Elaine Hendrix Soars on DWTS's 'Wicked Night,' Defying Gravity & Injury

The Parent Trap icon delivered a truly show-stopping performance to "Defying Gravity," earning big scores and tears from the judges, all while bravely battling a painful, long-term foot injury.

TL;DR: The Quick Hits You Need to Know

• Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten absolutely captivated the Dancing With the Stars ballroom with their powerful contemporary routine to "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.
• She earned her first 9s of the season, scoring 36/40, though many fans (and even some fellow pros) felt she was "snubbed" from getting 10s given the raw emotion and technical difficulty.
• Hendrix performed this incredible feat while fighting through significant pain from a foot injury sustained in a 1992 car accident, making her "defying gravity" theme even more poignant.

Alright, fellow movie and dance fans, let's talk about Dancing With the Stars' "Wicked Night." If you weren't watching, you seriously missed out! The Parent Trap's very own Elaine Hendrix, paired with pro Alan Bersten, took to the floor and didn't just dance; she absolutely soared. Channeling the iconic Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, Elaine delivered a contemporary routine to "Defying Gravity" that brought the house down – and the judges to tears. But what made her performance truly legendary wasn't just the literal flight on a broomstick; it was the incredible resilience behind every step.

A Truly Spellbinding Performance on 'Wicked' Night for Elaine Hendrix

From the moment Elaine and Alan stepped onto the Ozdust Ballroom floor, you knew something special was brewing. Dressed in full Elphaba glory, complete with a witch's hat and a flowing cape, Elaine embodied the character's journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The routine was packed with challenging lifts, intricate trust falls, and, in a moment that literally lived up to the song's title, Elaine was hoisted into the air on a broomstick, truly "defying gravity." The audience was on their feet, giving her a standing ovation.

The judges, including regulars Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Derek Hough, and special guest judge Jon M. Chu (director of the upcoming Wicked: For Good film), were visibly moved. Carrie Ann Inaba couldn't hold back her emotions.

"I just burst into tears just because you were so purely in this moment. There are these moments that happen on this show that are magical—that no one will ever forget how it made them feel. When you danced and you reached—and that passion. It was beauty, elegance and you just dug into my soul and I am so proud of you."

— Carrie Ann Inaba, DWTS Judge

Bruno Tonioli gushed that Elaine "went into orbit," acknowledging the sheer ambition of the number. "You had the toughest number because it’s the highest, the biggest in the show. And you killed it," he added. Jon M. Chu praised her for "surrendering to her own power," a theme central to Elphaba's character. Ultimately, Elaine and Alan earned four 9s, giving them a total of 36/40 and her first 9s of the season!

Defying the Odds: Elaine's Inspiring Battle with a Long-Term Injury

What makes Elaine's performance even more awe-inspiring is the personal battle she's been fighting throughout her DWTS journey. Before the "Wicked Night" routine, she bravely revealed that she has a titanium joint in her right foot, a lingering injury from a 1992 car accident. This accident, which happened when she was 21 and a trained dancer, forced her to stop dancing for decades. She shared the harsh reality: "Not only do I have a titanium joint and only half usage, I now have no skin on the bottom of my foot." Ouch! Her dedication is truly next level, prompting her to quipped, "It's overrated. Skin is overrated."

This long-standing injury means every step, every lift, every turn for Elaine is harder and more painful than it looks. She admitted to her partner Alan, "I don't know if I can do this. I was in tears," before taking on the "Wicked" routine, feeling like giving up. But Alan didn't let her. He intentionally chose "Defying Gravity" so Elaine could realize "she can trust herself" and that "she is stronger than her injuries." At 54 years old, she's not just dancing; she's demonstrating incredible perseverance and reclaiming a part of her past that she thought was lost forever. Her "I am 54, I am injured and I just did that!" declaration after receiving her scores was a powerful moment of triumph.

Fan Outcry: Did the Judges Underscore Elaine's Elphaba Flight?

While four 9s and a score of 36/40 is fantastic, many fans (and even some media outlets) felt Elaine and Alan were "snubbed" from receiving at least one perfect 10. Social media lit up with viewers expressing their outrage, calling the scoring "criminal." After such an emotional, technically ambitious, and personally significant performance, many believed it deserved to be rewarded with the season's first 10s. Especially since earlier in the night, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, and later Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, both received 10s and a score of 39 for their respective routines.

Elaine herself had previously voiced frustration with inconsistent scoring after Dedication Night, telling Alan, "I don’t understand the scoring. Other people were given good comments and got higher scores, and I was given lower scores." While she seemed thrilled with her 9s on "Wicked Night," the online chatter clearly indicates that many viewers believe her breathtaking performance warranted even higher praise from the judges.

