DWTS: The Next Pro Episode 4 Recap: A New Frontrunner Emerges and a Shocking Elimination

The departure narrows the initial field of 12 contestants down to six, marking the halfway point of the competition according to CinemaBlend.

The episode focused on intimacy and passion, with judges requiring the dancers to perform either a Rumba or an Argentine Tango. CinemaBlend reports that the elimination followed a series of “speed dating” pairings where contestants chose their partners, leading to some initial friction between Sanders and Sosa before they resolved their differences during out-of-studio excursions.

The competition serves as a lead-in to the premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, scheduled for September 15, 2026.

Erik Linder Emerges as Frontrunner

Selena Hamilton and Erik Linder received the highest praise of the night for their Argentine Tango. CinemaBlend notes that the judges were left speechless by the intensity and confidence of the performance.

Judge Shirley Ballas provided a standing ovation for Linder and explicitly identified him as the new frontrunner of the competition, according to the report.

Performance Results and Judging

The episode featured guest judge Jenna Johnson, who assisted contestants during rehearsals that CinemaBlend described as bumpy as pairs struggled to establish emotional connections.

The judges’ evaluations of the remaining pairs included:

• Adele Zaikman and A.J. Pritchard: Their Rumba was successful due to the technical skill of both dancers, with CinemaBlend noting Zaikman’s ability to establish chemistry with any partner.
• Nina Mayster and Allen Genkin: The judges found that their Argentine Tango incorporated too many different dance styles, deviating from the specific requirements of the round.
• Stephani Sosa and Tristen Sanders: The judges determined their Rumba failed to connect on several levels, leading to their elimination.

Sosa is the sister of Ezra Sosa, who is already a professional on the main Dancing with the Stars series.

Path to Season 35

The winner of The Next Pro will transition into the professional cast for the upcoming 35th season of the flagship series. New episodes of the spin-off continue to air on ABC on Mondays as the production moves toward the final reveal of the celebrity cast for the September 15 premiere.