In a groundbreaking move, Dancing with the Stars has revealed the total number of viewer votes for the first time in its history. The announcement came following the Sept. 24 episode, which saw celebrity contestants Anna Delvey and Tori Spelling eliminated from the competition. The episode garnered an astonishing 14 million votes, marking the highest number of votes ever received for a single episode of the show.
Conrad Green, executive producer of the series, spoke to Deadline about the impressive voter turnout. “Viewers can vote multiple times, so if they’re particularly passionate about certain couples, they can cast up to 10 votes for each,” he explained. “The record number of votes that week suggests that a lot of our audience are very passionate about a lot of our stars this year.”
This season features a diverse cast, including Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik, known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei, and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Phaedra Parks. Green emphasized the significance of the cast in shaping the show’s success, stating, “This group of stars is really likable, talented, and love being on the show — and that passion truly comes through on live TV.”
He also highlighted the unique stories and growth potential among this season’s participants, adding that Dancing with the Stars serves as a “really positive show at a time when the world is feeling pretty bleak.” Green noted, “There’s a certain escapism and sense of community that comes with watching, which helps remind us of what we have in common as Americans.” The show’s long-standing presence has also introduced a new generation of viewers, as families tune in together, and its popularity on social media platforms like TikTok has further broadened its audience.
In the episode, Delvey, whose casting sparked controversy, was eliminated alongside Spelling during Hollywood night. When host Julianne Hough asked Delvey what she would take away from her experience, she bluntly replied, “Nothing,” leaving her pro partner Ezra Sosa visibly surprised. Hough chuckled at the response before closing the episode.
Spelling, reflecting on her time in the competition, humorously noted her intent to “stay here” and encouraged her children watching from the audience, saying, “I love you, you can do anything you put your mind to.”
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