VIDEO: Mark Ballas & Whitney Leavitt Shine on DWTS Wicked Night with a ‘Popular’ Performance

Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt lit up the ballroom on “Dancing with the Stars” during this week’s “Wicked Night.” The duo performed a quickstep to “Popular,” one of the most beloved songs from the Broadway hit “Wicked,” and left both the judges and audience spellbound. Their high-energy routine earned them the first 10 of the season and a total score of 39 out of 40.

The performance captured the fun, humor, and vibrancy of “Popular,” complete with bold choreography and a bright, theatrical set. It was a celebration of both artistry and showmanship—something Ballas and Leavitt have brought consistently to the competition this season.

Mark Ballas & Whitney Leavitt’s ‘Wicked Night’ Quickstep Earns Rave Reviews

Mark Ballas, a two-time DWTS champion, made his much-anticipated return to the ballroom this year after taking a short break from the show. Known for his creative routines and precise technique, Ballas brought his trademark flair to this season alongside newcomer Whitney Leavitt.

Whitney, a social media dancer and influencer, has quickly transitioned into one of the standout competitors of Season 34. Her growth has been remarkable—displaying both technical improvement and emotional depth in her performances. She described the experience as “a dream come true,” emphasizing how much she’s learned under Ballas’s mentorship.

For “Wicked Night,” the pair’s quickstep paid homage to Glinda’s charm and charisma from the musical. Their synchronized footwork, playful chemistry, and confident energy reflected a strong creative bond. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli praised the pair for delivering one of the most technically sharp performances of the night, while guest judge Jon M. Chu, director of the “Wicked” films, called it “a total showstopper.”

Fans React to Ballas & Leavitt’s Performance and Controversy Online

While the couple received near-universal praise in the ballroom, social media erupted afterward with discussions about potential favoritism and production influence during the “Wicked Night” theme. Some fans speculated that Ballas and Leavitt were given one of the more crowd-pleasing songs of the evening. Others defended the pair, pointing out that their technical execution and creativity justified the high scores.

Ballas later clarified in an interview that he and Leavitt had no say in song assignments or themes, noting that “everything, including song choice and creative direction, was managed by the production team.” Despite the online chatter, both remained positive, focusing on the joy and energy of their performance rather than the controversy.

As “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34 moves forward, Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt have cemented themselves as front-runners. Their chemistry, polish, and star power continue to make them a fan favorite, proving that their “Wicked Night” performance was more than just popular—it was unforgettable.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What song did Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt dance to on Wicked Night?

They performed a quickstep to “Popular,” one of the most iconic songs from the musical “Wicked.”

Q2: What score did Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt receive?

They earned a total score of 39 out of 40, including the first 10 of the season.

Q3: Did Mark Ballas return to DWTS this season?

Yes, Mark Ballas returned to “Dancing with the Stars” after a short hiatus, marking a major comeback.

Q4: Why did fans discuss favoritism after the performance?

Some fans speculated the couple received favorable song and theme choices, but Ballas clarified producers made all creative decisions.

Q5: What made Whitney Leavitt’s performance stand out?

Her poise, adaptability, and energy alongside Ballas earned widespread praise from both fans and judges.

References

ABC News. (2025). ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Week 6 recap: Wicked Night performances light up the ballroom. October 21, 2025.

People Magazine. (2025). Mark Ballas returns to DWTS for Season 34: Inside his partnership with Whitney Leavitt. October 20, 2025.

Entertainment Weekly. (2025). DWTS Wicked Night recap: Guest judge Jon M. Chu praises Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt’s quickstep. October 21, 2025.