'Dancing with the Stars' Season 35 Week 5 Elimination & a Judge and a Pro's Live On-Air Confrontation Spark Online Conversation – Recap

What began as a football-inspired celebration quickly became a test of technique, audience loyalty, and the judges' expectations. By the time the final results were announced, the ballroom's biggest surprises had extended far beyond the dance floor.

"Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") turned up the heat during its fifth week, with unforgettable performances, unexpected reactions, and plenty of drama. But while some contestants celebrated major milestones, two moments in particular left viewers with a lot to say, and the social media reactions tell quite a story.

Super Bowl Night Brings Football Legends and Major Ballroom Moments

The ballroom traded its usual atmosphere for a football-inspired celebration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, as "DWTS" Season 35 marked its first-ever Super Bowl Night.

Eleven celebrity-pro couples performed routines inspired by songs from legendary Super Bowl halftime shows, bringing a mix of athleticism, showmanship, and competitive energy to the dance floor. According to The Hollywood Reporter's recap, the evening featured music associated with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Among them were Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Usher, Nelly, J Balvin, Bad Bunny, and the Black Eyed Peas.

The themed episode also welcomed a familiar face from the football world. Joe Buck, the host of ABC's "Monday Night Football," joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli as Season 35's first guest judge. Former NFL players and "DWTS" alumni Emmitt Smith, Donald Driver, DeMarcus Ware, and Danny Amendola also appeared during the celebration.

Smith and Driver had previously won the show's third and 14th seasons, respectively, making their appearances a fitting addition to the festivities. However, Buck's judging debut proved to be one of the evening's most pleasant surprises.

Joe Buck Wins over Viewers with His Guest Judging

Although Buck is best known for his work in sports broadcasting, his appearance behind the judges' desk quickly generated positive reactions from "DWTS" fans. On Reddit, one viewer enthusiastically praised the commentator's performance, "I have to say that Joe Buck did a fantastic job as a guest judge tonight!"

Another Redditor appeared equally impressed, penning, "pleasantly surprised by football man's judging tonight...lowkey he can stick around." The enthusiastic responses suggested that Buck's first appearance on the judging panel was a welcome addition for at least some fans.

And with four judges scoring each performance instead of the usual three, contestants had an opportunity to earn a maximum of 40 points.

Two Couples Make History at the Top of the Leaderboard

The competition got off to an impressive start when Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a tango to Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)." Their performance earned 33 out of 40 points, including three eights from the regular judges and a nine from Buck. However, their early lead did not last long.

Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov delivered a samba to J Balvin and Willy William's "Mi Gente," securing an impressive 34 out of 40. It was a significant moment for Glenn, who received her first nine of the season. In fact, she earned two nines during the performance, marking an exciting step forward in her ballroom journey.

Meanwhile, Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa matched Higgins and Ballas' score of 33 out of 40 with their jazz routine to Lopez's "Jenny From the Block."

Another couple also joined the 33-point club, although their performance would later lead to one of the night's most talked-about exchanges. But before that disagreement took center stage, two other partnerships raised the bar even higher.

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performed a paso doble to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," earning 36 out of 40 points. It was a historic moment for Season 35, marking the first time a couple had received nines from all four judges.

Their achievement was quickly matched by Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach, who delivered a salsa to Nelly's "Hot in Herre." The duo also earned 36 out of 40, leaving them tied with Dewan and Chmerkovskiy at the top of the leaderboard. Interestingly, Nelly had previously competed as Karagach's first celebrity partner during Season 29, making the song choice a fitting callback to her history on the show.

With the competition becoming increasingly intense, the smallest details were beginning to matter more than ever. And that became especially apparent when one judge raised a concern about another couple's choreography.

A Samba Performance Leads to an Unexpected On-Air Disagreement

One of Super Bowl Night's most energetic routines came from "Glee" Actor Harry Shum Jr. and Professional Dancer Jenna Johnson. The pair performed a samba to Usher's "Yeah!" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, earning 33 out of 40 points. Their number featured elaborate staging and an energetic presentation that impressed the judges, although not everyone agreed about its technical execution.

As Entertainment Weekly reported, Tonioli opened the critiques by praising the production value of the performance. "Who’s the leader of the pack on the main event? You really played it beautifully; it really felt like an event. It felt like one of those spectacular freestyles we've ever seen," Tonioli marveled.

However, he also identified issues with the samba technique. "The samba, no heel leads, and you keep going back to — you were doing it at the beginning — over clipping it. So it loses the style but [sic] obviously the effect is spectacular. It should be a samba, my darling," he continued.

Inaba agreed that the routine was entertaining, but she also believed it needed more traditional samba choreography. "If that was a halftime show, amazing, I loved every minute of it. But it's a samba," she remarked. As the audience began applauding, Inaba stopped them so she could finish her critique.

