Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas Kick Off ‘DWTS’ Super Bowl Night With ‘Supremely Elegant’ Tango

The October 13 episode of Dancing With the Stars embraced the spirit of the Super Bowl by integrating iconic music and guest appearances from football legends into its ballroom extravaganza. Eleven couples competed, each performing routines inspired by unforgettable halftime show hits, blending the worlds of sports and dance in a uniquely celebratory atmosphere.

The episode opened with a high-energy group number that fused tracks by Bad Bunny, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar, setting an electrifying tone. This performance was bolstered by appearances from notable NFL alumni and former DWTS contestants, including Donald Driver, Emmitt Smith, DeMarcus Ware, and Danny Amendola, who added an authentic football flavor to the evening.

Hosting duties were handled by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, while the judging panel featured the familiar trio of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. Adding a fresh perspective, Joe Buck, the prominent Monday Night Football broadcaster, joined the judges’ table, bringing his expertise from the gridiron to the dance floor. Despite his self-professed lack of dance knowledge, Buck acknowledged his close connection to the dance world through his wife, Michelle Beisner-Buck, herself a former NFL cheerleader and sports commentator.

Among the night's standout performances was the tango delivered by Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, which maintained their streak of high praise following their previous near-perfect score. Their routine was described as both thrilling and elegant, reinforcing their status as frontrunners in the competition. However, critiques were shared across several couples, reflecting the judges’ high standards and the intense competition.

The episode also featured memorable moments such as Julia Stiles embodying her cinematic dance role from Save the Last Dance, a surprising and daring lift and flip by a pregnant Witney Carson, and Jenna Dewan’s commanding paso doble. These performances showcased the dancers’ versatility and commitment to pushing their boundaries.

Additional entertainment came from the DWTS professionals and troupe, who performed to a mix of classic sports themes and popular music, including the Monday Night Football theme and Chris Stapleton’s rendition of “In The Air Tonight.” A vibrant tribute to Destiny’s Child’s “Bootylicious” further energized the audience.

Competition-wise, Jenna Dewan paired with Val Chmerkovskiy and the duo of Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach both achieved joint top scores with 36 out of 40, illustrating the tight race at this stage of the season. Conversely, the night brought a poignant farewell as Guillermo and Witney Carson were eliminated. Guillermo expressed gratitude for the experience and his partner’s support, while Witney reflected on the positive and nurturing environment of the season, especially considering her pregnancy.

Looking ahead, the show announced that the next episode, airing on October 20, would be dedicated to honoring loved ones, promising a more emotional tone. Guest judge Kym Johnson is set to join the panel, adding further expertise and star power to the evening.

Overall, the Super Bowl-themed night on Dancing With the Stars successfully merged the excitement of football culture with the artistry of dance, offering viewers a dynamic and heartfelt episode that balanced competition drama with celebratory performances and moving personal moments.