The ballroom turned into a football-inspired spectacle on Tuesday night as Dancing with the Stars celebrated Super Bowl Night with memorable music, impressive performances and a surprise elimination that sent one of the competition’s most entertaining personalities home.
Guillermo Rodriguez, best known for his appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was eliminated alongside professional partner Witney Carson during the October 13 episode. The departure came after an energetic salsa performance that delighted the audience but failed to secure enough support to keep the pair in the competition. The couple danced to Bad Bunny’s “Tità Me Preguntó,” incorporating theatrical staging, playful choreography and Guillermo’s trademark humor. Their performance earned 22 out of 40 points, an improvement over their previous outing.
Despite the encouraging response from the judges, Guillermo and Witney ultimately found themselves facing elimination alongside Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess. When the results were announced, Guillermo’s journey came to an end. The television personality remained appreciative during his farewell, thanking the show’s audience and expressing gratitude to Carson for guiding him through the competition. His partner also praised the positive energy he brought to their rehearsals and performances.
While Guillermo’s departure provided the evening’s emotional conclusion, another memorable moment unfolded at the judges’ table. Carrie Ann Inaba challenged Harry Shum Jr. and professional partner Jenna Johnson over what she considered an unauthorized lift during their samba to Usher’s “Yeah!” Johnson questioned the assessment, prompting Inaba to explain the rule governing assisted movements in which a dancer’s feet leave the floor. The exchange created an awkward moment before the judges continued evaluating the routine.
Shum and Johnson received 33 out of 40 points, keeping them safely in the competition despite the technical disagreement.
Elsewhere, several celebrities demonstrated why they have emerged as serious contenders for the season’s championship. Paralympic athlete Ezra Frech delivered an explosive salsa alongside Daniella Karagach to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” The performance combined athletic movement, confident choreography and strong stage presence, earning an impressive 36 out of 40 points.
Actress Jenna Dewan matched that score with professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Their paso doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” impressed the judging panel with its intensity and dramatic presentation.
Julia Stiles also enjoyed a successful evening, performing a jazz routine inspired in part by her memorable dance sequences in the film Save the Last Dance. Partnered with Ezra Sosa, the actress earned 33 points and received enthusiastic feedback for her growing confidence.
Meanwhile, figure skater Amber Glenn collected 34 points with Pasha Pashkov, while Tyler Cameron earned 30 points with Sharna Burgess for a jazz performance featuring ambitious lifts. The football theme extended beyond the music. Sportscaster Joe Buck joined regular judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, offering his perspective as the evening’s special guest judge. Former NFL players and Dancing with the Stars alumni DeMarcus Ware, Danny Amendola, Emmitt Smith and Donald Driver also returned for a special group performance, adding another connection between the ballroom and the football field.
With another celebrity eliminated, the remaining contestants now face increasing pressure as the competition moves forward. Tuesday’s episode demonstrated that memorable performances and audience appeal do not always guarantee survival. As the field continues to narrow, both technical improvement and viewer support will play an increasingly important role in determining who reaches the finale.
