Dancing with the Stars: 40-point score sparks double elimination

The Halloween-themed episode of "Dancing with the Stars" ended with two couples eliminated from the competition. The show featured a "Horror Movie Night" where pairs performed routines based on popular scary films and their soundtracks. The creative challenge led to elaborate costumes and choreography that pushed the boundaries of the dance styles.

Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson performed a contemporary routine to "Toxic" by 2WEI, styled after the film "Saw." The judges awarded them a perfect score of 40 out of 40. Bruno described the routine as perfection, noting he could taste the fear in the moment. Carrie Ann called the performance impactful, while Derek praised their partnership and acting. Shirley stated she had not seen anything like the routine before. This gave Shum Jr. and Johnson a two-night total of 76 points.

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performed an Argentine tango to "Uninvited" by Damned Anthem and Kendra Dantes, inspired by zombie movies. They earned a score of 37 out of 40 for a two-night total of 74. Derek stood up to applaud, calling it one of the best Argentine tangos he had seen on the show. Carrie Ann told Dewan she delivered the dance with fine-tooth precision. Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov also achieved a two-night total of 74 after scoring 36 out of 40 on an Argentine tango to "Perfection" by Clint Mansell, themed around "Black Swan."

Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach danced a jazz routine to "Madness" by Ruelle, based on "The Invisible Man." They received a score of 35 out of 40, bringing their total to 72. Carrie Ann noted that Frech was dancing with an injury but advised him to improve the storytelling. Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold scored 37 out of 40 on a contemporary routine to "You Are My Sunshine" by Charles McDonald, themed around "Annabelle: Creation." Their two-night total stood at 69.

Jackson Olson and Emma Slater performed a contemporary routine to "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra, inspired by "Joker." They earned 35 out of 40 points for a two-night total of 67. Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas also reached a two-night total of 67 after scoring 32 out of 40 on a contemporary routine to "Cry Little Sister" by Gerard McMann, themed around "The Lost Boys."

The final two couples faced the elimination. Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa performed an Argentine tango to "The Dogs Attack" by Jerry Goldsmith, based on "The Omen." They received a score of 26 out of 40 for a total of 62. Judges noted issues with technique and tension in the performance. Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik performed a paso doble to "I Lied to You" by Miles Caton, themed around "Sinners." They scored 28 out of 40 for a total of 60. Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess performed a Viennese waltz to "Love Song by a Vampire" by Annie Lennox, inspired by "Bram Stoker's Dracula." They earned 26 out of 40 for a two-night total of 58.

Because no couple was eliminated in the previous episode, the judges sent home two pairs this week. Jackson Olson and Emma Slater, along with Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, left the show. The remaining couples will perform on a special Disney Night episode scheduled for Monday, Nov. 2. Cynthia Erivo will join the judges as a special guest for that broadcast.