Grammy Night Brings Beloved Songs and Artists to the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Ballroom: See the Scores, Who Went Home (Updating Live)

Dancing with the Stars season 35 held its Grammy Night episode on November 10, 2026, with the remaining eight couples competing for a spot in the semi-finals. The night featured a new format: each couple performed a standard routine and then faced a head-to-head dance-off against another pair, with only Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson earning immunity from the dance battle. Grammy-winning artists Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Brandy, and Monica performed live in the ballroom, singing the songs the contestants danced to.

The episode produced what multiple outlets called the most shocking elimination of the season. Julianne Hough announced that Tatyana Ali and Jan were the last couple declared safe, sending Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy home. Jenna, who had broken her nose the day before from a "salsa elbow" during rehearsal, said, "Honestly dancing again, getting to share my joy with my family, over here every single night, thank you my baby, thank you. I had a great time and I loved getting to share that with the world. Honestly, all love." Connor, another contestant, screamed "No" when he saw Maura and Mark walk through the door at practice, indicating the tension among the cast.

The dance-offs were a focal point. Amber and Pasha faced Ezra and Daniella in a rumba to "The Boy Is Mine" performed live by Brandy and Monica. Ezra and Daniella are married, and Daniella said during practice, "You've got to be kidding me! The last person we expected to go against was my husband." The couples ended by switching partners and embracing. Derek Hough called it "probably one the most satisfying dance-offs we've ever seen," and Bruno Tonioli praised their sportsmanship. Carrie Ann Inaba slid off her chair, saying, "I don't know, I don't want to do this."

Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy competed against Tatyana Ali and Jan in a cha cha to "The Middle" performed live by Maren Morris. Bruno Tonioli said both gave it "all they had" with a "clean, crisp, clear, excellent finish," calling Tatyana's "sultry." Carrie Ann Inaba compared them to "apples and oranges," noting Jenna is "electric and sharp" while Tatyana is "sultry and every moves goes into the next one." Derek Hough praised their hug at the end: "I love that spirit. Well done."

Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson danced a salsa to "Die with a Smile" by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. Harry, born in Costa Rica, said he had avoided salsa because he associated it with his family's struggles immigrating to America. He teared up afterward, telling Julianne Hough about the meaningful moment. Carrie Ann Inaba said, "What really happened here was heart, I felt you enjoying yourself. Cause dance is life and you had the moment that is Dancing with the Stars!" Derek Hough called Harry "magnetic" but noted he was "a little rigid on the lower half." Bruno Tonioli called it a "supercharged, extra spicy salsa." Harry received perfect scores for the past two weeks.

The couples advancing to the semi-finals are Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson, Amber and Pasha, Ezra and Daniella, Maura and Mark, and Connor and Rylee. Last week, Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa were eliminated, joining previously eliminated pairs including Jackson Olson and Emma Slater, Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, and others.