She then urged Johnson and Shum Jr. to "put more content into your dances." However, the conversation took a noticeably different turn when the judge brought up another concern.

During her critique, Inaba claimed there had been "a lift" in the performance. Johnson appeared surprised by the allegation, responding with a brief but pointed question. "A lift?" she asked. Inaba then picked up a sheet of paper and read aloud the definition she was using to support her assessment.

According to the judge, a lift is "any movement during which one of the dancers has both feet off the floor at the same time with the assistance or support of their partner." The exchange created an awkward moment in the ballroom. Shum Jr. appeared open-mouthed, while Johnson closed her eyes and nodded as Inaba explained her position.

The routine had included a moment in which two male troupe dancers lifted Shum Jr., but Johnson's understanding of the rule was apparently different. She later explained that she believed the restriction applied to lifts involving dance partners performing together.

Despite the disagreement, Johnson acknowledged Inaba's perspective. "Totally hear Carrie Ann," she said, adding that she "totally" understood the judge's comments. The brief confrontation did not go unnoticed by the other judges. "Dang," Hough remarked, apparently attempting to ease the tension. "I felt like I got told off," he added.

Inaba could also be heard saying, "I will meet you where you are." Hough then shifted the conversation back toward the positive aspects of the performance. "That was undeniably a fantastic performance," he said. "I hope everyone at home loves it. I know everybody in here loves it."

He also addressed some of the technical concerns before encouraging Shum Jr. to continue improving. "But, for real, you are an amazing performer and an amazing dancer, and I hope to see you next week," Hough concluded.

Buck rounded out the critiques with a compliment of his own, describing Shum Jr. as a "dual threat." "I don't know how you keep everything straight — your day job, what you're doing here, effortless," the guest judge told him. Although the conversation eventually moved on, the disagreement highlighted a familiar issue that has followed Inaba throughout multiple seasons.

Why Carrie Ann Inaba Has Long Been Called the 'Lift Police'

For longtime viewers, Inaba's attention to lifts is hardly a new development. As Newsweek explained in September 2020, the judge has become so closely associated with enforcing restrictions on lifts that fans have nicknamed her the "lift police."

During the Season 29 premiere, for example, Inaba deducted a point from Vernon Davis and professional partner Peta Murgatroyd after identifying what she believed was an illegal lift in their foxtrot. The decision prompted some viewers to question why lifts appeared acceptable in certain performances but not in others.

In a 2017 Facebook post, Inaba had previously explained that lifts were prohibited in traditional ballroom and Latin dances but permitted in several other styles. Those allowing lifts include salsa, jazz, contemporary, Argentine tango, Charleston, and jitterbug.

However, the restrictions remain in place for dances such as samba, tango, waltz, foxtrot, and quickstep. Inaba also explained in a 2015 Parade blog that the distinction between a lift and another airborne movement depends partly on whether a dancer is being supported by their partner.

She defended the rule as a way of maintaining fairness for contestants of different ages and physical abilities. "I still agree with why we have the rule for the lifts, which was to keep the playing field level for the older and less physically strong contestants, so that all the dances didn't just become show dances with lifts and tricks," she wrote.

The longstanding debate helps explain why Johnson and Inaba's brief exchange became such a noticeable moment during Super Bowl Night. Still, the judging controversy was not the only development that left viewers talking. By the end of the episode, another couple would be facing a much more emotional outcome.

A Look Back at the Eliminations That Led to Week 5

As ABC News documented in its Season 35 elimination roundup, several celebrity contestants had already left the ballroom before Super Bowl Night. The season began with a two-night premiere that immediately sent two couples home.

On September 15, Conner Leavitt and professional partner Adele Zaikman were eliminated after performing a salsa to Tag Team's "Whoomp! (There It Is)." The following night, September 16, Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills were sent home after dancing a jive to Avril Lavigne's "Sk8er Boi."

Week 2, known as Viral Hits Night, brought another elimination. On September 22, Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten exited the competition after performing a salsa to Becky G's "Bella Ciao."

During Yacht Rock Night on September 29, Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart were eliminated following their foxtrot to the Doobie Brothers' "What a Fool Believes." Then came Week 4, which celebrated the music of Mariah Carey.

The October 6 episode saw Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong leave after performing a jazz routine to Carey's "Emotions." Their departure was considered surprising, particularly as the season's competition was reaching new levels.

That same evening, Higgins and Ballas had earned the season's first nine, bringing their score to 25 out of 30 — the highest total at that point. By Week 5, the stakes were even higher, with 11 couples hoping to secure another week in the ballroom. However, one partnership's journey was about to end.

The Week 5 Elimination Leaves Viewers Divided

As Super Bowl Night drew to a close, the results revealed that Guillermo Rodriguez and his professional partner, Witney Carson, had been eliminated. The "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" personality and Carson had performed a salsa to Bad Bunny's "Tití Me Preguntó."

