When Mark Ballas, three‑time champion and Danish‑born choreographer, paired with TikTok sensation Whitney Leavitt for a flawless 24‑point routine, viewers thought the night was set for predictable winners. Yet the real surprise came when former Fifth Harmony vocalist Lauren Jauregui, despite a respectable 18 points, was the sole couple sent home. The dramatic turn unfolded on October 1, 2025, during the third episode of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 – TikTok NightFairfax District studio, Los Angeles, California, airing live at 8:00 PM ET on ABC.
TikTok Night Unveiled: Theme and Production
The producers leaned into the platform that now drives 30 % of global video traffic, designing a set that glittered with neon hashtags and a soundboard loaded with viral tracks. Opening the show, Charli D'Amelio, the 20‑year‑old TikTok star who won Season 31, performed a high‑energy mash‑up of "Apple" by Charli XCX alongside Mark Ballas. Their routine sparked more than 1.2 million TikTok videos during summer 2024, a metric the network highlighted to prove the night’s cultural relevance.
Top Performances and the Scoring Breakdown
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli handed out a tight cluster of scores. Both Whitney Leavitt and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles earned 24 out of 30, tying for the night’s highest marks. Leavitt’s TikTok‑inspired contemporary, choreographed by Ballas, earned a rare 8 from Inaba, who said, “You turned a viral trend into ballroom elegance.” Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa impressed with a precise quickstep that blended gymnastic agility and classic footwork, prompting Tonioli to note, “It was a sparkling performance—your control was undeniable.”
Close behind, Alix Earle (8.9 million followers) and Valentin Chmerkovskiy posted a 23‑point quickstep to “Pop Muzik.” Inaba called it “Earle’s best routine so far,” while Tonioli added, “You’re a contender, darling.” Actor Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach matched that total, each receiving two 8s from Tonioli and Hough.
The Shock Elimination of Lauren Jauregui
At the night’s climax, the bottom two couples—comedian Andy Richter with Emma Slater, and singer‑songwriter Lauren Jauregui with Brandon Armstrong—both received an 18‑point tally. Yet only Jauregui was sent packing. ABC7 NY reported a wave of disbelief on social media, with fans tweeting “Why? She’s a fan‑favorite!” and “Vote‑rigging vibes.”
Industry insiders point to the combined weight of judges’ scores (Jauregui earned a 6, 6, 6) and a dip in live‑vote volume from her younger demographic, many of whom streamed the show on mobile devices rather than traditional TV. The elimination sparked a broader conversation about how TikTok‑centric audiences engage with live voting formats.
Reactions from Judges, Fans, and Industry Insiders
In the judges’ booth, Derek Hough displayed a rare frown, saying, “Lauren’s energy was there, but the technical execution fell short of the night’s standard.” Carrie Ann Inaba, meanwhile, defended the voting system, noting, “Our audience numbers are transparent; the results reflect real‑time sentiment.”
Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. One trending hashtag, #SaveLauren, amassed over 420,000 views within an hour. Former contestant Charli D'Amelio posted an Instagram story urging viewers to “stay tuned—this isn’t over.” Music‑industry analyst Maya Patel suggested that Jauregui’s exit could boost streaming numbers for Fifth Harmony’s catalog, already seeing a 12 % spike after the episode.
What Lies Ahead: Movie Night and the Competition’s Trajectory
The upcoming “Movie Night” episode, set for October 7, 2025, will see the remaining eleven couples reinterpret iconic film moments. Rumors circulate that the producers are eyeing a “Hollywood Glitz” runway to accommodate elaborate sets, a move that could tilt scores toward contestants with stronger theatrical backgrounds—like Jordan Chiles, whose gymnastics experience lends itself to dramatic storytelling.
From a ratings perspective, Nielsen reported a 1.9 rating for TikTok Night, a 3 % bump over the previous week, indicating that the social‑media‑driven theme succeeded in pulling in a younger audience. If the trend continues, ABC may double‑down on digital‑first concepts, potentially reshaping the show’s format for the streaming era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lauren Jauregui eliminated despite a close score?
Jauregui’s 18‑point total matched Andy Richter’s, but the combined judges’ scores and live viewer votes favored Richter. Analysts say her younger fanbase tended to stream rather than vote, lowering her overall vote count.
How does TikTok Night differ from previous themed episodes?
This episode centered on viral TikTok dances, integrating trending songs and choreography directly from the platform. The set featured neon hashtags, and the opening act was a crossover performance by Charli D'Amelio, a first for the series.
What impact did the episode have on the show's ratings?
Nielsen recorded a 1.9 rating, a modest 3 % increase from the prior week, suggesting the TikTok theme attracted a younger demographic and boosted overall viewership.
Who are the judges and what are their credentials?
The panel comprises Carrie Ann Inaba, a veteran choreographer and Honolulu native; Derek Hough, a six‑time champion from American Fork, Utah; and Bruno Tonioli, an Italian‑born dance expert known for his flamboyant critiques.
What can viewers expect from the upcoming Movie Night?
Contestants will perform dances inspired by classic films, ranging from ‘Casablanca’ to ‘Mad Max.’ Producers hinted at elaborate set pieces, and early buzz suggests a possible advantage for dancers with strong theatrical storytelling skills.