Derek Hough Predicts Connor Wood to Reach Finale
The judge expects the contestant to secure a spot in the Dancing With the Stars season 35 finale.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Dancing
Live Poll
Should audience popularity count more than technical skill in televised dance competitions?
Judge Derek Hough predicts that contestant Connor Wood will advance to the season 35 finale of Dancing With the Stars. This outlook follows a strong performance by Wood and partner Rylee Arnold during the program's recent Horror Movie Night.
Why it matters
Hough believes the pair possesses a strong partnership and the support of a dedicated fanbase. Such consistent judge favor and viewer popularity are critical factors for advancing through the competitive stages of the program.
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold earned 37 out of 40 points for their contemporary routine during Horror Movie Night. Contestants compete throughout the season for a spot in the finale.
The players
Derek Hough
He is a professional dancer and long-time judge on the ABC reality competition series Dancing With the Stars.
Connor Wood
He is a content creator and current contestant competing on season 35 of the reality dance show.
Rylee Arnold
She is a professional dancer and choreographer who serves as a partner for contestants on the series.
The details
Wood and his professional partner, Rylee Arnold, showcased their technical growth through a contemporary dance performance. The judges evaluate each routine, contributing to the scores that determine which contestants remain in the competition.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: The next episode of Dancing With the Stars airs.
November 24, 2026: The season 35 finale of Dancing With the Stars airs.
Culture Shift
The show relies on the established competitive format of Dancing With the Stars to engage viewers through consistent weekly elimination milestones. This dynamic reflects a long-term trend in reality television where contestant popularity and judge approval dictate the trajectory of a season.
Viewers can watch the remaining performances on ABC or stream them via Disney+ to see if the current predictions hold true. Keeping up with the schedule allows fans to participate in the voting process as the finale approaches.
The takeaway
Success in reality competition relies on a blend of technical performance scores and active audience engagement. Fans interested in influencing the outcome should stay informed on the weekly broadcast schedule to participate in the voting windows.
What happens next
The next episode of Dancing With the Stars is scheduled for broadcast on November 2, 2026. The season 35 finale is confirmed to air on November 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the show's season, visit the Dancing section.
Live Poll
Should audience popularity count more than technical skill in televised dance competitions?
