Who Are the Front-Runners This Season?

Although the competition is still developing, several contestants have attracted attention for their performances.

Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas impressed the judges during Mariah Carey Night, earning 25 out of 30 points for their waltz to “It’s Over.” Harry Shum Jr. and Ezra Frech have also been identified in recent coverage as strong contenders.

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy delivered an important performance, receiving 24 points for their rumba to “My All.” Amber Glenn also earned a strong score of 23 out of 30, even though it was lower than her previous week’s result.

At the other end of the leaderboard, Guillermo Rodriguez received 13 points for his samba. His survival despite the low score highlighted the importance of audience voting alongside the judges’ assessments.

However, it is too early to predict a winner with confidence. Scores can change considerably from one week to the next, and a popular contestant can sometimes survive despite a disappointing performance.

How Does Elimination Work?

Dancing With the Stars combines professional choreography, celebrity performances, judges’ scores and viewer participation.

Each week, contestants perform routines in different dance styles. The judges evaluate aspects such as technique, timing, posture, musicality and overall presentation. Viewers can also vote for their preferred contestants through the show’s designated voting channels.

The combined results determine which couples are safe and which face elimination. The couple that receives insufficient combined support leaves the competition.

This format means that technical ability is only one part of the equation. Personality, popularity, improvement and the ability to connect with an audience can all influence a contestant’s progress.

When Is the Next Dancing With the Stars Episode?

According to the show’s published schedule, Dancing With the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time on ABC and streams on Disney+. Episodes are also available on Hulu the following day.

The next scheduled episode after the October 6 broadcast is October 13. Viewers should check ABC’s official schedule for any changes to the broadcast or streaming arrangements.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 season of Dancing With the Stars has already delivered several memorable performances and unexpected departures. From the early eliminations of Conner Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader, Giada De Laurentiis and Taylor Hanson to the latest exit of Ciara Miller, the competition has demonstrated how quickly fortunes can change.

With 11 celebrity couples remaining after the October 6 episode, the next rounds should offer more opportunities for contestants to improve, surprise the judges and win over viewers.

For fans, the most interesting question is no longer simply who can dance well. It is which celebrity can combine technical skill, stage presence and audience support consistently enough to reach the finale.

Note: Elimination results and the remaining lineup are current through October 6, 2026, based on published reporting. Check ABC’s official Dancing With the Stars page for subsequent results and schedule updates.