DWTS Season 35: Julia Stiles Eliminated on Disney Night as Shum Jr. Secures Immunity

Key points

• Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa were eliminated, finishing eighth in the season.
• The episode was rescheduled to Monday, November 2, ahead of the midterm elections.
• Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson earned immunity for next week's 'Grammy Night.'
• Cynthia Erivo joined as the guest judge, bringing the maximum possible score to 40.
• Team Wildcats won the group dance competition with a perfect 40/40 score.

Background

This episode followed a double elimination during 'Horror Movie Night' on October 28, which saw Jackson Olson and Tyler Cameron exit. Prior to that, 'Dedication Night' on October 20 featured no eliminations and notably omitted discussion of Val Chmerkovskiy's one-week suspension. Julia Stiles had previously faced a heated rehearsal and low scores from guest judge Shirley Ballas, but managed to turn a 'setback' into a 'comeback' performance this week.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and The Hollywood Reporter both confirmed the elimination of Stiles and Sosa, noting her rib pain during rehearsals and the judges' praise for her emotional performance. The Hollywood Reporter provided detailed score breakdowns, highlighting the tie for the top score between Shum Jr./Johnson and Dewan/Chmerkovskiy, resolved by cumulative season totals. Yahoo confirmed the elimination and noted the upcoming 'Grammy Night' theme. TV Insider reported that pro dancer Adele Zaikman was absent due to illness, despite being eliminated in week one, as she typically participates in opening numbers and troupe work. All sources agreed on the rescheduling of the episode to Monday to avoid conflict with the midterm elections.

Why it matters

The elimination of a former frontrunner like Julia Stiles shifts the competitive landscape for the remaining seven couples. The immunity earned by Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson positions them as strong contenders for the title. The return of team dances and the inclusion of Broadway-inspired routines add variety to the season's format. The rescheduling of the episode to Monday reflects the show's adaptation to major national events, ensuring viewers can watch and vote without conflict.

What to watch

The next episode, 'Grammy Night,' will air on Tuesday, November 10. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson are immune from elimination. The remaining couples will compete for the top spots, with the lowest-scoring pair facing elimination. The season finale is scheduled for November 24.