Their routine earned 22 out of 40 points, placing them at the bottom of the judges' leaderboard. However, contestants are not eliminated on scores alone. The show's results are determined by combining judges' scores with viewer votes, meaning audience support also plays a crucial role in deciding who stays.

Despite the disappointing result, Rodriguez remained positive as he reflected on his experience. "I had a lot of fun, it was great. Witney, thank you for teaching me how to dance!" he said following his elimination. His departure also marked the end of a particularly significant season for Carson.

Witney Carson's Historic Season Comes to an End

Carson entered Season 35 having already made "DWTS" history. In August, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that she would become the first professional dancer to begin a full season while knowingly pregnant. Although Carson had danced while pregnant before, including during Season 31, this marked the first time she entered a season already aware that she was expecting.

The two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner, who shares two sons with her husband, Carson McAllister, was determined to balance her career with her growing family. "I love dance. I love to compete. I love being on the show, and I also love being a mom, and I want to grow my family," Carson explained.

"So if I can do both and the baby is healthy, then I am going to try and do it all, because women are amazing," she added.

Carson had previously won Season 19 alongside Alfonso Ribeiro in 2014 and secured another victory with Robert Irwin during Season 34. Her decision to return while expecting made her partnership with Rodriguez especially noteworthy.

And it was not lost on viewers that she had continued delivering demanding choreography throughout the competition. In fact, one fan's reaction to the couple's latest performance specifically highlighted Carson's pregnancy. But not everyone agreed about whether the pair deserved to stay.

Social Media Reacts to Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson's Elimination

Following their departure, fans flooded an Instagram post with reactions, revealing just how divided viewers are over the couple's exit. Some praised Rodriguez's determination and personality, while others openly celebrated the elimination. One spectator appeared particularly moved by his efforts, commenting, "HES TRYING SO HARD IDC I LOVE HIM SM [sic]."

Another Instagram user raised questions about how the judges had treated different contestants, "connor got no compliments and guillermo got zero critiques. I'm so tired [sic]." For some supporters, Rodriguez's departure came much too early. One fan wrote, "Gone to [sic] soon💔," while another drew attention to Carson's demanding choreography while expecting a baby: "That flip and pregnant."

Meanwhile, someone else expressed disappointment at seeing the partnership leave the competition, "You didn't deserve to leave. Come back. My favorite💔💔💔💔." However, not everyone shared that sentiment. One commenter seemed delighted by the outcome, exclaiming, "Thank you lord [sic]!!! He was finally voted off!!!!!!"

The contrasting reactions made one thing clear: Rodriguez's time on the show had sparked strong opinions. And a few fans suggested that his departure might affect whether they continued watching the season at all. One wrote, "YOU SENT GUILLERMO HOME! SO NO MORE DWTS THIS SEASON FOR ME! 😮😢😮."

Another viewer encouraged the eliminated partnership to focus on the progress they had made: "Best dance and improvement so far! Proud of you Guillermo and Witney! ❤️ ignore the noice and celebrate a difficult experience done with positive energy [sic]."

For at least one Instagram user, Rodriguez was apparently the biggest draw of the competition. That person simply commented, "Only reason I watched." The reactions ranged from disappointment and admiration to outright relief, reflecting the passionate audience that continues to follow the ballroom competition.

Who Remains in the Competition After Week 5?

With Rodriguez and Carson eliminated, ten celebrity-pro partnerships remain in contention for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The final Week 5 leaderboard placed Dewan and Chmerkovskiy alongside Frech and Karagach at the top, with both couples earning 36 out of 40.

Glenn and Pashkov followed with 34 out of 40. Higgins and Ballas, Stiles and Sosa, and Shum Jr. and Johnson each finished with 33 out of 40. Jackson Olson and Emma Slater received 31 out of 40, while Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess earned 30 out of 40. Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik secured 29 out of 40, followed by Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold with 25 out of 40.

Rodriguez and Carson rounded out the evening's leaderboard with 22 out of 40. As the competition continues, each couple will need to balance technical precision, entertainment value, and audience support to avoid becoming the next eliminated partnership.

Viewers can cast up to ten votes per couple through each voting method, using ABC's website or text messaging. Voting takes place during the live East Coast broadcast and closes shortly after the final performance. For West Coast audiences, that means voting between 5 p.m. PT and approximately 6:45 p.m. PT, rather than waiting for the local broadcast.

What's Next for 'DWTS' Season 35?

The October 13 episode also delivered another announcement for viewers looking ahead. Co-host Ribeiro revealed that former Professional Dancer Kym Johnson will join the judging panel for the following week's Dedication Night. Her upcoming appearance promises another fresh perspective as the remaining couples prepare for their next performances.

"DWTS" airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the following day on Hulu. But with one couple's departure dividing viewers and an on-air disagreement reigniting questions about the show's long-standing judging rules, Super Bowl Night gave fans plenty to discuss.