Full Breakdown
Shocking Elimination on 'Dancing with the Stars' TikTok Night
10/2/2025, 6:31:09 AM
Overview of TikTok Night and Elimination
On September 30, 2025, "Dancing with the Stars" aired its third episode themed "TikTok Night," where contestants performed to popular songs that have gone viral on the social media platform. The night concluded with the surprising elimination of Lauren Jauregui, a former member of Fifth Harmony, and her partner Brandon Armstrong. Despite their performance to Jauregui's own hit "Work From Home," the couple received the lowest score of the night, an 18 out of 30, leading to their exit from the competition.
Performance Highlights and Scores
During TikTok Night, the remaining 12 couples showcased a variety of dance styles, including cha cha, tango, and samba. The episode featured a guest appearance by Charli D'Amelio, the Season 31 champion and TikTok star, who performed alongside the contestants.
Jauregui and Armstrong's cha cha, which incorporated viral choreography from the original music video, was met with mixed reviews from the judges. Carrie Ann Inaba praised Jauregui's movement but urged her to add more dynamics, while Derek Hough suggested she needed to bring more fire to her Latin dance. Bruno Tonioli acknowledged her lyrical quality but emphasized the need for sharper execution. Ultimately, their score placed them at the bottom of the leaderboard, tied with comedian Andy Richter and Emma Slater, who also scored 18 points.
The highest scores of the night were awarded to Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, along with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas, both receiving 24 out of 30.
Audience Reaction and Criticism
Jauregui's elimination shocked both the audience and her fellow contestants. When co-host Julianne Hough asked her how she felt about being sent home, she succinctly replied, "Pissed," a sentiment that resonated with many fans who took to social media to express their disbelief. The audience's audible gasp at the announcement highlighted the unexpected nature of the result, given Jauregui's strong fan base and previous performances.
Critics have pointed out that the voting system, which combines judges' scores with audience votes, may have contributed to her early exit. Fans have called for the reinstatement of the judges' save, a rule that was removed in recent seasons, arguing that it could prevent deserving contestants from being eliminated based solely on viewer votes.
Official Statements and Responses
Following her elimination, Jauregui expressed gratitude for her time on the show and her partnership with Armstrong. She stated, “I’m so grateful to have had you as a partner,” highlighting the positive experience despite the disappointing outcome. Armstrong's wife, Brylee, also shared her thoughts on the elimination, noting the strength of the competition this season and expressing disappointment for Jauregui, who she felt had much more to offer.
What's Next for the Contestants
With Jauregui's departure, the competition continues to intensify as the remaining couples prepare for the next episode, themed "Disney Night," airing on October 7, 2025. The elimination underscores the unpredictable nature of "Dancing with the Stars," where even fan favorites can find themselves at risk of leaving the competition early.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pissed.” — Lauren Jauregui, after her elimination.
- “I’m so grateful to have had you as a partner.” — Lauren Jauregui, expressing gratitude to Brandon Armstrong.
As the season progresses, viewers will be eager to see how the remaining contestants adapt and perform under the pressure of both judges and audience expectations.
