DWTS Week 9 Elimination 2025: Who Went Home On 20th Anniversary Night? Full Spoilers And Fan Reactions

The 20th Anniversary Night of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 delivered one of the most emotional and nostalgic episodes of the year. Week 9 featured iconic returning faces, a tribute to past contestants, new scoring twists, and the elimination that pushed the competition into its high pressure semi finals. Fans were eager to know who went home on DWTS Week 9 in 2025, and the results sparked major reactions online. This full recap covers every detail you need to know, from perfect scores to fan responses to the final elimination.

A Celebration of 20 Years of Dancing with the Stars

The ballroom was transformed into a birthday celebration for the show itself. The night opened with a large ensemble performance that paired original professional dancers from Season 1 with the modern cast. This created a powerful visual bridge between the beginning of DWTS and its present day identity.

A highlight of the night was the emotional return of former host Tom Bergeron. Fans and celebrities alike embraced the moment. Julianne Hough had visible tears while reintroducing him to the ballroom, which amplified the feeling of nostalgia and gratitude for longtime viewers.

To honor the two decade legacy of the show, the producers included a heartfelt tribute to former contestants who have passed away. This tribute added a reflective tone to the celebration and reminded fans how deeply the show has become woven into pop culture.

Week 9 Scoring and Leaderboard Results

Week 9 was a technical showcase. With seven couples remaining, every point mattered. Three couples earned perfect scores which placed them at the very top of the leaderboard:

• Perfect Score Couples
• Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
• Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
• Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas

These couples also gained extra points from the Relay Dance challenge, which pushed their totals even higher.

Other Notable Scores

• Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 40
• Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 39
• Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 36
• Andy Richter and Emma Slater: 29

Andy and Emma finished in last place by a wide margin which put them at the greatest risk of elimination heading into the final moments of the show.

DWTS Week 9 Elimination: Who Went Home?

At the end of the episode, the couple eliminated from Dancing with the Stars Week 9 in 2025 was Andy Richter and Emma Slater. Their low score made them the most vulnerable pair and the judges confirmed it during the results segment.

Andy offered a warm, genuine farewell. He expressed his gratitude for the experience, praised Emma’s encouragement, and mentioned how transforming the competition had been for him. Fans appreciated the positivity he maintained throughout the season.

His elimination also marked the official start of the high stakes race toward the Mirrorball Trophy, with six couples moving forward to the semi finals.

Fan Reactions and Online Buzz

The 20th Anniversary Night sparked a wave of excitement across social platforms. Many fans declared it the best episode in years due to the perfect scores, returning alumni, emotional speeches, and strong choreography.

Common themes from fan reactions include:

Praise for the Episode

Many viewers said the anniversary special reminded them why they fell in love with the show. The return of Tom Bergeron was especially celebrated.

Mixed Feelings About the Elimination

While many acknowledged that Andy and Emma were the lowest scoring pair, some expressed disappointment. Fans had enjoyed Andy’s humor and improvement over time.

Debate Over Production Choices

Some DWTS followers discussed whether certain contestants were receiving more favorable edits or airtime. Fans do this every season, but the stakes feel higher as the finale approaches.

Excitement for the Remaining Competitors

Supporters of top scoring contestants such as Robert Irwin, Dylan Efron, and Whitney Leavitt expressed confidence going into the semi finals.

What Happens Next on DWTS Season 34

The remaining six couples will return for the much anticipated semi finals. The theme for next week is Prince Night which promises energetic and visually dramatic performances inspired by the iconic artist.

With the leaderboard extremely tight at the top, viewer votes will be more influential than ever. Each contestant now needs both strong technical routines and compelling storytelling to secure a place in the finale.

 
Why DWTS Week 9 Was a Standout Episode

Week 9 mattered on several levels:

• It honored twenty years of DWTS history
• It introduced new scoring twists through the Relay Dance challenge
• It balanced nostalgia with forward momentum
• It showcased some of the best dances of the season
• It set the tone for the final stretch of the competition

The episode delivered both entertainment and emotional depth which is the winning formula that has kept DWTS alive for two decades.

Final Thoughts

The 20th Anniversary Night of Dancing with the Stars was a celebratory turning point for Season 34. Andy Richter and Emma Slater said goodbye but the competition now grows more intense as the top six advance to the semi finals. Whether you tune in for the dancing, the nostalgia, or the fan drama, Week 9 was a memorable chapter in DWTS history.