Elaine Hendrix Stuns ‘DWTS’ Judges With Emotional ‘Defying Gravity’ Performance on Wicked Night
The contestant not only astounded the judges, but she also left internet spectators speechless; several even commented that she ought to have received at least a 10 from the judges.
Elaine Hendrix and her professional dance partner Alan Bersten were the stars of the most recent episode of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”).
During Wicked Night, the judges and everyone in the ballroom gave the pair’s amazing performance of a modern dance to “Defying Gravity” high marks.
Furthermore, it was more than simply glitz and glamour. In back of the sequins? Most individuals would be sidelined by this debilitating ailment, but Hendrix would not.
Elaine Hendrix’s captivating ‘Wicked’ homage astounds the roaring audience.
The show began with a stunning scene: Hendrix, surrounded by green light, sitting on Bersten’s shoulders and projecting an enthralling Elphaba-esque appearance. The enchantment started when the music intensified and the audience fell silent.
With balletic accuracy, Bersten brought her down, and they began a movement that was brimming with grace, beauty, and urgency. Each spin, sweeping legwork, and twirl infused the ballroom’s flooring with narrative and emotion.
However, there was a single moment that left everyone gasping: Hendrix, poised and upright, went backward in a heart-stopping trust fall, and Bersten caught her head in time. The crowd let out a gasp.
It only got more dramatic when Bersten took Hendrix by one arm and leg and spun her around in a dizzying tornado before letting her go into a smooth floor spin that felt more like magic than choreography.
The scene was set for a last moment that would haunt the ballroom when, in a dramatic turn of events, Bersten engaged in a staged duel with backing dancers.
Returning changed, Hendrix commanded the audience and Bersten with her spell while holding her arms up and dressed in full witcher regalia. It was a picture that effectively ended the routine.
“DWTS’s” official Instagram quickly joined the avalanche of praise after the jaw-dropping performance. A carousel of striking pictures from the routine were uploaded on the show’s page.
The comment, which goes with the images, says, “Elaine and Alan are definitely matching them in renown after their epic Contemporary to ‘Defying Gravity’ for #WickedNight 😱💚 #DWTS.”
In addition to praising the pair’s incredible performance, the post discreetly compared their influence to that of the iconic “Wicked” characters, highlighting how strong their presence was on the dance floor that evening.
“This Was INSANE”: Fans Scream as ‘DWTS’ Instagram Comment Section Explodes with Praise Online, fans rushed to share their amazement in the post’s comment section, demonstrating an even more passionate response.
“This was INSANE,” said one fan. The night’s best dance. This should have been at least a ten,” one person said, while another said, “I just want to know why???” In contrast to the dance that received three 10s, why wasn’t THIS given a single 10? I just can’t. The season’s best dance was that one.
The memorable mid-routine plummet captured the attention of many onlookers, who exclaimed, “THAT TRUST FALL????” And someone else exclaimed, “That trust fall was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.” Others were overtaken with emotion; one supporter said, “not to be dramatic but I have tears in my eyes and full body chills [sic].”
In the meantime, one reader praised Hendrix’s age-defying power and tenacity, saying, “She is 54, injured, and just did that! 💚.”
The Secret Pain of Elaine Hendrix: “Every week, my body moves into a new pain spot.”
Hendrix’s personal remarks gave the performance even more significance among the deluge of acclaim.
The star of “The Parent Trap” moved the audience to tears on the October 21, 2025, episode, not only for her artistic abilities but also for her silent struggle behind the scenes.
She discussed the severity of her physical restrictions after a 1992 car accident that changed her life in an open session.
“My right foot has a titanium joint, which makes half of my foot useless. My body moves into a new discomfort area every week, but I don’t want to let that stop me,” Hendrix said.
That degree of resolve struck a deep chord, which made her performance of such a difficult routine all the more astounding.
According to host Alfonso Ribeiro, the ballroom’s reaction was quite telling: “The ballroom is literally on their feet.”
Judge Bruno Tonioli reflected that sentiment, recognizing the routine’s challenges and applauding its accomplishments. Since it’s the largest and highest number in the show, you had the hardest number. You also destroyed it.
Scores on the Leaderboard and an Unexpected Removal
Even though Hendrix’s performance won over many hearts, the rest of the group had several memorable performances throughout the evening.
With a solid 36 out of 40, Hendrix and Bersten tied for the evening with Danielle Fishel, Pasha Pashkov, Robert Irwin, and Witney Carson.
With 39 points apiece, Whitney Leavitt, Mark Ballas, Jordan Chiles, and Ezra Sosa wowed the judges and took first place, followed closely by Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy with 35.
The lowest score of the evening was 27 from Andy Richter and Emma Slater, 28 from Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, and 32 from Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach, Jen Affleck, and Jan Ravnik.
Hoying and Arnold were eventually eliminated. The revised leaderboard showed each pair’s current position in the competition after Week 6 scores were added to those from the previous week.
With a combined score of 72 points, Leavitt and Ballas are ahead of Irwin and Carson, Chiles and Sosa, and others.
Efron and Karagach are at 68, Earle and Chmerkovskiy are at 70, and Hendrix and Bersten are at 66. Hoying and Arnold, who left the tournament, had 58, followed by Fishel and Pashkov with 65, Affleck and Ravnik with 61, and others. With 51, Richter and Slater are still in last place.
With 158 points, Leavitt and Ballas continue to lead the full-season leaderboard as of right now. Chiles and Sosa are tied with Earle and Chmerkovskiy at 151, while Irwin and Carson are far behind at 152.
Hendrix and Bersten have the same score as Dylan Efron and Karagach, who are at 144. Affleck and Ravnik finished with 137, Fishel and Pashkov with 138, and the eliminated Hoying and Arnold with 129.
With a combined score of 112, Richter and Slater are positioned at the bottom.
The strain keeps increasing as the competition gets more intense and eliminations are imminent. Hendrix is more than prepared to overcome everything and keep defying gravity, though, if her performance is any guide.
