The new Dancing With The Stars episode became an emotional tribute that reduced both the contestants and the audience to tears – but not for the typical cause.
Contestants danced emotional tributes to their loved ones in front of them on Oct. 14 “Dedication Night” of Dancing With The Stars, breaking a first in the show’s history as a favorite ABC competition program.
But the evening turned into an unexpected plot twist when host Alfonso Ribeiro made a jaw-dropping announcement during the reveal of who was getting eliminated. Building anticipation, Ribeiro announced, “The first couple who is safe is. all of you! No one is going home tonight.”
Cohost Julianne Hough had no sooner chimed in that she realized the decision was done in respect for the very emotional performances. “We couldn’t send anyone home tonight on such a special night,” Hough said. “All of the scores and all of the votes from tonight will carry over to next week.”
The announcement sparked visible relief among the contestants, who had poured their hearts into their dances honoring parents, partners, and close friends. For actress Elaine Hendrix, who’s been earning fan praise for her performances, the decision felt particularly personal. “It means everything to me,” she shared backstage. “This is a true second chance of my life and a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful.”
The other celebrity contestants still remaining in the race for the competition are Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Danielle Fisher, Dylan Efron, Jen Affleck, Scott Hoying, Andy Richter, and Elaine Hendrix.
The emotional evening was also a look back at the journey of Hilaria Baldwin, who was voted out last week along with her pro partner Gleb Savchenko. In an interview with E! News after her elimination, Baldwin shared about her family backing her up and how her children were cheering for her.
“I told my daughter, because I’m so honest with my children, ‘What if I get voted off immediately?'” Baldwin remembered tearfully. “She said, ‘Mommy, at least you tried.’ And I hope they always understand that: At least I tried.”
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Her husband, actor Alec Baldwin, afterwards took to Instagram to say how proud he is, writing, “I want to say I love you, Hilaria, and I’m proud of you. It’s been wonderful for the family to support you as you support us every day. This has been such a large part of your life, and this is a dream come true for you.”
Since departing the series, Hilaria has spoken out about her departure as well, commenting via social media. “I did get bullied off the show,” she informed an Oct. 12 Instagram Live, citing the cruel online commentary she endured throughout her four-week stint on Dancing With The Stars. “I did, that’s for sure. That is for sure.”
Although Baldwin’s exit is still the subject of conversation, this week’s no-elimination shocker has injected new hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. With the votes and scores carrying over, next week’s performances will be of even greater consequence – guaranteeing the dramatic intensity of Dedication Night continues to reverberate throughout the ballroom.
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