Last week on Dancing with the Stars was a showstopper, filled with enough glitz and drama to make any ballroom fanatic’s heart skip a beat. Nearly every duo hit that coveted top score, but it was Stephen Nedoroscik who truly brought the house—or should I say haunted mansion—down. Teaming up with Rylee Arnold, the gymnast gave a Halloween performance so spine-tingling it could make a ghost do a double take. This comeback was a big one for Stephen, who poured his spooky soul into the routine for the Halloween Horrors theme.

Meanwhile, fellow Team USA star Ilona Maher didn’t quite reach the same peak. She and her partner, Alan Bersten, ended the night without that magical 10. Yep, the scoreboard wasn’t as kind, making this week’s episode a crucial moment for both athletes. Stephen needed to ride the high of his monster moment, while Ilona had to hustle hard to stay in the game. But plot twist: both will have to put their dance shoes on ice for a bit longer. Why?

Due to a late schedule change, ABC will not air Dancing with the Stars on November 5. The network has pulled the episode to make room for US Election Day coverage, pushing our beloved dance-off to November 12. But ABC isn’t the only one clearing its lineup—Forbes reports that pretty much every major broadcaster will be all-in on election coverage, with updates rolling out through Tuesday night. So, that means no sequins, no salsas, and no perfect 10s this week.

But don’t panic! DWTS will be back next week with all the pizzazz you’ve been craving. And with the season finale creeping closer, these next two episodes are going to be make-or-break for the contestants. Who’s going to lock in their spot for the finale and get a shot at that shiny Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy? And what themes are waiting to test the dancers next?

The intense competition among the dance couples may touch another height next week. The reason? On November 12, DWTS will celebrate its 500th episode. So you can expect some special surprises. And believe me, there will be surprises for Stephen Nedoroscik, Ilona Maher, and others as well. Is there going to be any twist or any surprise elimination? What is brewing in the air? 

Stephen Nedoroscik, Ilona Maher, and others may have to experience a different grind 

Throughout his life, Stephen Nedoroscik has been frightened of darkness. His problematic eye conditions (affected by coloboma and strabismus) and genetic disorders have made the situation worse. He can’t see without his glasses. The explanation of his situation even made him say, “Without my glasses, I have trouble seeing anything at all.” Yet in the stage of DWTS, he has tried to overcome his demons. He has often shown up without glasses, grooving on the stage and a few times, moving his body on the pommel horse apparatus. But last week, the Penn State gymnast went overboard. 

Last Tuesday, Stephen and Rylee started their performance on the faintly lit stage to “I Ran (So Far Away)” by Hidden Citizens, apt for the Halloween Horrors Night theme. The performance was no less than magic on the stage and for it, Carrie Ann Inaba handed Nedoroscik his first 10 this season. But it was all about dancing to the pre-announced theme. Before moving to the ballroom, the participants already had their dance ready to match the theme. But, next week, there will be a twist. 

According to the host, the upcoming episode will crank up the pressure with the Instant Dance Challenge. Yep, it’s as nerve-wracking as it sounds! Contestants will only find out their song and dance style a mere five minutes before they hit the stage. Talk about a curveball! That’s bound to keep Stephen Nedoroscik, Ilona Maher, and the rest of the dancers on their toes (literally). Can they rise to the occasion, adapt on the fly, and wow the judges? The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the drama is about to skyrocket. Are you as pumped as we are for the next episode? Let us know your thoughts!