Rumer Willis made a triumphant comeback to Dancing With the Stars. The Season 20 champion returned after 10 years for the show’s historic 20th anniversary celebration. She teamed up with Dylan Efron and pro dancer Daniella Karagach. The relay dance performance aired on November 11, 2025 on ABC.

A Decade Returns to the Ballroom

The House Bunny actress stepped back onto the DWTS ballroom after a full decade away. She made waves when she won Season 20 with her perfect partnership. That victory launched her dance career to new heights. In 2015, Rumer and Valentin captured the Mirror Ball Trophy. Now, 10 years later, she proved champions never forget their moves.

The November 11 performance featured a special relay format. This twist brought back legendary champions for one unforgettable night. Dylan Efron, a Hollywood heartthrob, danced alongside her. Professional dancer Daniella Karagach choreographed and led the trio. The combination created magic on the dance floor.

“Season 20 Champ Rumer Willis is partnering with Dylan for the Relay Dance round on Tuesday ✨”

Why This Anniversary Moment Matters

Dancing With the Stars reached 20 glorious years in 2025. The milestone celebration honored two decades of sequins and sambas. The show premiered on September 16, 2025 for Season 34. That makes it the longest-running reality dance competition on television.

Rumer’s return symbolized the show’s enduring legacy. Fans loved seeing original winners return. Her presence on the ballroom brought back memories of that 2015 victory. The relay format celebrated iconic partnerships. Current dancers got to share the floor with champions. It created a bridge between past and present DWTS generations.

For Rumer, this comeback trip meant much more than dancing. She reconnected with the community that launched her fame. The show changed her career path completely. Winning transformed her public perception forever. Now, 10 years later, she returned as a legend. Her appearance proved lasting impact on the franchise.

The Relay Dance: A Special Format

The 20th Birthday Party Night relay featured unique pairings. Champion celebrities partnered with current season competitors. One professional dancer led each trio through choreography. This format allowed former winners to shine again. It gave viewers memorable crossgenerational moments.

The relay concept worked brilliantly. No single dancer carried the entire routine. Instead, each performer contributed their unique energy. Rumer Willis showed she never lost her rhythm. Dylan Efron displayed surprising moves on the floor. Together with Daniella Karagach, they created television magic.

Other former champions also participated in the celebration. Robert Irwin danced with Xochitl Gomez during the night. Andy Richter performed as well. The show honored beloved judges no longer with us. Len Goodman and other fallen stars received tributes.

Looking Back at Season 20 Glory

Rumer Willis dominated DWTS Season 20 back in 2015. She partnered with Valentin Chmerkovskiy throughout the season. Their chemistry electrified the ballroom every single week. She earned perfect or near-perfect scores regularly. The judges praised her improvement and dedication constantly.

The finale featured her head-to-head with Riker Lynch. She beat the R5 singer for the title. That victory was definitive and clear. She captured the Mirror Ball Trophy with grace. Now, 10 years later, she proved champions stay sharp. Her muscles remembered every move. Her feet still knew the choreography.

What’s Next for the Anniversary Season?

Season 34 continues with six remaining competitors. The competition heats up as dancers fight for the final trophy. New episodes air every Tuesday on ABC. You can stream them on Disney+ as well. The special anniversary episode already aired on November 11.

Fans debated which 20th Birthday Party Night performance was best. Most praised Rumer Willis for her flawless execution. Her relay with Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach trended worldwide. The nostalgia factor resonated deeply with longtime viewers.

• Season 34 airs through late November 2025.
• Top competitors battle for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
• Professional dancers create new memorable moments.
• Celebrity stars prove they’re ready for ballroom life.
• The show already renewed for 2025-2026 schedule.

Can Former Champions Shine Again on Their Return?

Rumer Willis answered that question with a resounding yes. Former champions carry an undeniable aura. Their confidence shows through every choreographed step. They understand the pressure and expectations completely. They know how to deliver when the spotlight hits.

Her November 11 performance proved legends don’t fade. They evolve and grow stronger over time. She spent 10 years living her life beyond the ballroom. But that foundational training never left her muscle memory. One performance demonstrated why she earned that Season 20 title. The judges recognized her elite-level talent remained intact.

Will Rumer Willis return for another full season? Fans already demand her presence on future shows. Her social media filled with supportive comments. Viewers celebrated her triumphant comeback moment. One night was thrilling, but more would be delicious.

Sources

• Entertainment Now – Coverage of Rumer Willis returning to DWTS for 20th anniversary relay round.
• People Magazine – Details on the November 11, 2025 DWTS anniversary episode performances.
• The Hollywood Reporter – Week 9 scores and 20th anniversary birthday party night episode recap.

Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.