Kaitlyn Bristowe returned to Dancing with the Stars on Nov. 11 for a special milestone. The season 29 champion performed a relay dance with Andy Richter. The 20th anniversary celebration brought back legendary champions to the ballroom. This moment marked her triumphant return to the stage.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Kaitlyn Bristowe danced with Andy Richter during the relay round on Tuesday, Nov. 11
- The relay featured six former Mirrorball champions returning to compete
- Kaitlyn won DWTS season 29 with pro partner Artem Chigvintsev in November 2020
- Two weeks remain in the competition after the anniversary episode
- Tom Bergeron returned as guest judge for the first time since 2020
Champion Returns to Dance Floor
Kaitlyn Bristowe brought her championship energy back to the DWTS ballroom on Nov. 11. The Bachelorette star partnered with Andy Richter for a special relay performance. Their quickstep routine was inspired by a classic season 25 freestyle. The dance featured Robbie Williams‘ hit “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
“QUEEN ALERT! Our relay mirrorball champion this week is none other than @kaitlynbristowe!”
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The relay round brought a fresh twist to the competition format. Each celebrity partnered with a former Mirrorball champion to showcase their skills. Kaitlyn‘s return symbolized the show’s legacy and power to create lasting moments. Her chemistry with Andy electrified the crowd.
Special 20th Anniversary Celebration
Dancing with the Stars marked 20 years on the air with an unforgettable episode. The Nov. 11 celebration honored two decades of iconic performances. Six original pros from season one opened the show with a spectacular number. This included legends like Edyta Śliwińska, Alec Mazo, and Louis van Amstel.
Tom Bergeron made his long-awaited return as a guest judge. The former host had been away from the ballroom for five years following his departure. His presence added emotional significance to the night. He promised judges’ scores just as direct and honest as his hosting years.
Season 34 features seven remaining contestants competing for the crown. The anniversary episode gave all competitors a chance to shine. Whitney Leavitt sat out the relay round due to immunity from last week’s top placement. This strategic move showed the show’s unique formatting keeps everyone engaged.
Relay Champions and Competition Details
The relay dance round showcased incredible partnerships with returning champions. Here’s how the six relay pairings broke down:
| Contestant & Pro | Former Champion Partner | Championship Season |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa | Apolo Anton Ohno | Season 4 Winner |
| Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach | Rumer Willis | Season 20 Winner |
| Andy Richter & Emma Slater | Kaitlyn Bristowe | Season 29 Winner |
| Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy | Joey Graziadei | Season 33 Winner |
| Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten | Rashad Jennings | Season 24 Winner |
| Robert Irwin & Witney Carson | Xochitl Gomez | Season 32 Winner |
Jordan Chiles and Apolo Anton Ohno won the relay round, earning two bonus points. The Olympic gymnast performed a cha cha to Ciara’s “Get Up.” Her performance inspired judges and gave her a competitive edge. Meanwhile, Robert Irwin earned a perfect 40/40 score in the individual round.
What Comes Next for Season 34?
Only two episodes remain before the finale crowns this season’s champion. Next week brings Prince Night, which will serve as the semi-finals. The final three couples will make their last stand before the three-hour finale on Nov. 25.
The competition remains tight among all seven couples. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson lead the pack with consistent high scores. However, Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, and others have proven their abilities week after week. The road to victory will be decided by judges’ scores and viewer votes combined.
Tom Bergeron’s judging debut received positive responses from fans online. His return closure a chapter that closed five years ago. The show continues demonstrating its staying power and ability to create memorable television moments.
Can Former Champions Help Secure Victory?
The appearance of six former Mirrorball winners sparked questions about momentum and legacy. Does dancing with a champion provide a psychological boost? Kaitlyn Bristowe brings not just talent but also championship mentality to Andy Richter.
Previous relay rounds have shown mixed results for contestants. Some surge forward after the boost. Others struggle to maintain momentum afterward. The semi-finals will reveal whether the anniversary celebration energized or distracted competitors.
The road to the mirror ball trophy runs through two more brutal weeks. Every vote counts now. Will Robert Irwin’s consistent excellence hold? Can Alix Earle continue her upward trajectory? The finale promises to deliver drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – DWTS season 34 week 9 scores and elimination details
- People.com – Dancing with the Stars 20th birthday party songs and dances
- Deseret News – DWTS 20th anniversary preview and returning guests information
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.