Emotional tributes and a shifting lineup shaped the seventh episode of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, as ten celebrity couples performed heartfelt routines in the ballroom. Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech captured the judges’ attention and led the early leaderboard, securing a season-high score during a night dedicated to deeply personal moments and figures.
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach Lead with a 37/40
Kicking off the night with one of the most powerful performances of the season, Ezra Frech and his professional partner, Daniella Karagach, delivered a stunning contemporary routine. Set to Mon Rovia’s song “Bloodline,” the dance was dedicated to Frech’s mother, Bahar Soomekh, who joined them on the ballroom floor during the performance.
The judges were visibly moved by the emotional weight and technical skill of the routine. Guest judge Kym Johnson, returning to the ballroom for the evening alongside regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, awarded Frech the first 10 of the season. Combined with 9s from the rest of the panel, the pair earned a stellar total score of 37 out of 40.
“So inspiring, life affirming. Your positive attitude, your strength of character, are unique,” Bruno Tonioli praised following the routine. “You really are a lesson to us all, and the dancing, by the way, that was brilliant. Those lifts? Totally seamless. You’re a real talent and we love you.”
Carrie Ann Inaba commended Soomekh for the profound impact she has had on her son, while applauding Frech for utilizing his unique momentum and physicality seamlessly on the dance floor.
Memorable Tributes Across the Ballroom
Dedication Night lived up to its reputation for bringing tears and smiles to viewers as the remaining competitors honored influential people and places in their lives:
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: The actress performed a Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson’s “[You Don’t Know] How Glad I Am,” honoring her late Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star James Avery. She was joined on the dance floor by co-host and former show winner Alfonso Ribeiro, who played her brother on the classic sitcom. The performance earned them 32 out of 40 points, marking Ali’s best score of the season.
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: Stepping away from honoring individuals, Higgins paid tribute to her home country of Ireland by performing a paso doble to the Dropkick Murphys track “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” Despite a point deduction for an illegal lift, they secured a strong 35 out of 40 points.
Lineup Changes and Special Guest Judges
The episode also navigated several behind-the-scenes adjustments. Former professional dancer Kym Johnson returned to the judges’ desk as a guest judge, bringing her veteran perspective to the panel.
Meanwhile, the ballroom saw a temporary lineup shuffle as pro dancer Alan Bersten filled in for Val Chmerkovskiy. Chmerkovskiy sat out the episode following a one-week suspension issued by production executives after an inappropriate social media reference made earlier in the season. Bersten stepped in to partner with Jenna Dewan for their Viennese waltz tribute to her mother, Nancy.
As the competition progresses, the stakes continue to rise. Following Tuesday night’s emotional routines and combined viewer votes, couples look ahead to next week’s spooky themes as Season 35 rolls on.
