DWTS 2025 Week 9 Shocker: Alix Earle & Stephen Nedoroscik Eliminated On 20th Anniversary – Full Recap, Scores & Fan Outrage
During Dancing with the Stars Week 9 in 2025, which celebrated the iconic 20th Anniversary Night, Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater became the latest couple eliminated from the competition. This emotional farewell stood out in a night loaded with nostalgia, high-stakes competition, and massive fan reactions across the internet.
20th Anniversary Night: A Milestone Celebration This special episode marked two decades of Dancing with the Stars, honoring its legacy in style. The ballroom was filled with past champions, beloved pros, and a cascade of tributes to legendary figures associated with the show over its vibrant history.
Former hosts and stars returned, ramping up the emotional intensity for both performers and the audience. The show opened with a blockbuster routine, featuring dancing legends and a live rendition of the DWTS theme, laying the groundwork for a night that long-time viewers described as “unmissable”.
The Dancing & The Scores: Fierce Competition All remaining couples brought their A-game, determined to leave a lasting impression during the season’s celebration episode. Across every performance, the passion was palpable. This week, dances were accompanied by elaborate choreography and featured everything from a sizzling Argentine Tango to pitch-perfect foxtrots and cha-chas.
Remarkably, four couples earned perfect 40s—a rare feat that showcased the season’s deep talent pool. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach especially wowed the judges with an Argentine Tango that brought the audience to its feet and received a deluge of praise from fans online.
The scores leading into the elimination were:
- Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: 42
- Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: 42
- Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: 42
- Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: 40
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: 39
- Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: 36
- Andy Richter & Emma Slater: 29
The Relay Dance Twist and Results
This anniversary episode introduced a new challenge: the Relay Dance, which split celebrities away from their pro partners to team up with past Mirrorball champions. The stakes rose as these bonus points dramatically influenced the leaderboard.
While several stars fought neck and neck for the top, Andy and Emma landed at the lowest score, placing them in imminent danger. Despite a strong and consistent effort throughout the season, their Quickstep performance and relay result couldn’t save them from being ousted.
Who Went Home and Why
After a suspenseful reveal, Andy Richter and Emma Slater became the couple to say goodbye. Richter, long a fan favorite thanks to his charming personality and comic relief, had managed to stave off elimination week after week thanks to audience support, even when occupying the bottom rung of the leader board. However, this week’s scores and the fierce competition from peers made it impossible for them to survive another round.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Nostalgia, and Social Media Buzz
The elimination of Richter and Slater triggered an outpouring of emotion online, especially among fans who cherished Richter’s journey and comedic spirit. Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok saw an avalanche of supportive messages, with many pointing out how far Andy had come from his first performance.
Some posts described his improvement as “unreal,” while others declared it bittersweet to see such a likable contestant leave on such a historic night. Fans also praised the show’s anniversary tributes and the touching memorials to late DWTS legends, calling it one of the most moving nights in series history.
Simultaneously, social media celebrated standout routines like Dylan Efron’s Argentine Tango, which became a viral sensation. Users shared videos and comments applauding his transformation, and speculated that he could become the season’s underdog champion.
Conclusion
Week 9 of Dancing with the Stars’ 34th season delivered every bit of drama and glamour expected from a 20th anniversary celebration. With perfect scores and emotional send-offs, the competition grew tighter as the show’s milestone was marked with heart and spectacle.
While Andy Richter and Emma Slater’s departure saddened many, their run highlighted the unpredictable magic that keeps fans invested year after year. As the competition barrels toward the semifinals, the dancing, drama, and legacy of DWTS shine brighter thanhan ever.