Key Highlights
- Dancing With the Stars celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special episode.
- Celebrity participants include Whitney Leavitt, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, and more.
- The show features two unique rounds of dance: freestyle routines from DWTS past and relay dances.
- Tom Bergeron returns as a guest judge after his controversial firing in 2020.
A 20-Year Celebration on Dancing With the Stars
Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), the long-running dance competition series, is marking its 20th anniversary with a special episode dedicated to celebrating the show’s history and current contestants. The episode, airing this week as part of DWTS season 34, will feature two unique rounds of dance that showcase both past and present.
Past Meets Present: The Freestyle Round
The first round of dances in this special episode will see couples performing numbers set to the songs of freestyle routines from DWTS’s past. This nostalgic segment not only pays homage to the show’s rich history but also highlights the evolution of dance styles over the years.
Relay Dances: A Showcase of Champions
The second round, known as the relay dances, will feature each celebrity contestant dancing with a former mirrorball champion. This round is designed to provide a thrilling competition and offer viewers an opportunity to see how these celebrities measure up against past champions.
Tom Bergeron Returns: A Homecoming
A highlight of this 20th anniversary episode will be the return of Tom Bergeron, who will guest judge the show. Bergeron, who was famously fired from DWTS in 2020, is making a comeback to the ballroom where he once hosted and judged. His admission that he is “thrilled” to be back on DWTS hints at an exciting reunion for fans.
Contestants and Competition
The celebrity cast includes Whitney Leavitt, social media star Alix Earle, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Zac Efron’s brother Dylan Efron, actress Elaine Hendrix, conservationist Robert Irwin, and comedian-actor Andy Richter. The episode will see the elimination of couples based on their combined total of judges’ scores and viewer votes.
Future of DWTS: Semifinals and Finale
The 20th Birthday Party episode sets the stage for the remaining weeks of competition, including next week’s Prince Night (serving as the semifinals) and the three-hour finale on November 25. With only two weeks left in the season, viewers are eagerly anticipating who will emerge victorious.
As DWTS continues to celebrate its milestone anniversary, fans can look forward to a thrilling journey filled with memorable performances and emotional eliminations. The special episode not only commemorates the show’s past but also highlights its enduring appeal and continued relevance in today’s entertainment landscape.
