LOS ANGELES, October 20, 2026 â Dancing with the Stars returns Tuesday with an emotional Dedication Night as the 10 remaining celebrity couples honor loved ones, late co-stars and personal inspirations. The Season 35 episode features tributes to Heath Ledger and James Avery, special family appearances and a surprise professional partner change.
Julia Stiles will remember her 10 Things I Hate About You co-star Heath Ledger, while Tatyana Ali will honor her Fresh Prince of Bel-Air television father James Avery. Meanwhile, Jenna Dewan will dance with Alan Bersten after Val Chmerkovskiy received a reported one-week suspension.
The two-hour episode begins at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with former professional dancer Kym Johnson joining the judging panel.
DWTS Dedication Night 2026: Full Songs and Dances
Each couple has selected a routine reflecting a personal relationship or meaningful part of their life. Here is the complete announced lineup for October 20:
- Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: Quickstep to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole, honoring his mother Laura.
- Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Contemporary to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli, dedicated to Heath Ledger.
- Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: Foxtrot to “Stop This Train” by John Mayer, honoring his wife Shelby.
- Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: Contemporary to “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran, celebrating mothers.
- Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: Paso doble to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys, celebrating Ireland.
- Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Contemporary to “Breathe Me” by Sia, dedicated to her sister Brooke.
- Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Viennese waltz to “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” by Nancy Wilson, honoring James Avery.
- Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: Contemporary to “Bloodline” by Mon Rovia, honoring his mother Bahar.
- Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: Viennese waltz to “Piano Man” by Billy Joel, dedicated to his father Pete.
- Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten: Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, honoring her mother Nancy.
Julia Stiles Honors Heath Ledger With Familiar Movie Song
Stiles’ contemporary performance carries a connection to the 1999 romantic comedy 10 Things I Hate About You. Ledger famously performed “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” during the film, making the song a recognizable reminder of their on-screen relationship.
Ledger died in January 2008 at age 28. Stiles’ tribute revisits their shared film history nearly three decades after the movie’s release.
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Tatyana Ali’s James Avery Tribute Brings Fresh Prince Reunion
Ali will perform a Viennese waltz remembering James Avery, who played Philip Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Avery died in December 2013.
DWTS co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, who portrayed Ali’s on-screen brother Carlton Banks, is expected to participate. Their reunion adds a personal connection to the tribute.
Val Chmerkovskiy Suspension Forces Partner Change
Jenna Dewan will perform with Alan Bersten instead of Val Chmerkovskiy following his reported one-week suspension over a controversial social media post referencing judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
The controversy followed criticism of a prohibited lift during Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson’s samba. Chmerkovskiy subsequently apologized for his post.
Bersten, whose original celebrity partner has already been eliminated, will temporarily join Dewan for her dedication to her mother.
Kym Johnson Returns as Guest Judge, Family Guests Expected
Two-time Mirrorball champion Kym Johnson will join Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel.
Expected special appearances include Harry Shum Jr.’s wife Shelby Rabara, Jackson Olson’s mother Laura, Amber Glenn’s sister Brooke, Ezra Frech’s mother Bahar, Connor Wood’s father Pete and Tyler Cameron’s fiancĂ©e Tate Madden.
The show also plans a Dolly Parton tribute and additional professional dance performances. The full lineup and broadcast arrangements are detailed in ABC’s official Dedication Night announcement.
DWTS Tonight: Start Time, Streaming and Voting
Dedication Night airs Tuesday, October 20, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and Disney+. Hulu will offer next-day streaming.
Eligible viewers can vote online at dwtsvote.abc.com during the live voting window. Judges’ scores and audience votes will help determine the competition outcome.
For more television coverage, see the 2027 Golden Globes schedule and the recent Taylor Swift and Dakota Johnson SNL appearance.
The official dance order, judges’ scores and elimination results remain unannounced ahead of the broadcast. With 10 couples left, Tuesday’s performances will help shape the race toward the November 24 finale.
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