Full Breakdown
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold Eliminated from Dancing With the Stars
10/23/2025, 11:24:54 PM
Elimination Details and Performance Overview
On October 21, 2025, Scott Hoying, a member of the a cappella group Pentatonix, and his professional partner Rylee Arnold were eliminated from Season 34 of *Dancing With the Stars* during the show's "Wicked Night" episode. The couple performed a contemporary dance to "The Wizard and I," scoring 28 out of 40 from the judges, which included guest judge Jon M. Chu, the director of the *Wicked* film adaptations. Despite their efforts, the pair found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard after combining scores and viewer votes from the previous week, which had no elimination.
Background and Context
The elimination occurred during a competitive week where two couples achieved the season's first perfect scores. The scoring system this week combined results from both the previous "Dedication Night" and "Wicked Night," leading to a tighter competition. Hoying and Arnold's steady improvement throughout the season was not enough to secure their place, as they faced stronger performances from other contestants.
Official Statements & Responses
Following their elimination, both Hoying and Arnold expressed gratitude for their experience. Arnold praised Hoying on Instagram, highlighting his work ethic and creativity, stating, "I truly couldn’t have asked for a better partner this season!!" Hoying reciprocated, calling the experience "one of the most thrilling, beautiful, fulfilling experiences of my entire life." He also noted the emotional significance of announcing his upcoming fatherhood during the show, saying, "Getting to announce our baby on this stage with my husband was beyond my dreams."
Criticism & Opposition
While many fans were supportive, some viewers expressed disappointment over the elimination, questioning the voting system that led to their departure. Critics noted that despite their emotional performances, the couple's scores did not reflect their growth and connection throughout the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I feel really, really really lucky.” — Scott Hoying
- “Your patience, work ethic, laughter and kindness carried me through every single rehearsal and you helped me grow in so so many ways.” — Rylee Arnold
- “I couldn’t have done it without you, and gaining a new best friend in this process was just the best part of it all!” — Rylee Arnold
What's Next for Scott Hoying
Despite the setback on *Dancing With the Stars*, Hoying is set to embark on Pentatonix's Christmas In the City Tour, which begins on November 8, 2025. He expressed relief at being able to focus on the tour without the stress of juggling both commitments, stating, “The silver lining is I can dive into that.”
Conclusion
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold's journey on *Dancing With the Stars* may have ended sooner than anticipated, but they leave with cherished memories and a strong friendship. As the competition progresses, the remaining contestants will continue to face heightened scrutiny and pressure, particularly with the introduction of new themes and challenges in the upcoming weeks.
