Ezra Frech Earns Perfect Score on Dedication Night
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach secured a high score during a touching routine featuring his mother on the ballroom stage.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Dance
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Ezra Frech and professional partner Daniella Karagach earned a total score of 37 out of 40 on the latest episode of Dancing With the Stars. During the show's Dedication Night, the pair delivered a contemporary routine alongside Frech's mother, Bahar Soomekh.
Why it matters
The performance served as the highlight of Dedication Night, allowing contestants to honor significant figures in their lives through movement. The routine drew emotional reactions from the judges and audience alike for its personal narrative.
Ezra Frech and partner Daniella Karagach earned 37 out of a possible 40 points, bolstered by a perfect 10 awarded by guest judge Kym Johnson. The remaining judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, each awarded the performance a nine.
The players
Ezra Frech
He is a contestant on the current season of Dancing With the Stars.
Daniella Karagach
She is a professional dancer and partner to Ezra Frech on the show.
Bahar Soomekh
She is the mother of Ezra Frech and participated in the contemporary routine.
Kym Johnson
She served as a guest judge on the episode and awarded the perfect score.
The details
The contemporary dance routine was set to the song Bloodline by Mon Rovîa and featured a thematic reference to the book Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. Frech performed the piece in collaboration with his mother, Bahar Soomekh, to anchor the tribute.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Ezra Frech performed the contemporary dance routine.
Industry Dynamics
The performance follows the pattern set by the Dedication Night tradition on Dancing With the Stars, which prioritizes emotional storytelling over technical proficiency. This approach remains a key strategy for the show to maintain audience engagement during prime-time broadcasts.
Viewers can catch full performances and judge feedback by streaming the latest episodes on official network platforms. The show continues its run through season 35, with episodes released weekly for broadcast audiences.
The takeaway
Emotional performances often resonate more effectively with judges and viewers during themed competition weeks. Participants who incorporate personal stories into their routines can create memorable moments that stand out in the season record.
Further reading
For more highlights from the current competition, visit the United States Dance section.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy reality competition shows more when they feature emotional personal stories?
