Cheryl Burke, who won the Mirrorball Trophy twice, is best known for her amazing 26-season run on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS). Now, she is excitedly returning to the ballroom as a guest judge for the show’s highly anticipated Halloween Night episode. It will air on ABC on October 28, 2025.
Having made history as the first woman to win the Mirrorball twice in a row, Burke will join the judging panel alongside Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. This marks her first time returning to DWTS since she stopped competing in 2022. Known for her expert ballroom technique and heartfelt performances, Burke will deliver concise and helpful critiques. This will occur during the spooky-themed night, aptly named the “Dance Monster-thon.”
Burke expressed her excitement about this emotional reunion, hinting at moments filled with tears and joy. “It’s going to be very special,” she said, adding, “It’s going to be hard to deal with. It’s going to be pure joy.” She even joked that her makeup artist will have a tough time handling her expected “waterworks.”
Her journey with DWTS began in 2006 during season 2. During this season, she won two consecutive championships, leaving an incredible impact on the show over nearly 20 years. Despite taking a three-year break and facing some challenges, Burke emphasized her enduring love and loyalty to the series. She described this guest appearance as a meaningful way to honor the show’s legacy.
Viewers can look forward to the signature high-energy Halloween-themed dances and creative costumes expected on the episode. Along with individual performances, the nine remaining celebrity couples will participate in the thrilling “Dance Monster-thon” marathon. In this marathon, all couples dance simultaneously, and judges eliminate pairs one by one. The last couple standing will be crowned the king and queen of the marathon. They will earn crucial bonus points added to their overall scores for the night.
Thanks to Burke’s expert eye, the judging panel will gain fresh insight, adding new excitement to the competition. Tune in to ABC on Tuesday, October 28, at 8 p.m. ET to witness Cheryl Burke’s heartfelt return and enjoy the chills and thrills of DWTS Halloween Night.
This special episode features a rich variety of dance styles. These include tango, Argentine tango, paso doble, contemporary, and jazz. Eerie makeovers enhance the spooky vibe. The “Dance Monster-thon” will challenge the couples to perform a Hustle to “Murder On The Dancefloor” followed by the Lindy Hop. All dances are under the watchful eyes of the judges. They will spin out pairs until the victor remains.
Fans won’t want to miss this captivating celebration of dance, Halloween, and the enduring spirit of Dancing With the Stars.
