Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars reached its fifth week on October 13, 2026, with a themed episode dedicated entirely to the pageantry and music of the NFL Super Bowl. Eleven remaining celebrity-and-professional couples took to the ballroom floor, executing routines choreographed to iconic halftime show anthems. Fans tracking the competition across networks tuned in to see how comedians, athletes, and actors would handle the high-tempo demands of football-inspired routines.
As reported by Deadline, the evening brought intense competition and high stakes for every pair remaining in the ballroom. The judges’ table saw a familiar face from the sports broadcasting world join the regular panel. ESPN broadcaster Joe Buck stepped in as a special guest judge, evaluating the footwork alongside veteran judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
The Guest Judge Dynamic
Joe Buck brought his decades of sports broadcasting experience to the scoring desk, analyzing the contestants’ rhythm and stamina with the eye of a veteran sports commentator. His presence reinforced the athletic theme of the evening. Contestants had to incorporate football-related props, formations, and musical cues into their dances without losing the technical requirements of ballroom styles.
While several contenders earned high marks for their dramatic lifts and energetic routines, the cumulative scoring and viewer votes ultimately dictated the evening’s harsh outcome. The pressure of week five weeded out competitors who failed to connect with both the judges and the voting audience.
Guillermo Rodriguez Departs the Ballroom
The night concluded with the elimination of late-night fixture and comedian Guillermo Rodriguez, paired with professional dancer Witney Carson. Rodriguez had captured viewer affection throughout the season with his humor and dedicated work ethic. However, the combination of judges’ scores and home viewer votes fell short, ending their run on the show.
According to updates from ABC Entertainment, the remaining ten couples will now advance to the following week of competition, facing a brand-new theme and stiffer competition as the mirrorball trophy draws closer.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was eliminated on Dancing with the Stars Super Bowl Night?
Comedian Guillermo Rodriguez and his professional partner Witney Carson were eliminated at the end of the Super Bowl Night episode on October 13, 2026.
Who was the guest judge on Dancing with the Stars Super Bowl Night?
ESPN broadcaster Joe Buck appeared as a special guest judge alongside regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
What week of competition was Super Bowl Night on Dancing with the Stars Season 35?
Super Bowl Night marked week five of the competition for Season 35, featuring 11 remaining couples performing to iconic halftime show music.
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