DWTS Awards First Season 10s Amid Shocking Elimination on Wicked Night

The "Wicked" themed night on "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 showcased standout performances inspired by the musical and upcoming film "Wicked: For Good," with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas earning the first perfect 10s of the season for their technically impressive quickstep to "Popular." Judges, including guest judge Jon M. Chu, praised their performance as a blend of technical skill and fun, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard alongside Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa, who also received perfect scores for their rumba to "For Good." Despite the celebratory mood, the night ended on a contentious note with the elimination of Scott Hoying, which sparked considerable backlash from fans who felt the decision was unfair given his emotional contemporary routine. Judges acknowledged Hoying's enthusiasm but critiqued his technique and transitions, awarding him a score of 28 out of 40. The episode featured video messages from the original "Wicked" cast and an exclusive clip from the upcoming film, enhancing the thematic experience. Overall, the episode was marked by both thrilling performances and dramatic competition developments, highlighting the high stakes of the season.