Dancing With The Stars Pays Tribute To Late Contestants & Judge Len Goodman During Its 20th Anniversary Episode
As Dancing with the Stars celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 11, they took a moment to pay tribute to former contestants who’ve passed away.
Professional dancers Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold took to the floor to perform the tribute dance. They set their heart-tugging routine to the tune of “Always Remember Us This Way,” a song performed by Lady Gaga in the 2018 movie A Star Is Born.
Photos of the DWTS contestants who’ve passed away flashed on the screen behind Rylee and Ezra as they danced. The contestants honored during their routine included:
- Jerry Springer, who competed on Season 3 in 2006. He passed away in 2023.
- Cloris Leachman, who competed on Season 7 in 2008. She passed away in 2021.
- Florence Henderson, who competed on Season 11 in 2010. She passed away in 2016.
- Shannen Doherty, who competed on Season 10 in 2010. She passed away in 2024.
- Kirstie Alley, who competed on Season 12 in 2011. She passed away in 2022.
- Jacoby Jones, who competed on Season 16 in 2013. He passed away in 2024.
- Valerie Harper, who competed on Season 17 in 2013. She passed away in 2019.
- Suzanne Somers, who competed on Season 20 in 2015. She passed away in 2023.
- Aaron Carter, who competed on Season 9 in 2009. He passed away in 2022.
- Mary Wilson, who competed on Season 28 in 2019. She passed away in 2021.
- Anne Heche, who competed on Season 29 in 2020. She passed away in 2022.
Ezra and Rylee’s dance also honored late DWTS judge Len Goodman. Goodman passed away in April 2023, just a few months after he announced his retirement from DWTS. Goodman served as a judge on the show for 29 seasons.
Viewers React To Rylee Arnold And Ezra Sosa’s Tribute Dance
Rylee shared a video of her and Ezra’s emotional routine on TikTok. The video generated over 300,000 views in mere hours.
Fans shared how touched they were by the dance, commenting:
“Hello EMMYS? I found a winner.“
“i can tell they put so much hard work and intention into that dance literal tears.”
“This dance was SO gorgeous. I LOVED the symbolism of the new generation of pros honoring the DWTS legends we’ve lost.“
“This had me in tears. So well done Rylee and Ezra!!!!“
Ezra also commented, writing, “IM SO PROUD OF YOU AND THIS.”
Watch the video Rylee shared below.
@ryleearnold This was such an honor to dance and choreograph with @Ezra Sosa ♬ original sound – Rylee Arnold
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You can see another angle of Dancing with the Stars‘ tribute to its late contestants and Len Goodman in the video below.
Dancing with the Stars honors the performers lost over the years with a beautiful performance by Ezra Sosa and Rylee Arnold. ❤️#DWTS #DWTS20 pic.twitter.com/pW1QftZcB1
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 12, 2025
The November 11 Episode Of DWTS Ended With The Elimination Of A Beloved Celebrity
Tuesday night was a night of celebration and reflection on Dancing with the Stars. Former contestants returned to the ballroom to join this season’s cast for fun “relay” performances.
Many of this season’s dancers also earned their first perfect scores, including Robert Irwin. He delivered a tear-jerking routine in honor of his late father, Steve Irwin. His performance was inspired by a dance his older sister, Bindi, performed for their dad when she competed on DWTS in 2015.
With emotions already running high, the celebrities took to the stage at the end of the night to learn who would be eliminated. Sadly, that someone was fan-favorite contestant Andy Richter and his professional partner Emma Slater. Watch their elimination in the video below.
The top 6 contestants, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix, Witney Carson, Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, and Robert Irwin, will now move on to compete during a Prince-themed night on November 18.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater have been eliminated from Dancing with the Stars season 34.#DWTS #DWTS20 pic.twitter.com/gZZfQrdwZQ
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) November 12, 2025