The Enduring Power of Friendship: Elaine and Lisa Ann Walter

Elaine's journey on DWTS wouldn't be complete without mentioning her incredible support system, particularly her lifelong best friend, Lisa Ann Walter. Fans of The Parent Trap know them as Meredith Blake and Chessy, but in real life, their bond is pure gold. Lisa Ann, who cheers Elaine on weekly and even joined her for Dedication Night (where Elaine dedicated her foxtrot to her), has been a crucial motivator.

"This woman didn't let me quit on myself," Elaine explained, crediting Lisa Ann and Alan for pushing her through. Their friendship, which spans over 30 years since they met on the set of the iconic 1998 film, is truly special. As Lisa Ann gushed, "I think it’s kind of you and me against the world," with Elaine adding, "We’re married without the romance." It's no wonder fans are hoping Elaine might make a cameo on Lisa Ann's hit ABC show, Abbott Elementary!

Beyond the Broomstick: Elaine Hendrix's Enduring Legacy and Future

For those who might only know her as the villainous Meredith Blake, Elaine Hendrix's Dancing With the Stars run has showcased her incredible talent, resilience, and genuine personality. At 54, she's proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to pursuing your passions. Her career boasts a diverse range of roles, from her turn as Alexis Carrington in the Dynasty reboot to appearances in classics like Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Friends, and Two and a Half Men. But on DWTS, she’s simply Elaine, raw and unfiltered.

The "Wicked Night" itself was a fantastic spectacle, not just for Elaine's performance, but as a promotion for the highly anticipated film adaptation. With director Jon M. Chu on the panel and stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande making pre-taped appearances, it was a treat for fans of the musical. The upcoming Wicked: For Good movie is set to premiere on November 21, 2025, continuing the story of Elphaba and Glinda, and Elaine's performance certainly got us even more excited!

What's Next in the Ballroom: Halloween and How to Watch DWTS

As the competition heats up and "Wicked Night" saw Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold eliminated, all eyes are on the remaining couples. Next week promises even more thrills and chills with a special Halloween-themed episode. So, how can you catch all the action and continue to cheer on Elaine and the rest of the stars?

Dancing With the Stars airs live on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams concurrently on Disney+ in local time zones. If you miss the live broadcast, you can catch up on demand the very next day on Hulu. Don't miss out on what promises to be a spooky and spectacular Halloween night!

Frequently Asked Questions About Elaine Hendrix on DWTS

When did Elaine Hendrix perform her "Defying Gravity" routine?

Elaine Hendrix performed her "Defying Gravity" contemporary routine on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, during Dancing With the Stars' "Wicked Night" episode.

What was Elaine Hendrix's score on "Wicked Night"?

Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten received four 9s from the judges, totaling a score of 36 out of 40 for their "Defying Gravity" performance. These were her first 9s of the season.

What is Elaine Hendrix's foot injury?

Elaine Hendrix has a titanium joint in her right foot, which she sustained after a car accident in 1992. This injury limits the usage of half her foot and causes significant pain, including, as she revealed, having "no skin left on the bottom of her foot" after her intense "Wicked Night" performance.

Who is Elaine Hendrix's professional partner on DWTS?

Elaine Hendrix is partnered with professional dancer Alan Bersten for Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars.

Sources

• thenationaldesk.com - "Elaine Hendrix’s 'DWTS' defying gravity routine snubbed, shows 'no skin' left on her foot"
• thenationaldesk.com - "Elaine Hendrix on 'DWTS' prep and her 'Parent Trap' reunion with Lindsay Lohan" (mentioned in related articles section)
• eonline.com - "Watch: Parent Trap Reunion With BFFs Lisa Ann Walter & Elaine Hendrix"
• eonline.com - "Elaine Hendrix is dancing through her pain."
• popculture.com - "Dancing With the Stars' Elaine Hendrix calls out judges' inconsistent scoring"
• cbr.com - "Dancing with the Stars' Wicked Night saw a show-stopping performance from Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bernstein of 'Defying Gravity'."
• extra.ie - "DWTS: Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten Tease 'Defying Gravity' Dance (Exclusive)"
• thenationaldesk.com - "Who Is Elaine Hendrix On Dancing With The Stars?"
• hellomagazine.com - "Elaine Hendrix's age in The Parent Trap as Meredith Blake stuns DWTS fans and judges"
• thenationaldesk.com - "Dancing with the Stars' Elaine Hendrix celebrates Season 34 performances as a milestone at age 54"
• bustle.com - "Elaine Hendrix Revealed That She's Competing On DWTS With A Foot Injury"