard and hold the second-lowest average score for the season. They'll need a truly "Wicked" performance to climb out of danger.

However, the most at-risk couple appears to be Andy Richter and Emma Slater. Despite Andy's noticeable efforts and his undeniably loyal fanbase, he received his third consecutive week of 6s from the judges on Dedication Night, placing him at the very bottom. While his heart and personality shine, the technical demands of the competition are becoming increasingly difficult to overcome. If there is a double elimination, it's likely his time in the Ozdust Ballroom may be coming to an end. It's moments like these that truly test the power of the fan vote!

Your Vote Matters: How to Support Your Favorite Couples

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This is where you, the amazing fans, come in! Your votes are more important than ever, especially with the potential for a double elimination combining two weeks of scores. You'll be able to cast your votes live during the simulcast of the show in the ET/CT time zones.

For those across the U.S., its territories, and Canada, online voting will be available via dwtsvote.abc.com. If you're in the U.S. and use a participating wireless carrier, you can also vote via SMS/text message (sorry, Canada, this option isn't available for you!). Every vote counts, so make sure you make your voice heard and help keep your favorite couple dancing for another week!

Dive Deeper with the Official Dancing With the Stars Podcast

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Want to go behind the ballroom curtain and get all the juicy details? After "Wicked Night" airs, make sure to tune into the "Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast." Hosted by Season 33 Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy champion Joey Graziadei, the podcast is your go-to source for exclusive cast interviews, special guest appearances, insider behind-the-scenes insights, and expert breakdowns of all the performances everyone will be talking about. New episodes drop Thursdays on Disney+ and Hulu, providing the perfect way to extend your "Wicked Night" experience.

FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About Wicked Night Answered

When exactly is DWTS "Wicked Night" airing?

The "Wicked Night" episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premieres TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT, and 7:00-9:00 p.m. CDT.

Where can I watch "Wicked Night"?

You can watch the episode live as it's simulcast across both ABC and Disney+ in local time zones. If you miss the live broadcast, it will be available to stream the next day on Hulu.

How can I vote for my favorite couples during "Wicked Night"?

Voting is open during the live simulcast in the ET/CT time zones. You can vote online at dwtsvote.abc.com from anywhere in the U.S., its territories, and Canada. Additionally, fans on participating U.S. wireless carriers can vote via SMS/text (not available in Canada).

What's the significance of "Wicked Night" for the upcoming movie?

"Wicked Night" serves as a fantastic promotional event for Universal Pictures' Wicked: For Good, which is set to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025. The episode will feature a never-before-seen clip from the film and special video messages from its star-studded cast.

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