Amber Glenn Leads Dancing with the Stars Following High-Scoring Dedication Performance

Amber Glenn delivered what many viewers considered the emotional centerpiece of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 during the October 20, 2026, “Dedication Night.” Performing a contemporary routine with professional partner Pasha Pashkov, Glenn secured the top spot on the leaderboard with a score of 38 out of 40. However, the two-point gap from perfection sparked immediate debate among fans who felt the routine’s technical execution and personal narrative earned the season’s first full set of 10s.

The performance, set to “Breathe Me” by Sia, was dedicated to Amber’s sister, Brooke Glenn. The choreography served as a window into Glenn’s real-life struggles with mental and physical health during the early stages of her athletic career. In a poignant moment that heightened the emotional stakes for the audience, Brooke joined Amber on the ballroom floor during the routine.

The routine was dedicated to Glenn's sister, Brooke, who joined her on the floor.

The Scoring Breakdown

The judging panel was split on whether the performance reached perfection. Carrie Ann Inaba and guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec both awarded the routine a 10. However, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli opted for 9s, preventing Glenn from achieving a 40/40.

While the score fell just short of a perfect mark, the 38/40 represents Glenn’s highest score of the season so far. According to the night’s official score results, this total was sufficient to place her and Pashkov at the very top of the leaderboard among the 10 competing couples.

A Night Without Eliminations

The intensity of the leaderboard was met with a surprise twist at the end of the broadcast. Despite the high stakes of Dedication Night, no contestants were eliminated. All 10 couples were granted safety, keeping the current roster intact for another week of competition. This “no elimination” format allows Glenn to carry her momentum—and her status as a frontrunner—into the next round.

The reaction following the episode highlighted a significant fan consensus regarding Pashkov’s choreography. Many viewers pointed to the seamless integration of Glenn’s sister into the contemporary piece as a high-water mark for the season, with some social media discussion even suggesting the routine could be a contender for a choreography Emmy nomination. While the judges’ holdout on a perfect score remains a point of contention for fans, Glenn’s trajectory suggests she remains the one to beat as the season progresses.

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