Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy are set to bring a haunting energy to the ballroom tonight on “Dancing with the Stars,” performing a tango to Bury a Friend by Billie Eilish. The song’s unsettling tone and pulsing rhythm align perfectly with the show’s Halloween Week theme, setting the stage for a dramatic and intense routine.
Earle and Chmerkovskiy are leaning into the mood, ready to push their performance into darker territory while keeping technical precision at the forefront.
Earle & Chmerkovskiy Performance & Scores
For Halloween Night on “Dancing with the Stars,” the remaining couples are expected to deliver routines that fuse theatrical visuals, dramatic lighting and eerie soundtracks. Earle and Chmerkovskiy’s choice of “Bury a Friend” reflects that direction — the track leans into haunting vocals and experimental rhythms. Their decision to match the Halloween theme with this song signals their intention to standout with both mood and movement.
The couple got three tens from the recurring judges followed by Earle jumping up and down passionately. Their combined score becomes 39 out of 40 for tonight.
Behind the Scenes: Emotional Rehearsal
Earle recently shared that Chmerkovskiy experienced challenges in rehearsal, particularly with what they described as a “wicked” dance segment. She revealed that he “had trouble” mastering certain phrase transitions and movement patterns, emphasizing the demanding nature of this week’s routine.
Alix Earle had an emotional moment after leaving her “Dancing With the Stars” rehearsal with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, breaking down in tears as she processed the challenges of learning a new routine. The influencer shared a candid Instagram video on Friday, pairing it with a Kim Kardashian voiceover that perfectly captured her feelings: “I think that there are days where I feel like I know it all, and then I wake up the next morning and I’m like, ‘Wait, none of that made sense.’” Earle, 24, and Chmerkovskiy, 45, are preparing a routine to Billie Eilish’s 2019 track “bury a friend” for the show’s upcoming “Halloween Night” episode, and the intense first days of rehearsals clearly took a toll.
Fans and fellow dancers were quick to rally around Earle following her post. Whitney Leavitt, who is also competing this season, commented, “Girl same 😭,” while the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star offered encouragement: “You’ve got this! 💗💕💖.” Even Leavitt’s partner, pro dancer Mark Ballas, weighed in, writing, “You’re amazing Alix & you got this 👊🏼.” The supportive messages highlight the camaraderie among “DWTS” competitors and underscore Earle’s determination to push through the tough early stages of mastering her dance, proving that vulnerability can coexist with ambition on the ballroom floor.
According to People, Earle said the rehearsal process required more focus than usual as they worked to hit the song’s rhythm and tone while also preparing choreography that matches the tango’s structure. Their willingness to publicly acknowledge the struggle shows transparency and perseverance.
Momentum & Audience Fit
As a social media personality turned competitor, Earle has drawn attention not only for her platform but for her progression on the show. Her partnership with Chmerkovskiy — a veteran with multiple Mirrorball wins — sets up a dynamic of experience meeting fresh energy.
The Halloween theme gives them the chance to showcase versatility, moving away from lighter routines into more atmospheric territory. Their success tonight hinges on hitting the balance between the song’s mood, the tango’s technique and the show’s theatrical expectations.
