Dancing with the Stars sees first 10s of Season 34 as Whitney Leavitt leads Wicked Night

Reality TV met Broadway magic last night. Whitney Leavitt made history on Dancing with the Stars Season 34 when she scored the competition’s first perfect 10 during Wicked Night. Her dazzling quickstep to “Popular” alongside pro partner Mark Ballas had judges on their feet. The performance combined technical precision with theatrical flair, cementing Leavitt as the season’s breakout star.

Whitney Leavitt Breaks Through with Season’s First Perfect Score

Whitney Leavitt walked onto the DWTS stage in sparkles. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star channeled Glinda the Good in a pink ensemble. Her quickstep to “Popular” was fast, flawless, and fun. Mark Ballas choreographed a routine packed with intricate lifts and rapid footwork.

Carrie Ann Inaba delivered the first 10 of the season. Guest judge Jon M. Chu and Bruno Tonioli followed with their own 10s. Only Derek Hough held back with a 9. The final score of 39/40 placed Leavitt atop the leaderboard. She now holds 72 points across two weeks of competition.

“I feel like we are discovering a star before our eyes. That was a complicated routine.”

Chu praised the performance as the perfect blend of technical skill and entertainment. Inaba called it “unhinged in all the best ways.” The crowd gave a standing ovation. Leavitt showed clear emotion after hearing the scores.

Why This Moment Matters for Season 34

The first 10s of any DWTS season signal a shift. They separate contenders from participants. Whitney Leavitt’s breakthrough came at the perfect moment. Wicked Night was Season 34’s most theatrical episode yet. The ballroom transformed into Emerald City with green lighting and Broadway-level production.

For Leavitt, this performance redeemed last week’s criticism. Judges had questioned her musical timing during Dedication Night. She clearly took the notes to heart. Her focus on staying in sync paid off. Mark Ballas returned to DWTS this season after announcing retirement. His comeback has been impressive.

You’re watching a reality star transform into a dancer. Leavitt studied dance at Brigham Young University. She brings a 3.1 million social media following. Her partnership with Ballas combines experience and fresh energy. The chemistry between them is undeniable.

Jordan Chiles also earned three 10s later in the episode. Her rumba to “For Good” tied Leavitt’s score for the night. The competition is heating up fast. Halloween Night arrives next week on October 28.

The Competition Breakdown: Scores and Standings

Wicked Night combined scores from two weeks. Last week’s Dedication Night featured no elimination. That meant 10 couples competed with everything at stake. The performances ranged from contemporary to quickstep.

Couple	Week 6 Score	Two-Week Total	Dance Style
Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas	39/40	72/80	Quickstep
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa	39/40	71/80	Rumba
Robert Irwin & Witney Carson	36/40	71/80	Jazz
Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy	35/40	70/80	Jazz
Scott Hoying & Rylee Arnold	28/40	58/80	Contemporary (ELIMINATED)

Leavitt and Ballas topped the leaderboard by one point. Chiles and Sosa tied for second place. Robert Irwin impressed with his jazz routine. The wildlife conservationist continues surprising audiences. Andy Richter remains at the bottom but secured his highest score yet.

What to Watch as Halloween Week Approaches

The competition narrows to nine couples next week. Halloween Night promises spooky choreography and dramatic costumes. Here’s what matters most:

• Whitney Leavitt must maintain momentum after earning the first 10s
• Jordan Chiles will push for her first leaderboard win
• Mark Ballas could tie his own record for consecutive top scores
• Derek Hough still hasn’t given out a single 10 this season
• The bottom three couples face increased elimination pressure

Leavitt’s transformation has been remarkable. She entered as a reality TV villain. She’s leaving as America’s newest dance darling. The MomTok star has silenced critics. Her husband Conner films every interview and rehearsal.

Ballas returned to prove he’s still got it. His three previous Mirrorball Trophies speak for themselves. This partnership could deliver his fourth championship. The judges see star quality in Leavitt. Viewers are voting to keep her dancing.

Can Whitney Leavitt Maintain Her Lead Through Finals?

The first 10s create a target. Every couple now chases Whitney Leavitt on the leaderboard. Mark Ballas knows this pressure well. He’s been here three times before. His wins came with Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio.

Leavitt’s biggest advantage is her dance background. She competed as a child. She studied at BYU. She understands choreography and musicality. Ballas can push her to advanced routines. The judges reward difficulty when executed well.

Online speculation about favoritism has emerged. Ballas addressed these rumors directly. He confirmed that producers handle all song assignments. Neither he nor Leavitt requested “Popular” specifically. The show’s creative team makes those decisions.

What happens next depends on consistency. DWTS rewards growth and storytelling. Leavitt has both qualities. Can she deliver under mounting pressure? Will Halloween Night showcase a different side? The Mirrorball Trophy feels within reach. But six more weeks remain in this competition.

Sources

• Variety – Coverage of Wicked Night performances and eliminations
• The Hollywood Reporter – Complete scoring breakdown and leaderboard standings
• TV Insider – Judge commentary and elimination details