Dancing with the stars became emotional as they performed for those closest to them on Dedication Night – but before the show was over, one couple was sent home.

Former DWTS professional Mark Ballas (and three-time winner). Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough And Bruno Tonioli on Tuesday, October 15, at the judge’s table. This was Ballas’ first appearance back in the ballroom since winning the Mirrorball Trophy with his partner Charli D’Amelio while DWTS Season 31 in 2022.

During rehearsals, each couple met with one of the judges who gave them tips before the live show.

Stephen Nedoroscik aimed high before walking into the ballroom and told his partner Rylee Arnold that he wanted to get a nine from the judges. The duo received one of them thanks to the help of Tonioli, 68, who helped refine their dance in rehearsals – thanks to Hough, 39.

Former NFL star Danny Amendola seemed speechless after dedicating a letter to his late Texas Tech football coach Mike Leachwhich was a “tragic” loss for the athlete in 2022. All four judges also praised Amendola for his continued commitment to the competition.

Hough then drew out the drama Phaedra Parks Get on the dance floor. After her emotional performance dedicated to her mother (yes, there were tears), the judge stood up, broke off the handle of his five-piece paddle – a nod to last week’s live show – and threw it away. (The show goes on!)

The show was also aimed at professional dancers Hayley ErbertThe “scary” brain injury that occurred late last year. She and Hough danced to it Benson Boone“Beautiful Things” for a special dedication that moved the ballroom to tears.

“This was the biggest challenge, physically and mentally, that I have ever been through in my life,” Erbert told the crowd. “As a family it’s taken a toll on all of us and you never know what you’re capable of until you’ve been through something like that. I’m really proud of myself.”

After the emotional moment, DWTS The dedication night continued along Brooks Nader – who was accompanied by her three sisters on the dance floor – and Gleb Savchenko. Yes, they continued to heat up. “It was deliciously spicy,” Tonioli explained.

Just call Ilona Maher the comeback kid. After her breakdown last week, the judges loved her dance this week with Ballas, 38, calling it a “graceful” and “beautiful” routine. “When things get difficult, Ilona gets going,” Tonioli chimed in.

At the end of Tuesday’s episode, Nader and Savchenko were eliminated.

“It was great and we had so much fun,” the model said following news of her elimination. “I just said, ‘Imagine if it were us.’ Maybe I manifested it in error.”

Savchenko also shared a nice message with his partner. “You’re super talented and I love you,” he gushed.

Keep scrolling to see all of the scores from Dancing with the stars‘Dedication night: