Podcast Summary: Danielle with The Stars
Episode: Sharna Burgess in the 4th Chair: Wicked Night
Host: Sharna Burgess (for iHeartPodcasts)
Date: October 23, 2025
Theme: A full, in-depth review of "Wicked Night" on Dancing with the Stars, celebrating the iconic numbers, standout performances, and notable journeys in the ballroom.
Episode Overview
This episode of "In the Fourth Chair" features Sharna Burgess, former DWTS pro, as she breaks down the thrilling "Wicked Night" on Dancing With The Stars. Sharna offers expert insights into each contestant's routine, judge feedback, and her own scores while celebrating the growth and journeys of the contestants. The episode is marked by Sharna's enthusiasm for both the theme and the level of performances, highlighted by guest judge Jon M. Chu and the continued growth of the celebrities.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Thoughts on Wicked Night (00:00)
- Sharna’s excitement: Describes the night as “one of my favorite, favorite episodes I have seen in such a long time… The production, the opening number, the sets, the costumes—like, I was living my best life the absolute entire time.”
- Troop shoutout: Praises the talent among the troupe dancers, specifically a new member for their flip sequence.
- Judge Jon M. Chu: Applauds Chu’s role in connecting the dances to the “Wicked” spirit and his insightful, thematic commentary.
2. Dance-by-Dance Analysis
Scott & Riley (Contemporary) [02:09]
- Judges' Notes:
- John: Praised Scott’s emotional intent but noticed challenging transitions.
- Bruno: Loved their enthusiasm but noted loss of control at times.
- Carrie Ann: Strong beginning, but unfinished arms and inconsistent character.
- Derek: Needed more seamless, “one continuous sentence” transitions, citing lifts that broke fluidity.
- Sharna’s Take: Recognizes Riley’s ability to safeguard the routine amidst Scott’s balance struggles. Appreciates Scott’s journey, culminating in a beautiful departure:
“He truly was authentic himself. And I loved watching his journey..." —Sharna [09:50]
- Memorable Moment: Scott’s journey celebrated—the dance to Wicked was particularly meaningful due to his personal attachment to the show.
Alex & Val (Jazz) [11:05]
- Judges' Notes:
- Bruno: “Delicious… musical comedy… all the right intentions.”
- Carrie Ann: Not the most difficult, but her “best dance”; praised her animated character.
- Derek: Admired the storytelling and technical skill, especially the “pas de bourrée into a double pirouette.”
- John: “The dance disappeared and I was just watching the story.”
- Sharna’s Take: Enthusiastic support, yet couldn’t quite score it a 10:
“There is just a bit more squeeze… a bit more presence that we can get out of Alex…” —Sharna [16:20]
- Score: 9 (echoing the judges' majority)
Robert & Whitney (Jazz) [17:42]
- Judges' Notes:
- Carrie Ann: “Such an ambitious routine—stunning choreography.”
- Derek: “Meant to be on stage… trade in his hiking boots for dance boots.”
- John: Praised handling of props.
- Bruno: “A theatrical treat, handled all parts brilliantly.”
- Sharna’s Take:
“This Irwin family just has some sort of gift… It is so impressive.” [19:35]
Notes Robert’s flat-footedness but is deeply impressed by musicality and dynamic performance. - Score Discrepancy: Judges gave all 9s. Sharna would have scored an 8 (“Didn’t feel it was quite as strong as Alex's”), but acknowledges his unique appeal—a front-runner with room to grow.
Mark & Whitney (Quickstep) [22:04]
- Judges' Notes:
- Derek: Feels like he’s “discovering a star before his eyes.”
- John: “Perfect blend of art and technical prowess… floating on air.”
- Bruno: “Insane! Fast, camp, funny, and magnificent.”
- Carrie Ann: “Unhinged, but in the best way—she is getting better.”
- Sharna’s Analysis: Highlights technical excellence and risk:
“She is the perfect match for Mark on this dance floor… beautifully pushing along the floor…” —Sharna [26:45]
Notes potential technical infraction for breaking hold.
Scores a 9 (vs. judge’s mix of 9s and 10s).
Danny & Dylan (Rumba) [31:18]
- Judges’ Notes:
- John: “So connected… the kind of masculinity that is needed in dance.”
- Bruno: “Wonderful frame for the girl, but got jagged in the hips in the middle—hardest dance for men.”
- Derek: “Not being overshadowed by [Danny]… strong, intentional… turn the front foot out more.”
- Carrie Ann: “Partnership is magic… foot got stuck on the drag turn.”
- Sharna’s Take:
“Great attempt at a really hard dance… you could really see him learning the technique.” [35:47]
Praises connection and posture, minor technical issues with feet. Awarded an 8.
Andy & Emma (Jazz) [36:48]
- Judges’ Notes:
- Bruno: “You were on time—miracle!”
- Carrie Ann: “Dance is for everybody—proof!”
- Derek: “Loves seeing you embrace dance—halfway mark achieved.”
- John: “Wicked is about being the underdog—proud of you.”
- Sharna’s Take:
“I love watching Andy and Emma out on that floor… he’s through to the next round.” [39:59]
Personal best for Andy, finally up to a 5 in Sharna’s scoring.
Elaine & Alan (Contemporary) [43:03]
- Backstory: Elaine dances with physical adversity (titanium in her foot, shoulder injury from a car accident)—extra context made her performance more poignant.
- Judges’ Notes:
- Carrie Ann: Emotional—“burst into tears watching it.”
- Derek: “You moved with grace and wisdom.”
- John: “Pure ascension, surrender to your power.”
- Bruno: “Inhabited the character, fearless, total commitment… toughest number, Defying Gravity.”
- Sharna’s Take:
“I was very emotional through this whole performance for her… There was something about it that just reached you.” [43:35]
“Trust fall” moment was extraordinary. The only knock: the ascension segment took Elaine off the floor for too long, diminishing the dance’s conclusion. Score: 9.
Jen & Jan (Foxtrot) [51:21]
- Judges’ Notes:
- Derek: Emphasizes “texture, not harder choreography.”
- John: “Loved the storytelling.”
- Bruno: “Flow is better; it's not what you do but how you do it.”
- Carrie Ann: “Tapped into vulnerability; sometimes it gets messy.”
- Sharna’s Analysis:
“Really beautiful oversway… but her frame breaks.” [55:15]
Notes growth and encourages grace for both Jen and new pro Jan; this season is “stacked.”
Danielle & Pasha (Argentine Tango) [1:01:25]
- Judges’ Notes:
- John: “Favorite part of my movie… love her journey, but wanted more build in intensity.”
- Bruno: “Sexy and passionate; pure Argentine tango—very difficult music.”
- Carrie Ann: “Breakthrough dance! Powerful woman in action!”
- Derek: “Difficulty was just insane… pro-level choreography. Don’t mistake posture for constriction; breathe the dance.”
- Sharna’s Analysis:
“This was by far my favorite performance for her… absolutely stunning.” [1:04:40]
Praises technical execution, but wants Danielle to “break through the fourth wall” and connect even more. Shows anticipation for Halloween week. Score: 9.
Jordan & Ezra (Rumba) [1:10:30]
- Judges’ Notes:
- Carrie Ann: “Called it perfection.”
- Derek: “Stunning routine, wants more emotion.”
- John: Praised her Olympic-level work ethic.
- Bruno: “Gorgeous finishes, light and shade in the musicality.”
- Sharna’s Take:
“From the ankles up, really was absolutely spectacular.” [1:13:10]
Critiques weight placement in feet and calls for more grounded connection; wants increased emotional depth. Score: 9 (judges: 10, 9, 10, 10).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Scott’s Journey:
“He truly was authentic himself. And I loved watching his journey..." —Sharna [09:50] -
On Val’s Teaching:
“It’s truly a testament to how great he is as a pro to watch her grow so much from that week one... I am fully invested in her as a competitor.” —Sharna [16:57] -
On Robert Irwin:
“This Irwin family just has some sort of gift… truly blows you away in how would they they doing this?” —Sharna [19:35] -
On Mark and Whitney:
“She is the perfect match for Mark on this dance floor…” —Sharna [26:45] -
On Emotion in Elaine & Alan’s Dance:
“There was something about it that just reached you. Carrie Ann was emotional… It was beauty, and it was elegance, and she’s so proud of her.” —Sharna [43:40] -
On Danielle’s Breakthrough:
“Favorite dance—spectacular. Loved the choreography. I was wowed by her legs and the grace in them and the movements.” —Sharna [1:04:40]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:00] Opening & thoughts on production, judges, and troop
- [02:09] Scott & Riley – Contemporary
- [11:05] Alex & Val – Jazz
- [17:42] Robert & Whitney – Jazz
- [22:04] Mark & Whitney – Quickstep
- [31:18] Danny & Dylan – Rumba
- [36:48] Andy & Emma – Jazz
- [43:03] Elaine & Alan – Contemporary
- [51:21] Jen & Jan – Foxtrot
- [1:01:25] Danielle & Pasha – Argentine Tango
- [1:10:30] Jordan & Ezra – Rumba
Final Notes
- Sharna is deeply impressed with the production, the technical and emotional growth of the competitors, and guest judge Jon M. Chu’s thematic impact.
- No perfect 10 from Sharna, but several routines came close, especially from Jordan, Danielle, and Elaine.
- Highlights the importance of context for judging (e.g., learning about Elaine’s injuries shifts the critique).
- Looks ahead to Halloween week, eager to see new characterizations and continued growth.
For DWTS fans and dance enthusiasts, this episode provides expert technical takes, heartfelt celebration of contestants’ journeys, and candid appraisal of both ballroom successes and struggles. Sharna’s tone is energetic, warm, and deeply respectful of all involved.