When Robert Irwin, conservationist and his partner Witney Carson, professional dancer headed into the sixth night of Dancing With the Stars Season 34, the buzz was louder than ever. Joining them were Dylan Efron, actor‑musician paired with Daniella Karagach, pro dancer, and the ever‑glamorous Whitney Leavitt, reality‑TV star alongside Mark Ballas, dance legend. The panel of judges featured the familiar trio of Derek Hough, former champion, Carrie Ann Inaba, veteran judge and Bruno Tonioli, British choreographer, with a surprise guest: Jon M. Chu, director of ‘Wicked’. All of this unfolded on ABC Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Eastern, with next‑day streaming on Hulu and the full catalog on Disney+. The stakes? A combined 80‑point score that could seal the fate of ten remaining couples.
Week 6 Theme and Scoring Twist
The episode’s theme paid homage to the Broadway smash ‘Wicked’, demanding that every routine be set to one of the musical’s iconic songs. From ‘Defying Gravity’ to ‘Popular’, the music forced contestants to balance theatrical flair with ballroom technique. Because a no‑elimination round was staged the week before, the judges’ marks from that night—along with Kym Johnson Herjavec’s guest scores—were carried forward. That means each couple could earn up to 80 points across two weeks, a departure from the usual 30‑point maximum.
Power Rankings and Who’s Hot
According to TV Insider, the top five heading into the ‘Wicked’ showdown look like this:
- 1️⃣ Robert Irwin & Witney Carson
- 2️⃣ Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach
- 3️⃣ Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas
- 4️⃣ Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
- 5️⃣ (still a mystery – analysts expect a surprise entry)
The rankings reflect a blend of judges’ scores, fan voting patterns, and how convincingly each pair embraced the ‘Wicked’ vibe. Irwin & Carson’s effortless chemistry and flawless footwork have earned them a perfect 78‑point aggregate so far.
What the Judges Said
During the live broadcast, Derek Hough praised Irwin’s “natural storytelling” while noting a “tiny wobble” in the lift. Carrie Ann Inaba lauded Efron’s “raw energy” but warned that technical precision was slipping. Bruno Tonioli, ever the dramatist, called Leavitt’s routine “a whirlwind of sparkle” yet urged her to “feel the music in her bones”. Guest judge Jon M. Chu added a fresh perspective: “‘Wicked’ isn’t just about big steps; it’s about the emotional arc. If you can make the audience feel Elphaba’s heartbreak, you’ve nailed it.”
Viewer Votes and Past Eliminations
Last week, reality‑TV personality Hilaria Baldwin was sent home despite earning one of the highest judges’ scores of the night—a stark reminder that audience votes can outweigh technical merit. As a result, fans have been frantically engaging on social media, spamming the voting hotline and sharing memes to rally support for their favorites. The combined scoring system this week means a strong judges’ score can’t fully shield a couple if their fan base stays muted.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
If the power rankings hold, Irwin & Carson could coast to the finals, while the battle for the second and third spots will likely intensify. Efron’s youthful charisma may attract a younger voting bloc, but his technical slips could keep him from overtaking the leaders. Leavitt, with her reality‑TV fame, could see a surge if she nails the emotional storytelling demanded by ‘Wicked’.
Meanwhile, the mystery fifth‑place couple could be a dark horse—perhaps a pair that performed a surprise ‘Defying Gravity’ lift that impressed both judges and viewers. Analysts suggest that if any underdog wants to break into the top‑three, they need a perfect 40‑point night and a viral moment on TikTok.
Background: Two Decades of ‘Dancing With the Stars’
Season 34 marks the 20th anniversary of the show’s debut in 2005. To celebrate, TV Guide Magazine released a special issue packed with retrospectives, exclusive interviews, and high‑resolution photos. The commemorative edition is selling out fast at newsstands and online at a dedicated site, DWTS.TVGM2025.com. The milestone underscores how the series has become a cultural touchstone, influencing everything from fashion trends to social‑media dance challenges.
As the competition tightens, viewers can expect even more elaborate staging, higher stakes, and plenty of drama—both on the dance floor and behind the scenes. The Wicked week may be the most theatrical yet, but the real magic will be in how each couple translates Broadway bravado into ballroom brilliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the combined 80‑point scoring work?
Scores from the no‑elimination episode last week (including guest judge Kym Johnson Herjavec’s marks) are added to this week’s scores. Each couple can earn up to 40 points per night, for a total possible 80. The combined total determines who lands in the bottom two and faces elimination.
Why is a guest judge from ‘Wicked’ needed?
Jon M. Chu, the film director of the upcoming ‘Wicked’ adaptation, brings a unique theatrical lens. His expertise helps judges assess how well contestants capture the musical’s narrative and emotional depth, beyond pure technical ballroom skill.
Which couples are at risk of elimination after Week 6?
Couples near the bottom of the power rankings—especially those with weaker viewer engagement—face the greatest danger. If their judges’ scores dip below 30 points this week, a low vote count could seal their fate.
How can fans influence the outcome?
Fans can vote via the official ABC app, the show's website, or text message. Each platform allows up to 10 votes per day per couple, so coordinated campaigns on Twitter or TikTok can swing the results dramatically.
What does the 20th‑anniversary issue of TV Guide include?
The special edition features behind‑the‑scenes interviews with past champions, a timeline of the show’s most iconic moments, and a photo spread of memorable costumes—including several from the ‘Wicked’ episode.