Overview

• On the Sept. 30 episode, Efron told viewers he respects Bieber for making people feel comfortable being vulnerable.
• He described Bieber as not perfect but trying to be better every day, echoing the singer’s public reflections on growth.
• Judge Derek Hough called the routine smooth as silk and labeled Efron a leading man, with Carrie Ann Inaba noting he is really learning and Bruno Tonioli applauding the direction.
• Partner Daniella Karagach said the number was the right vehicle for Efron to step into a leading-man role.
• Efron has previously said Zac Efron’s early fame made him careful about his image, a backdrop to his openness on DWTS, which airs Tuesdays on ABC with a Disney+ simulcast and streams on Hulu the next day.