Full Breakdown
TikTok Night on Dancing with the Stars: A Celebration of Viral Dance Trends
9/27/2025, 1:23:37 PM
Overview of TikTok Night
“Dancing with the Stars” is set to feature its highly anticipated “TikTok Night” on Tuesday, September 30, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. EDT/PDT, simulcast live on ABC and Disney+. This special episode will showcase the remaining 12 couples performing dances inspired by popular TikTok songs, with a live audience present. The evening will commence with an opening number to “Apple” by Charli xcx, featuring Season 31 champion Charli D’Amelio, who will also participate in several performances throughout the night.
Featured Performances
The episode will include a variety of dance styles, with each couple paired with a specific song. Notable performances include:
- Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravnik performing a Cha Cha to “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)” by Carl Carlton.
- Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko dancing a Samba to “Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]” by MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng & Shenseea.
- Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa performing a Tango to “Anxiety” by Doechii.
- Social media influencer Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy will perform a Quickstep to “Pop Muzik” by M / Robin Scott.
- Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson will perform a Salsa to “Million Dollar Baby” by Tommy Richman.
Impact of TikTok on the Show
The integration of TikTok trends into the dance routines reflects the show's adaptation to contemporary social media influences. This episode follows a double elimination in the previous week, which has heightened the stakes for the remaining contestants. The show aims to engage younger audiences by tapping into the viral nature of TikTok, where dance challenges and trends often originate.
Official Statements & Responses
ABC has emphasized the interactive aspect of the episode, allowing fans to vote during the live broadcast. The combination of viewer votes and judges' scores will determine which couples may face elimination. The network has also highlighted the show's continued popularity, noting that it has consistently ranked as the number one program in its time slot.
Criticism & Opposition
While the show has garnered significant viewership, some critics have expressed concerns about the reliance on social media trends, arguing that it may overshadow traditional dance elements. Additionally, the recent double elimination has sparked discussions among fans regarding the fairness of the voting process and the impact of social media popularity on contestants' success.
What's Next
Following TikTok Night, “Dancing with the Stars” will continue its season with new themes and challenges, maintaining its tradition of evolving with cultural trends. The next episode will air on October 7, featuring a yet-to-be-announced theme.
Verbatim Quotes
This special episode promises to blend the excitement of live dance competition with the dynamic energy of TikTok, making it a must-watch for fans of both the show and the platform.
