Dedication Night on Dancing with the Stars Features Emotional Tributes and Guest Judge Kym Johnson

Dedication Night on "Dancing with the Stars" showcased a series of emotionally charged performances, each honoring a person or cause important to the celebrity contestants. Connor Wood and partner Rylee Arnold opened the show with a Viennese waltz to Billy Joel’s "Piano Man," dedicating the routine to Wood’s father, Pete. The judges praised the growth, with Derek Hough noting, "You've come a long way," and Carrie Ann Inaba calling Wood the night’s most improved dancer.

Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson performed a foxtrot to John Mayer’s "Stop This Train," dedicating it to Shum’s wife, Shelby. Carrie Ann Inaba described the choreography as "beautiful," while Derek Hough added, "It took my breath away."

Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten, who filled in for Val Chmerkovskiy after his suspension, delivered a Viennese waltz to "Unchained Melody" in tribute to Dewan’s mother, Nancy. The judges highlighted the seamless partnership, with Bruno Tonioli calling the routine "exquisite" and Kym Johnson noting Dewan’s "class act."

Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov presented a contemporary piece to Sia’s "Breathe Me," dedicated to Glenn’s sister Brooke and addressing mental-health struggles. Carrie Ann Inaba thanked Glenn for tackling the topic, and Bruno Tonioli praised the choreography’s drama.

Jackson Olson and Emma Slater danced a quickstep to Nat King Cole’s "L-O-V-E," honoring Olson’s mother, Laura. Derek Hough called the performance "great" and urged Olson to maintain his frame.

Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a paso doble to Dropkick Murphys’ "I’m Shipping Up to Boston," dedicating it to Ireland. Bruno Tonioli exclaimed, "The pride of Ireland unleashed!"

Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik offered a Viennese waltz to Nancy Wilson’s "(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am," in memory of Ali’s late co-star James Avery. Bruno Tonioli said Ali was "glowing," and Carrie Ann Inaba became emotional about the reunion.

Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach delivered a contemporary routine to Mon Rovia’s "Bloodline," dedicated to Frech’s mother, Bahar, who joined the dance onstage. Bruno Tonioli described the performance as "inspiring" and "life-affirming."

Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro opened the episode, noting Val Chmerkovskiy’s absence and introducing former pro Kym Johnson as a guest judge. Johnson urged the dancers to "embrace the moment because nights like this are really special."

Voting opened at the start of the broadcast and closed after the final dance, with viewers allowed up to ten votes per couple via the ABC website or text. No elimination was announced during the episode.