Dancing with the stars got 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 pro Mark Ballas (and three-time winner) joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough And Bruno Tonioli at the jury table on Tuesday, October 15. This was Ballas’ first appearance back in the ballroom since winning the mirror ball trophy with partner Charli D’Amelio during the day DWTS season 31 in 2022.

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

Stefanus Nedoroscik aimed high before heading to the ballroom and telling his partner Rylee Arnold that he wanted to get a nine from the jury. After the help of Tonioli, 68, who helped hone their dancing during rehearsals, the duo were awarded one of their own – thanks to Hough, 39.

Former NFL star Danny Amendola seemed speechless after his contemporary dedicated 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 dedication to the competition.

Hough then pulled out the drama Phaedra Parks enter the dance floor. After her emotional performance dedicated to her mother (yes, there were tears), the judge stood up, broke the handle of his five paddles – a reference to last week’s live show – and threw them away. (The show goes on!)

The show was also aimed at professional dancers Hayley Erbert‘terrifying’ brain injury that occurred late last year. She and Hough danced up Benson Boone‘Beautiful Things’ for a special dedication that brought the ballroom to tears.

“This was the most challenging thing I have ever experienced in my entire life, both physically and mentally,” Erbert told the audience. “It took a lot from all of us as a family and you never know what you are capable of until you experience something like this. I’m really proud of myself.”

After the emotional moment, DWTS Dedication Night continued with Brooks Nader – who was joined by her three sisters on the dance floor – and Gleb Savchenko. Yes, they kept turning up the heat. “That was deliciously spicy,” Tonioli declared.

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 the going gets tough, Ilona gets to work,” Tonioli chimed in.

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

“It was amazing and we are having so much fun,” the model said after news of her elimination. “I just said, ‘Imagine if it was us.’ Maybe I manifested it wrong.”

Savchenko also shared a sweet message to his partner. “You’re super talented and I love you,” he said.

Keep scrolling to see all the scores Dancing with the stars‘ Dedication evening: