DWTS Super Bowl Night: Rodriguez Eliminated, Buck Judges, and a Tie for the Top

Key points

• Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson were eliminated after scoring 22/40 on a Salsa to Bad Bunny's 'Tití Me Preguntó.'
• Joe Buck served as the first guest judge of Season 35, joining Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
• Jenna Dewan and Ezra Frech tied for the highest score of the night with 36/40, receiving all 9s.
• Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess were in the bottom two but survived to compete another week.
• The episode featured a preview of Super Bowl LXI halftime performances, with songs by Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, and Shakira.

Background

Season 35 has seen several unexpected eliminations, including Taylor Hanson and Ciara Miller in the previous weeks. Guillermo Rodriguez had previously survived despite posting the lowest scores, a run that prompted public defense from host Jimmy Kimmel.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and TODAY.com emphasized the emotional farewell between Rodriguez and Carson, noting Carson's pregnancy. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline focused on the technical scoring, highlighting the 36/40 tie for the top spot. Deadline noted that Joe Buck admitted to knowing 'absolutely nothing' about dance, while Page Six highlighted his role as a guest judge. All outlets agreed on the elimination but differed in their emphasis on the guest judge's impact versus the couples' performances.

Why it matters

The elimination of a fan-favorite pair marks a significant turning point in Season 35, shifting the competition toward the remaining high-scoring couples. The inclusion of Joe Buck as a guest judge and the Super Bowl theme set the stage for the upcoming Dedication Night and the broader cultural relevance of the show's connection to major sports events.

What to watch

The next episode of DWTS will air on Tuesday, October 20, featuring Dedication Night. Former pro Kym Johnson is set to join as a guest judge for that episode.