Andy Richter Exits Following 20th Party Celebration
In a significant turn of events, comedian Andy Richter has exited the popular dance competition “Dancing With the Stars” following a special anniversary episode. This episode, which celebrated the show’s 20th anniversary, attracted a record number of votes, highlighting its enduring popularity.
20th Anniversary Celebration
The episode, broadcast on November 11, marked 34 seasons of “Dancing With the Stars.” It featured a diverse range of performances, combining past champions and original professional dancers. Guest judge Tom Bergeron, a longtime host, joined the special celebration.
Memorable Performances
- The opening routine was choreographed by Derek Hough and set to a new version of the show’s theme.
- Six original pros from Season 1 participated: Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Edyta Śliwińska.
- The episode included a touching tribute performance in memory of lost performers, featuring choreography by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold.
Competition Highlights
The episode consisted of two rounds of competition, showcasing both new and iconic dance styles. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson made headlines by scoring the first perfect 40 of the season with a heartfelt routine inspired by Irwin’s late father. Notably, Prince William made a surprise appearance via FaceTime during rehearsals, adding to the emotional depth of the performance.
Other standout performances included:
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach’s Argentine Tango, which received high praise from the judges.
- Perfect scores were also achieved by Alix Earle with Val Chmerkovskiy and Whitney Leavitt with Mark Ballas.
Relay Dance Challenge
The second round introduced a Relay Dance competition. Couples had to team up with former winners, adding an exciting twist. Jordan Chiles and Apolo Anton Ohno opened the relay, dancing a quickstep and securing a win over Elaine Hendrix and Rashad Jennings. Patricia and Andy Richter partnered for the Viennese waltz but faced tough competition from Dylan and Rumer Willis.
Despite showcasing considerable talent, Richter ended up at the bottom of the leaderboard. After final scores were combined with audience votes, he was eliminated from the competition.
The episode concluded with Dylan, Robert, and Whitney tying for the top position, reinforcing the competitive spirit of this illustrious series.