Full Breakdown
TikTok Night on Dancing with the Stars: A Shocking Elimination
10/1/2025, 11:41:25 AM
Overview of TikTok Night
The third week of Season 34 of *Dancing with the Stars* featured a TikTok-themed episode, showcasing performances set to viral hits from the social media platform. The episode aired on September 30, 2025, and included a special appearance by Season 31 champion Charli D’Amelio, who performed alongside the troupe to Charli XCX's "Apple" and participated in a dance challenge with her former partner, Mark Ballas.
Performance Highlights
The night was filled with energetic performances, with contestants dancing various styles including Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, and Quickstep. Notable performances included:
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa: Their tango to "Anxiety" by Doechii earned them the highest score of the night, 24 out of 30. Chiles expressed her emotional connection to the dance, stating it allowed her to convey her struggles with anxiety.
- Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas: Their samba to "Shake Ya Ass" by Mystikal also scored 24 out of 30, with judges praising Leavitt's mastery of the samba bounce.
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach: They performed a foxtrot to Justin Bieber's "YUKON," receiving a score of 23 out of 30, showcasing Efron's growth as a dancer.
The Elimination Shock
Despite strong performances throughout the season, *Fifth Harmony* member Lauren Jauregui and her partner Brandon Armstrong were eliminated at the end of the night. They scored 18 out of 30 for their Cha Cha to "Work From Home," a performance that included choreography inspired by the song's music video. Jauregui expressed her disappointment, stating she felt "pissed" about the elimination but was grateful for her partnership with Armstrong. The audience reacted with audible gasps, reflecting the shock of Jauregui's departure, especially given her previous strong showings.
Judges' Feedback
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli provided critiques throughout the night. Inaba noted Jauregui's potential but emphasized the need for more intensity in her Latin dance movements. Hough had previously expressed confidence in Jauregui's ability to remain in the competition, making her elimination even more surprising.
Social Media Influence
The episode highlighted the growing influence of TikTok on *Dancing with the Stars*, with many contestants having significant followings on the platform. Rylee Arnold, a pro dancer on the show, discussed how TikTok has helped attract a younger audience to the series, stating, "It’s a perfect way to showcase who these partnerships are and what our relationships are like."
What's Next
Following TikTok Night, the competition will continue with "Disney Night" on October 7, 2025, where contestants will perform to classic Disney songs. The elimination of Jauregui has set the stage for increased competition among the remaining couples as they vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
Conclusion
TikTok Night on *Dancing with the Stars* not only celebrated the viral music trends of the platform but also delivered a shocking twist with the elimination of a fan-favorite contestant. As the season progresses, the integration of social media continues to reshape the dynamics of the competition, engaging a broader audience and influencing the performances on stage.
