Whitney Leavitt made history on “Dancing With the Stars” season 34 tonight, scoring the first perfect 10 of the season alongside her pro partner, Mark Ballas.
Mark Ballas returned to “Dancing With the Stars” this season with Whitney Leavitt, delivering a standout Wicked Night quickstep to “Popular.” Their performance combined precise choreography, playful energy, and theatrical flair, earning high praise from judges and fans. Despite online speculation about favoritism, Ballas clarified that song selection and production decisions were entirely handled by the show, emphasizing their focus remained on artistry and partnership.
Whitney & Mark’s Historic Scoring
The pair performed a show-stopping routine set to the iconic “Popular” from “Wicked,” combining intricate lifts with seamless footwork. Jon M. Chu, serving as guest judge, praised their storytelling and stage presence, while regular judges Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Derek Hough lauded the duo for their emotional connection and flawless execution. Carrie-Ann revealed the first perfect 10 score which cemented Whitney and Mark as clear frontrunners for the season.
Ballas Addresses Favoritism Claims & Fan Reaction
Mark Ballas has firmly addressed rumors suggesting he receives special treatment on “Dancing with the Stars”, stating unequivocally, “It’s absolutely not true.” The three-time Mirrorball champion emphasized that his success is a result of hard work and dedication, not favoritism.
He acknowledged the challenges of returning to the show after a brief retirement, noting the physical demands and the need to prove himself again. Ballas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform and collaborate with talented partners, reinforcing his commitment to the competition. His response aims to dispel any misconceptions and reaffirm his professionalism and passion for dance.
Other Notable Performances & The Impact of Wicked Night
Season 34 continued to showcase incredible talent across the board. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson delivered a high-energy Jazz to “Dancing Through Life,” earning a 36 out of 40, with Derek Hough highlighting Robert’s Broadway-ready charisma. Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy impressed with a Jazz routine to “What Is This Feeling?” earning 35 out of 40, blending musical theater flair with precise choreography. Meanwhile, Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold explored a Contemporary routine to “The Wizard and I,” scoring 28 out of 40, demonstrating growth but leaving room for improvement.
Tonight’s Wicked Night elevated the competition with a mix of theatrical storytelling and technical challenges. Guest judge Jon M. Chu emphasized the importance of emotion and performance quality, influencing both scoring and viewer perception. The high stakes of a possible double elimination added intensity, yet Whitney and Mark’s flawless performance set a standard for the remaining couples. Fans are already calling it a “historic night” for the series, anticipating that Whitney’s perfect 10 could mark the start of a winning streak.
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