Couples

This season featured sixteen celebrity contestants. The cast was unveiled on the August 17, 2009, edition of Good Morning America. Executive producer Conrad Green confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that the season would feature three double-eliminations throughout the season.^[1] Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay withdrew from the competition in week three; however, Debi Mazar was also eliminated on the same night, replacing the double elimination planned for week five. Pro pairings were officially announced on August 24, 2009.

Host and judges

Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris returned as the show's co-hosts. Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli returned as the judges, with Baz Luhrmann appearing as a guest judge in week two. This was Samantha Harris' last season as co-host.^[2]

Week 1

The couples had to prepare two dances (either the cha-cha-cha or foxtrot, and the salsa or Viennese waltz) dividing themselves between men and women. The men performed on the first night and the women on the second night. On the first night, the men performed either the cha-cha-cha or foxtrot, and then participated in either a salsa or Viennese waltz relay. The judges ranked the couples in each relay. On the second night, the women performed either the salsa or Viennese waltz, and then participated in either a cha-cha-cha or foxtrot relay. One couple was eliminated at the end of each night. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Tom DeLay was reported as having a possible stress fracture in his foot on September 15, just one week before the competition.^[3] However, the injury did not keep him out of the competition. Additionally, Mýa had to go to the hospital for stitches on September 20 after a glass shattered in her hand. This injury did not affect her performance.^[4] After the show, Debi Mazar was taken to the hospital with a torn muscle in her neck and chest.^[5]

Night 1 (Men)

Night 2 (Women)

Week 2

Each couple performed either the jive, quickstep, or tango. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

During rehearsal on September 28, Lacey Schwimmer "severely strained" her hip flexors and abductors. Her injuries required three weeks of physical therapy, though she continued to dance on the show during her treatments.^[6]

Week 3

Each couple performed either the rumba or samba. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Tom Bergeron announced that the slight fracture that had plagued Tom DeLay earlier had become a full fracture, and DeLay later reported that he had stress fractures in both feet, and could not continue the competition.^[7] On the results episode, DeLay formally announced that he could not continue as a contestant. Despite his withdrawal, Debi Mazar was also still eliminated.

Week 4

Each couple performed either the bolero, Charleston, lambada, or two-step. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 5

Each couple performed either the Argentine tango or the paso doble, plus a group hustle. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy performed with Joanna Krupa, because Derek Hough was out with the flu. Additionally, Kelly Osbourne was taken to the hospital with a foot injury sustained during her routine.^[8]

Week 6

Each couple performed either the jitterbug or waltz, as well as a mambo relay. After the lowest-scoring couple was eliminated, the other two couples in the bottom three competed against each other in a dance-off to determine which would also be eliminated. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 7

Each couple performed one unlearned dance, and either a team paso doble or team tango. After the lowest-scoring couple was eliminated, the other two couples in the bottom three competed against each other in a dance-off to determine which would also be eliminated. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Anna Trebunskaya performed with Mark Dacascos, because Lacey Schwimmer was also out with an illness.

Week 8

Each couple performed two unlearned dances, the second of which had to reflect the style of a particular era. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 9

Each couple performed three dances. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Week 10

Each couple performed three routines, including one megamix (featuring the Viennese waltz, samba, and jive), and a freestyle. Couples are listed in the order they performed.

Night 1

Night 2