Fans knew the “Dancing with the Stars” special 20th Birthday Party episode was going to be emotional, but no one really knew just how tear-jerking it would be!
The night was unforgettable, with four Season 34 contestants earning perfect scores and the return of special guest judge Tom Bergeron. It was also a night of remembrance and reflection, with several beloved former DWTS pros returning to the ballroom. The show also paid an emotional tribute to those who have passed.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ Pays Tribute
“Let’s remember the members of our ballroom family who are no longer with us,” co-host Alfonso Ribeiro announced. “They will live forever in our hearts.”
“Dancing with the Stars” pros and best friends Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold delivered a powerful performance to “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga. As Sosa and Arnold performed, a screen behind them highlighted stars who had been involved in the show and had since died. A photo of them, along with their names and the season they competed on, was displayed on the screen.
There are many beloved fallen stars, including Jerry Springer, who competed on Season 3; Cloris Leachman from Season 7; Aaron Carter from Season 9; Shannen Doherty from Season 10; and Florence Henderson from Season 11. Also included were Kirstie Alley from Season 12, Jacoby Jones from Season 16, Mary Wilson from Season 28, and Anne Heche from Season 29.
For many pros and the judges, it was the Len Goodman tribute that left them in tears. The cameras showed that judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Bergeron were emotional. Fans at home were also sobbing after seeing the segment.
Fans React To Heartbreaking in Memoriam Segment
The official “Dancing with the Stars” Instagram account posted several photos from the performance, minutes after Sosa and Arnhold took to the ballroom dance floor. “Gone but never forgotten. Honoring all of those we’ve lost – they will be in the #DWTS family forever #DWTS20,” the caption reads.
The post has been an opportunity for fans of the ABC dance competition to share their thoughts and express their heartbreak. “Len Goodman you were such a highlight of my childhood and this show,” a fan wrote. “This was stunning why am I crying so much this episode. I cried during the opening number too,” another person shared.
Other reactions include, “Beautiful tribute!,” “Rylee and Ezra are sooo beautiful together! Such a graceful and beautiful dance,” and “LENS BEAUTIFUL SMILE AT THE END.”
