A Night of Celebration and Nostalgia
ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” celebrated its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with a special “20th Birthday Party” episode that paid tribute to two decades of celebrity ballroom performances. The event, part of Season 34’s Week 9 quarterfinals, mixed nostalgia with fierce competition as current and former cast members reunited for an emotional night. The show opened with a dazzling group number choreographed by Derek Hough, featuring several original pros from the very first season, including Alec Mazo, Ashley DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Charlotte Jørgensen, Edyta Śliwińska, and Jonathan Roberts. The performance set the tone for an evening dedicated to the show’s legacy and its evolution since debuting in 2005. Adding to the night’s emotion, former longtime host Tom Bergeron returned to the ballroom as a guest judge. Bergeron, who left the series in 2020, joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough at the judges’ table, delivering witty commentary and heartfelt reflections on how the series has shaped television history. The episode also included a touching tribute to former cast and crew members who have passed away, reinforcing the sense of community that has defined the show’s run.
Bringing Back Classic Routines
Each of the seven remaining celebrity–pro pairs was tasked with reimagining a freestyle performance from a past season, a move that challenged them to blend history with creativity. The second half of the show introduced a new twist: a relay round where contestants competed with past Mirrorball champions for bonus points. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, who had immunity from the previous week, skipped the relay but received two extra points for maintaining their top spot on the leaderboard.
Standout Performances
The anniversary episode featured some of the most memorable performances of the season. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson earned a perfect 40 for their emotional foxtrot, dedicated to Irwin’s sister Bindi and their late father, Steve Irwin. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach also scored a perfect 40 for their Argentine tango, impressing the judges with precision and storytelling. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas matched them with a flawless tango of their own, demonstrating elegance and chemistry. Meanwhile, social media influencer Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy scored 40, just behind the top performers. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa earned 39 for a high-energy jive, while Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten landed at 36 with their rumba. At the bottom of the leaderboard was comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater, who scored 29 for their upbeat but technically rough quickstep.
An Emotional Elimination
The night concluded with Andy Richter and Emma Slater’s elimination, a result met with both laughter and tears. Richter, who had become a fan favorite for his humor and humility, thanked his partner and the audience for keeping him in the competition as long as they did. His exit trimmed the field to six couples heading into the semifinals.
Why It Mattered
The 20th anniversary of “Dancing with the Stars” was more than just a nostalgia trip. It was a testament to the show’s endurance in a changing media landscape. Few reality competitions have maintained relevance for two decades, and this episode showed why. By blending heartfelt tributes, all-star appearances, and fresh choreography, the series reminded viewers why it remains a staple of American entertainment. For outlets like South Florida Media, episodes like this offer powerful storytelling opportunities that go beyond celebrity gossip. They capture the endurance of television as a shared cultural experience—something increasingly rare in the streaming age.
The Bottom Line
“Dancing with the Stars” delivered an anniversary special that balanced reflection with competition, celebrating the show’s legacy while proving it still has new moves left to show. With perfect scores, emotional tributes, and the surprise return of Tom Bergeron, the “20th Birthday Party” episode reinforced why the series continues to captivate audiences after 20 years on the ballroom floor.
