The ballroom of “Dancing with the Stars” is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to celebrate its 20th Birthday Party Night. This special event in Week 9 of the competition will pay homage to two decades of the beloved reality TV show that first graced screens on June 1, 2005. Former host Tom Bergeron is set to make a return as a guest judge, accompanied by six original pros from the show’s debut season. The lineup includes Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Edyta Śliwińska, who will partake in the opening dance festivities. Additionally, six former Mirrorball champions will grace the ballroom once more for the Relay Dance round, joined by the current contestants.
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Among the seven remaining couples, one notable absence from the Relay Dance round is Whitney Leavitt, who earned immunity after topping the leaderboard in the previous week with her partner, Mark Ballas. Each couple has meticulously crafted their routines to pay tribute to iconic dances and songs from previous seasons. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa are set to deliver a cha-cha performance to “Get Up” by Ciara featuring Chamillionaire. Meanwhile, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson, will showcase a foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis, previously performed by Irwin’s sister and season 21 Mirrorball champ, Bindi Irwin.
The stage is set for an Argentine tango by Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, who will dance to the late Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”, drawing inspiration from a past season’s freestyle. Social media star Alix Earle and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, are gearing up for a foxtrot performance to “Singin’ in the Rain” by Matthew Morrison, a homage to a previous memorable routine. Comedian Andy Richter and pro Emma Slater will deliver a quickstep to Robbie Williams’ “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, paying tribute to a classic performance from a past season. Each couple will also team up with former Mirrorball champions for the highly anticipated Relay Dance round. The energy is palpable as the contestants and pros put their best foot forward to honour the show’s milestone anniversary. The commitment to showcasing the essence of “Dancing with the Stars” through these familiar tunes and dance styles promises a night to remember for both viewers and participants alike.
It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of dance, artistry, and nostalgia as the “Dancing with the Stars” family comes together to toast to two remarkable decades on the air. The infectious spirit of camaraderie and passion for dance shines through each performance, captivating audiences and judges alike. As the night unfolds with dazzling routines and heartfelt tributes, the legacy of the show is honoured in grand style, proving once again why “Dancing with the Stars” continues to be a beloved fixture in the world of entertainment.