Halloween Night on Dancing With the Stars Season 34 proved to be an evening filled with both spooky delights and unexpected drama. The October 28, 2025, episode saw a contestant’s sudden hospitalization, a beloved former pro’s poignant return to the judges’ panel, and ongoing discussions about the season’s most talked-about dancers.
Elaine Hendrix Hospitalized, Judges Offer Support
Actress Elaine Hendrix, partnered with Alan Bersten, was notably absent from the Halloween Night live show. She was hospitalized earlier that morning due to a rib injury sustained during rehearsal. Despite her absence, the competition’s rules allowed for her last full rehearsal to be judged. The judges’ panel—Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, and guest judge Cheryl Burke—expressed an outpouring of support for Hendrix.
Derek Hough stated, “First and foremost, we love you, Elaine. We’re sending you our best. Speedy recovery, truly.” Carrie Ann Inaba added, “I am broken-hearted truly for you, Alan and Elaine. After last week’s success, that momentum would have taken her to another level.” She passionately urged, “She’s gotta come back! Come on back, Elaine!”
Alan Bersten provided an update, confirming that doctors had cleared Hendrix 100 percent and she was “determined to come back and perform next week.” The pair received a score of 32 out of 40, with eights across the board, based on their rehearsal performance. This score placed them in the middle of the pack for the night, keeping their hopes alive for future weeks.
Cheryl Burke’s Emotional Return and Len Goodman Tribute
Adding a significant layer to the evening was the return of two-time Mirrorball Trophy champion Cheryl Burke as a guest judge. This marked her first appearance on the show’s judges’ panel after a three-year absence from the competition, having last competed as a pro in Season 31 (2022). Burke, who won with Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith in 2006, shared her excitement, calling her comeback “surreal” and “like going back home.”
Burke delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late head judge Len Goodman, quoting his iconic advice: “Careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars.” She encouraged contestants to prioritize authenticity and dance with passion, stating, “Authenticity is what I would love to see from all of you. Technique and dance as if it&rsquos your last chance.” Her return was widely praised by fans, who felt she brought “the soul of Len Goodman” back to the ballroom, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com.
Beyond her judging duties, Burke’s appearance also drew attention to her personal transformation. She has openly discussed losing 30 to 35 pounds since leaving the show, attributing it to a healthier lifestyle and self-acceptance. She has vehemently denied speculations of using Ozempic or undergoing cosmetic surgery, explaining that her changed appearance is due to shedding the “mask” of heavy stage makeup and spray tans, and embracing her natural self, as detailed by digitaltrendstoday.com. Burke finalized her divorce from Matthew Lawrence in 2022, a period she described as a significant personal journey.
Halloween Night Scores and Underdog Stories
The Halloween Night episode also featured the return of the “Dance Monster-thon,” a dance marathon where couples are eliminated one by one by the judges. Nine couples remained in the competition, following the elimination of Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold during the previous “Wicked Night.”
The scores for Halloween Night were as follows:
- Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy: 39/40
- Robert Irwin and Witney Carson: 38/40
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: 37/40
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: 35/40
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: 34/40
- Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov: 33/40
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten: 32/40 (from rehearsal)
- Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik: 32/40
- Andy Richter and Emma Slater: 28/40
The season has also seen its share of controversies and surprising successes. Pro dancer Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd sparked debate by calling Jan Ravnik’s casting as a pro “absurd,” citing a lack of ballroom technique and his background as a Taylor Swift backup dancer. Cheryl Burke, however, defended Ravnik, noting that his partner Jen Affleck’s progress past the halfway mark speaks to his capabilities, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com.
Meanwhile, comedian-actor Andy Richter, partnered with Emma Slater, continues his unexpected journey. Despite lower scores, Richter’s authentic and heartwarming demeanor has resonated deeply with audiences, making him a fan favorite. Cheryl Burke herself believes Richter “could easily make the finals,” highlighting the show’s appreciation for genuine connection over flawless technique, a sentiment echoed by digitaltrendstoday.com.
With four weeks of competition remaining, including theme nights like Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the show’s 20th Birthday Party, and Prince Night for the semi-finals, Dancing With the Stars Season 34 continues to deliver captivating performances and compelling narratives. The finale is set for November 25, promising an exciting conclusion to an already eventful season.
