The latest episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 aired on October 7, 2025, featuring the highly anticipated Disney Night theme, celebrating Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary. The show brought together 11 couples who performed a variety of dance styles including the Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Jazz, Salsa, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz, all set to iconic songs inspired by beloved Disney films and theme park attractions. Contestants included a mix of celebrities and personalities such as Danielle Fishel, Hilaria Baldwin, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Andy Richter, Jordan Chiles, Scott Hoying, Dylan Efron, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, and Jen Affleck.
One of the most talked-about performances of the night came from internet influencer Alix Earle and her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. They performed a hauntingly beautiful Viennese Waltz to Lana Del Rey’s rendition of “Once Upon a Dream” from the movie Maleficent. Earle appeared in a striking costume reminiscent of Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent character, complete with dramatic horns, while Chmerkovskiy played the role of Diaval, Maleficent’s raven companion. The dark, moody stage design included a woman lying motionless in the background, symbolizing Aurora, Maleficent’s goddaughter.
Their performance was met with widespread praise from fans and judges alike. Derek Hough described it as “spellbinding” and commended Earle’s graceful pivots, calling it her best dance so far. Bruno Tonioli called the routine “gripping” and praised Earle’s acting, noting how she transformed into another character on stage. Carrie Ann Inaba also complimented Earle’s artistry and empowerment following the dance. However, despite the positive feedback, many viewers felt the judges’ scores didn’t reflect the quality of the performance, accusing them of underscoring the couple. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, with comments such as “They got robbed” and “Alix was critically underscored.” Earle and Chmerkovskiy earned a score of 24 out of 30, tying with Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, and Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas scored the highest that night with 25 points for their energetic Foxtrot set to “The Room Where It Happens” from Hamilton. Meanwhile, some couples struggled, with Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, and Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov each scoring 21 points. Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater finished last with 18 points. After the scores and audience votes were tallied, Hilaria Baldwin was unexpectedly eliminated, a decision that surprised many fans.
This episode added to the ongoing fan debate that began earlier in the season during “One Hit-Wonders Night,” when two couples, Corey Feldman with Jenna Johnson, and Baron Davis with Britt Stewart, were eliminated in a move that shocked viewers. Feldman’s Cha Cha to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” was widely criticized for lack of rhythm and connection, while Davis’s Samba did not earn enough points to save him. Meanwhile, Baldwin’s Tango to Haddaway’s “What Is Love” earned her a spot in the next round despite controversy over her previous ballroom training, which some fans felt gave her an unfair advantage.
Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin and a prominent wildlife conservationist, made a spectacular impression on the show’s opening night. Partnered with Whitney Carson, he performed a high-energy Jive to Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild,” complete with a safari-themed set featuring a Land Rover and tall grass. Irwin’s athleticism and enthusiasm won him rave reviews from judges and fans alike, with Derek Hough calling it one of the best first dances ever seen on the show. Social media buzzed with praise, with fans predicting he might take home the mirrorball trophy.
The season continues to be full of surprises, intense competition, and emotional moments. As the leaderboard tightens, every score and elimination is fiercely debated by fans, judges, and contestants. The emotional farewells from those eliminated reflect the strong bonds formed in the ballroom, while the remaining couples prepare for even higher stakes in the coming weeks.
