‘DWTS’ Wicked Night Recap: First 10s of the Season and the Couple Eliminated at the End of the Night
Week six of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 delivered everything fans expect from the hit competition — dramatic eliminations, dazzling choreography, and emotional performances. But this “Wicked Night” episode, which aired on Tuesday, October 21, also ignited fierce debate among viewers, many of whom accused the judges of showing favoritism after handing out the first perfect 10s of the season.
Ten couples took to the ballroom floor to perform routines inspired by songs from the Wicked movie soundtrack, showcasing Argentine Tango, Contemporary, Foxtrot, Jazz, Rumba, and Quickstep styles. Among them, Whitney Leavitt and professional partner Mark Ballas stood out with their energetic Quickstep to “Popular,” channeling Glinda’s signature sparkle and charm.
Their lively routine earned rave reviews from the judges. Derek Hough leapt to his feet, calling the performance “advanced and full of energy,” adding, “I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes.” Guest judge Jon M. Chu praised the number as “a flawless mix of technical skill and entertainment,” while Bruno Tonioli described it as “a playful explosion of Glinda’s charm.” Carrie Ann Inaba noted it was “delightfully chaotic” and showcased Leavitt’s growth throughout the competition.
The pair’s effort paid off with the first 10s of the season, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard — but not everyone was pleased. Social media erupted shortly after the broadcast, with frustrated fans calling out what they perceived as bias.
“Favoritism needs to end before this show loses the majority of its fanbase xoxo,” one viewer wrote. Another posted, “I CANNOT WITH THIS ANYMORE. THE FAVORITISM IS BEYOND.” Some expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the technical excellence while arguing others deserved the honor first.
Despite the backlash, Leavitt’s team remained composed as the night continued, leading into another show-stopping performance that would soon share the spotlight — and the controversy.