Dancing with the Stars S34E3 Recap: A surprise elimination on DWTS

TikTok as it’s theme. That seemed to resonate with many of the stars who got their start, or earned their following, by posting on the platform. It led to some fun routines and a wild night—capped off by a surprising elimination.

Top Scores

The third week was a kind one for Olympian Jordan Chiles. While she and partner Ezra Sosa earned only a 10 in Week 1, they led the night in Week 3. Their tango earned three eights from the judges and a top score of 24 for the night. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt, who made a name for herself as part of MomTok on TikTok, also soared with partner Mark Ballas. Their steamy samba also earned a 24.

A couple others were hot on their heels. Dylan Efron and his partner Daniella Karagach had their best showing of the series. They danced a foxtrot to “Yukon” from Justin Bieber. It earned them a 23 for the night. TikTok star Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy closed the show with a smoking quick step also earned a 23.

Previous front-runner Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson with a salsa, Hilaria Baldwin and partner Gleb Savchenko with a samba, and Scott Hoying and partner Rylee Arnold with a jazz number all earned a 22, keeping them close to the pace.

Another pair of couples earned a 21, keeping them close to the leaders. The first was Danielle Fishel and partner Pasha Pashkov with a foxtrot to “Manchild” from Sabrina Carpenter. Actress Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten also earned a 21 for their tango to “Gnarly.”

Slightly off the pace this week was the other MomTok star Jen Affleck, who danced a cha-cha with partner Jan Ravnik to open the show. They ended up with just a total score of 19, five points behind the leaders.

Two other couples ended up tied for the low score with 18. The first was Fifth Harmony singer Lauren Jauregui, who danced a cha-cha with her partner Brandon Armstrong. Comedian Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater also earned an 18 for their foxtrot.

An unexpected elimination

Following a fun night, three couples ended up in the bottom three this week. First was Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten, despite a strong 21-point showing. The other two were the couples tied for the lowest score—Lauren Jauregui and partner Brandon Armstrong and Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater.

In the end, it was Lauren and Brandon who were sent home. Both looked stunned to hear their name called and Lauren admitted to being “pissed” that they were eliminated. It was something of a surprise but it’s a tough field.

Next week the show will celebrate Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary. Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.