💚 “A Miracle in Oz!” ✨Andy Richter and Emma Slater just made all of Oz sparkle with their #WickedNight performance! The judges called it “a miracle,” and Andy earned his first 7s — pure joy and heart on the dance floor!

A Trip to the Emerald City: Andy Richter’s “Ozmopolitan” Jazz Routine Steals Hearts, Earning Season-High Scores and Igniting the “Growth vs. Technique” Debate

Comedian and Partner Emma Slater Deliver Their Best Performance Yet to ‘One Short Day,’ Proving Heart and Humour are Just as Valuable as Ten-Paddles

LOS ANGELES, CA – The ballroom transformed into a joyous, swirling Emerald City on Dancing with the Stars’ highly anticipated “Wicked Night,” but no performance embodied the sheer, unadulterated fun of the musical more than the Jazz routine delivered by comedian Andy Richter and his pro partner, Emma Slater.

Dancing to the infectious energy of “One Short Day,” the popular duo brought their signature blend of theatricality, humor, and heart to the dance floor. While they may have once again landed at the bottom of the leaderboard with a final score of 27/40 (7, 6, 7, 7), the performance was widely considered Richter’s strongest to date, achieving a significant personal milestone: his first 7s of the season.

The routine’s success immediately put a spotlight on the season’s enduring central narrative: the value of growth and entertainment versus pure, flawless technique—a debate that is keeping Richter firmly in the competition.

The “Miracle” of the Ozmopolitan Jazz

From the moment they stepped out in their brightly colored Oz-themed costumes, Richter and Slater captivated the audience. The Jazz choreography was designed to play to Richter’s strengths, incorporating playful theatricality and a high-energy kickline alongside the DWTS troupe. Pro partner Alan Bersten immediately signaled the routine’s impact, commenting, “So proud of you baby!!!!!!! You too @theemmaslater,” to which Slater jokingly replied, “Andy told me to tell you he’ll be home later,” encapsulating the delightful, lighthearted chemistry of their partnership.

The judges were clearly affected by the palpable joy of the performance:

• Bruno Tonioli, known for his dramatic flair, joked, “Even the great Oz could not have created a better illusion,” before adding an earnest compliment: “You were on time. It’s a miracle!”
• Carrie Ann Inaba called the routine “really good” and declared Richter a “living proof that the art form of dance is for everyone,” directly addressing the underdog nature of his journey.
• Guest Judge and Wicked director Jon M. Chu praised Richter’s embodiment of the musical’s theme, noting that he was “incredibly proud of him” for the commitment and growth shown since the start of the season.

The single 6 from Derek Hough kept the total just shy of a clean sweep of 7s, but the majority score reflected a clear recognition of Richter’s substantial week-to-week progress.

Fan Fury: Judging Growth, Not Just Steps

While Richter and Slater celebrated their highest score, a storm brewed online among the fanbase, not out of malice, but out of a fierce loyalty to the comedian’s journey. Fans argued that the judges failed to score based on the true spirit of Dancing with the Stars: the transformation of a non-dancer.

Social media was flooded with calls for the judges to recalibrate their criteria:

• “I wish the judges would judge each contestant on THEIR growth and not in comparison to, say, someone who was a dance major in college. Andy had grown leaps and bounds this season! He’s the whole reason for the show!”
• “YALL THAT WAS HIS BEST DANCE SORRY HE WAS SO GOOD”
• “Should of got all 7’s! Andy has really improved. I like seeing someone who has never danced get better and better each week.”

This wave of support highlights the core appeal of the DWTS format. Richter, who initially confessed to dreading the experience and being “crabby” about leaving his comfort zone, has fully embraced the challenge. His genuine fun on the dance floor—a quality often missing in more technically proficient routines—is resonating profoundly with the voting public. As one fan observed, “It’s like there’s joy that pours out of him when he’s on the floor.”

The Endearing Underdog

Richter’s longevity in the competition, despite his low scores, underscores his massive popularity. Week after week, his immense public support has saved him from elimination, most recently over more technically skilled dancers.

Emma Slater has been key to this success, brilliantly choreographing routines that showcase Richter’s comedic timing and stage presence while minimizing his less-developed technical footwork. The partnership itself is arguably the most endearing of the season, a masterclass in chemistry and mutual support.

Richter, the perennial underdog, is now a living lesson in determination. He recently admitted to the media that the show has inspired him to live a better, more active life: “I definitely felt like, ‘well, I’m older now, I can’t do as much as I used to.’ And now, I’m like, ‘yes you can, you lazy bum.’ I just feel like a better person now. I feel more alive.”

As Dancing with the Stars passes its halfway point, the “Andy Richter Story” remains one of its most compelling narratives. His “One Short Day” Jazz was a moment of true triumph—a dance that proves that sometimes, the most memorable performances aren’t defined by the numbers on a paddle, but by the laughter, the growth, and the heart put into every step.

Andy Richter and Emma Slater are defying expectations and lighting up the ballroom, week after week, making the argument that the biggest smiles—both on the floor and in the audience—should count for just as much as a perfect score.