In a twist that left fans buzzing late into the night, singer-songwriter Lauren Jauregui and her partner Brandon Armstrong were eliminated from Dancing with the Stars during Tuesday's TikTok Night episode. The announcement came at the close of a high-energy show where celebrities infused their routines with viral social media flair, blending classic dances like the salsa and tango with trendy moves. Jauregui, known for her time with Fifth Harmony, had been steadily improving, but it wasn't enough to save her from the bottom of the combined judges' scores and viewer votes.
The evening kicked off with a bang, featuring guest judge Charli D'Amelio, the Season 31 champion who danced her way to victory with Mark Ballas back in 2022. D'Amelio's presence added a fresh, youthful vibe, but the real drama unfolded as the leaderboard tightened. Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gymnast paired with Whitney Carson, soared to the top with a dynamic performance that earned perfect praise from Bruno Tonioli. Close behind were influencer Alix Earle and actor Danielle Fishel, both showing surprising grit in their partnerships with pros Daniella Karagach and Sasha Farber, respectively.
However, the elimination hit hard for Jauregui, who visibly held back tears while thanking Armstrong for his guidance. Twelve couples now remain in the competition, including Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, and comedian Andy Richter, who narrowly escaped the axe alongside Emma Slater. The double elimination from Week 2 still lingers in memory, but tonight's single send-off felt particularly abrupt, underscoring how fan votes can swing unpredictably.
Indeed, with episodes airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, viewers can catch the next round live or stream on Disney+. The pressure mounts as the season progresses toward November's finale, where freestyle routines will decide the mirrorball trophy. Moreover, Jauregui's exit raises questions about the balance between star power and dance skill in these early weeks.
As the ballroom lights dim on another contender, one can't help but wonder if this shake-up will ignite fiercer performances from the survivors.