On a memorable “Dedication Night” for Dancing with the Stars, Dylan Efron delivered a deeply emotional and technically impressive contemporary dance, soaring to the season’s highest score yet. His heartfelt performance, dedicated to his five-year-old sister Olivia Efron and paying tribute to his superstar brother Zac Efron, left judges and viewers profoundly touched, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars bore witness to a truly special moment during Week 5’s “Dedication Night,” as Dylan Efron, reality star and content creator, took to the stage. His performance was more than just a dance; it was a deeply personal narrative, weaving together his profound bonds with his younger sister Olivia and his famous older brother Zac Efron, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone watching.
A Family Affair on the Dance Floor
Performing a contemporary routine with professional partner Daniella Karagach, Dylan chose “Rewrite the Stars” from the critically acclaimed musical film The Greatest Showman. This song, originally sung by Zac Efron and Zendaya, added an immediate layer of significance to the dedication. The performance, which aired on the October 14, 2025, episode, was primarily devoted to Dylan’s five-year-old half-sister, Olivia, who is set to turn six in December.
The routine began with Dylan gracefully twirling Olivia before an impressive lift, carrying her down the steps into the main ballroom. Olivia then ran to the side stage, allowing Dylan and Daniella to launch into a high-octane, athletic display of lifts and showmanship. The emotional energy culminated with Olivia running back into Dylan’s arms, embracing him to thunderous applause from the audience and judges.
The judges were visibly moved by the performance, awarding Dylan and Daniella an impressive score of 36 out of 40, marking the highest score of Season 34 to date. Each of the four judges – Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and special guest judge Kym Johnson Herjavec – gave the duo a score of 9, recognizing the blend of skill, emotion, and storytelling.
The Efron Sibling Bond: More Than Just Dance
During the rehearsal footage, Dylan opened up about the deep connection he shares with his siblings. He spoke candidly about his surprise at becoming a “big brother” again, referencing the significant age gap with Olivia, who is 27 years his junior (and 32 years younger than Zac, born Christmas Day 2019). “I want to show her to live life with confidence,” Dylan shared, expressing his desire to be a guiding figure for her, much like his older brother Zac was for him.
Dylan elaborated on Zac’s impact on his life, stating that Zac, 37, “always taken care of me and he did things that were so selfless.” This mentorship dynamic between the Efron brothers now fuels Dylan’s own commitment to Olivia. Olivia, in turn, affectionately called Dylan her “best friend,” adding, “I just feel like I’m free with him.” Their authentic connection was palpable, resonating deeply with viewers.
Ahead of the performance, Dylan had enthusiastically introduced Olivia to his followers on Instagram as “the newest member of Team DaDy,” jokingly adding that she had “quickly become 2nd best dancer on the team and by far the cutest.” Olivia has been a consistent presence in the ballroom, cheering on her big brother throughout the season. His entire family, including his mom, dad, and younger brother Henry, were present to support his very first performance on the show, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Judges and Fans React to the Emotional Performance
The emotional impact of Dylan’s routine was not lost on the judges, who offered glowing reviews:
- Bruno Tonioli declared, “The next greatest showman! And little Olivia, prima ballerina! I’m telling you, very well pointed, but listen — fantastic number. How you managed that lift, you never danced before, it’s incredible. You’re getting better and better.”
- Carrie Ann Inaba expressed, “I felt that story to the bottom of my soul. What I love about that story — Olivia, you are incredible, the message of this performance is incredible, the hope and love you feel for her is infused in every step of this dance.”
- Derek Hough humorously added, “Dylan, I hate you. You’re a great guy, you’re in shape, you can dance, and you’re a great brother? Come on man!” He also praised Dylan’s significant improvement, noting, “The way you came down that floor on that first pass, I was like, ‘My guy is a dancer!'”
Fans echoed the judges’ sentiments across social media, with many expressing how moved they were by the family tribute. Comments on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) praised the “beautiful dance” and Olivia’s “adorable” contribution, solidifying Dylan’s position as a fan favorite.
Beyond the Ballroom: Dylan Efron’s Journey
While his DWTS journey has introduced Dylan to a new audience, he is no stranger to the spotlight. He often collaborates with his brother Zac on adventure shows, such as Down to Earth with Zac Efron, showcasing their shared passion for exploration and storytelling. His natural charm and steady growth as a dancer, alongside pro partner Daniella Karagach, have made them one of Season 34‘s most compelling duos. As “Dedication Night” concluded without an elimination, Dylan and the other contestants moved forward, preparing for the upcoming “Wicked Night.”
The journey of Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences, airing on ABC and Disney+, and streaming the following day on Hulu. You can find more information about the show and its contestants on the official ABC Dancing with the Stars page.
