Dancing with the Stars 2025: Season 34 Week 9 20th Anniversary Birthday Party — dance styles and song choices
Dancing with the Stars celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special themed episode titled “20th Birthday Party.” As announced on Good Morning America, former host Tom Bergeron returns to the ballroom as a guest judge for the celebration. The anniversary episode airs TUESDAY, NOV. 11 (8:00–10:01 p.m. EST/PST, 7:00–9:01 p.m. CST) and will be simulcast live on ABC and on streaming platforms in local time zones, with next-day availability on streaming services.
The episode opens with a large ensemble number choreographed by Derek Hough and set to a fresh, live rendition of the classic Dancing with the Stars theme by Ray Chew. That opening brings together the current professional dancers and troupe, along with six original pros from Season 1: Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen and Edyta Śliwińska. Later in the show, the program pays tribute to beloved DWTS performers who have passed with a heartfelt performance to “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga, choreographed and performed by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold.
DWTS Relay Dance Competition returns
The competition format for the evening includes two distinct rounds. In the first round, each couple performs a new routine in a style inspired by an iconic freestyle from previous seasons. The performances are scored by the judges as usual. Later in the show the Relay Dance returns: in this fast-paced challenge one couple begins a song and another couple finishes it, with the judges selecting a winner for each relay. Winning couples earn two bonus points each.
This season’s relay round introduces a twist: for the first time, celebrities will not dance with their regular professional partners. Instead, they will be paired with a returning Mirrorball champion to perform one of three ballroom staples — Quickstep, Viennese Waltz or Jive. Because of their top individual scores last week and consistently high judges’ totals all season, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas have earned immunity and will not take part in the relay dances. As part of that immunity they automatically receive two bonus points.
Dancing with the Stars 34 20th Anniversary Birthday Party — Dance Styles and Song Choices
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Foxtrot to “Singin’ in the Rain” performed by Matthew Morrison.
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson will perform a Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis.
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas will perform an Argentine Tango to “Cell Block Tango” from the musical Chicago.
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach will perform an Argentine Tango to “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers.
- Andy Richter and Emma Slater will perform a Quickstep to “Puttin’ on the Ritz” as recorded by Robbie Williams.
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten will perform a Salsa to “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock.
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa will perform a Cha Cha to “Get Up” by Ciara featuring Chamillionaire.
How to vote
Fans can cast live votes during the simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones. During that live window, online voting will be available to viewers in the U.S., its territories and Canada through the show’s official voting site, and participating U.S. wireless carriers also offer SMS/text voting (SMS voting is not available for Canadian viewers). Live viewer votes from the night are combined with judges’ scores and any bonus points to determine which couples advance and which face elimination. The results will shape the lineup for next week’s “Prince Night” semi-finals.
Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast
After each episode, listeners can go behind the curtain with the Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast. Hosted by Season 33 Mirrorball Trophy champion Joey Graziadei, the podcast features exclusive cast interviews, special guests, behind-the-scenes insights and performance breakdowns. New episodes are available on Thursdays across the show’s streaming channels.
Dancing with the Stars is co-hosted this season by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough join guest judge Tom Bergeron for the anniversary episode, offering critiques and scores as the competitors perform. This special edition blends celebration, competition and tribute — honoring two decades of memorable routines, performers and fans while pushing the remaining finalists toward the semi-finals.
The 20th Anniversary episode not only highlights standout routines from the show’s history but also underscores how the format continues to evolve. With returning pros, Mirrorball champions and surprise pairings in the relays, the episode promises spirited performances, emotional tributes and intense competition as couples race for judges’ favor and viewer support. Fans are encouraged to tune in live to experience the celebration in real time and to participate in voting to help decide which dancers will continue their journey toward the Mirrorball Trophy.