The first-ever “Super Bowl Night” on “Dancing With the Stars” culminated in the game ending for a fan-favorite duo hoping to win the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson were sent home after dancing a salsa to Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó,” which received a total score of 22/40 from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli – as well as guest judge Joe Buck – placing them at the bottom of the leaderboard.
“I had a lot of fun. It was awesome,” said the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” declared the star after his elimination. “Witney, I love you for teaching me how to dance.”
Carson thanked Rodriguez for “making this season so fun, so enjoyable” and praised him for taking care of her — and her unborn baby — “throughout this season.”
Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess were in danger of going home, but survived to compete for another week.
Throughout the evening, Season 35 contestants and their professional partners performed songs celebrating “the music, spectacle and unforgettable moments of big game.”
The episode — which saw an appearance by “Jane the Virgin” alum Justin Baldoni and his family — served as a preview of what fans can expect in February 2027, when Super Bowl LXI airs on ABC and ESPN.
“The Traitors” alums Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas started the evening with a tango to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World),” which Tonioli called “thrilling from start to finish.” They got a 33/40.
Jackson Olson and Emma Slater scored 31/40 for their Salsa to “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars. Derek called it the Savannah Bananas player’s “best dance.”
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov performed a samba to J Balvin and Willy William’s “Mi Gente” and received praise from Inaba, who said the Olympic gold medalist “ate it,” and Buck, who called the routine “hot.” They got a 34/40.
“Bachelor Nation” star Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess wowed with their jazz routine to “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by the Black Eyed Peas. Tonioli praised Cameron for channeling “Dirty Dancing” and Gene Kelly, and the duo got a 30/40.
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold danced a samba to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean. While Derek praised Wood’s “joy” during the performance, he said the comedian had to “keep working at it.” The judges gave the routine a score of 25/40.
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa performed an epic jazz routine to “Hustlers” co-star Jennifer Lopez’s hit song, “Jenny From the Block (Track Masters Remix),” feat. Jadakiss and Styles P. They scored a 33/40 for their routine, which Tonioli called Stiles’ “best yet.”
“Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alumni Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik received a 29/40 for their salsa to Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up.” Derek called the routine “too laid back” and the song “a little slow” for the style.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy danced a Paso Doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” — which the “Step Up” actress previously performed during a 2023 appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The pair scored 36/40 for their routine, with Buck saying he “forgot who the pro is”.
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson performed a samba to “Yeah!” by Usher – who the “Glee” alum has often credited with inspiring him to dance – feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris, scoring 33/40. Derek called it a “fantastic” performance, while Inaba gave the duo a thumbs up in a tense exchange.
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach closed the show with a salsa to “Hot in Herre” by Nelly – with whom Karagach was previously paired on Season 29 of the dance competition, its first season. They received a total score of 36/40 for their routine, with Tonioli praising the Paralympic gold medalist for delivering a “scorching” performance.
This season has already seen some shocking eliminations, first with Hanson singer Taylor Hanson and most recently with “Summer House” star Ciara Miller.
Earlier this season, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Conner Leavitt, “Love Thy Nader” star Sarah Jane Nader and celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis were fired.
New episodes of “DWTS” air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, and stream on Hulu the next day.
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